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Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters #1
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty
Unaware of her beauty…
Until he awakens her.
Prudence Carstairs knows her scars leave her with no romantic prospects—instead, she’s content revolutionizing her employer’s home with her technological marvels. Then he unexpectedly perishes and his mysterious younger brother, dashing Dominic Thorburn, reluctantly takes over. In the new earl, Prudence finally finds someone who meets her gaze without flinching. Might he see the beautiful, intelligent woman beyond her scars?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters
Book 1: The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty
Until he awakens her.
Prudence Carstairs knows her scars leave her with no romantic prospects—instead, she’s content revolutionizing her employer’s home with her technological marvels. Then he unexpectedly perishes and his mysterious younger brother, dashing Dominic Thorburn, reluctantly takes over. In the new earl, Prudence finally finds someone who meets her gaze without flinching. Might he see the beautiful, intelligent woman beyond her scars?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters
Book 1: The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
30 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite Kaye
248 books343 followersMarguerite Kaye is a prolific historical romance author hailing from Argyll’s West Coast. She is a voracious consumer of books, Scotland’s world-class larder, and the occasional cocktail.
Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
Join her on Instagram
Follow her on TikTok
Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
Join her on Instagram
Follow her on TikTok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 25, 2024
Prudence and Dominic are both nice characters with a good story.
I like Marguerite Kaye books. I have read quite a few and enjoyed them.
Prudence was injured as a child. Her scared face has made her into a recluse, until she meets Dominic. Who see the person and not the scar’s.
I like Marguerite Kaye books. I have read quite a few and enjoyed them.
Prudence was injured as a child. Her scared face has made her into a recluse, until she meets Dominic. Who see the person and not the scar’s.
October 26, 2021
I have read several of Marguerite Kaye’s books and never been disappointed and The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty, the first book in her two book
Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters
, was no exception.
Having left the army under a cloud, Dominic Thorburn has spent the last five years living a simple life in Greece until, by chance, he discovers that his brother, Jeremy, has died in a train crash and he is now the new Earl of Bannatyne. Dominic has every reason to detest the aristocracy and everything they stand for and has no intention of assuming the title. He will only spend enough time in England to enable him to sell off everything appertaining to his inheritance, invest the proceeds in a worthy cause, and then return to Greece as soon as he can. However his plans go awry when he meets Prudence Carstairs, the self-proclaimed custodian of Hawthorn Manor, the Bannatyne’s ancestral home.
Prudence Carstairs, who lives with her brother Clement, suffered an accident when she was a child which left her face badly scarred. Having experienced how people recoil on seeing her face, she never goes out without wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a veil. With her keen interest in anything mechanical, the late Earl had given Prudence the task of overseeing the renovation and modernisation of Hawthorn Manor. After his death, she has continued to look after the property, but the appearance of new Earl threatens the refuge she has found at Hawthorn Manor.
When Dominic reveals his family history, I could understand why he is so determined never to join the ranks of the nobility, and how the circumstances surrounding his dishonourable discharge from the army only served to reinforce his low opinion of them. His actions reveal him to be brave, honourable, and a man who refuses to compromise on his principles, regardless of the personal cost.
I could sympathise with Prudence who’s disfigurement has shattered her youthful dreams of love and marriage. She does not conform to Victorian standards that put so much emphasis on beauty. There is one particularly emotional scene when she is exposed to public scrutiny and my heart went out to her. It’s her unconventional interest in the Victorian advancements in engineering that reveal the true Prudence – independent, brave, confident and clever.
The first meeting between Dominic and Prudence was certainly one of the most memorable ones I’ve read in a long time, but I won’t spoil it for you. The feathers fly but that doesn’t last long, and I enjoyed seeing the easy rapport between them which develops into mutual attraction and finally love. It was so satisfying to see how they help each other to overcome their personal demons.
Dominic sees beyond Prudence’s scars to the extraordinary woman she is and is determined to convince her that her scars don’t define her, unless she lets them. I love how he wants to keep her safe and make her happy. The way he woos her is unconventional to say the least but, as far as Prudence is concerned, it’s the most romantic gift.
“…if ever I was fortunate enough to be introduced to one of the new sewage pumping stations which are being constructed in London, I fear it may just steal my heart.”
I love how Prudence makes Dominic take a good look at himself and opens his eyes to the fact that, by assuming his title, he would have the influence to carry out the work he wants to do for the poor.
Later in the story when they finally make love, it just feels right. The love scene is beautifully done – tender, romantic and sensual.
I did get a little frustrated with Prudence’s wavering when it came to accepting Dominic’s marriage proposal, but this was a minor niggle and didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the story.
I liked Clement, Prudence’s brother, who obviously loves his sister, but could be slightly overprotective at times. Prudence’s sister, Mercy, has been trapped in an unhappy marriage and I’m looking forward to reading her story in the second book. I liked Mercy’s friend Lady Sarah Fitzherbert-Wright, and I’m intrigued by the potential pairing of this vivacious and outspoken lady with the scholarly Clement.
Ms. Kaye’s research is evident in the fascinating details she incorporates into the the story, whether it’s the clothing, the bathing huts or the intricacies of Victorian plumbing. I was so intrigued by the Crossness Pumping Station, which still survives today, that I had to Google it. I can fully understand why Prudence fell in love with it!
I like how Ms. Kaye doesn’t shy away from describing the horrors endured by the ordinary fighting men at the siege of Sebastopol, or the terrible housing conditions that the poorer people of London lived in. It all added depth to the story and showed the deep divide between the rich and the poor in Victorian society.
If you are looking for a story that is well written and impeccably researched, with interesting characters and a lovely romance, then I can highly recommend this book.
Originally posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Having left the army under a cloud, Dominic Thorburn has spent the last five years living a simple life in Greece until, by chance, he discovers that his brother, Jeremy, has died in a train crash and he is now the new Earl of Bannatyne. Dominic has every reason to detest the aristocracy and everything they stand for and has no intention of assuming the title. He will only spend enough time in England to enable him to sell off everything appertaining to his inheritance, invest the proceeds in a worthy cause, and then return to Greece as soon as he can. However his plans go awry when he meets Prudence Carstairs, the self-proclaimed custodian of Hawthorn Manor, the Bannatyne’s ancestral home.
Prudence Carstairs, who lives with her brother Clement, suffered an accident when she was a child which left her face badly scarred. Having experienced how people recoil on seeing her face, she never goes out without wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a veil. With her keen interest in anything mechanical, the late Earl had given Prudence the task of overseeing the renovation and modernisation of Hawthorn Manor. After his death, she has continued to look after the property, but the appearance of new Earl threatens the refuge she has found at Hawthorn Manor.
When Dominic reveals his family history, I could understand why he is so determined never to join the ranks of the nobility, and how the circumstances surrounding his dishonourable discharge from the army only served to reinforce his low opinion of them. His actions reveal him to be brave, honourable, and a man who refuses to compromise on his principles, regardless of the personal cost.
I could sympathise with Prudence who’s disfigurement has shattered her youthful dreams of love and marriage. She does not conform to Victorian standards that put so much emphasis on beauty. There is one particularly emotional scene when she is exposed to public scrutiny and my heart went out to her. It’s her unconventional interest in the Victorian advancements in engineering that reveal the true Prudence – independent, brave, confident and clever.
The first meeting between Dominic and Prudence was certainly one of the most memorable ones I’ve read in a long time, but I won’t spoil it for you. The feathers fly but that doesn’t last long, and I enjoyed seeing the easy rapport between them which develops into mutual attraction and finally love. It was so satisfying to see how they help each other to overcome their personal demons.
Dominic sees beyond Prudence’s scars to the extraordinary woman she is and is determined to convince her that her scars don’t define her, unless she lets them. I love how he wants to keep her safe and make her happy. The way he woos her is unconventional to say the least but, as far as Prudence is concerned, it’s the most romantic gift.
“…if ever I was fortunate enough to be introduced to one of the new sewage pumping stations which are being constructed in London, I fear it may just steal my heart.”
