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The Portrait
A ship's captain. A crime. A secret. What would you do to claim the position in society that has been stolen from you?
The ancient Claverton earldom is no more, because Lady Catherine Claverton was born a girl. Banished to the countryside as a child and forgotten, she lives her life alone and angry. However, upon her father's death, she learns that she is the heir to her dead mother's family title--and if she wants to continue her mother's line, she must marry, bear a child, and take her place in society, all things that she has never dared to think possible. Should she marry the kind but secretive Captain Avebury? Or the notorious Sir Lyle, the handsome smuggler? Both men have secrets. Both men deal very differently with honor. And Catherine has a dreadful secret of her own.
The Portrait is about a strong woman, foolish decisions, trust, and the definition of honor. Fans of Jane Austen's independent women will recognize in Catherine a voice which will not be silenced.
The ancient Claverton earldom is no more, because Lady Catherine Claverton was born a girl. Banished to the countryside as a child and forgotten, she lives her life alone and angry. However, upon her father's death, she learns that she is the heir to her dead mother's family title--and if she wants to continue her mother's line, she must marry, bear a child, and take her place in society, all things that she has never dared to think possible. Should she marry the kind but secretive Captain Avebury? Or the notorious Sir Lyle, the handsome smuggler? Both men have secrets. Both men deal very differently with honor. And Catherine has a dreadful secret of her own.
The Portrait is about a strong woman, foolish decisions, trust, and the definition of honor. Fans of Jane Austen's independent women will recognize in Catherine a voice which will not be silenced.
340 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2019
About the author
Cassandra Austen
2 books24 followersCassandra Austen is the pen name of author Maya Rushing Walker.
I write thoughtful, slow-burn novels where the characters are people you might know or meet, constrained by situations that are real-life.
I love strong, independent women, men who choose the right thing rather than the easy thing, and I have a love for the landscapes of Old and New England. I write in the parlor of an old farmhouse with pink and mustard paint (really!) dating back to an ancestor with NO sense of color, with a view of apple trees, free-range chickens, and an old dog snoozing on my ragged couch. I love notebooks and fountain pens, lilacs, and old pianos!
Amazon Author Page: Maya Rushing Walker on Amazon
Facebook Page: Maya Rushing Walker Books on Facebook
Instagram: Maya Rushing Walker on Instagram
I write thoughtful, slow-burn novels where the characters are people you might know or meet, constrained by situations that are real-life.
I love strong, independent women, men who choose the right thing rather than the easy thing, and I have a love for the landscapes of Old and New England. I write in the parlor of an old farmhouse with pink and mustard paint (really!) dating back to an ancestor with NO sense of color, with a view of apple trees, free-range chickens, and an old dog snoozing on my ragged couch. I love notebooks and fountain pens, lilacs, and old pianos!
Amazon Author Page: Maya Rushing Walker on Amazon
Facebook Page: Maya Rushing Walker Books on Facebook
Instagram: Maya Rushing Walker on Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 15, 2019
A historical fiction, romance, suspense, with thrills. This was more and less than what I was expecting. I enjoyed very turn of the page. A heroine with a disability. A lineage to a woman through a woman. The need to marry. So much to take in.
I was held from the beginning to the end. I do love romance. I do love a bit of suspense, mystery and even a bit of a thrill. The scenery of the Wales and England was an even bigger plus, but of course its a historical romance.
Lady Catherine was more than you typical historical female waiting and wanting. Catherine was something special and I think that she was a good judge of character. She found two men that were able to see her. The real her not just her appearance. These two men were more or less her strength.
I very much enjoyed the characters large and small. The plot. The setting. The depth in both characters, plot, and the setting. It was a well written read that was in deed a historical romance with some suspense and a bit of a thrill. It was not a story trying to pass itself off as something more or different. It was a romance.
I was held from the beginning to the end. I do love romance. I do love a bit of suspense, mystery and even a bit of a thrill. The scenery of the Wales and England was an even bigger plus, but of course its a historical romance.
