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The Golden Redepennings Books 1 to 4
True love is rare and elusive, but they won’t settle for less
Regency Society calls them the Golden Redepennings, because they seem to have it all: good looks, wealth, social connections, and a strong loyalty to one another.
Appearances can be deceptive. The family tree is replete with rakes and neglected wives, though each generation has one much cherished exception: a true marriage; a partnership of mutual love and respect.
The odds are not good for the cousins of Regency times, especially since Rick Redepenning won his Mary. Besides, each cousin hides wounds that make them unwilling to risk their hearts, until danger threatens the one person who tempts them to change their mind.
Farewell to Kindness
He thought he had buried his heart with his children. He was wrong.
A Raging Madness
Their marriage is a fiction. Their enemies are all too real.
The Realm of Silence
Rescue her daughter, destroy her dragons, defeat his demons, return to his lonely life. How hard can it be?
Unkept Promises
She wants to negotiate a comfortable marriage; he wants her in his bed,
Regency Society calls them the Golden Redepennings, because they seem to have it all: good looks, wealth, social connections, and a strong loyalty to one another.
Appearances can be deceptive. The family tree is replete with rakes and neglected wives, though each generation has one much cherished exception: a true marriage; a partnership of mutual love and respect.
The odds are not good for the cousins of Regency times, especially since Rick Redepenning won his Mary. Besides, each cousin hides wounds that make them unwilling to risk their hearts, until danger threatens the one person who tempts them to change their mind.
Farewell to Kindness
He thought he had buried his heart with his children. He was wrong.
A Raging Madness
Their marriage is a fiction. Their enemies are all too real.
The Realm of Silence
Rescue her daughter, destroy her dragons, defeat his demons, return to his lonely life. How hard can it be?
Unkept Promises
She wants to negotiate a comfortable marriage; he wants her in his bed,
1200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2022
8 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Jude Knight
97 books228 followersHave you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was me ten years ago.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 22, 2023
Farewell to Kindness
Stephen Redepenning aka Rede, the Earl of Chirbury wants the beautiful widow, Anne Forsythe, from the moment he first sees her. She lives rent-free in a cottage belonging to the estate, courtesy of his predecessor and cousin, George. And her daughter’s distinctive eyes mark the little girl as George’s child.
Anne Forsythe has good cause to be wary of men, peers and members of the Redepenning family. The Earl of Chirbury is all three, and a distraction she does not need. If she can hide her sisters until the youngest turns 21, they will be safe from her uncle’s sinister plans.
I know that if I start to read one of the author’s books I won’t be able to put it down & this is no exception. Beautifully written with characters that leap out of the page at you. The pace of the story is very good & flows effortlessly. There are plenty of secrets & also Rede needs to find his family’s killer. As in lots of books that contain secrets I shouted several times talk to each other. A lovely series starter,
A Raging Madness
Ella survived an abusive and philandering husband, in-laws who hate her, and public scorn. But she’s not sure she will survive love. It is too late to guard her heart from the man forced to pretend he has married such a disreputable widow. Alex understands his supposed wife never wishes to remarry. And if she had chosen to wed, it would not have been to him. In their masquerade of a marriage, Ella and Alex soon discover they are more well-matched than they expected. But then the couple’s blossoming trust is ripped apart by a malicious enemy.
A delicious mix of romance & mystery. I loved Ella & Alex & was engrossed in their journey to a HEA. Another wonderfully written story which took me on a gamut of emotions. I think it’s my favourite of the series
The Realm of Silence
When Susan Cunningham’s daughter disappears from school, her pleasant life as a fashionable, dashing, and respectable widow is shattered. Amy is reported to be chasing a French spy up the Great North Road, and when Susan sets out in pursuit she is forced to accept help from the last person she wants: her childhood friend and adult nemesis, Gil Rutledge who is now Viscount Rutledge. Gil has loved Susan ‘The Goddess’ since she was ten and he a boy of twelve. He is determined to oblige her by rescuing her daughter. The close proximity allows them to rekindle their old friendship.
