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Sons of Somerset #3
In Pursuit of the Painter
What happens when a monstrous debutante meets a fierce apprentice painter? War.
If there’s one thing Michael Cavinder can’t abide, it’s vanity. As the son of an artist, he has seen a great deal of it from his father's clients. When Miss Patience Hansford, clearly fresh from London society, demands a portrait from Michael’s ailing father, she offers payment that their family desperately needs. An apprentice in the trade, Michael paints the portrait in his father’s place.
When Patience’s dissatisfaction with the portrait brings her to do something unpardonable, Michael creates a new portrait—one portraying her for who she truly is. A monster. When its display in a London exhibition garners Michael’s work fame and attention, Patience seeks her revenge, pursuing the painter who ruined her reputation. What she didn’t expect, however, was to find much to like about Michael, and much less to like about the person she has become.
As Michael and Patience struggle to find their places in society, games of revenge and betrayal continue from all sides, drawing them unexpectedly closer. When it comes to falling in love with the enemy…will their hearts betray them too?
Sons of Somerset: A Clean Regency Romance Series
Can five working class men find love on the job?
This is the third book in the clean and sweet Regency romance Sons of Somerset series. Although this working class romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.
Book 1: Carving for Miss Coventry by Deborah M. Hathaway
Book 2: The Stable Master's Son by Mindy Burbidge Strunk
Book 3: In Pursuit of the Painter by Ashtyn Newbold
Book 4: An Agreeable Alliance by Kasey Stockton
Book 5: The Highwayman's Letter by Martha Keyes
If there’s one thing Michael Cavinder can’t abide, it’s vanity. As the son of an artist, he has seen a great deal of it from his father's clients. When Miss Patience Hansford, clearly fresh from London society, demands a portrait from Michael’s ailing father, she offers payment that their family desperately needs. An apprentice in the trade, Michael paints the portrait in his father’s place.
When Patience’s dissatisfaction with the portrait brings her to do something unpardonable, Michael creates a new portrait—one portraying her for who she truly is. A monster. When its display in a London exhibition garners Michael’s work fame and attention, Patience seeks her revenge, pursuing the painter who ruined her reputation. What she didn’t expect, however, was to find much to like about Michael, and much less to like about the person she has become.
As Michael and Patience struggle to find their places in society, games of revenge and betrayal continue from all sides, drawing them unexpectedly closer. When it comes to falling in love with the enemy…will their hearts betray them too?
Sons of Somerset: A Clean Regency Romance Series
Can five working class men find love on the job?
This is the third book in the clean and sweet Regency romance Sons of Somerset series. Although this working class romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.
Book 1: Carving for Miss Coventry by Deborah M. Hathaway
Book 2: The Stable Master's Son by Mindy Burbidge Strunk
Book 3: In Pursuit of the Painter by Ashtyn Newbold
Book 4: An Agreeable Alliance by Kasey Stockton
Book 5: The Highwayman's Letter by Martha Keyes
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2021
117 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 14, 2021
In Pursuit of the Painter was a delightful Regency that was only a beautiful love story but a book that contained so many wonderful elements—an engaging plot, a fun and swoony enemies-to-lovers romance, endearing characters who both experience satisfying growth, and beautiful themes, all told in Ashtyn Newbold’s lovely style.
I have a thing for painters, so I immediately fell in love with good and kind-hearted Michael. I adored not only him, but also in learning more about his profession and watching his process of creating a painting. Patience took a little longer to warm up to, though I never disliked her; I loved watching her growth and transformation over the course of the story as she emerges from her difficult family situation and becomes a kind, thoughtful woman.
Patience and Michael’s romance was delightful. I loved the trust, friendship, and forgiveness they experience over the process of time, a foundation that soon deepens to love. Their interactions were so romantic and I loved seeing them together as they overcame their difficulties and grew closer. Together they embark on a wonderful journey of change and transformation, one that was told so beautifully.
The book’s synopsis covers about half of the story, but despite knowing the events before they unfolded, I still found myself thoroughly engrossed and unable to read quickly enough. The plot was the most delightful and entertaining of journeys, one that contained so many beautiful themes of transformation, forgiveness, and belonging. I especially loved the themes of true beauty as well as the analogy of the Eurydice and Orpheus myth that was woven throughout the story, one that contained so many perfect parallels to our hero and heroine. It added another layer of depth to the sweet and swoony romance.
This is another favorite from Ashtyn Newbold. It was both romantic and simply beautiful.
I have a thing for painters, so I immediately fell in love with good and kind-hearted Michael. I adored not only him, but also in learning more about his profession and watching his process of creating a painting. Patience took a little longer to warm up to, though I never disliked her; I loved watching her growth and transformation over the course of the story as she emerges from her difficult family situation and becomes a kind, thoughtful woman.