I love how Prudence makes Dominic take a good look at himself and opens his eyes to the fact that, by assuming his title, he would have the influence to carry out the work he wants to do for the poor.
Later in the story when they finally make love, it just feels right. The love scene is beautifully done – tender, romantic and sensual.
I did get a little frustrated with Prudence’s wavering when it came to accepting Dominic’s marriage proposal, but this was a minor niggle and didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the story.
I liked Clement, Prudence’s brother, who obviously loves his sister, but could be slightly overprotective at times. Prudence’s sister, Mercy, has been trapped in an unhappy marriage and I’m looking forward to reading her story in the second book. I liked Mercy’s friend Lady Sarah Fitzherbert-Wright, and I’m intrigued by the potential pairing of this vivacious and outspoken lady with the scholarly Clement.
Ms. Kaye’s research is evident in the fascinating details she incorporates into the the story, whether it’s the clothing, the bathing huts or the intricacies of Victorian plumbing. I was so intrigued by the Crossness Pumping Station, which still survives today, that I had to Google it. I can fully understand why Prudence fell in love with it!
I like how Ms. Kaye doesn’t shy away from describing the horrors endured by the ordinary fighting men at the siege of Sebastopol, or the terrible housing conditions that the poorer people of London lived in. It all added depth to the story and showed the deep divide between the rich and the poor in Victorian society.
If you are looking for a story that is well written and impeccably researched, with interesting characters and a lovely romance, then I can highly recommend this book.
Originally posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
October 30, 2021
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty is magical, pure heavenly romantic magic!!
Whenever I pick up a Marguerite Kaye book I know that I will be in for a charmingly romantic love story but this one really spoke to me far more than any other book I’ve read, there is something about it that connected deep within my heart and soul. It will be a book which I will carry with me for a very long time to come, it’s just so beautiful. I fell completely under its spell.
I am always excited whenever I hear of a brand new Marguerite Kaye series, I have whiled away many hours pouring over her books over the last few years, there is just nothing better is there than falling into a new series by a favourite author and becoming completely invested in the lives of the fictional characters on the page.
The Earl who sees her Beauty is the first book in the brand new; Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters series and I know that this is going to be another gorgeous and feel-good series. I am seriously excited about this new series! This is a wonderful start, we get a real sense of the emotional ride which I know is to come through this series and I can’t wait for more.
I first must comment on the title, there is just something about it which like the book itself spoke to me. It’s perfect for the story, and the cover is strikingly beautiful but in a very simplistic way, it says so much without actually saying anything at all – does that make sense? I doubt it, and I won’t even try to explain, I’ll just
The Earl who See’s her Beauty tells the story of Prudence and Dominic, these two are wonderful they really grabbed this little readers heart. Both are scarred and lonely and find solace and happiness with each other. Dominic after leaving the army in rather dramatic circumstances is now living in Greece, he is scarred over what happened and how his army career ended, I think he is bored and looking for things to occupy his active mind. When he by chance come across a newspaper which blows all he knows out of the water and sinks him into a deep revere which will take a long time to find himself climbing out of. My heart absolutely bled for Dominic, he wasn’t in the best places, to begin with, and then learning the awful truth that the people you called mum and dad, didn’t take a toll on him, he is anguished over what he has found out and confused over his feelings for the matter.
Now Dominic is the new Earl his intention isn’t to stay in England and face the ghosts of his past but the sell everything and go back to his quiet life in Greece. That is until he by chance stumbles across Thorbun’s manor’s not official but still doing the job keeper; Prudence. When I say he stumbles across her, well it is the other way around she finds him in the house in quite an exposed position – let us just say it leave very little to the imagination of what a well-formed sexy and ridiculously handsome man he is 😉
I felt an instant kindred spirit in Prudence she spoke to me, I resonated with her in so many ways, her determination to live how she cares to live and her self conscious about her appearance resonated with me far more than I can say and I think she will resonate with a lot of women too. She has spent her life being mocked, pitied, ridiculed, hidden away and now lives on the fringes of society, she is certainly happiest away from the glaring light that is the ton but there is a loneliness in her heart, deep down she wants all that others have; happiness, family some to love and to be loved – but she is also a realist and knows full well people don’t see her, they see her scar – until she meets Dominic.
Dominic – ah, Dominic what a wonder he is!! I really do adore this man, like Prudence he is scarred but he is hidden beneath the surface, his scars are lining his very core and his heart. I love how he sees her, I mean really sees her. He doesn’t just see a scar, he sees a beautiful woman who has lost a lot of self-confidence. That really pulled at the old heartstrings, he doesn’t stare, he doesn’t make jests about it, he doesn’t make fun and laugh. He is blunt and honest and straight to point. We all could learn so much from this man!
This is essentially a friend to lovers romance, they start off a little rocky lots of misjudged presumptions about the other, then the ice melts and soon they are the closest of friends. That then over time and spending lots of time together in their little bubble their feeling starts to grow, friendship turns into much more. The way their relationship develops and blossoms into a real passionate and lovely romance are beautiful to watch.
I love how relevant this feels to the times we have been living for the past 18 months, closed away not seeing anything of the world or of those around us. That is what you have here, as well as a bit of a Beauty and the Beast feel to it but with roles reversed.
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty is (in my humble opinion) one of the best I have read by Marguerite Kaye, it’s a beautiful story of finding love in the most unexpected places, of learning to love yourself and allowing yourself to be loved. This is easily one of my best books of the year, I love everything about it from the title and cover to the adorable characters and beautiful story, it’s a winner on all levels.
As you may have guessed from the incessant waffle – I do apologise for the amount you have all had to wade through to reach the end of this review. I really loved this book, it’s has everything you would want in a classic historical romance; drama, tension, emotional angst, two fractured characters who find love in kindred spirit, beautiful sweeping romance which will make you feel hopeful and that is written which so much love and plenty of heart. Just perfect – that’s it!!
Whenever I pick up a Marguerite Kaye book I know that I will be in for a charmingly romantic love story but this one really spoke to me far more than any other book I’ve read, there is something about it that connected deep within my heart and soul. It will be a book which I will carry with me for a very long time to come, it’s just so beautiful. I fell completely under its spell.
I am always excited whenever I hear of a brand new Marguerite Kaye series, I have whiled away many hours pouring over her books over the last few years, there is just nothing better is there than falling into a new series by a favourite author and becoming completely invested in the lives of the fictional characters on the page.
The Earl who sees her Beauty is the first book in the brand new; Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters series and I know that this is going to be another gorgeous and feel-good series. I am seriously excited about this new series! This is a wonderful start, we get a real sense of the emotional ride which I know is to come through this series and I can’t wait for more.
I first must comment on the title, there is just something about it which like the book itself spoke to me. It’s perfect for the story, and the cover is strikingly beautiful but in a very simplistic way, it says so much without actually saying anything at all – does that make sense? I doubt it, and I won’t even try to explain, I’ll just
The Earl who See’s her Beauty tells the story of Prudence and Dominic, these two are wonderful they really grabbed this little readers heart. Both are scarred and lonely and find solace and happiness with each other. Dominic after leaving the army in rather dramatic circumstances is now living in Greece, he is scarred over what happened and how his army career ended, I think he is bored and looking for things to occupy his active mind. When he by chance come across a newspaper which blows all he knows out of the water and sinks him into a deep revere which will take a long time to find himself climbing out of. My heart absolutely bled for Dominic, he wasn’t in the best places, to begin with, and then learning the awful truth that the people you called mum and dad, didn’t take a toll on him, he is anguished over what he has found out and confused over his feelings for the matter.