Lady Catherine was more than you typical historical female waiting and wanting. Catherine was something special and I think that she was a good judge of character. She found two men that were able to see her. The real her not just her appearance. These two men were more or less her strength.
I very much enjoyed the characters large and small. The plot. The setting. The depth in both characters, plot, and the setting. It was a well written read that was in deed a historical romance with some suspense and a bit of a thrill. It was not a story trying to pass itself off as something more or different. It was a romance.
February 3, 2020
I first listened to this book on audible before reading the book. It was amazing to say the least and the narrator brought the book to life, making me feel all the longing and angst this story contains.
A woman who was disabled and hated by her father for not being a son, first of all and then being damaged. He put her down every chance he got and would not let her live a normal life. When he dies, she finds out that her mother was a Countess and had a holding in Wales.
She meets Captain Avebury, a naval officer who is on leave and she becomes very enamoured with him. He seems to see her as a person and not just her disability. She wants him to marry her and have a child so that the Countess line can continue.
But there are so many secrets she has and he a few of his own. Trust is a big issue and there are many twist and turns that I could not wait to find out what happened.
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could and I was very disappointed when I could not find more written by this author! Cannot wait to see if she writes more!!
A woman who was disabled and hated by her father for not being a son, first of all and then being damaged. He put her down every chance he got and would not let her live a normal life. When he dies, she finds out that her mother was a Countess and had a holding in Wales.
She meets Captain Avebury, a naval officer who is on leave and she becomes very enamoured with him. He seems to see her as a person and not just her disability. She wants him to marry her and have a child so that the Countess line can continue.
But there are so many secrets she has and he a few of his own. Trust is a big issue and there are many twist and turns that I could not wait to find out what happened.
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could and I was very disappointed when I could not find more written by this author! Cannot wait to see if she writes more!!
February 27, 2019
I spent an enjoyable day reading this novel in which a handicapped English lady and a navy captain befriend each other. Both have some serious secrets from their past they try to hide and had a horrible childhood. And they have to cope with a lot of mystery trying to destroy their lives.
Although the writer wants to be a Jane Austen that she is not. Captain Avebury is depicted as a honourable, loving and gregarious man but I sometimes do not understand what drives Catherine. Maybe the writer wants us to realise it is not parentage or history that defines us but our own actions.
Nevertheless it is a Regency novel with a lot of action and mystery and not a "steamy" one nor a "clean" one. Just a good one :)
4 stars out of 5. I was published on the 31rd of December 2018 and I received an ARC copy but was not obliged to write a review.
Although the writer wants to be a Jane Austen that she is not. Captain Avebury is depicted as a honourable, loving and gregarious man but I sometimes do not understand what drives Catherine. Maybe the writer wants us to realise it is not parentage or history that defines us but our own actions.
Nevertheless it is a Regency novel with a lot of action and mystery and not a "steamy" one nor a "clean" one. Just a good one :)
4 stars out of 5. I was published on the 31rd of December 2018 and I received an ARC copy but was not obliged to write a review.
December 31, 2019
Intensely Emotional!💕💔💘💔💘. A Portrait🎨 of Her Life..
Early Regency Romance💕 and Mystery.
This is a very intensely emotional book. Actually much of The book is desperately depressing! Only the fact that it had to have a happy 💕ending kept me going...
Lady Catherine💃💋 was born with a twisted, weak leg, which ends up defining her life. She spends her life trying to prove she isn't weak!
She is a countess in Her own right, as she inherited through Her mother. This makes Her even more desperate to make Her own way in the world.🌍
Her eventual husband, Jocelyn🐺⛵, is a sea Captain, a hero who has his own secrets. He spends his young adult life proving he is worthy of his name.
They have a great 💘love but make an angsty couple!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I got the ebook from Amazon for $.99.
If you 💘love intensely emotional reads with some mystery, you will love this book!
Early Regency Romance💕 and Mystery.
This is a very intensely emotional book. Actually much of The book is desperately depressing! Only the fact that it had to have a happy 💕ending kept me going...
Lady Catherine💃💋 was born with a twisted, weak leg, which ends up defining her life. She spends her life trying to prove she isn't weak!