A lovely, engrossing read which kept me turning the pages. The characters were very well portrayed & had plenty of depth, I loved Gil & Susan although I could have shaken both of them at times whilst saying talk to each other. Their journey from Cambridge to Edinburgh gave them time to be reacquainted & for the reader to learn more & more about them. I particularly liked that both of them were mature, in their late thirties & had loved each other since they were children. The story flows very well with adventure, secret codes, misunderstandings & of course romance, Gil’s letter, oh my, so beautiful & reduced me to tears.
Unkept Promises
This story begins with Naval captain Julius Darius Achilles Redepenning being held captive by smugglers in the next cell is fourteen year old Euronyme Margaret Stirling along with her fatally injured father. Jules & Mia manage to escape after her father dies but it becomes known that they spent time alone together, ruining her reputation so they marry & Jules returns to sea & to his mistress Kirana. Seven years later Mia Redepenning sails to Cape Town to nurse Kirana who is dying and adopt his children. She hopes to negotiate a comfortable married life with the man while she’s there.
As always with one of the author’s books it's beautifully written with strong believable characters & a story that draws you in from the start & doesn't let go until the final page. I loved Mia certainly not your usual heroine, she accepted Jules had a mistress who was pregnant when they married & has corresponded with her & actually travels halfway round the world to nurse her, she’s not so forgiving of Jules' other affairs. She's strong, caring, determined & loves Jules' three children. Jules I had more of a problem with I started by really liking him as he rescued Mia but to leave her for seven years & not return once – hmm. I could understand it if he'd stayed away until she was seventeen or eighteen so that she was no longer a child. Also to continue his affair with Kirana & then when she became ill to have other liaisons – at this point I disliked him & wondered if he could & would be redeemed. He does love his children & they love him as was shown when he returned (moved up in my estimation). There are villains along the way, I kept expecting Dench & Maureen to reappear & felt they didn’t get their just desserts. When Jules begins to court Mia things conspire to part them but on returning to England the rest of the Redepennings are on hand to help & support. Overall an enthralling,
engrossing read
Stephen Redepenning aka Rede, the Earl of Chirbury wants the beautiful widow, Anne Forsythe, from the moment he first sees her. She lives rent-free in a cottage belonging to the estate, courtesy of his predecessor and cousin, George. And her daughter’s distinctive eyes mark the little girl as George’s child.
Anne Forsythe has good cause to be wary of men, peers and members of the Redepenning family. The Earl of Chirbury is all three, and a distraction she does not need. If she can hide her sisters until the youngest turns 21, they will be safe from her uncle’s sinister plans.
I know that if I start to read one of the author’s books I won’t be able to put it down & this is no exception. Beautifully written with characters that leap out of the page at you. The pace of the story is very good & flows effortlessly. There are plenty of secrets & also Rede needs to find his family’s killer. As in lots of books that contain secrets I shouted several times talk to each other. A lovely series starter,
A Raging Madness
Ella survived an abusive and philandering husband, in-laws who hate her, and public scorn. But she’s not sure she will survive love. It is too late to guard her heart from the man forced to pretend he has married such a disreputable widow. Alex understands his supposed wife never wishes to remarry. And if she had chosen to wed, it would not have been to him. In their masquerade of a marriage, Ella and Alex soon discover they are more well-matched than they expected. But then the couple’s blossoming trust is ripped apart by a malicious enemy.
A delicious mix of romance & mystery. I loved Ella & Alex & was engrossed in their journey to a HEA. Another wonderfully written story which took me on a gamut of emotions. I think it’s my favourite of the series
The Realm of Silence
When Susan Cunningham’s daughter disappears from school, her pleasant life as a fashionable, dashing, and respectable widow is shattered. Amy is reported to be chasing a French spy up the Great North Road, and when Susan sets out in pursuit she is forced to accept help from the last person she wants: her childhood friend and adult nemesis, Gil Rutledge who is now Viscount Rutledge. Gil has loved Susan ‘The Goddess’ since she was ten and he a boy of twelve. He is determined to oblige her by rescuing her daughter. The close proximity allows them to rekindle their old friendship.
A lovely, engrossing read which kept me turning the pages. The characters were very well portrayed & had plenty of depth, I loved Gil & Susan although I could have shaken both of them at times whilst saying talk to each other. Their journey from Cambridge to Edinburgh gave them time to be reacquainted & for the reader to learn more & more about them. I particularly liked that both of them were mature, in their late thirties & had loved each other since they were children. The story flows very well with adventure, secret codes, misunderstandings & of course romance, Gil’s letter, oh my, so beautiful & reduced me to tears.