Now Dominic is the new Earl his intention isn’t to stay in England and face the ghosts of his past but the sell everything and go back to his quiet life in Greece. That is until he by chance stumbles across Thorbun’s manor’s not official but still doing the job keeper; Prudence. When I say he stumbles across her, well it is the other way around she finds him in the house in quite an exposed position – let us just say it leave very little to the imagination of what a well-formed sexy and ridiculously handsome man he is 😉
I felt an instant kindred spirit in Prudence she spoke to me, I resonated with her in so many ways, her determination to live how she cares to live and her self conscious about her appearance resonated with me far more than I can say and I think she will resonate with a lot of women too. She has spent her life being mocked, pitied, ridiculed, hidden away and now lives on the fringes of society, she is certainly happiest away from the glaring light that is the ton but there is a loneliness in her heart, deep down she wants all that others have; happiness, family some to love and to be loved – but she is also a realist and knows full well people don’t see her, they see her scar – until she meets Dominic.
Dominic – ah, Dominic what a wonder he is!! I really do adore this man, like Prudence he is scarred but he is hidden beneath the surface, his scars are lining his very core and his heart. I love how he sees her, I mean really sees her. He doesn’t just see a scar, he sees a beautiful woman who has lost a lot of self-confidence. That really pulled at the old heartstrings, he doesn’t stare, he doesn’t make jests about it, he doesn’t make fun and laugh. He is blunt and honest and straight to point. We all could learn so much from this man!
This is essentially a friend to lovers romance, they start off a little rocky lots of misjudged presumptions about the other, then the ice melts and soon they are the closest of friends. That then over time and spending lots of time together in their little bubble their feeling starts to grow, friendship turns into much more. The way their relationship develops and blossoms into a real passionate and lovely romance are beautiful to watch.
I love how relevant this feels to the times we have been living for the past 18 months, closed away not seeing anything of the world or of those around us. That is what you have here, as well as a bit of a Beauty and the Beast feel to it but with roles reversed.
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty is (in my humble opinion) one of the best I have read by Marguerite Kaye, it’s a beautiful story of finding love in the most unexpected places, of learning to love yourself and allowing yourself to be loved. This is easily one of my best books of the year, I love everything about it from the title and cover to the adorable characters and beautiful story, it’s a winner on all levels.
As you may have guessed from the incessant waffle – I do apologise for the amount you have all had to wade through to reach the end of this review. I really loved this book, it’s has everything you would want in a classic historical romance; drama, tension, emotional angst, two fractured characters who find love in kindred spirit, beautiful sweeping romance which will make you feel hopeful and that is written which so much love and plenty of heart. Just perfect – that’s it!!
February 28, 2023
Weer zo'n fijn verhaal over hoe het leven er uitzag voor de 'gewone man' eind 19e eeuw . Dit is het soort verhaal waar deze auteur in uitblinkt .
Een prachtig geschreven liefdes verhaal over mensen die langzaam naar elkaar toe groeien .
Een prachtig geschreven liefdes verhaal over mensen die langzaam naar elkaar toe groeien .
August 29, 2021
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty (Mills & Boon Historical) is the first book in the Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters by Marguerite Kaye.
If you enjoy a beauty and the beast story, one where it just takes that one special person to help you realise that you aren't a beast at all, then you will love this book. In this instance, it is a woman who takes the part of the beast.
Prudence was terribly scarred when she was a child and all of her life people have either made fun of her or been terrified of her. It became easier for her to keep herself to herself as much as possible and to always wear a veil in public. She considers herself content until her calm world is thrown into disarray by Dominic, Earl of Hastings.
He has reluctantly returned from Greece after discovering he is the new Earl. He lives a quiet life at home and returns to England purely to sort out his tenants, sell his properties and then has every intention of enjoying his life in Greece again. He is as surprised as Prudence when they encounter each other in his home. Their first meeting is a memorable one and their lives won't be the same after it.
I absolutely love this genre of story and this one is extra special because of its historical setting. The author's research into life in that era is obvious from the amount of detail she uses to set the stage as it were. I particularly enjoyed reading about the clothing Prudence wore and about Dominic and her trips out and about. Their foray to the seaside, Prudence's first opportunity to swim was one of my very favourite scenes. I could just picture the bathing wagons!
I thoroughly enjoyed how Prudence and Dominic's relationship grows and how they help each other overcome their personal demons. It's not smooth sailing but they have their happy ending which makes me smile just remembering it while I write this. I am more than happy to recommend this book!
If you enjoy a beauty and the beast story, one where it just takes that one special person to help you realise that you aren't a beast at all, then you will love this book. In this instance, it is a woman who takes the part of the beast.
Prudence was terribly scarred when she was a child and all of her life people have either made fun of her or been terrified of her. It became easier for her to keep herself to herself as much as possible and to always wear a veil in public. She considers herself content until her calm world is thrown into disarray by Dominic, Earl of Hastings.
He has reluctantly returned from Greece after discovering he is the new Earl. He lives a quiet life at home and returns to England purely to sort out his tenants, sell his properties and then has every intention of enjoying his life in Greece again. He is as surprised as Prudence when they encounter each other in his home. Their first meeting is a memorable one and their lives won't be the same after it.
I absolutely love this genre of story and this one is extra special because of its historical setting. The author's research into life in that era is obvious from the amount of detail she uses to set the stage as it were. I particularly enjoyed reading about the clothing Prudence wore and about Dominic and her trips out and about. Their foray to the seaside, Prudence's first opportunity to swim was one of my very favourite scenes. I could just picture the bathing wagons!
I thoroughly enjoyed how Prudence and Dominic's relationship grows and how they help each other overcome their personal demons. It's not smooth sailing but they have their happy ending which makes me smile just remembering it while I write this. I am more than happy to recommend this book!
October 9, 2021
4.5 stars
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty is the first book in a new duet series of historical romances.
Dominic Caldwell was hiding in a small Greek village when he discovered that he had a claim on an English Earldom. The news for Dominic of his likely inheritance was less thrilling than others may have thought.
He travelled to London with the full intention of selling all of his new gains as quickly as possible and returning to his peaceful Greek life.
Prudence Carstairs had spent her life hiding from society because of a hideous scar on her face. The only place outside her home where she felt comfortable was Hawthorn Manor, which is becoming dilapidated.
This is a tale built around Victorian plumbing and sanitation; an unusual theme, but one which worked well. Dominic and Prudence are likeable characters, each with demons that they must overcome. I enjoyed the way that the author moved the story away from ball rooms and high society often seen in this genre and gave attention to the plight of the lower classes. I shall look forward to the second book in the series.
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty is the first book in a new duet series of historical romances.
Dominic Caldwell was hiding in a small Greek village when he discovered that he had a claim on an English Earldom. The news for Dominic of his likely inheritance was less thrilling than others may have thought.
He travelled to London with the full intention of selling all of his new gains as quickly as possible and returning to his peaceful Greek life.
Prudence Carstairs had spent her life hiding from society because of a hideous scar on her face. The only place outside her home where she felt comfortable was Hawthorn Manor, which is becoming dilapidated.
This is a tale built around Victorian plumbing and sanitation; an unusual theme, but one which worked well. Dominic and Prudence are likeable characters, each with demons that they must overcome. I enjoyed the way that the author moved the story away from ball rooms and high society often seen in this genre and gave attention to the plight of the lower classes. I shall look forward to the second book in the series.
September 15, 2021
Prudence Carstairs was scarred when she was a child & knows her scars leave her with no romantic prospects instead, she’s content revolutionising the home of her employer, the Earl of Hastings with her technological marvels. Then he unexpectedly perishes, and his mysterious younger brother, dashing Dominic Thorburn, reluctantly takes over. Dominic has been living in Greece & has every intention of selling up & moving back to Greece.
The first book in a new series & I found it to be a well written, well researched captivating read. I loved both Dominic & Prudence who both had to face their demons. I loved how their relationship developed. I loved their memorable first meeting. The road to their HEA was interesting & once started I read the book in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The first book in a new series & I found it to be a well written, well researched captivating read. I loved both Dominic & Prudence who both had to face their demons. I loved how their relationship developed. I loved their memorable first meeting. The road to their HEA was interesting & once started I read the book in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 10, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Scarred from a young age, Prudence Carstairs has known that she is unlikely to marry and instead puts her all into her work helping the Earl of Hastings with his estate. But when the young Earl dies, and the dashing Dominic Thorburn arrives, proclaiming to be the long lost younger brother, she finds herself struggling with her desire. But Dominic has never wanted anything to do with the Earldom, not since he was abandoned as a baby and ignored. All he wants is to sell up, denounce the title, and return to his small farm in Greece. However, meeting Prudence, and seeing the good he can do for others in England, especially fellow veterans of the recent wars, he starts to consider staying - but only if Prudence is by his side.