Patience and Michael’s romance was delightful. I loved the trust, friendship, and forgiveness they experience over the process of time, a foundation that soon deepens to love. Their interactions were so romantic and I loved seeing them together as they overcame their difficulties and grew closer. Together they embark on a wonderful journey of change and transformation, one that was told so beautifully.
The book’s synopsis covers about half of the story, but despite knowing the events before they unfolded, I still found myself thoroughly engrossed and unable to read quickly enough. The plot was the most delightful and entertaining of journeys, one that contained so many beautiful themes of transformation, forgiveness, and belonging. I especially loved the themes of true beauty as well as the analogy of the Eurydice and Orpheus myth that was woven throughout the story, one that contained so many perfect parallels to our hero and heroine. It added another layer of depth to the sweet and swoony romance.
This is another favorite from Ashtyn Newbold. It was both romantic and simply beautiful.
September 17, 2021
If you're a fan of this genre, let me just tell you that this book is the real deal.
I absolutely couldn't stop reading it from about the halfway mark clear to the end.
I loved what Ashtyn Newbold did with her plot. It subverted my expectations, because I don't always enjoy the trope where the guy and the girl are at odds. But in this story, instead of watching a widening gulf between two people who proudly snipe at each other, you get really beautiful themes of forgiveness and friendship and transformation. A book that leaves you happy.
Plot outline:
Michael Cavinder is eager to prove his worth as a painter, taking over his dying father's business. And Patience Hansford is desperate to be valued within her own family, despite being "less beautiful" than her sister. Patience commissions Michael to paint her portrait, in hopes that it will be deemed worthy enough by her father to be displayed next to the other family portraits. Everything seems promising... until a series of chance events leaves Michael with the rejected portrait on his hands and a failed business, and Patience the object of virtually everyone's derision, including her fiance.
At first glance, they've ruined each other's lives. Or, maybe, some captivating storytelling will reveal that just the opposite is true...
I absolutely couldn't stop reading it from about the halfway mark clear to the end.
I loved what Ashtyn Newbold did with her plot. It subverted my expectations, because I don't always enjoy the trope where the guy and the girl are at odds. But in this story, instead of watching a widening gulf between two people who proudly snipe at each other, you get really beautiful themes of forgiveness and friendship and transformation. A book that leaves you happy.
Plot outline:
Michael Cavinder is eager to prove his worth as a painter, taking over his dying father's business. And Patience Hansford is desperate to be valued within her own family, despite being "less beautiful" than her sister. Patience commissions Michael to paint her portrait, in hopes that it will be deemed worthy enough by her father to be displayed next to the other family portraits. Everything seems promising... until a series of chance events leaves Michael with the rejected portrait on his hands and a failed business, and Patience the object of virtually everyone's derision, including her fiance.
At first glance, they've ruined each other's lives. Or, maybe, some captivating storytelling will reveal that just the opposite is true...
September 15, 2021
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars! This book was fantastic! It was such a different combination of characters for me. To see the struggles of a painter to make a name for himself as well as care for his family and to see the struggles of a young lady trying to come out of the shadow of her older sister was so interesting. I highlighted so much in this book and I’m not normally one who highlights passages. One of my favorite statements was ”People are not paintings.” Meaning that paintings get their value from their appearance but what makes us unique, special, and beautiful comes from inside. I would recommend this book especially to young ladies for learning the value of inner beauty versus outer beauty. It was just so well written.
Aside from the lessons on true beauty and forgiveness, it was a fantastic story of two people going through times of change and transformation. I loved seeing how Patience matured over the course of the story. Both Patience and Michael were an incredible match. I loved watching them slowly pull down their walls and fall in love. Just a real feel good happy story. It has made it to my list of books I reread each year.
Rating: G, clean, sweet
Aside from the lessons on true beauty and forgiveness, it was a fantastic story of two people going through times of change and transformation. I loved seeing how Patience matured over the course of the story. Both Patience and Michael were an incredible match. I loved watching them slowly pull down their walls and fall in love. Just a real feel good happy story. It has made it to my list of books I reread each year.
Rating: G, clean, sweet
July 2, 2023
Reverse beauty and the beast!
I did enjoy this story. It was also a first from this author for me, but will not be the last.
Michael + Patience. ❤️
I did enjoy this story. It was also a first from this author for me, but will not be the last.
Michael + Patience. ❤️
September 21, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! In Pursuit of the Painter was one of my most anticipated reads from the moment it was announced, and it exceeded my expectations. It’s definitely one of my favorites of Newbold’s. 4.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 20, 2021
Another great book! I’m really enjoying this series. This story was very unique and I love how it all came together.
October 21, 2021
What a sweet edition to the series. In this one we learn about a painter and the stoic high society woman he falls for. Yes, Ryecombe's daughter. I know we all hate him.
I was nervous about this one, because I wasn't sure if I was ever going to like the heroine. But over time I really grew to like her. I mean who can blame her! She was raised by Ryecombe. That has got to be awful. And her sister Hattie! Don't get me started.
This one had a bit more drama in it than the others in the series. Still not as dramatic as other historical romances where there are long misunderstandings between the main couple. I hate when it really gets drawn out.
The pairing was a bit odd to me, but I still really enjoyed it. And I like how their odd pairing was mentioned by the hero, saying how they didn't fit at all, but fit perfectly somehow. It was a great way to define their relationship. It felt very realistic. And the ending. Beautiful!
I was nervous about this one, because I wasn't sure if I was ever going to like the heroine. But over time I really grew to like her. I mean who can blame her! She was raised by Ryecombe. That has got to be awful. And her sister Hattie! Don't get me started.
This one had a bit more drama in it than the others in the series. Still not as dramatic as other historical romances where there are long misunderstandings between the main couple. I hate when it really gets drawn out.
The pairing was a bit odd to me, but I still really enjoyed it. And I like how their odd pairing was mentioned by the hero, saying how they didn't fit at all, but fit perfectly somehow. It was a great way to define their relationship. It felt very realistic. And the ending. Beautiful!
February 5, 2022
I gave this book 2 stars because the horrible people in the book didn't get what was coming to them.
January 31, 2022
I liked that both main characters were at fault. That they both had to change and become better people. Also, the book cover looks like Chris Evans-wouldn’t that be exciting to have him as your betrothed!
September 25, 2021
Such a great read! The plot took a very different turn than I was expecting from the first bit and deviated from similar regency romances I have read in a very good way.
loved the transformation from sort-of-enemies to friends to something more and the passage of time that made the story even more realistic. The analogy with the Greek myth was absolutely beautiful - this romance was also a story of trust and of belonging. The romance was very sweet and also swoony, especially that kiss in the closet!
I have been a longtime fan of Ashtyn's and this is probably one of my favorites she has written. Highly recommend to any fan of sweet regency romance!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
loved the transformation from sort-of-enemies to friends to something more and the passage of time that made the story even more realistic. The analogy with the Greek myth was absolutely beautiful - this romance was also a story of trust and of belonging. The romance was very sweet and also swoony, especially that kiss in the closet!
I have been a longtime fan of Ashtyn's and this is probably one of my favorites she has written. Highly recommend to any fan of sweet regency romance!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
October 11, 2024
Wow is all I can say…
The story was incredible, but it was the beautiful message of it, that touched my heart. I ached for Patience more than once and it breaks my heart that anyone would ever feel like she did. The awful unkindness of her own family members, the hurtful words spoken by people who were supposed to protect and love her, made me so angry. The happy ending for her was more deserved than you would have ever guessed in the beginning.
The story was incredible, but it was the beautiful message of it, that touched my heart. I ached for Patience more than once and it breaks my heart that anyone would ever feel like she did. The awful unkindness of her own family members, the hurtful words spoken by people who were supposed to protect and love her, made me so angry. The happy ending for her was more deserved than you would have ever guessed in the beginning.
January 19, 2022
This author is truly a favorite/must read. This book was enjoyable but not a favorite or even close. The story was so wordy! And the main couple did not have near enough time together. It was over all just okay.
September 28, 2021
Swoony historical romance featuring actual character development and heartfelt communication, what’s not to love?!?
January 13, 2022
This is the third book in a series about working class men who end up romancing women above their class. I enjoyed the first two more than this one. The female character, Lady Patience, daughter of a cruel earl and mater horribilis, and younger sister of an accomplished beauty, is expected to marry a marquess, if at all possible. She, of course, has insecurities. The male protagonist, Mark Cavinder, is a painter she happens to meet at her father's annual cricket match. He's impoverished and has no clients yet. His father, also a painter, taught him everything, but is on his sick bed and may not survive. There's no money coming in. Mark is in the position of caring for his mother and twin sisters and is quite overwrought about not having work.
Lady Patience commissions him to paint her portrait, since the last one of her was taken down off the wall by her father, since it didn't get enough praise from visitors. Can you say "heartless snob"? She wants another in it's place. She only promises to pay if she approves of Mark's portrait when he's finished. During her first sitting of three, she notices how handsome he is and wonders why the titled men she's met can't be as handsome as he is. Can you say "superficial snob"?
This book badly needed an epilogue. What was her parents' reaction to her letter and her marriage? What about Hattie's reaction to her letter? Did Hattie continue to flirt and cheat on her husband. Was she forever a bitch? What became of the gossip Patience started in her revenge against Mark? Why did nothing come of it? Was the thief ever caught and his painting returned?
Lady Patience commissions him to paint her portrait, since the last one of her was taken down off the wall by her father, since it didn't get enough praise from visitors. Can you say "heartless snob"? She wants another in it's place. She only promises to pay if she approves of Mark's portrait when he's finished. During her first sitting of three, she notices how handsome he is and wonders why the titled men she's met can't be as handsome as he is. Can you say "superficial snob"?
This book badly needed an epilogue. What was her parents' reaction to her letter and her marriage? What about Hattie's reaction to her letter? Did Hattie continue to flirt and cheat on her husband. Was she forever a bitch? What became of the gossip Patience started in her revenge against Mark? Why did nothing come of it? Was the thief ever caught and his painting returned?
September 22, 2021
This book was so good! It’s an enemies to more story, and it was done so well! I read half of the book in one sitting, but then I had to put it down because naptime was over. I was so stressed over what was going on and what was going to happen, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters all evening until I was able to sit down and read again at bedtime! (I was stressed in the best bookish way; the kind of stress where things are happening in the story and you don’t want to stop reading. 😉)
I loved the character development, the uniqueness of the story, and the beautiful themes woven through the story! Some of the choices made by the characters were horrible, but they made sense in the story, and the author did an incredible job with the characters and their story arcs. I highly recommend this book!
I loved the character development, the uniqueness of the story, and the beautiful themes woven through the story! Some of the choices made by the characters were horrible, but they made sense in the story, and the author did an incredible job with the characters and their story arcs. I highly recommend this book!
September 29, 2021
4.5 stars This was a really sweet and original Regency romance novel. I particularly enjoyed how unexpected some things in the plot and with the characters were. There's a bit of some pride involved with both characters, but the author did a good job showing us each characters' true colors and hearts where I understood that they weren't really mean or spiteful, but just trying to survive their circumstances. Michael was a great hero and I loved his family and how they just welcomed Patience and treated her so kindly. The romantic tension was great and I definitely was cheering for them as a couple. This book has a positive message about what really matters and the importance of being kind to others. The content is clean.
I received an advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 10, 2021
Another beautiful Sons of Somerset book. I really loved this story. Michael has learned everything his father could teach him. But he needs to make a name for himself. If he could paint a portrait of Patience Ryecombe, he could put food on the table and make his father proud. Patience is the daughter of Lord Ryecombe, a miserable, obnoxious man. So many amazing twists and turns, I was fully engaged and could be heard laughing, gasping or sighing throughout the entire story. Wonderful writing and plot construction. The characters were very well developed and fun to get to know. A very enjoyable read with some great messages; Station shouldn’t matter, don’t jump to anger and revenge, trust, and forgiveness. “People are not paintings. They exist for far more than to be looked at and admired.”
September 15, 2022
I loved the first half of this book
But the second half felt as if it was written by a different author
it came across as something from mean girls/high school plot...with unnecessary events like masquerades and juvenile arguments
the book already had really good points to explore but the author decided to pursue cliches and leave behind what was initially presented
confrontations and aftermaths were not credible at all
they say they are sorry and do some jokes and suddenly are best friends .,.....
there was potential for the heroine to explore her worth elsewhere, do some actual credible growth and evolve
but none of that happened
a lot of story points were not addressed at all and the hea was just too silly to be satisfactory
But the second half felt as if it was written by a different author
it came across as something from mean girls/high school plot...with unnecessary events like masquerades and juvenile arguments
the book already had really good points to explore but the author decided to pursue cliches and leave behind what was initially presented
confrontations and aftermaths were not credible at all
they say they are sorry and do some jokes and suddenly are best friends .,.....
there was potential for the heroine to explore her worth elsewhere, do some actual credible growth and evolve
but none of that happened
a lot of story points were not addressed at all and the hea was just too silly to be satisfactory
December 11, 2021
One of a kind.
This was a fun and unique story that includes one of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers. This book also included a lot on forgiveness.
I am enjoying the uniqueness of this series in the fact that the hero’s are not gentleman, but working me. I have read so many regency romances that a lot blend together, but these stand out.
This was a fun and unique story that includes one of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers. This book also included a lot on forgiveness.
I am enjoying the uniqueness of this series in the fact that the hero’s are not gentleman, but working me. I have read so many regency romances that a lot blend together, but these stand out.
October 4, 2021
Congratulations to author Ashtyn Newbold on another unique, engaging romance novel. Her creativity for her stories continues to amaze me. I loved the progression of Patience and Michael’s relationship as well as their character development. I am very much looking forward to reading more in the Sons of Somerset series as well as Ashtyn’s upcoming novels.
November 28, 2021
I didn't realise the Sons of Somerset series was going to have different installations by different authors.
In any case, I read Carving for Miss Coventry and thought it was fine. It was written super well but I didn't feel super engaged with the story. I wasn't really interested in continuing with the series but this plot had me coming back for more.
Michael is a painter who's just starting out. It's quite important for him to establish himself since his father is about to pass away and he would be responsible for his mother and two sisters. He crosses paths with Patience when she requests him to do her portrait and he sees this as an opportunity to rescue his family from destitution.
Patience herself does not come from a loving environment, with parents who are dismissive and critical of her and an older sister who purposefully overshadows her. Patience interest in the painting is to feel more a part of her family. Needless to say Patience has issues.
Patience overreacts one day when Michael sees her scars and she realises she made an error in sizing when she requested her portrait and refuses to pay for the portrait.
This is all at the 30% mark.
Michael is understandably upset and to let out his frustrations he paints over Patience's portrait to depict her as a monster. His father encourages him to submit it into the London exhibition and that kicks off the next stage of the story.
I thought Newbold did a great job with layering Patience's character. While she's not lovable, she's definitely a sympathetic character as we see how her parents'simultaneous neglect and criticisms have shaped her, all coupled with her sister. Michael as well is done well although he's a little less layered and more cookie cutter.
So in advancing the plot, there's a time jump of ten months, in which we see that Michael lost the studio and has been doing odd jobs to get by with his family. At this point Patience is engaged to a Marquess and she feels she might finally gain her family's love. Michael's portrait is accepted and he's able to start working lucratively as a painter once again.
Patience finds out about the portrait depicting her as a monster and her Marquess ends their engagement leading her parents to abandon her. She therefore aims to ruin Michael. Anyway while she's attempting to do this at a ball, Michael encounters her and apologises while also challenging her on the consequences of her actions.
At this point of the story the pacing was a real failing for me. I thought it was clever to do time jumps, yet in doing so, we lost some of the natural progression of the characters and their relationships. The resolution of the main conflict in the story was resolved very quickly with one conversation. Then we see moments of Patience meeting his mother and sisters and then they're on very good terms because of further time jumps. Even for Michael, we no longer see him as a painter (not really) but we also don't get that much of his interactions with Patience - it all happens off page.
All this to say that I thought the story was fine. There were great moments mixed in with some more dull and predictable moments.
In any case, I read Carving for Miss Coventry and thought it was fine. It was written super well but I didn't feel super engaged with the story. I wasn't really interested in continuing with the series but this plot had me coming back for more.
Michael is a painter who's just starting out. It's quite important for him to establish himself since his father is about to pass away and he would be responsible for his mother and two sisters. He crosses paths with Patience when she requests him to do her portrait and he sees this as an opportunity to rescue his family from destitution.
Patience herself does not come from a loving environment, with parents who are dismissive and critical of her and an older sister who purposefully overshadows her. Patience interest in the painting is to feel more a part of her family. Needless to say Patience has issues.
Patience overreacts one day when Michael sees her scars and she realises she made an error in sizing when she requested her portrait and refuses to pay for the portrait.
This is all at the 30% mark.
Michael is understandably upset and to let out his frustrations he paints over Patience's portrait to depict her as a monster. His father encourages him to submit it into the London exhibition and that kicks off the next stage of the story.
I thought Newbold did a great job with layering Patience's character. While she's not lovable, she's definitely a sympathetic character as we see how her parents'simultaneous neglect and criticisms have shaped her, all coupled with her sister. Michael as well is done well although he's a little less layered and more cookie cutter.
So in advancing the plot, there's a time jump of ten months, in which we see that Michael lost the studio and has been doing odd jobs to get by with his family. At this point Patience is engaged to a Marquess and she feels she might finally gain her family's love. Michael's portrait is accepted and he's able to start working lucratively as a painter once again.
Patience finds out about the portrait depicting her as a monster and her Marquess ends their engagement leading her parents to abandon her. She therefore aims to ruin Michael. Anyway while she's attempting to do this at a ball, Michael encounters her and apologises while also challenging her on the consequences of her actions.
At this point of the story the pacing was a real failing for me. I thought it was clever to do time jumps, yet in doing so, we lost some of the natural progression of the characters and their relationships. The resolution of the main conflict in the story was resolved very quickly with one conversation. Then we see moments of Patience meeting his mother and sisters and then they're on very good terms because of further time jumps. Even for Michael, we no longer see him as a painter (not really) but we also don't get that much of his interactions with Patience - it all happens off page.
All this to say that I thought the story was fine. There were great moments mixed in with some more dull and predictable moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2024
Liked: Story of forgives: Patience laments how hard it is to forgive someone when they aren’t sorry, but realizes the example Michael set. She forgave him because he was remorseful for what happened to her life because of his painting but Michael forgave her role before it even occurred to Patience she has done anything wrong. Also liked succinct writing (other authors might have added chapters where Ms. Newbold just puts in a note saying 10 months later), how she explains how an author and daughter of an Earl could ever end up together, how she describes beauty
Disliked: There isn’t any resolution between Patience and her family. Which is maybe more realistic because her family sounds awful, but I was left wondering the why behind her family. Maybe instead of disliked it is more wishing there was more information so I can find out why Hattie and her mother are such terrible people.
Michael paints the portrait of Lady Patience, an unloved daughter of the Earl. She has been influenced by her family and freaks out when she realizes she didn’t order the right size. She refused to pay Michael for his work, and indirectly get another to cancel his sitting with Michael. Resulting in his financial ruin, but he changes Patiences portrait to be half woman, half monster and makes into an art exhibition that rockets his to fame. He gets lots of clients now and has money. Patience engaged is called off and she is cast off by her family due to the backlash from the painting.
Michael and Patience see each other at a masquerade ball, where Patience is trying to spread rumors about him to destroy his reputation. He seeks her out to apologize for what has happened with the notoriety of the painting/ her face. Patience slowly forms a friendship with his family and they help her feel loved while the rest of her people shun her. They fall in love. A theft side rails their courtship as Michael initially thinks Patience did it, but his mother has the exonerating information to clear Patience name and they soon become engaged. She writes a letter to her family explaining she is to marry the painter and the story ends before you find out anything about her family’s response.
Disliked: There isn’t any resolution between Patience and her family. Which is maybe more realistic because her family sounds awful, but I was left wondering the why behind her family. Maybe instead of disliked it is more wishing there was more information so I can find out why Hattie and her mother are such terrible people.
Michael paints the portrait of Lady Patience, an unloved daughter of the Earl. She has been influenced by her family and freaks out when she realizes she didn’t order the right size. She refused to pay Michael for his work, and indirectly get another to cancel his sitting with Michael. Resulting in his financial ruin, but he changes Patiences portrait to be half woman, half monster and makes into an art exhibition that rockets his to fame. He gets lots of clients now and has money. Patience engaged is called off and she is cast off by her family due to the backlash from the painting.
Michael and Patience see each other at a masquerade ball, where Patience is trying to spread rumors about him to destroy his reputation. He seeks her out to apologize for what has happened with the notoriety of the painting/ her face. Patience slowly forms a friendship with his family and they help her feel loved while the rest of her people shun her. They fall in love. A theft side rails their courtship as Michael initially thinks Patience did it, but his mother has the exonerating information to clear Patience name and they soon become engaged. She writes a letter to her family explaining she is to marry the painter and the story ends before you find out anything about her family’s response.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
Eh...
I'm a bit torn here, but at the end I didn't feel satisfied, so I dropped the review from 3* to 2*. The story was too imbalanced for me to really enjoy, and some of the discussions around forgiveness and revenge really irked me. For example, revenge and justice are two different things.
The setup in the beginning was the best part. Both characters seemed to have more personality and dynamic interactions in the first ~third of the book, when he was painting her.
Spoilers
Both characters hurt the other, one more consciously than the other. Patience acted like a spoiled brat by refusing to pay, but that had been a possibility they'd agreed upon. Michael hadn't intended the level of consequences his portrait would have, but knew there was a possibility that her likeness could be recognized - and he didn't attempt to alter it even slightly such as recoloring her hair or eyes.
I thought certain plot points were unrealistic, such as Michael's initial invitation in London, Patience accepting the invite, and Patience giving her jacket to the woman, which resulted in the contrived art theft misidentification and clunky parallel to the Orpheus myth. Also, everyone is apparently content just shrugged off the now multiple thefts in their neighborhood. Ignoring the pickpocketing purse snatch, there was a break in and theft from a place of business. Report it. The thief is dumb enough to wear a bright jacket attached to another theft for the job, so the art could potentially be recovered. Gah.
All that said, I didn't hate the story. It was written well enough that I finished, though there were some editorial errors in the Kindle edition. While both characters were not likeable at various times, they weren't extreme enough or consistent enough for me to stop reading - though neither were they likeable or interesting enough to rise to a satisfying conclusion. Yes, she accepted his proposal as expected in this genre, but it didn't feel earned and some plot points didn't feel complete. An epilogue may have helped.
I'm a bit torn here, but at the end I didn't feel satisfied, so I dropped the review from 3* to 2*. The story was too imbalanced for me to really enjoy, and some of the discussions around forgiveness and revenge really irked me. For example, revenge and justice are two different things.
The setup in the beginning was the best part. Both characters seemed to have more personality and dynamic interactions in the first ~third of the book, when he was painting her.
Spoilers
Both characters hurt the other, one more consciously than the other. Patience acted like a spoiled brat by refusing to pay, but that had been a possibility they'd agreed upon. Michael hadn't intended the level of consequences his portrait would have, but knew there was a possibility that her likeness could be recognized - and he didn't attempt to alter it even slightly such as recoloring her hair or eyes.
I thought certain plot points were unrealistic, such as Michael's initial invitation in London, Patience accepting the invite, and Patience giving her jacket to the woman, which resulted in the contrived art theft misidentification and clunky parallel to the Orpheus myth. Also, everyone is apparently content just shrugged off the now multiple thefts in their neighborhood. Ignoring the pickpocketing purse snatch, there was a break in and theft from a place of business. Report it. The thief is dumb enough to wear a bright jacket attached to another theft for the job, so the art could potentially be recovered. Gah.
All that said, I didn't hate the story. It was written well enough that I finished, though there were some editorial errors in the Kindle edition. While both characters were not likeable at various times, they weren't extreme enough or consistent enough for me to stop reading - though neither were they likeable or interesting enough to rise to a satisfying conclusion. Yes, she accepted his proposal as expected in this genre, but it didn't feel earned and some plot points didn't feel complete. An epilogue may have helped.
May 29, 2025
Micheal’s father is dying, leaving Micheal with the responsibility to care for his mother and twin sisters, as well as the family business, a struggling art studio. Micheal’s father taught him everything, including passing down the talent of painting.
When he meets a snobbish debutante at a cricket match who wants her portrait painted, he agrees because his family desperately needs the money just to survive. So starts the beginning of a tumultuous relationship.
A misunderstanding regarding the portrait requirements, and a vulnerability exposed of Patience declares an all-out war between them. She hurts him where it matters the most, he in turns reluctantly hurts her in return right where she is the most defenseless to fight.
Time passes, consequences felt and lived through, and Patience is determined to get to stand up on top, however, she wasn’t expecting to be meeting up with him, and reinstate their complicated relationship.
This was a different kind of Regency Romance for me in that they didn’t have much interaction until the last quarter of the book; they did have some in the beginning but not much. The story moved quickly, and even though Patience seemed like a heroine you would hate, Ashtyn Newbold did a good job of making her very relatable, and even incredibly sympathetic. Micheal, of course, was the hero everyone would love because of his good looks, and a loving family struggling to survive. On the surface, Micheal could be deemed more sympathetic than Patience as a character, but I dare say I thought Patience was just as sympathetic, if not more so.
This was a quick, easy read, as well as fun. It was also really short, being at 213 pages. It is easily read in a couple of hours if you don’t take any breaks. I liked it a lot, but it’s not a favorite for me. However, I can recommend it if you like enemies-to-lovers Regency Romances that are considered sweet and clean. 3***½*
When he meets a snobbish debutante at a cricket match who wants her portrait painted, he agrees because his family desperately needs the money just to survive. So starts the beginning of a tumultuous relationship.
A misunderstanding regarding the portrait requirements, and a vulnerability exposed of Patience declares an all-out war between them. She hurts him where it matters the most, he in turns reluctantly hurts her in return right where she is the most defenseless to fight.
Time passes, consequences felt and lived through, and Patience is determined to get to stand up on top, however, she wasn’t expecting to be meeting up with him, and reinstate their complicated relationship.
This was a different kind of Regency Romance for me in that they didn’t have much interaction until the last quarter of the book; they did have some in the beginning but not much. The story moved quickly, and even though Patience seemed like a heroine you would hate, Ashtyn Newbold did a good job of making her very relatable, and even incredibly sympathetic. Micheal, of course, was the hero everyone would love because of his good looks, and a loving family struggling to survive. On the surface, Micheal could be deemed more sympathetic than Patience as a character, but I dare say I thought Patience was just as sympathetic, if not more so.
This was a quick, easy read, as well as fun. It was also really short, being at 213 pages. It is easily read in a couple of hours if you don’t take any breaks. I liked it a lot, but it’s not a favorite for me. However, I can recommend it if you like enemies-to-lovers Regency Romances that are considered sweet and clean. 3***½*
January 17, 2026
Truly captivating, I couldn’t put it down. Despite being a huge Ashtyn Newbold fan, I have long been hesitant to read this one. I have a great aversion to books with mean characters doing cruel things so, unfortunately, the description of this one turned me away… Oh, but it’s good. The writing is exceptional and Newbold does an amazing job putting us in the characters’ heads.
The book is heavy on character growth, and there is a strong message of forgiveness and healing. Patience’s character is expertly crafted, her hard exterior shaped through her painful upbringing. I felt compassion for her even in the beginning pages, before the details were revealed. Yes, she makes mistakes, but she’s a broken character viewing the world through a broken lens… and it’s beautiful watching her grow and heal.
I loved the MCs and I loved the Cavinder family. I loved the message of forgiveness, and I loved this touching story.
This is part of a multi-author series but can be read as a standalone.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
Trigger warnings - emotionally abusive parents and sibling, death of a parent
The book is heavy on character growth, and there is a strong message of forgiveness and healing. Patience’s character is expertly crafted, her hard exterior shaped through her painful upbringing. I felt compassion for her even in the beginning pages, before the details were revealed. Yes, she makes mistakes, but she’s a broken character viewing the world through a broken lens… and it’s beautiful watching her grow and heal.
I loved the MCs and I loved the Cavinder family. I loved the message of forgiveness, and I loved this touching story.
This is part of a multi-author series but can be read as a standalone.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
Trigger warnings - emotionally abusive parents and sibling, death of a parent
December 10, 2021
I’ve no patience with Patience…
But it’s actually a really good story, even so. I don’t think I’ll read this author again, though I think I’ll finish the series since it’s free on kindle unlimited. Im glad I didn’t pay for it. Patience made me crazy, but Michael is wonderful and the story is clever. It’s almost too much a morality tale, but the ending is really beautiful. I do not enjoy reading stories about unlikeable heroines. This seems to be a trend in HR lately. The only reason I didn’t quit the book in disgust with Patience half way through is I was having a sleepless night. Even as Patience reforms under the loving and completely undeserved kindness of Michael’s family I didn’t like her. It’s also pretty vague as to the time period. It’s supposed to be 1815 but there are almost no details to place it that early in the century, and several things that should have been there but aren’t, like Patience not having a maid or abigail, walking about the streets of London unescorted. Please. The vicious desperation of her “noble” family is really over the top. You may like it more than I did.
But it’s actually a really good story, even so. I don’t think I’ll read this author again, though I think I’ll finish the series since it’s free on kindle unlimited. Im glad I didn’t pay for it. Patience made me crazy, but Michael is wonderful and the story is clever. It’s almost too much a morality tale, but the ending is really beautiful. I do not enjoy reading stories about unlikeable heroines. This seems to be a trend in HR lately. The only reason I didn’t quit the book in disgust with Patience half way through is I was having a sleepless night. Even as Patience reforms under the loving and completely undeserved kindness of Michael’s family I didn’t like her. It’s also pretty vague as to the time period. It’s supposed to be 1815 but there are almost no details to place it that early in the century, and several things that should have been there but aren’t, like Patience not having a maid or abigail, walking about the streets of London unescorted. Please. The vicious desperation of her “noble” family is really over the top. You may like it more than I did.
September 14, 2021
Michael is the son of a successful painter, but with his father ailing, it's up to Michael to takeover his father's business. Enter Patience. Miss Patience Hansford wants a portrait, but when the painter she wants is not available, she decides to give his son a chance. This chance might help Michael save his family's business or it might bring him ruin.
This was a charming novel. I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Michael and Patience develop. Also Michael's family were really great: his ailing father, kind mother, and twin sisters really stole the show (or page).
All in all, In Pursuit of the Painter is a short and sweet tale, and if you enjoy chaste regency romances, pick this novel up!
Special thanks to the author, Ashtyn Newbold, for providing a copy to review! I really appreciate it! I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a charming novel. I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Michael and Patience develop. Also Michael's family were really great: his ailing father, kind mother, and twin sisters really stole the show (or page).
All in all, In Pursuit of the Painter is a short and sweet tale, and if you enjoy chaste regency romances, pick this novel up!
Special thanks to the author, Ashtyn Newbold, for providing a copy to review! I really appreciate it! I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2021
Ashtyn Newbold's "In Pursuit of the Painter" is the charming third installment of the multi-author Sons of Somerset series. Patience Hanford is overlooked and viewed as a worthless marriage prospect by her shallow family. To be approved of by her vile relations, she must be flawless, beautiful and married to a man with a title. The contrast between her family and that of the hero's is stark. Michael Cavinder embodies the fine qualities of an ideal love interest.
Lighthearted and serious by turns, this novel highlights Patience's personal growth from an unpleasant and dispirited woman to a thoughtful and giving human being. Class differences are explored. The symbolism of the Eurydice and Orpheus myth is interesting, as is the truth behind "The Monstrous Debutante".
This clean and well-written novel is a satisfying installment of the Sons of Somerset series. While "In Pursuit of the Painter" is a stand-alone book, I find it enjoyable to read the individual works in order.
Lighthearted and serious by turns, this novel highlights Patience's personal growth from an unpleasant and dispirited woman to a thoughtful and giving human being. Class differences are explored. The symbolism of the Eurydice and Orpheus myth is interesting, as is the truth behind "The Monstrous Debutante".
This clean and well-written novel is a satisfying installment of the Sons of Somerset series. While "In Pursuit of the Painter" is a stand-alone book, I find it enjoyable to read the individual works in order.
September 18, 2021
This was my favourite ‘Sons of Somerset’ book so far (& I have thoroughly enjoyed the other two as well and would recommend a read!). Ashtyn Newbold is such a masterful storyteller and this was no exception. I loved how the story took place over a long period of time, which really made the character development and relationship between Michael and Patience seem more realistic given their difference in station. I also loved how it had dual perspectives so we could hear the thoughts of both and understand more of why Patience was (at least outwardly) the way she was in the beginning. It made me warm to her and feel how much she needed the love she deserved. The book was so satisfying and left a warm feeling after I read it. It didn’t have an epilogue, which I usually like, but the ending was perfect as it was so in this book I don’t think it was needed. A wonderful read I would highly recommend.
September 15, 2021
This book took me on quite the ride. I started out disappointed because it seemed like it was following a similar pattern to the previous books: son taking over for a dying tradesman father, struggles ensue. Yes, this happened, but it went where I wasn't expecting. I questioned how in the world this guy and girl would get together. It seemed so unlikely. I really liked how the story spanned such a long period of time. It's so much more realistic for a relationship and for characters to make real improvements to their character flaws. Some of this story was painful to read. It's hard to imagine families that have so many conditions to their love. It had great ideas about how none of us are perfect; that what is inside is more important than our perceived beauty. I liked the messages of forgiveness as well. This was a great book, great messages, and great romance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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