She is a countess in Her own right, as she inherited through Her mother. This makes Her even more desperate to make Her own way in the world.🌍
Her eventual husband, Jocelyn🐺⛵, is a sea Captain, a hero who has his own secrets. He spends his young adult life proving he is worthy of his name.
They have a great 💘love but make an angsty couple!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I got the ebook from Amazon for $.99.
If you 💘love intensely emotional reads with some mystery, you will love this book!
March 14, 2019
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to review ‘The Portrait’. This was such a beautifully written story, capturing the intense emotions of each of the characters against the dramatic backdrop of Wales and the English countryside. I was captivated from the start of the story to the very end and even myself sneaking in a few extra pages, as I found myself thinking about what would happen next.
The book begins with Lady Catherine Claverton awaiting the death of her father who has tormented her for as long as she can remember for her misfortune of being handicapped. Despite her abandonment by her father, she has found peace within herself. However, she hides a secret that she is desperate to resolve. It is during this time, that she meets Captain Avebury, recently returned from service for the Royal Navy, and then Sir Lyle, a smuggler who has known Catherine for many years. It is Catherine’s relationship with these two men and their inability to see her handicap and only find her captivating, that makes this story so fascinating.
Whilst I could reveal much of the story in my rush to praise the amazing storyline, I think this is a book to be savoured. Each character, even those that are secondary to the story, have their own hidden secrets, and there are so many secrets! It is in the revealing of these secrets that I found myself hanging on every word written. I also loved each and every character despite their many flaws as this made them so very realistic. I so look forward to reading the sequel to The Portrait and will definitely save this book as one of my favourites.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book begins with Lady Catherine Claverton awaiting the death of her father who has tormented her for as long as she can remember for her misfortune of being handicapped. Despite her abandonment by her father, she has found peace within herself. However, she hides a secret that she is desperate to resolve. It is during this time, that she meets Captain Avebury, recently returned from service for the Royal Navy, and then Sir Lyle, a smuggler who has known Catherine for many years. It is Catherine’s relationship with these two men and their inability to see her handicap and only find her captivating, that makes this story so fascinating.
Whilst I could reveal much of the story in my rush to praise the amazing storyline, I think this is a book to be savoured. Each character, even those that are secondary to the story, have their own hidden secrets, and there are so many secrets! It is in the revealing of these secrets that I found myself hanging on every word written. I also loved each and every character despite their many flaws as this made them so very realistic. I so look forward to reading the sequel to The Portrait and will definitely save this book as one of my favourites.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 7, 2019
5 Stars
Superb and excellent! Wow, what an amazing story and gorgeous writing! Great plot with amazing and complex characters, making them very believable. I fell in love with her story and characters! I love a strong heroine and Cassandra, you blew it out of the park with Catherine! I adored everything about this beautifully crafted story! Personally, I'd read anything this author writes!!!
Superb and excellent! Wow, what an amazing story and gorgeous writing! Great plot with amazing and complex characters, making them very believable. I fell in love with her story and characters! I love a strong heroine and Cassandra, you blew it out of the park with Catherine! I adored everything about this beautifully crafted story! Personally, I'd read anything this author writes!!!
October 10, 2019
Written on https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpres...
Catherine, a strong-willed woman but also a very stubborn woman. She is almost a “pariah” in good society even if she is rich. Rich but soon without a title because her father is on his deathbed and she is “just” a female who cannot inherit, therefore, the title is about to disappear. That’s the main reason why Catherine’s father has never shown any love for her but there’s something else, the reason why society does not mind her much, she has a physical handicap, her leg. However, Catherine enjoys, more or less, her life. She has given up on many things, like marriage.
Although a turn on events, makes her realise that what she needs is to get married because, unknown to her before, she is the heiress to a title in Wales that goes from her mother to her as an only child. This fact was hidden by her father because he was extremely upset that he had a daughter that could not inherit his title, therefore, he wanted his late wife’s title to disappear.
Catherine has a suitor but she does not trust him completely, he wants to marry her and proposes but eventually she refuses him. However, things may not be as they seem. Moreover, Catherine has started a friendship with Jocelyn, a man of the navy who hides too much. Although he is, for Catherine, the only one who sees past her leg.
Things are never easy and even less when communication is almost inexistent. Bits of suspicion, jealousy, a lot of stubbornness (as I mentioned before) and, even more secrets! The Portrait is a romance story and…
Spoiler alert!
.
.
.
.
.
.
There is a happy ending but you don’t know who gets the happy ending or how. There’s the big secret that Catherine hides and some other secrets will be discovered. Dreams change during the life of a person and it is not different in this story. Join Catherine on her life, where she almost dies too.
Discover who is Captain Jocelyn Avebury and his secrets. More importantly, who is L??
Catherine, a strong-willed woman but also a very stubborn woman. She is almost a “pariah” in good society even if she is rich. Rich but soon without a title because her father is on his deathbed and she is “just” a female who cannot inherit, therefore, the title is about to disappear. That’s the main reason why Catherine’s father has never shown any love for her but there’s something else, the reason why society does not mind her much, she has a physical handicap, her leg. However, Catherine enjoys, more or less, her life. She has given up on many things, like marriage.
Although a turn on events, makes her realise that what she needs is to get married because, unknown to her before, she is the heiress to a title in Wales that goes from her mother to her as an only child. This fact was hidden by her father because he was extremely upset that he had a daughter that could not inherit his title, therefore, he wanted his late wife’s title to disappear.
Catherine has a suitor but she does not trust him completely, he wants to marry her and proposes but eventually she refuses him. However, things may not be as they seem. Moreover, Catherine has started a friendship with Jocelyn, a man of the navy who hides too much. Although he is, for Catherine, the only one who sees past her leg.
Things are never easy and even less when communication is almost inexistent. Bits of suspicion, jealousy, a lot of stubbornness (as I mentioned before) and, even more secrets! The Portrait is a romance story and…
Spoiler alert!
.
.
.
.
.
.
There is a happy ending but you don’t know who gets the happy ending or how. There’s the big secret that Catherine hides and some other secrets will be discovered. Dreams change during the life of a person and it is not different in this story. Join Catherine on her life, where she almost dies too.
Discover who is Captain Jocelyn Avebury and his secrets. More importantly, who is L??
July 12, 2019
Catherine Claverton is determined to get back at her heartless father by marrying and producing an heir to her mother's title. Relegated to her rooms for many years because of a deformed leg, she can now enjoy being an observer of society, and if she can find a man who will not spurn her, a determined participant in a full and happy life. Sir Lyle, a dashing smuggler, is a longtime family friend who would give up his rakish ways for Catherine. But Catherine is drawn to the kind but awkward Captain Avebury, a man who has returned home from the Navy under a mysterious cloud. She determines to pursue Avebury as a partner even though he makes no declaration of love for her. In the midst of Catherine's machinations, a ghost from her past surfaces in the form of an impoverished painter. When he threatens to put a scandalous portrait of Catherine on display, it will take the ingenuity of both Sir Lyle and Captain Avebury to save Catherine from the mockery of society.
This Regency romance was peopled with unusual characters and circumstances. Captain Avebury, with his social ineptness and awkward reticence, was quite an atypical hero. The lengths both he and Catherine go to forgive each other and save each other from scandal was quite heartwarming. Sir Lyle was a lovable rogue, and it seemed as if the book might have been set up to have a sequel featuring him. I loved the unusual cover of this book, and it well conveys the unique nature of this historical romance.
This Regency romance was peopled with unusual characters and circumstances. Captain Avebury, with his social ineptness and awkward reticence, was quite an atypical hero. The lengths both he and Catherine go to forgive each other and save each other from scandal was quite heartwarming. Sir Lyle was a lovable rogue, and it seemed as if the book might have been set up to have a sequel featuring him. I loved the unusual cover of this book, and it well conveys the unique nature of this historical romance.