All I wanted to do while reading this book was reach in and hug Prudence. No one has ever looked past her scars - other than her siblings - and she is regularly stopped in the streets by children laughing or crying, and grown adults proclaiming she puts them off their food. Only Dominic sees through them, and looks at the person underneath - never treating her like a child, but as someone who should be just as loved and respected as anyone else. He bolsters her and supports her in her efforts, and honestly, was so refreshing to read. Okay, he's grumpy and doesn't want the title or anything to do with England, but just like he changes Prudence for the better, she makes him see the good in his inheritance, and how he can help people - like he's always wanted. I felt like they were perfect for each other, and though they had their ups and downs, it was everything they needed. I hope that we see Mercy get a happy ending in book 2, her husband is downright awful!
Scarred from a young age, Prudence Carstairs has known that she is unlikely to marry and instead puts her all into her work helping the Earl of Hastings with his estate. But when the young Earl dies, and the dashing Dominic Thorburn arrives, proclaiming to be the long lost younger brother, she finds herself struggling with her desire. But Dominic has never wanted anything to do with the Earldom, not since he was abandoned as a baby and ignored. All he wants is to sell up, denounce the title, and return to his small farm in Greece. However, meeting Prudence, and seeing the good he can do for others in England, especially fellow veterans of the recent wars, he starts to consider staying - but only if Prudence is by his side.
All I wanted to do while reading this book was reach in and hug Prudence. No one has ever looked past her scars - other than her siblings - and she is regularly stopped in the streets by children laughing or crying, and grown adults proclaiming she puts them off their food. Only Dominic sees through them, and looks at the person underneath - never treating her like a child, but as someone who should be just as loved and respected as anyone else. He bolsters her and supports her in her efforts, and honestly, was so refreshing to read. Okay, he's grumpy and doesn't want the title or anything to do with England, but just like he changes Prudence for the better, she makes him see the good in his inheritance, and how he can help people - like he's always wanted. I felt like they were perfect for each other, and though they had their ups and downs, it was everything they needed. I hope that we see Mercy get a happy ending in book 2, her husband is downright awful!
September 23, 2021
Prudence Carstairs has lived her entire life behind a veil, thanks to a horrific childhood accident. She has confined herself to the village where she grew up, only venturing beyond her own home to visit Hawthorn Manor, the country estate of the local Earl. Said Earl is as much of a recluse as she is, and is happy to let her have run of the estate while he buries himself in his botanist studies. She sets about upgrading the grounds, installing the latest and greatest plumbing features and, in the Earl’s precious fernery, an ambitiously beautiful water feature. Prue’s great love is for water, plumbing, and the engineering that brings both together in new, groundbreaking ways.
All is well, until the Earl unexpectedly dies. Having no known heirs or even living family members, a notice is placed in The Times regarding the winding up of the title and property. Months later, this news reaches Dominic Caldwell in Greece, and suddenly he’s facing a past he’s long run away from – for *he* is the heir of the Earldom and estate.
Very reluctantly, he returns to England to see the inheritance that’s more or less been thrust upon him. He doesn’t expect to meet Frank, the ginger ring-tailed cat who has free run of the Manor, or Prudence, who’s been keeping up the grounds in caretaker fashion while the property is in limbo. The two humans meet when Dominic is trying to work the newfangled bath fixtures, and Prudence is afraid someone has broken into the house – it’s certainly one of the more unorthodox first meetings between a pairing I’ve seen!
Prue doesn’t believe Dominic’s story until he literally lays out all the paperwork, and then she’s afraid – not of him, but of losing the one refuge she has. Dominic assures her he has no designs on Hawthorn Manor, however: he’s here to rid himself of an inheritance he never asked for, as quickly and efficiently as possible, so that he can return to his smallholding in Greece and continue to live the life he’d carved out for himself.
These two are a matched set of prickly pears from the start. Prudence has had isolation forced upon her because of her physical scarring, which makes her unfit for ‘polite’ company, according to Society. Dominic’s solitude has been entirely self-imposed; he has retreated from life because his has been a hard one thus far. Their pasts come to light in drips and drabs as the story progresses, and each has the right to feel aggrieved by their treatment in life. Prue sees Dominic’s unwanted inheritance as a bounty instead of a burden, and works hard to change his mind about what he can do with his wealth and the power that comes with it. He has so much to offer the world, because of (not in spite of) his past, she argues, and here’s the chance to be the change he wants to see.
Dominic finds Prudence extraordinary. He sees her most prominent scar at their very first meeting but basically bypasses it, more interested in who she is as a person than what she looks like. Prudence struggles with this, because – aside from her family – her scars are what defines her to the outside world, and they have always been considered horrific and repulsive. To meet someone who has the opposite reaction confuses her – and intrigues her.
These two are equally matched when it comes to stubbornness, too. Dominic is extremely reluctant to take hold of the power he has inherited, and wants nothing more than to escape back to his solitary life in Greece. Prudence longs for a life beyond the solitude of her veil, but sees herself as a social pariah unable to enjoy what others take for granted.
Their growth over the course of the story feels uneven. Dominic feels, to me, the more developed character; his past is revealed first, and there is time for him to deal with the reverberations of it in the present. Prue’s past isn’t completely revealed until the penultimate chapter, and her turnaround feels very rushed by comparison. She holds onto her fears and dogged determination to see the world through Society’s eyes for an incredibly long time, and for basically no good reason. Dominic has shown her who he is, and she rejects him. Frankly, by the end of the book, I didn’t feel like she deserved him.
The romance felt very disjointed to me, perhaps because it happens so quickly. The book takes place over approximately 3 months total, and that includes several long periods of separation. For two characters who are complete strangers at the start, it was a little hard for me to buy their sudden and deep love for each other. Though the exile theme is beautifully woven into the narrative throughout, it didn’t help me to believe that these two could overcome all their baggage in such a short period of time and make the complete transformations they do by the end.
I am intrigued by Prudence’s sister, Mercy, who will be the heroine of the next novel in this duet. She is Prue’s exact opposite: a woman long renowned for her beauty, married to an extremely powerful man, who makes her desperately unhappy. There is a hint that something’s happened to him by the end of this book, which will obviously open the door for her to have a new romance in the next.
I adored of Frank, the Manor cat, though his cameos were far too few for my taste, especially by the end. I was less enamored of Lady Sarah, Mercy’s friend in London, who blew in and took over a couple of times, chewing the scenery like every brash, modern HR heroine that’s popular these days. It’s obvious she’s headed for a pairing with Clement Carstairs, Prue and Mercy’s historian-scholar brother, and I can only hope that if this is the secondary storyline in the next book, it’s kept to a minimum.
As always, it was a lot of fun to read the author’s notes about all of the research that went into this book. Plumbing is not my forte, but I salute Ms. Kaye for letting Prue have such an odd interest and letting her nerd out about it at multiple intervals.
All is well, until the Earl unexpectedly dies. Having no known heirs or even living family members, a notice is placed in The Times regarding the winding up of the title and property. Months later, this news reaches Dominic Caldwell in Greece, and suddenly he’s facing a past he’s long run away from – for *he* is the heir of the Earldom and estate.
Very reluctantly, he returns to England to see the inheritance that’s more or less been thrust upon him. He doesn’t expect to meet Frank, the ginger ring-tailed cat who has free run of the Manor, or Prudence, who’s been keeping up the grounds in caretaker fashion while the property is in limbo. The two humans meet when Dominic is trying to work the newfangled bath fixtures, and Prudence is afraid someone has broken into the house – it’s certainly one of the more unorthodox first meetings between a pairing I’ve seen!