Unkept Promises
This story begins with Naval captain Julius Darius Achilles Redepenning being held captive by smugglers in the next cell is fourteen year old Euronyme Margaret Stirling along with her fatally injured father. Jules & Mia manage to escape after her father dies but it becomes known that they spent time alone together, ruining her reputation so they marry & Jules returns to sea & to his mistress Kirana. Seven years later Mia Redepenning sails to Cape Town to nurse Kirana who is dying and adopt his children. She hopes to negotiate a comfortable married life with the man while she’s there.
As always with one of the author’s books it's beautifully written with strong believable characters & a story that draws you in from the start & doesn't let go until the final page. I loved Mia certainly not your usual heroine, she accepted Jules had a mistress who was pregnant when they married & has corresponded with her & actually travels halfway round the world to nurse her, she’s not so forgiving of Jules' other affairs. She's strong, caring, determined & loves Jules' three children. Jules I had more of a problem with I started by really liking him as he rescued Mia but to leave her for seven years & not return once – hmm. I could understand it if he'd stayed away until she was seventeen or eighteen so that she was no longer a child. Also to continue his affair with Kirana & then when she became ill to have other liaisons – at this point I disliked him & wondered if he could & would be redeemed. He does love his children & they love him as was shown when he returned (moved up in my estimation). There are villains along the way, I kept expecting Dench & Maureen to reappear & felt they didn’t get their just desserts. When Jules begins to court Mia things conspire to part them but on returning to England the rest of the Redepennings are on hand to help & support. Overall an enthralling,
engrossing read
January 25, 2023
Readers of a Jude Knight book will bump into a Redepenning sooner or later, either as a main character or as a secondary one. These volumes are their stories and your chance to get to know them better. The books take place over many years allowing for each family member's story to be completed. And what stories they are! Yes, they are wealthy, beautiful, known for their inherited golden hair and piercing blue eyes, but they also face plenty of challenges before they find happiness. One thing they all have in common, along with their fated loves is stubbornness. More than once I wanted to reach right into the pages and shake some sense into them. Book 1 – Farewell to Kindness – Stephen (Rede) and Anne I gasped when I first saw how many chapters were in this book. Maybe somethings could have been shortened, however, this is the background book when the family is introduced. We also get to meet old friends from other of this author’s offerings. Something I love about her tales. Of course, as usual, nothing runs smoothly, there are a lot of misunderstandings, fierce attempts as denying attractions, several dastardly villains, and lots of action before Rede and Anne are settled. Book 2 – A Raging Madness – Alex and Ella Alex was a bit of a prig in book 1, not my favorite character, though he did redeem himself by the end of the book. Also, he had to be given some lead way since he had two very painful injured legs. He further redeems himself very nicely by rescuing Ella from her scheming relatives who are trying to have her wrongly declared insane. Alex has always had a tendre for her since she assisted her physician army father. Quite a few shakes were called for in this tale, all the way through the book. None more than when the villains were trying to proof her madness. It was easy for the reader to focus in on the pattern of what was happening and who was doing it, but it took much longer for the characters to catch on. However, it caught early it would have been a very short story. Alex’s loyalty and belief in Ella cemented his redemption in my eyes. Book 3 – The Realm of Silence – Gil and Susan They have known each other since they were children. Her brothers are his best friends. He has always loved her, but has never felt that he was worthy because of his reprobate father and brother. It takes a French spy, a chase to Scotland in search of her daughter, saving her daughter, Gil being wounded twice, one almost to death for them to come to their senses about their mutual feelings. And a whole lot of shaking! I really liked this book and may be my favorite of the four, though a toss up with book four. It is loaded with intrigue, action, and plenty of villains to go around. It is fast paced and was difficult to put down and not continue to read until the end. Book 4 – Unkept Promises – Jules and Mia This is the only book of the four that I had previously read. Since it is one of my favorite Jude Knight books, it was well worth a second read. Mia is a secondary character is some of the other books. In this one we learn her story and how she comes into her own. The circumstances of Mia and Jules’s meeting and subsequent marriage were not even close to normal. Mia is pretty much still a child, just turned fifteen. Jules a navy man is anxious to get back to his ship and his half Batavian mistress who is in the later stages of pregnancy. Jules is honest with Mia and she is aware that their marriage must take place before he returns to the sea. Fast forward seven years, we find Mia and Kirana, the mistress have become friends though the many letters they have shared. Mia, true to her atypical self goes to Cape Town to care for a dying Kirana and her children. When Jules returns is when the real take begins. This is a story not just of love and romance, but also of tolerance of the differences between people. It was not the usual not meets girl, they fall in love and love happily ever after. Instead, it was a read with more than enough action, intrigue, and romance to keep my interest from beginning to end. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2022
True love is rare and elusive, but they won’t settle for less
Regency Society calls them the Golden Redepennings, because they seem to have it all: good looks, wealth, social connections, and a strong loyalty to one another.