January 30, 2020
A story full of twists and turns where a happy ending seems impossible. I loved the two main characters. Catherine was strong and resilient despite the way she had been treated. Sometimes her desire to do as she wanted against the odds was selfish and did then have consequences which lasted throughout the book. Captain Avebury was honourable to the core but had been dealt a very bad hand as a small child and lived with his secrets. A beautiful love story full of emotional ups and downs. I very much look forward to reading the sequel and also hope Lydia gets her HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2019
I liked the two main characters, sometimes in spite of themselves 😆 I find books where people refuse to be honest with each other SO frustrating!! The sex scenes flirted just on the edge of too graphic for me. Oh, and it was an obvious setup for a sequel 🤦🏻♀️
July 4, 2019
The Portrait by Cassandra Austen
One woman, two men who love her, secrets and potential scandal are the basis of this book. In a time when titles were passed down to the males a daughter would not do and a daughter with a limp...well...that daughter was exiled by her father. I enjoyed this somewhat predictable book but really did not warm to any of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Apollo Grannus Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
One woman, two men who love her, secrets and potential scandal are the basis of this book. In a time when titles were passed down to the males a daughter would not do and a daughter with a limp...well...that daughter was exiled by her father. I enjoyed this somewhat predictable book but really did not warm to any of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Apollo Grannus Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3 Stars
February 2, 2020
Characters you will not forget.
This was the first book by Cassandra Austen I have read and it was such a pleasant surprise. The author has written a tale that has such intense emotions that the characters just jump off the pages and you will not want to put this book down. Lady Catherine, Captain Avebury and, Sir Lyle are characters you will not forget. There are secrets to be discovered so add danger to this romance. This book is really a must-read it was excellent. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was the first book by Cassandra Austen I have read and it was such a pleasant surprise. The author has written a tale that has such intense emotions that the characters just jump off the pages and you will not want to put this book down. Lady Catherine, Captain Avebury and, Sir Lyle are characters you will not forget. There are secrets to be discovered so add danger to this romance. This book is really a must-read it was excellent. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 10, 2019
It is the dawn of a new century, but women in the Regency era are still beholden to men for their survival. Catherine didn’t only have the misfortune to be born a girl; she also has a physical disability. She is a constant reminder to her father of everything he doesn’t have, and so he denies her the one thing she wants – love. But can she even recognize love when it comes her way?
The Portrait is an intriguing book where no one is quite who they seem. Early on, readers see two sides to Catherine. She is both flirtatious in society and authoritarian behind the scenes. She has an interesting taste in companions. To one she is a chaperone, while another has a dubious past. My opinions on Sir Lyle kept changing. I loathed him, then admired him, and finally loathed him again. And Avebury? I couldn’t quite understand how he’d made the rank of ship’s captain, even though it is partially explained. Most of the time, he seems to be a cog in someone else’s machinations. Essentially, this is a love story about a stubborn woman and the two men in her life, and goings-on within His Majesty’s Royal Navy.
The epilogue contains a stunner, but don’t skip ahead to the end. I was immediately relieved to see there is to be a sequel, because readers are left with a doozy of a cliffhanger!
With thanks to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and the publisher for my copy of The Portrait. The above review consists of my own thoughts and opinions on this title.
The Portrait is an intriguing book where no one is quite who they seem. Early on, readers see two sides to Catherine. She is both flirtatious in society and authoritarian behind the scenes. She has an interesting taste in companions. To one she is a chaperone, while another has a dubious past. My opinions on Sir Lyle kept changing. I loathed him, then admired him, and finally loathed him again. And Avebury? I couldn’t quite understand how he’d made the rank of ship’s captain, even though it is partially explained. Most of the time, he seems to be a cog in someone else’s machinations. Essentially, this is a love story about a stubborn woman and the two men in her life, and goings-on within His Majesty’s Royal Navy.
The epilogue contains a stunner, but don’t skip ahead to the end. I was immediately relieved to see there is to be a sequel, because readers are left with a doozy of a cliffhanger!
With thanks to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and the publisher for my copy of The Portrait. The above review consists of my own thoughts and opinions on this title.
August 3, 2019
I was intrigued. for the first 3/4 of the story. The characters were beautifully detailed and the story flowed with vivid description of life in 18th century England. However when pregnant and ill Catherine decides to under take an arduous and dangerous journey so that her child could be born in an ancient castle in Wales... my interest took a dip. It seemed impossible that she would jeopardize
the birth of her child since that was what she wanted most and that is was the focus of most of the book. I took a star off.
the birth of her child since that was what she wanted most and that is was the focus of most of the book. I took a star off.
February 12, 2019
For years, I read historical romances, and then, after a breakup, I stopped reading romances all together for a while. But the cover of The Portrait caught my attention. The Portrait's characters and the author's writing really drew me back to this genre. I had forgotten what a wonderful escape this genre could be, and I'm grateful for Cassandra Austen. I hope she publishes more soon.
June 9, 2019
A very poorly plotted romance that was far longer than it needed to be. While I am aware that this genre of books often relies on characters withholding information from other characters, it is simply lazy writing to withhold information from the reader for the majority of the book in order to create tension - telling us there is a problem but not revealing what it is, just continually pointing out that SOMETHING IS UP, is the quickest way to show that there is no depth to the story. For example, the portrait of the title is mentioned several times as being reputation-threatening, but not explained until well over halfway through, and the hero's identity is drawn out into a huge mystery that is resolved, unsatisfactorily, in one paragraph and turns out to really not have been a big deal after all. The final line tries to introduce a mystery but it falls laughably flat after the previous attempts to deceive the reader.
I saw no romance between the two main characters, and I really disliked both of them as they were selfish and self-centred throughout. There was little to no character development, just a series of events that befell them and they dodged. I also found the way that Catherine's disability was referred to more unpleasant than the period called for - be prepared for plenty of self-hatred, prejudice, and repeated use of the word 'cripple'. Catherine was so prickly and selfish that I could not understand why all three of the men in the book were wildly, consumingly in love with her. I was hoping this would be a story about her finding her independence and having someone fall for her because she began to love herself, but nope, everyone loves her just as she is - mean-spirited, vengeful, and completely lacking in interpersonal skills.
So, with not one character I liked and a repetitive, boring and overly contrived plot, this book was a really bad read for me.
I saw no romance between the two main characters, and I really disliked both of them as they were selfish and self-centred throughout. There was little to no character development, just a series of events that befell them and they dodged. I also found the way that Catherine's disability was referred to more unpleasant than the period called for - be prepared for plenty of self-hatred, prejudice, and repeated use of the word 'cripple'. Catherine was so prickly and selfish that I could not understand why all three of the men in the book were wildly, consumingly in love with her. I was hoping this would be a story about her finding her independence and having someone fall for her because she began to love herself, but nope, everyone loves her just as she is - mean-spirited, vengeful, and completely lacking in interpersonal skills.
So, with not one character I liked and a repetitive, boring and overly contrived plot, this book was a really bad read for me.
February 11, 2020
Implausible Premise and Unsympathetic Heroine
What an odd collection of parts! Unfortunately, not necessarily a good one. I found the dialogue to be stilted and unnatural. The book suffered from info dumps, which I never like in the stories. This book is long enough that the author could have easily seeded the information that was dumped throughout the early part of the story. The book’s description of a countess's titled being passed from mother to daughter intrigued me. I read a lot of historical romance, and I had never heard of such a thing. And given the quality of the rest of the book, I felt the need to research this to see how common this *heirs general* concept might be. It turns out that it is not common at all within the English and Welsh aristocracy, though there are some precedents in Scotland and with baronies. If the author had taken either of these routes, the story would have been at least plausible even if not probable. I did find this fact to be disturbing, that the author would give such a non-starter basis for her book.
The heroine should have been sympathetic given her past mistreatment by her own father and society because of her lame leg. Perhaps it was the poor dialogue, but I didn't find her particularly sympathetic. Or perhaps the author should have shown us more of her maltreatment rather than just telling us about it. Supposedly, both the hero and the heroine have difficult pasts and are both of an age. Then why do they act so utterly silly at times? It just makes little sense. All in all, I found this to be a disappointing read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
What an odd collection of parts! Unfortunately, not necessarily a good one. I found the dialogue to be stilted and unnatural. The book suffered from info dumps, which I never like in the stories. This book is long enough that the author could have easily seeded the information that was dumped throughout the early part of the story. The book’s description of a countess's titled being passed from mother to daughter intrigued me. I read a lot of historical romance, and I had never heard of such a thing. And given the quality of the rest of the book, I felt the need to research this to see how common this *heirs general* concept might be. It turns out that it is not common at all within the English and Welsh aristocracy, though there are some precedents in Scotland and with baronies. If the author had taken either of these routes, the story would have been at least plausible even if not probable. I did find this fact to be disturbing, that the author would give such a non-starter basis for her book.
The heroine should have been sympathetic given her past mistreatment by her own father and society because of her lame leg. Perhaps it was the poor dialogue, but I didn't find her particularly sympathetic. Or perhaps the author should have shown us more of her maltreatment rather than just telling us about it. Supposedly, both the hero and the heroine have difficult pasts and are both of an age. Then why do they act so utterly silly at times? It just makes little sense. All in all, I found this to be a disappointing read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
August 4, 2020
Who is this author? I have never heard of her before and can't seem to find any information on her. I really enjoyed this book. The style of writing seemed familiar, but of course, with Alex Wyndham as narrator, that could be why.
The book starts out with a hook and I found myself really fascinated and interested in the story. Born an unwanted and disabled female in a world ruled by men who prize most of all, a male heir. It is a fresh, unique story. It has a little bit of humor in the beginning, but as the book progresses, it becomes a little melodramatic and less humorous. The love story is quite sweet with many obstacles - some that are surprising to the reader. I appreciate the main character's flaws of being dismissive to those beneath her and quite commanding. She is a Countess who has learned to take charge of her own life and had not been raised around other children - only servants. I think it would be unrealistic to expect such a character to be sweet and demure. I enjoyed the setting in Wales at her ruin of a castle and getting a small glimpse into the Welch culture. The epilogue ends with a hint of a sequel. Overall, it was an entertaining listen and I am curious to see more from this author.
The book starts out with a hook and I found myself really fascinated and interested in the story. Born an unwanted and disabled female in a world ruled by men who prize most of all, a male heir. It is a fresh, unique story. It has a little bit of humor in the beginning, but as the book progresses, it becomes a little melodramatic and less humorous. The love story is quite sweet with many obstacles - some that are surprising to the reader. I appreciate the main character's flaws of being dismissive to those beneath her and quite commanding. She is a Countess who has learned to take charge of her own life and had not been raised around other children - only servants. I think it would be unrealistic to expect such a character to be sweet and demure. I enjoyed the setting in Wales at her ruin of a castle and getting a small glimpse into the Welch culture. The epilogue ends with a hint of a sequel. Overall, it was an entertaining listen and I am curious to see more from this author.
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February 3, 2020This was a fair read, a story about a woman determined to outlive her Fathers name and ensure her Mother's live on. After all being treated like you are the worse thing just because of a damaged leg was harsh, however our heroine found a way to live with her injury and to still be a force to be reckoned with. For Avebury sometimes it seems he just went long with things and was very much waiting for things to happen to him and once they did, spent time trying to make up his mind about what next. Sometimes interesting especially the two sides of Catherine, the one that the reader sees and the side which apparently happened off book and ensured that she could be blackmailed. Once again another set of people for whom whilst enjoyed each other in bed, could not find the courage to talk to each other instead of skirting around the floor.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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February 11, 2019The Portrait was released on 31 December 2018!
Print:
The Portrait
Available at any bookstore, as well as https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-... and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173...
Also available in ebook from Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Free to Kindle Unlimited members!
Print:
The Portrait
Available at any bookstore, as well as https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-... and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173...
Also available in ebook from Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Free to Kindle Unlimited members!
Read
February 11, 2019Announcing publication of The Portrait on 31 December 2018!
Ebook:
The Portrait
Available at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Also available in paperback!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
...and bookstores everywhere!
Ebook:
The Portrait
Available at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Also available in paperback!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
...and bookstores everywhere!
September 22, 2020
This well-written, darkly gritty Regency romance was a refreshing read. Everyone in disgrace, no one sure who is the enemy and who a friend, or lover. Secrets and distrust overflow the pages; I found the story compelling, hard to put down.
The former navel captain Avebury has more than one secret and resolving them means returning to the sea, where he belongs. When he meets Catherine, a strong but disabled heroine with secrets of her own, he might just have found his way to his true home--despite himself.
However, both of them have learned their bitter lessons—don’t trust anyone.
Very satisfying romance and mystery :)
The former navel captain Avebury has more than one secret and resolving them means returning to the sea, where he belongs. When he meets Catherine, a strong but disabled heroine with secrets of her own, he might just have found his way to his true home--despite himself.
However, both of them have learned their bitter lessons—don’t trust anyone.
Very satisfying romance and mystery :)
April 22, 2021
An atmospheric historical romance with a touch of mystery that captured the language, the characters and the scenery of the times. I loved the mystery, the character development in this book and the strength of Catherine but I did find the book a little slow to get into at the start. Once the mystery was more added to and explained the book became engrossing. I am glad I continued to read what turned into a wonderful romance and mystery. I do hope that there is a sequel to this book to find out more about what becomes of the “Portrait”.
April 26, 2021
A Roller Coaster of a. Novel
What a journey !
An excellent Story with really likeable Characters.Not a whirlwind courtship but sure was a roller coaster read ! Just about the time one situation is overcome another is fast on its heals. Sea faring Captain who has a murky past and Lady who has secrets of her own collide. Truth,a lpath often not taken by Lovers who fear exposure, is most unwise. I personall y found this a page turner ,reading it in two evenings and finishing it at 2:30AM today.!!
What a journey !
An excellent Story with really likeable Characters.Not a whirlwind courtship but sure was a roller coaster read ! Just about the time one situation is overcome another is fast on its heals. Sea faring Captain who has a murky past and Lady who has secrets of her own collide. Truth,a lpath often not taken by Lovers who fear exposure, is most unwise. I personall y found this a page turner ,reading it in two evenings and finishing it at 2:30AM today.!!
April 7, 2019
Oh no! I don't like romance novels, but this one sucked me in with a mystery about a painting (I'm an artist.) But it's the same old story. If the couple would spend half an hour, talking to each other honestly, they would figure everything out and live happily ever after...of course, there would be no book, then! It was well written, so, if you like romance novels, you'll like it, but just not for me.
February 2, 2020
I enjoyed the character of Catherine, who tried to live life on her own terms despite the physical handicap of a twisted leg and the dislike of her father, who sent her away to live in seclusion. Well-written with characters who don't fit the standard Regency romance (though this is set 12 years before that period) and an interesting ending that leads the reader to believe there will be another book (thought I can't find any information about that on the author's website).
April 18, 2021
This was an enjoyable and captivating regency romantic story following the life of Catherine who has led a difficult childhood. The story revolves around how she finds love and how her past misadventures affect her future life. The story moves at a good pace and the characters are well written,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2021
limpid mystery masquerading as romance
Ridiculous characterizations, and two of the stupidest lovers in the history of literature. A hodgepodge of caricatures, a predictable plot and terrible historical references combine to create a truly irritating literary mess. I was furious with myself for finishing the damn thing.
Ridiculous characterizations, and two of the stupidest lovers in the history of literature. A hodgepodge of caricatures, a predictable plot and terrible historical references combine to create a truly irritating literary mess. I was furious with myself for finishing the damn thing.
August 24, 2019
To the end I did not like Catherine. She was arrogant, self-willed, and sometimes just plain stupid. A couple of heart-to-heart conversations would have solved everything. Jocelyn was better but not always.
June 23, 2022
the audio was very good. i enjoy happy endings
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