Prue doesn’t believe Dominic’s story until he literally lays out all the paperwork, and then she’s afraid – not of him, but of losing the one refuge she has. Dominic assures her he has no designs on Hawthorn Manor, however: he’s here to rid himself of an inheritance he never asked for, as quickly and efficiently as possible, so that he can return to his smallholding in Greece and continue to live the life he’d carved out for himself.
These two are a matched set of prickly pears from the start. Prudence has had isolation forced upon her because of her physical scarring, which makes her unfit for ‘polite’ company, according to Society. Dominic’s solitude has been entirely self-imposed; he has retreated from life because his has been a hard one thus far. Their pasts come to light in drips and drabs as the story progresses, and each has the right to feel aggrieved by their treatment in life. Prue sees Dominic’s unwanted inheritance as a bounty instead of a burden, and works hard to change his mind about what he can do with his wealth and the power that comes with it. He has so much to offer the world, because of (not in spite of) his past, she argues, and here’s the chance to be the change he wants to see.
Dominic finds Prudence extraordinary. He sees her most prominent scar at their very first meeting but basically bypasses it, more interested in who she is as a person than what she looks like. Prudence struggles with this, because – aside from her family – her scars are what defines her to the outside world, and they have always been considered horrific and repulsive. To meet someone who has the opposite reaction confuses her – and intrigues her.
These two are equally matched when it comes to stubbornness, too. Dominic is extremely reluctant to take hold of the power he has inherited, and wants nothing more than to escape back to his solitary life in Greece. Prudence longs for a life beyond the solitude of her veil, but sees herself as a social pariah unable to enjoy what others take for granted.
Their growth over the course of the story feels uneven. Dominic feels, to me, the more developed character; his past is revealed first, and there is time for him to deal with the reverberations of it in the present. Prue’s past isn’t completely revealed until the penultimate chapter, and her turnaround feels very rushed by comparison. She holds onto her fears and dogged determination to see the world through Society’s eyes for an incredibly long time, and for basically no good reason. Dominic has shown her who he is, and she rejects him. Frankly, by the end of the book, I didn’t feel like she deserved him.
The romance felt very disjointed to me, perhaps because it happens so quickly. The book takes place over approximately 3 months total, and that includes several long periods of separation. For two characters who are complete strangers at the start, it was a little hard for me to buy their sudden and deep love for each other. Though the exile theme is beautifully woven into the narrative throughout, it didn’t help me to believe that these two could overcome all their baggage in such a short period of time and make the complete transformations they do by the end.
I am intrigued by Prudence’s sister, Mercy, who will be the heroine of the next novel in this duet. She is Prue’s exact opposite: a woman long renowned for her beauty, married to an extremely powerful man, who makes her desperately unhappy. There is a hint that something’s happened to him by the end of this book, which will obviously open the door for her to have a new romance in the next.
I adored of Frank, the Manor cat, though his cameos were far too few for my taste, especially by the end. I was less enamored of Lady Sarah, Mercy’s friend in London, who blew in and took over a couple of times, chewing the scenery like every brash, modern HR heroine that’s popular these days. It’s obvious she’s headed for a pairing with Clement Carstairs, Prue and Mercy’s historian-scholar brother, and I can only hope that if this is the secondary storyline in the next book, it’s kept to a minimum.
As always, it was a lot of fun to read the author’s notes about all of the research that went into this book. Plumbing is not my forte, but I salute Ms. Kaye for letting Prue have such an odd interest and letting her nerd out about it at multiple intervals.
August 26, 2021
I received a copy of this book via the author in return for an honest review. And oh me I really enjoyed this novel and a foray back into the world of the Victorians! I don't believe I've read many via M&B and certainly not in recent years.
The book opens in Greece a place I'm not sure I've actually seen depicted in a historical novel before (in this era - though I'm sure it has been) and Dominic something of an outcast by choice because if people don't get your history and what you stand for why bother with that sort?
Prudence is another outcast by choice. Terribly scarred at a young age she's also our cover model and what a great sight to see and know she is! To me she is more naturally the hero of the book than Dominic. She can bring him into the world of the titled aristocracy with her knowledge and experience as well as show him the house that she has treated as her engineering project of sorts.
Roll on all that is technically new in Victorian society such as plumbing (though I have seen showers as early as the 1810s), lighting, trains... I enjoyed seeing all of this as well as slices of the darker side particularly in cities where the growth although extended to building in the poorer parts it did not benefit the poor as the reader will see.
I REALLY liked Dominic and Prudence. They took their painful experiences and made them into something better even though they had to fight through the emotions to find each other and have a hope of a future. The build up was great as was their passionate encounter when it arrived at the right time I think for two fragile souls. They are both such lovely people to root for!
My small quibbles are that though I got that Victorian clothing is another world to navigate and indeed remove(!) it was mentioned that it was difficult, heavy, complex a few times and it felt a tiny bit repetitive. Also the question of adoption or maybe not the question. When answers were found about original parentage I felt I needed to know a little more than the reader was given. Not masses but more to go with the emotional responses of our hero and heroine.
All this said I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to Mercy's story. Getting rid of nasty male Armstrongs definitely sounds like my kind of thing hopefully with a particularly infamous and nasty Victorian malady...
PS Clement and Sarah sitting in a tree? Haha
The book opens in Greece a place I'm not sure I've actually seen depicted in a historical novel before (in this era - though I'm sure it has been) and Dominic something of an outcast by choice because if people don't get your history and what you stand for why bother with that sort?
Prudence is another outcast by choice. Terribly scarred at a young age she's also our cover model and what a great sight to see and know she is! To me she is more naturally the hero of the book than Dominic. She can bring him into the world of the titled aristocracy with her knowledge and experience as well as show him the house that she has treated as her engineering project of sorts.
Roll on all that is technically new in Victorian society such as plumbing (though I have seen showers as early as the 1810s), lighting, trains... I enjoyed seeing all of this as well as slices of the darker side particularly in cities where the growth although extended to building in the poorer parts it did not benefit the poor as the reader will see.
I REALLY liked Dominic and Prudence. They took their painful experiences and made them into something better even though they had to fight through the emotions to find each other and have a hope of a future. The build up was great as was their passionate encounter when it arrived at the right time I think for two fragile souls. They are both such lovely people to root for!
My small quibbles are that though I got that Victorian clothing is another world to navigate and indeed remove(!) it was mentioned that it was difficult, heavy, complex a few times and it felt a tiny bit repetitive. Also the question of adoption or maybe not the question. When answers were found about original parentage I felt I needed to know a little more than the reader was given. Not masses but more to go with the emotional responses of our hero and heroine.
All this said I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to Mercy's story. Getting rid of nasty male Armstrongs definitely sounds like my kind of thing hopefully with a particularly infamous and nasty Victorian malady...
PS Clement and Sarah sitting in a tree? Haha
October 6, 2021
This intriguing Victorian novel isn’t so much a grumpy + sunshine pairing as a grumpy + grumpy. Disillusioned after leaving the army under a cloud, Dominic is rusticating in a Greek village raising goats when he discovers by pure coincidence that his brother has passed away and he has inherited an earldom he wants nothing to do with. He decides to return to England only in order to divest himself of everything to do with the title… but on his first day back on the ancestral estate, he meets a woman who would be incredibly beautiful if she wasn’t terribly scarred.
Prudence hides away from the world as much as possible, avoiding people where she can and wearing a veil when she can’t. There are a couple of incidents in the book where strangers react badly to her scars that made me feel desperately sorry for her; as she notes, scars on men are seen as a sign of heroism, but scars on a woman are viewed as shameful and to be hidden away. Viewing the world through Prudence’s eyes, Dominic eventually comes to realise what a privileged position he’s in, and how wasteful it would be to not use that privilege to enact some of the change he wants to see in the world.
Both the protagonists are in a stagnant state of mind at the beginning of the book; despite coming back to England, Dominic only wants to be rid of his responsibilities, and Prudence has convinced herself that she can’t be anything other than her brother’s housekeeper. They are each other’s catalyst to grow and change, not just in falling in love but in their whole life outlook, and it’s not until both of them have really embraced their potential futures that they can get to their happily ever after.
I love Marguerite Kaye’s writing; she doesn’t shy away from harsh realities of life for the less privileged and writes wonderful characters with absolutely believable romantic relationships. I can hardly wait for Mercy’s book!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via the author.
Prudence hides away from the world as much as possible, avoiding people where she can and wearing a veil when she can’t. There are a couple of incidents in the book where strangers react badly to her scars that made me feel desperately sorry for her; as she notes, scars on men are seen as a sign of heroism, but scars on a woman are viewed as shameful and to be hidden away. Viewing the world through Prudence’s eyes, Dominic eventually comes to realise what a privileged position he’s in, and how wasteful it would be to not use that privilege to enact some of the change he wants to see in the world.
Both the protagonists are in a stagnant state of mind at the beginning of the book; despite coming back to England, Dominic only wants to be rid of his responsibilities, and Prudence has convinced herself that she can’t be anything other than her brother’s housekeeper. They are each other’s catalyst to grow and change, not just in falling in love but in their whole life outlook, and it’s not until both of them have really embraced their potential futures that they can get to their happily ever after.
I love Marguerite Kaye’s writing; she doesn’t shy away from harsh realities of life for the less privileged and writes wonderful characters with absolutely believable romantic relationships. I can hardly wait for Mercy’s book!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via the author.
October 18, 2021
Another winner from this author. I always love how I am immediately caught up in the stories by this author. I love the feisty heroines and understanding heroes. They're always honest with one another and get along. Of course, there's the HEA that I love - but only after a guaranteed fun and no-holds-bar story between the main characters. Please keep these great stories coming!
October 15, 2021
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty is a heartwarming story about Prudence Carstairs, who has lived her life behind a veil, keeping her scars and her heart hidden from the world. She happens upon Dominic, who has inherited the estate Prue considers her sanctuary, who is the first person to see the woman she is beneath her scars. Dominic wants nothing to do with the estate and is keen to rid himself of his inheritance until Prue starts showing him how he can use it to make a difference in the world.
I really enjoyed reading this book. As always, Marguerite Kaye has a style of story telling that pulls you into the book and keeps you there, exploring interesting themes and leaving you eager to see what happens next with the characters and the story, and this book is no exception. There is also enough of a hook for readers to keep an eye out for the next book in the series which is about Prue's sister, Mercy.
I really enjoyed reading this book. As always, Marguerite Kaye has a style of story telling that pulls you into the book and keeps you there, exploring interesting themes and leaving you eager to see what happens next with the characters and the story, and this book is no exception. There is also enough of a hook for readers to keep an eye out for the next book in the series which is about Prue's sister, Mercy.
April 15, 2022
Terrific book about two scarred and lonely people. Prudence's scars are mainly on the outside, while Dominic's are more emotional. It takes trying to help each other see the parallels in their own lives.
The story starts in Greece, where Dominic went after the disastrous end of his beloved army career. He spends his days swimming, gardening, and caring for his goats, with trips to the local taverna for coffee and companionship. On one of those trips, the taverna keeper gives him a London newspaper left behind by a tourist. One small notice in that paper changes his life, as he discovers his father and brother are dead, leaving him the new Earl of Bannatyne. Dominic has no interest in the title or anything else, but he can't ignore them either, returning to England. He intends to sell everything as quickly as possible and return to Greece. And then he meets Prudence.
Prudence lives in the old rectory with her scholar brother and runs his household. Badly scarred as a child, she only goes out in public wearing a hat and a veil and has given up all hope of love and a family of her own. Instead, she made do with renovating and modernizing her employer's home until he unexpectedly died. Since then, she has continued to care for the house. The arrival of a previously unknown younger brother comes as something of a shock.
I loved the first meeting between Prudence and Dominic. The encounter was quite ... revealing. Prudence, who knew nothing of Dominic's existence, thought he was a vagrant making free of an empty home. Her skepticism was understandable, and I enjoyed seeing her put him through his paces to prove his identity. Dominic doesn't know what to make of Prudence, a gently bred woman with great fire.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Dominic and Prudence. After a rough beginning where both need to overcome some misconceptions, they form a deepening friendship. I loved how easily Dominic sees past Prudence's scar to the amazing woman she is. It was incredibly moving that he doesn't ignore it; he accepts that it's there and moves on. As their friendship grows, Dominic shares his family history and the story of his army career, which reveals him to be the brave and honorable man that he is.
As the time passes and their friendship develops into something more, Dominic becomes determined to show Prudence that her scars do not define her. I loved the things he did to make her happy, from a trip to the beach to the Exhibition in London. I ached for her when the Exhibition trip went so horribly wrong and loved Dominic's tender care of her. I also liked how Prudence worked to make Dominic see that he could do so much more to help people if he assumed his title and used his influence to help the poor that way, too.
I loved seeing them give in to the attraction that grew stronger the more time they spent together, leading to the admission of their love for each other. But while Dominic sees that Prudence is right about how he can do the most good, Prudence still can't get out of her own way to see that she and Dominic belong together. When she's with him, she believes anything is possible, but her fears and insecurities cause her to pull back. I was happy to see her finally consign "Poor Prudence" to the past and embrace a new future. The epilogue was fantastic.
I liked the secondary characters that helped round out the story. Prudence's brother Clement can seem oblivious at times, but he loves his sister and is very protective of her. I also enjoyed meeting her sister, Mercy, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage. She is the next book's heroine, and I can't wait to read it. Mercy also has a friend, Sarah, who plays a part in the latter half of this book, and has made a lasting impression on Clement. Hopefully, we'll see more of them in the next book also.
I loved the depth of historical detail in this book. Dominic's memories from the Crimean War add depth to the events that caused his discharge and his determination to help those affected. Sewage issues also played a significant role in the story, including Dominic's unique method of courting Prudence.
The story starts in Greece, where Dominic went after the disastrous end of his beloved army career. He spends his days swimming, gardening, and caring for his goats, with trips to the local taverna for coffee and companionship. On one of those trips, the taverna keeper gives him a London newspaper left behind by a tourist. One small notice in that paper changes his life, as he discovers his father and brother are dead, leaving him the new Earl of Bannatyne. Dominic has no interest in the title or anything else, but he can't ignore them either, returning to England. He intends to sell everything as quickly as possible and return to Greece. And then he meets Prudence.
Prudence lives in the old rectory with her scholar brother and runs his household. Badly scarred as a child, she only goes out in public wearing a hat and a veil and has given up all hope of love and a family of her own. Instead, she made do with renovating and modernizing her employer's home until he unexpectedly died. Since then, she has continued to care for the house. The arrival of a previously unknown younger brother comes as something of a shock.
I loved the first meeting between Prudence and Dominic. The encounter was quite ... revealing. Prudence, who knew nothing of Dominic's existence, thought he was a vagrant making free of an empty home. Her skepticism was understandable, and I enjoyed seeing her put him through his paces to prove his identity. Dominic doesn't know what to make of Prudence, a gently bred woman with great fire.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Dominic and Prudence. After a rough beginning where both need to overcome some misconceptions, they form a deepening friendship. I loved how easily Dominic sees past Prudence's scar to the amazing woman she is. It was incredibly moving that he doesn't ignore it; he accepts that it's there and moves on. As their friendship grows, Dominic shares his family history and the story of his army career, which reveals him to be the brave and honorable man that he is.
As the time passes and their friendship develops into something more, Dominic becomes determined to show Prudence that her scars do not define her. I loved the things he did to make her happy, from a trip to the beach to the Exhibition in London. I ached for her when the Exhibition trip went so horribly wrong and loved Dominic's tender care of her. I also liked how Prudence worked to make Dominic see that he could do so much more to help people if he assumed his title and used his influence to help the poor that way, too.
I loved seeing them give in to the attraction that grew stronger the more time they spent together, leading to the admission of their love for each other. But while Dominic sees that Prudence is right about how he can do the most good, Prudence still can't get out of her own way to see that she and Dominic belong together. When she's with him, she believes anything is possible, but her fears and insecurities cause her to pull back. I was happy to see her finally consign "Poor Prudence" to the past and embrace a new future. The epilogue was fantastic.
I liked the secondary characters that helped round out the story. Prudence's brother Clement can seem oblivious at times, but he loves his sister and is very protective of her. I also enjoyed meeting her sister, Mercy, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage. She is the next book's heroine, and I can't wait to read it. Mercy also has a friend, Sarah, who plays a part in the latter half of this book, and has made a lasting impression on Clement. Hopefully, we'll see more of them in the next book also.
I loved the depth of historical detail in this book. Dominic's memories from the Crimean War add depth to the events that caused his discharge and his determination to help those affected. Sewage issues also played a significant role in the story, including Dominic's unique method of courting Prudence.
September 29, 2021
Yet another excellent historical romance from Marguerite Kaye, this time set in the Victorian Era, and telling the story of Prudence and Dominic as they fall in love against the odds and fight to secure their happy ever after.
One of the things I love about Marguerite Kaye's writing is that her characters are always unique, and here is no different as we meet Dominic, seemingly an Englishman with a smallholding on a Greek island, who is in fact the new heir to an Earldom (despite the fact everyone back home believes the recently deceased Earl to have been an only child), and Prudence, scarred in an accident, who hides herself away from the world, but whose passion for modern engineering sets her apart. The first meeting between the two is brilliantly memorable, and sets the scene for an entertaining plot in which Dominic struggles to accept his inheritance and plans to give Prudence the life she deserves if she didn't hide herself away. The two work well as a pairing from the outset, and their complicated pasts give them a reason to form a connection.
Working well as what is largely a two-hander in terms of the plot, Dominic and Prudence connect with each other, and the trips that he plans to woo her are delightful and show just how much he wants to make her happy. The trip to the seaside is a beautiful and atmospheric moment, and his plan to take her on a tour of a London pumping station is unique, somewhat odd for anyone other than Prudence but actually a romantic highlight.
Whilst I say it's largely a two-hander, that's not to say there aren't wonderful supporting characters, and special mentions must of to Clement, Mercy and the delightful Lady Sarah, all of whom should return in book two. Regular readers of the author's work will also spot the Armstrong family being mentioned which is a nice nod to an earlier series of books.
The book is well researched (as always) and Dominic's past and the events in the Crimean War are well written and add an emotional depth to the character and the plot. Similarly, his family history and the strange circumstances of his position as the reluctant Earl provide him with reason to forge a bond with Prudence and help her to consider seeing a life beyond her current circumstances.
The overall story is strongly written and well plotted with romantic elements that move the reader as the book moves towards an enjoyable conclusion, and you really do root for Prudence and Dominic to achieve their deserved happy ending.
One of the things I love about Marguerite Kaye's writing is that her characters are always unique, and here is no different as we meet Dominic, seemingly an Englishman with a smallholding on a Greek island, who is in fact the new heir to an Earldom (despite the fact everyone back home believes the recently deceased Earl to have been an only child), and Prudence, scarred in an accident, who hides herself away from the world, but whose passion for modern engineering sets her apart. The first meeting between the two is brilliantly memorable, and sets the scene for an entertaining plot in which Dominic struggles to accept his inheritance and plans to give Prudence the life she deserves if she didn't hide herself away. The two work well as a pairing from the outset, and their complicated pasts give them a reason to form a connection.
Working well as what is largely a two-hander in terms of the plot, Dominic and Prudence connect with each other, and the trips that he plans to woo her are delightful and show just how much he wants to make her happy. The trip to the seaside is a beautiful and atmospheric moment, and his plan to take her on a tour of a London pumping station is unique, somewhat odd for anyone other than Prudence but actually a romantic highlight.
Whilst I say it's largely a two-hander, that's not to say there aren't wonderful supporting characters, and special mentions must of to Clement, Mercy and the delightful Lady Sarah, all of whom should return in book two. Regular readers of the author's work will also spot the Armstrong family being mentioned which is a nice nod to an earlier series of books.
The book is well researched (as always) and Dominic's past and the events in the Crimean War are well written and add an emotional depth to the character and the plot. Similarly, his family history and the strange circumstances of his position as the reluctant Earl provide him with reason to forge a bond with Prudence and help her to consider seeing a life beyond her current circumstances.
The overall story is strongly written and well plotted with romantic elements that move the reader as the book moves towards an enjoyable conclusion, and you really do root for Prudence and Dominic to achieve their deserved happy ending.
August 10, 2021
5 stars
Great book. A quiet and empathic read that builds to a satisfying conclusion.
Prudence is scarred but such an interesting unusual heroine. When we meet her she's happy living with her brother but has had very negative experiences with some of the local community. To this end she wears a hat and veil while out. Her friend was the local Earl and she helped him redevelop both his house and garden. He lived a hermit like life and even he was uncomfortable with her visage. The Earl dies and Prudence continues to use the manor and gardens as her personal haven. She is very disturbed when there seems to be someone squatting in her domain. It's an amusing first meeting, though both of the protaganists are upset and resentful. Dominic never expected to inherit an aristocrats wealth and lands and he has his own interesting back story.
Both Prudence and Dominic have things in common and have both worked through issues in sometime similar sometimes radical ways. The book details how both learn from each other. There is much detail in their biographies, hinting at injustices and sadness. The author gives closure on some of these aspects. It is romantic kisses with more passion towards the end.
I loved the historical detail of the victorian age that the author put into this book. How do you paddle in the sea when wearing a crinoline, how limiting to life and ambition can fashion be, why wear a steel crinoline in any case, luckily the author gives us an explanation.
We meet Prudence's siblings and her friends and I'm eager to explore their storylines.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Great book. A quiet and empathic read that builds to a satisfying conclusion.
Prudence is scarred but such an interesting unusual heroine. When we meet her she's happy living with her brother but has had very negative experiences with some of the local community. To this end she wears a hat and veil while out. Her friend was the local Earl and she helped him redevelop both his house and garden. He lived a hermit like life and even he was uncomfortable with her visage. The Earl dies and Prudence continues to use the manor and gardens as her personal haven. She is very disturbed when there seems to be someone squatting in her domain. It's an amusing first meeting, though both of the protaganists are upset and resentful. Dominic never expected to inherit an aristocrats wealth and lands and he has his own interesting back story.
Both Prudence and Dominic have things in common and have both worked through issues in sometime similar sometimes radical ways. The book details how both learn from each other. There is much detail in their biographies, hinting at injustices and sadness. The author gives closure on some of these aspects. It is romantic kisses with more passion towards the end.
I loved the historical detail of the victorian age that the author put into this book. How do you paddle in the sea when wearing a crinoline, how limiting to life and ambition can fashion be, why wear a steel crinoline in any case, luckily the author gives us an explanation.
We meet Prudence's siblings and her friends and I'm eager to explore their storylines.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 29, 2021
1862
Dominic Caldwell has returned to Hawthorne Manor from Greece after seeing that the sixth Earl of Bannatyne has died. The man was unmarried and childless. If an heir is not found, the title will die out. Dominic is next in line for the title, but he doesn’t want it. He has decided to come to England to sell the assets and give them away, letting the title die off.
At the Manor, Dominic meets Prudence Carstairs, a neighbor and unofficial caretaker to the Manor which has been closed up for a time. She and the previous earl had worked closely on some of the plants.
Prudence was scarred on her face years ago and wears a veil to cover her face. So many people have been shocked by her scars but Dominic doesn’t react at all. He thinks she is beautiful.
As they become friends, Dominic is impressed with Prudence’s intelligence and the objects that she has created for the Manor. He introduces her to things like swimming that she would never undertake on her own, due to her fear of someone seeing her face. They are attracted to one another but she realizes that Dominic will be returning to Greece once he has settled the affairs of the title. Will they be able to be apart now that they are falling in love?
As always, Ms. Kaye’s attention to detail and beautiful descriptions shine through this lovely story and I’m sure readers will enjoy the information she shares that will educate us all.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Dominic Caldwell has returned to Hawthorne Manor from Greece after seeing that the sixth Earl of Bannatyne has died. The man was unmarried and childless. If an heir is not found, the title will die out. Dominic is next in line for the title, but he doesn’t want it. He has decided to come to England to sell the assets and give them away, letting the title die off.
At the Manor, Dominic meets Prudence Carstairs, a neighbor and unofficial caretaker to the Manor which has been closed up for a time. She and the previous earl had worked closely on some of the plants.
Prudence was scarred on her face years ago and wears a veil to cover her face. So many people have been shocked by her scars but Dominic doesn’t react at all. He thinks she is beautiful.
As they become friends, Dominic is impressed with Prudence’s intelligence and the objects that she has created for the Manor. He introduces her to things like swimming that she would never undertake on her own, due to her fear of someone seeing her face. They are attracted to one another but she realizes that Dominic will be returning to Greece once he has settled the affairs of the title. Will they be able to be apart now that they are falling in love?
As always, Ms. Kaye’s attention to detail and beautiful descriptions shine through this lovely story and I’m sure readers will enjoy the information she shares that will educate us all.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 3, 2021
What another amazing read from marguerite kaye. She is an author that never disappoints me.
The earl who sees her beauty tells the story of prudence Carstairs and Dominic thorburn.
Prudence has been left with scars from a childhood accident and because of this she feels it will leave her with no romantic prospects. Instead she spends her time content as caretaker and with refurbishing her employers home Hawthorn Manor and filling it with some up to date improvements.
Dominic turns up to take over as the new earl.
One of my favourite seens has to be when prudence and Dominic first meet it was so unexpected and had me smiling. At that moment I know I was going to love these two and their story.
From the start of the book it had me hooked wanting to read on and to find out what woule come to light about our characters next.
Like all characters we had are ups and our downs and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Would definitely recommend this book.
The earl who sees her beauty tells the story of prudence Carstairs and Dominic thorburn.
Prudence has been left with scars from a childhood accident and because of this she feels it will leave her with no romantic prospects. Instead she spends her time content as caretaker and with refurbishing her employers home Hawthorn Manor and filling it with some up to date improvements.
Dominic turns up to take over as the new earl.
One of my favourite seens has to be when prudence and Dominic first meet it was so unexpected and had me smiling. At that moment I know I was going to love these two and their story.
From the start of the book it had me hooked wanting to read on and to find out what woule come to light about our characters next.
Like all characters we had are ups and our downs and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Would definitely recommend this book.
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September 1, 2021Categories
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters (Book #1)
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters (Book #1)
October 5, 2021
This story is both a gentle Victorian romance and an adventure into Victorian history. Prudence has physical scars from her childhood that make a suitable match unlikely. She finds solace in working for an Earl and innovating his household. She is a determined and independent character who develops her intellectual and practical skills to innovate around the Earl's residence. When he dies, his younger heir sees her in an entirely different way to most and makes her believe her life can include love and a family.
This story highlights the expectations placed on women by Victorian society and the obsession with physical perfection and marriage being their best choice in life. Victorian innovation is an integral part of this story and gives it authenticity and depth.
The romance develops believably and with emotion that overcomes their internal and external conflicts to happiness.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This story highlights the expectations placed on women by Victorian society and the obsession with physical perfection and marriage being their best choice in life. Victorian innovation is an integral part of this story and gives it authenticity and depth.
The romance develops believably and with emotion that overcomes their internal and external conflicts to happiness.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 14, 2021
Great book with a great plot. Loved the character of Prudence. Not your stereotypical historical heroine. Have already ordered the second book in the series as I’m completely intrigued by Prue’s sister Mercy.
November 23, 2021
Charming Victorian romance that winds its way around your heart and you hate to say goodbye to the unusual characters. Dominic wants to abandon his heritage and give all his wealth and titled privileges to something worthwhile. Prudence has carved her secluded niche in her world and sees Dominic's choices as more useful if he stays in his unwanted title. The two of them dance around their separate visions of how to stay away from society until they face their pasts and realize the worlds, they are encouraging each other to join are the place they need to go together.
Very satisfying read.
Very satisfying read.
November 16, 2021
A sweet slow paced story about two people who find love and acceptance with each other.
January 3, 2024
Cute. Might review later.
January 15, 2023
The Earl Who Sees Her Beauty is the first book in the Revelations of the Carstairs Sisters duet and I'm looking forward to reading Lady Armstrong's Scandalous Awakening. This is quintessential Ms. Kaye whose historical romances I've always enjoyed no matter where the book is set. Harlequin Historicals never seem to disappoint!
The prologue takes place in Greece and three months later moves to Hampshire, England in this Regency romance set is 1862. Dominic is new to the area and has ties to Hawthorn Manor that he wasn't aware of until a chance look at a newspaper that was left behind by an English tourist. This is his and Prudence's story and it is filled with family and friends, memories, reminisces, hard work, some dark moments along with some loving and love. When their paths unexpectedly cross at the manor, Dominic is in a dark place and Prudence doesn't know what end is up. She agrees to help him sort through the manor since she's been caring for it after the last earl's death although she lives nearby with her brother. Neither expects to rely on each other or help them sort through their pasts but there's definitely an attraction that neither wants, or do they? They take one step forward and two or three back throughout even when they think they want something different.
The story has many threads and they are woven together seamlessly. There is a depth to the stories as well as the characters as we get to know them. As their layers are peeled back I wanted to know more. The book was fast-paced and held my interest throughout. I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. Prue's siblings are an important part of the story and they add another layer to it as does her love for scientific things especially related to water and sewers. She's definitely before her time given her interests. Her new friend Lady Sarah, was nothing but light even though she had a different type of upbringing. There was some closure with the epilogue but I wish it was just a little longer. It does give hints of what's to come in the next book and I can't wait to read it.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
The prologue takes place in Greece and three months later moves to Hampshire, England in this Regency romance set is 1862. Dominic is new to the area and has ties to Hawthorn Manor that he wasn't aware of until a chance look at a newspaper that was left behind by an English tourist. This is his and Prudence's story and it is filled with family and friends, memories, reminisces, hard work, some dark moments along with some loving and love. When their paths unexpectedly cross at the manor, Dominic is in a dark place and Prudence doesn't know what end is up. She agrees to help him sort through the manor since she's been caring for it after the last earl's death although she lives nearby with her brother. Neither expects to rely on each other or help them sort through their pasts but there's definitely an attraction that neither wants, or do they? They take one step forward and two or three back throughout even when they think they want something different.
The story has many threads and they are woven together seamlessly. There is a depth to the stories as well as the characters as we get to know them. As their layers are peeled back I wanted to know more. The book was fast-paced and held my interest throughout. I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. Prue's siblings are an important part of the story and they add another layer to it as does her love for scientific things especially related to water and sewers. She's definitely before her time given her interests. Her new friend Lady Sarah, was nothing but light even though she had a different type of upbringing. There was some closure with the epilogue but I wish it was just a little longer. It does give hints of what's to come in the next book and I can't wait to read it.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
August 28, 2024
Pretty decent, simple story, but not memorable. There were not many characters, and whole chapters would be just the two mains interacting. I did feel though that the modern trend of writing historical fiction with women characters who are somehow involved in a STEM field of their time was actually well done in this story. Most times it feels forced to me, and implausible, but this one actually made sense.
July 25, 2022
The story started out with a lot of promise - heroine with a scar (never really explained) and hero disaffected from his family but returning to the title of earl. But, I found the filling in of the backstories just really inadequate which made the plot resolution feel flat-footed. I am not reading the next one.
April 13, 2022
It's not often you get to see the couple working on their relationship in the entire book. I loved seeing Dominic step up and changed his world for her. Their love is a sweet and powerful one, but painful too.
Highly recomend it.
Highly recomend it.
August 19, 2023
4 ⭐️ Cute, cosy, lovely. This didn’t feel like a cut and paste HR. The characters are both really great, I’ll remember Dominic and Prudence for a long time, which is always the mark of good writing for me.
2 🌶️ but their kisses are perfection
2 🌶️ but their kisses are perfection
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