Appearances can be deceptive. The family tree is replete with rakes and neglected wives, though each generation has one much cherished exception: a true marriage; a partnership of mutual love and respect.
The odds are not good for the cousins of Regency times, especially since Rick Redepenning won his Mary. Besides, each cousin hides wounds that make them unwilling to risk their hearts, until danger threatens the one person who tempts them to change their mind.
Farewell to Kindness
He thought he had buried his heart with his children. He was wrong.
A Raging Madness
Their marriage is a fiction. Their enemies are all too real.
Okay story
The Realm of Silence
Rescue her daughter, destroy her dragons, defeat his demons, return to his lonely life. How hard can it be?
Not good story
Unkept Promises
She wants to negotiate a comfortable marriage; he wants her in his bed,
Okay story
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Regency Society calls them the Golden Redepennings, because they seem to have it all: good looks, wealth, social connections, and a strong loyalty to one another.
Appearances can be deceptive. The family tree is replete with rakes and neglected wives, though each generation has one much cherished exception: a true marriage; a partnership of mutual love and respect.
The odds are not good for the cousins of Regency times, especially since Rick Redepenning won his Mary. Besides, each cousin hides wounds that make them unwilling to risk their hearts, until danger threatens the one person who tempts them to change their mind.
Farewell to Kindness
He thought he had buried his heart with his children. He was wrong.
A Raging Madness
Their marriage is a fiction. Their enemies are all too real.
Okay story
The Realm of Silence
Rescue her daughter, destroy her dragons, defeat his demons, return to his lonely life. How hard can it be?
Not good story
Unkept Promises
She wants to negotiate a comfortable marriage; he wants her in his bed,
Okay story
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 24, 2023
Although the Author rates this set PG, do NOT assume you can pass it to your young teen without first reading it yourself.
Farewell to Kindness: Allow two days for this PG Regency mystery romance set chiefly in the small village of Longford in West Gloucestershire, England with all the usual villains, an offer for "a village of pure gold," white slavery, and skullduggery, but do NOT read in public as chortles will ensue. 5*
A Raging Madness: Set aside at least a day for this Regency romance with mystery and intrigue which includes lessons on marital relations that I wish I had been given in my own youth. Do NOT read in public as chortles will ensue. 5*
The Realm of Silence: Have a tissue handy and allow two days (unless you can pull an all-nighter) for this PG (according to Jude Knight, but there are parts I doubt anyone under seventeen will understand) Regency romance about two British schoolgirls following a French spy from Oxford to Scotland in the summer of 1812. Mild chuckles are likely to ensue. 5*
Unkept Promises: Allow a full day and have a tissue handy for this PG Regency romance set in 1812 switching between various locations as Euronyme Margaret Stirling Redepenning, after a seven-year wait, sets off to claim her husband, but do not read in public as guffaws will ensue. Note that the author rates this PG but I STRONGLY urge parents to read it before passing it on to their children. 5*.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Farewell to Kindness: Allow two days for this PG Regency mystery romance set chiefly in the small village of Longford in West Gloucestershire, England with all the usual villains, an offer for "a village of pure gold," white slavery, and skullduggery, but do NOT read in public as chortles will ensue. 5*
A Raging Madness: Set aside at least a day for this Regency romance with mystery and intrigue which includes lessons on marital relations that I wish I had been given in my own youth. Do NOT read in public as chortles will ensue. 5*
The Realm of Silence: Have a tissue handy and allow two days (unless you can pull an all-nighter) for this PG (according to Jude Knight, but there are parts I doubt anyone under seventeen will understand) Regency romance about two British schoolgirls following a French spy from Oxford to Scotland in the summer of 1812. Mild chuckles are likely to ensue. 5*
Unkept Promises: Allow a full day and have a tissue handy for this PG Regency romance set in 1812 switching between various locations as Euronyme Margaret Stirling Redepenning, after a seven-year wait, sets off to claim her husband, but do not read in public as guffaws will ensue. Note that the author rates this PG but I STRONGLY urge parents to read it before passing it on to their children. 5*.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2022
I had read books 1 and 2 several years ago. It's especially good to binge read such a series. I had forgotten how obnoxious and cynical Alex was at times in book 1 - Farewell to Kindness. In book 2 - A Raging Madness - he takes on the role of knight errant and is less bitter than in book 1. (Well of course. He has admired Ella for years.)
In all 4 stories there are secrets to be revealed (including surprises for the reader) and many obstacles to overcome, including the reluctance of the main characters to voice their feelings for the other. I felt transported in time and place by these well-paced and carefully crafted stories.
Warning: there is mention of mistreatment of women.
I read an ARC of the bundle; the thoughts expressed are my own.
In all 4 stories there are secrets to be revealed (including surprises for the reader) and many obstacles to overcome, including the reluctance of the main characters to voice their feelings for the other. I felt transported in time and place by these well-paced and carefully crafted stories.
Warning: there is mention of mistreatment of women.
I read an ARC of the bundle; the thoughts expressed are my own.
January 25, 2023
Jude Knight’s stories always draw you in, and these four stories about the Redepenning family do just that. Each well-written story focuses on one member, and reveals much about the family as a whole. There are strong characters, challenges, secrets revealed, and interesting journeys to each couple’s HEA. There was mention or appearance of characters from other books and series. All the stories are enjoyable and entertaining, but Alex and Ella’s story is my favorite. Theirs is an engaging story, and the change in Alex’s demeanor is wonderful. A boxset with four compelling stories, great read.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
January 23, 2023
Why not get acquainted with these charming characters
These are well written charmers full of love and such a pleasure to read. The cast of characters are what makes the stories come to life. You will find some you will really adore but other not so much and it becomes so easy to become invested in each and every story. If you haven’t met this family yet do yourself a favor and get the collection I really think you will enjoyed them. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
These are well written charmers full of love and such a pleasure to read. The cast of characters are what makes the stories come to life. You will find some you will really adore but other not so much and it becomes so easy to become invested in each and every story. If you haven’t met this family yet do yourself a favor and get the collection I really think you will enjoyed them. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 26, 2023
I really cannot say which book in this anthology I enjoyed more. The longboat travel or the first one in the set….. No, I think it was the last book in the anthology that really was heartsore, thrilling and very exciting to read. The Golden Redepennings, are cousins who also stick together and also help one another without question. They are intertwined in this anthology but all the novels are standalones that can be read with great enjoyment. I have found another brilliant author to follow.
December 24, 2022
I have read and reviewed each of these books separately and completely loved them. Each story is quite different but as it revolves around a family characters appear in multiple books. There was enough historical information to give context to the events described and attitudes of the time. A great set of stories I was very keen to read again especially in a boxset allowing binge reading!.
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.
February 6, 2023
Each of these stories will keep you entertained and intrigued with all the things that happen in them. There are crazy ladies, would be kidnappers, misunderstandings, long-lost loves, rambunctious children and lots of love. Once you start reading you won't want to stop until all is figured out and hopefully everyone gets their happy ending.
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.
February 16, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the four stories in this collection. Each one has fascinating characters, an intriguing plot and enough twists and turns to keep your attention firmly fixed from beginning to end. I couldn't pick a favorite story, they're just that good.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy and loved it. I highly recommend this anthology to anyone who loves great storytelling!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy and loved it. I highly recommend this anthology to anyone who loves great storytelling!
September 17, 2023
Excellent series! Themes and characters you won’t forget.
January 24, 2023
These are stories of love and hardships. Amazing characters that will have you wanting to reread these stories more than once. Well written as always.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews