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When the Splendor Falls
TWO POWERFUL FAMILIES... ONE MAGNIFICENT PASSION... SWEPT BY THE RAGING WINDS OF DESTINY
It was the last summer of paradise, an innocent time of picnics among the lush bluegrass and midnight balls under gaily painted Chinese lanterns. For Leigh Alexandra Travers, her Virginia plantation of Travers Hill was the only world she ever wanted. And then she met Neil Braedon...
Captured by Comanches as a child, raised in their savage yet spiritual world, Neil had no use for the gentleman's role demanded by his proud Braedon birthright. Yet from the moment he held Leigh in his arms, he was possessed by her-a woman of such passion and power that no man could ever forget her.
As the cruel specter of war rose across the divided land, Leigh fought relentlessly to preserve the faded shadows of her Southern past. But her future lay out West with Neil among the awesome, untamed wilderness... following a magnificent destiny that would unite two great families... triumphing in a love that would reawaken past splendors with a shining new glory.
It was the last summer of paradise, an innocent time of picnics among the lush bluegrass and midnight balls under gaily painted Chinese lanterns. For Leigh Alexandra Travers, her Virginia plantation of Travers Hill was the only world she ever wanted. And then she met Neil Braedon...
Captured by Comanches as a child, raised in their savage yet spiritual world, Neil had no use for the gentleman's role demanded by his proud Braedon birthright. Yet from the moment he held Leigh in his arms, he was possessed by her-a woman of such passion and power that no man could ever forget her.
As the cruel specter of war rose across the divided land, Leigh fought relentlessly to preserve the faded shadows of her Southern past. But her future lay out West with Neil among the awesome, untamed wilderness... following a magnificent destiny that would unite two great families... triumphing in a love that would reawaken past splendors with a shining new glory.
678 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
71 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Laurie McBain
17 books156 followersLaurie McBain was born on October 15, 1949. She was always passionate about art and history, and her father encouraged her and helped her write her first historical romance. At twenty-six, Laurie became a publishing phenomenon with her first historical romance. Her first novels "Devil's Desire" and "Moonstruck Madness" each sold over a million copies. She was one of the pioners of the new romance style with Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. But, after the death of her father, she decided to retire from the publishing world in 1985, with only seven romances written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 2, 2011
3.5 stars.
Does that cover scream sex on every page, or what? Don't let that scare you, 'cause there's a whole lot more to it than that.
Virginia, 1860. Life at Travers Hill is still idyllic and genteel, as it has been for generations. Leigh Travers is young, beautiful, spirited, rides horses like the wind (well the family does breed the best), the darling of her family and plans to wed the *right man* just as soon as her father gives permission. Everything seems just perfect until one day Neil Braeden walks into her life - although when they first meet he looks more like a trapper from out west and not one of the Braedons of neighboring Royal Bay Manor. Since he was the younger brother with nothing to inherit, Neil's father carved out his own empire in New Mexico territory, although it came with a high price when young Neil and his sister were captured by the Comanches. Neil takes one look at the beauteous Leigh and he knows she's the one for him, but that little ol' mix-up when they first meet isn't easily surmounted, and there's a whole lot of grief and misunderstandings our pair have to get through before any chance of them getting a HEA.
This book is pretty much broken down into three parts, the first being a very detailed look at southern life in the period prior to the Civil War and setting up the back history and Leigh and Neil's big meet. The second part covers the effects of the war and the mind numbing casualties on the Travers and Braeden families as Leigh is the glue who holds the family together and keeps the household running. The last third of the book brings Leigh to Neil's home in New Mexico as they are caught up in their ongoing Big Misunderstanding, a mystery or two, a revenge minded former mistress and a seriously nutty conspiracy that should have been left on the editor's floor.
I really really enjoyed the first two-thirds of this book and had a hard time putting it down. Leigh and Neil were a very engaging pair with a lot of chemistry, but be warned - despite what the cover might indicate you aren't going to have page after page of mind numbing sex. It is well after page 100 that you'll get your first searing kiss and a darned long time until the next one. One thing the potential reader needs to know going into this one - this book was published in the 1980's when everything was big - hair, make-up, shoulder pads, soap operas - and books were no exception. There are a lot of details of day-to-day life, especially at the beginning as McBain goes to considerable effort showing the reader the daily life of a well-bred genteel southern family (skim if you have to). There also a lot of characters at the beginning, almost too many, but that list is whittled down considerably in part two so just go with the flow and refer back to the list at the front of the book when needed. This was a solid four star read until things fell apart a bit with that silly and ever so convoluted conspiracy at the end and I'm knocking off 1/2 star for that. 3.5/5 stars and definitely a recommended read for lovers of the old school romances.
Does that cover scream sex on every page, or what? Don't let that scare you, 'cause there's a whole lot more to it than that.
Virginia, 1860. Life at Travers Hill is still idyllic and genteel, as it has been for generations. Leigh Travers is young, beautiful, spirited, rides horses like the wind (well the family does breed the best), the darling of her family and plans to wed the *right man* just as soon as her father gives permission. Everything seems just perfect until one day Neil Braeden walks into her life - although when they first meet he looks more like a trapper from out west and not one of the Braedons of neighboring Royal Bay Manor. Since he was the younger brother with nothing to inherit, Neil's father carved out his own empire in New Mexico territory, although it came with a high price when young Neil and his sister were captured by the Comanches. Neil takes one look at the beauteous Leigh and he knows she's the one for him, but that little ol' mix-up when they first meet isn't easily surmounted, and there's a whole lot of grief and misunderstandings our pair have to get through before any chance of them getting a HEA.
This book is pretty much broken down into three parts, the first being a very detailed look at southern life in the period prior to the Civil War and setting up the back history and Leigh and Neil's big meet. The second part covers the effects of the war and the mind numbing casualties on the Travers and Braeden families as Leigh is the glue who holds the family together and keeps the household running. The last third of the book brings Leigh to Neil's home in New Mexico as they are caught up in their ongoing Big Misunderstanding, a mystery or two, a revenge minded former mistress and a seriously nutty conspiracy that should have been left on the editor's floor.
I really really enjoyed the first two-thirds of this book and had a hard time putting it down. Leigh and Neil were a very engaging pair with a lot of chemistry, but be warned - despite what the cover might indicate you aren't going to have page after page of mind numbing sex. It is well after page 100 that you'll get your first searing kiss and a darned long time until the next one. One thing the potential reader needs to know going into this one - this book was published in the 1980's when everything was big - hair, make-up, shoulder pads, soap operas - and books were no exception. There are a lot of details of day-to-day life, especially at the beginning as McBain goes to considerable effort showing the reader the daily life of a well-bred genteel southern family (skim if you have to). There also a lot of characters at the beginning, almost too many, but that list is whittled down considerably in part two so just go with the flow and refer back to the list at the front of the book when needed. This was a solid four star read until things fell apart a bit with that silly and ever so convoluted conspiracy at the end and I'm knocking off 1/2 star for that. 3.5/5 stars and definitely a recommended read for lovers of the old school romances.
July 9, 2017
Sweeping Saga of Southern Life Before the Civil War and New Mexico Territory After
Regrettably for lovers of historical romance, this was McBain’s last novel. I have read, reviewed and loved all of them (see list below). And, they can be found gracing my best lists on Historical Romance Review (this one is on both the Western and Patriotic lists). McBain was a part of the seminal group of authors who ushered in modern historical romance in the 70s, and she stayed for the booming 80s to give us more wonderful, well-written, and deeply emotional sagas. As if she knew this would be her last, she took her time with it, slowly developing the tapestry of the two Southern families whose lives were intertwined before, during and after the terrible conflict known as the Civil War.
Leigh Alexandra Travers, of Travers Hill in Virginia loved her home, her family and her horses for which the Travers family was famous. Neil Braedon was from the branch of the Virginia Braedons that went west to the Territories. He was captured by Comanches as a child to become the warrior “Sun Dagger,” then later rescued and sent east to school, graduating from Yale. One day, seeing Leigh in the woods, he mistakes her for a lady’s maid and steals a kiss—her first. Both were forever changed by the encounter. Neil wanted Leigh as no woman before and Leigh was no longer content with her handsome, wealthy gentleman fiancé, though she would wed him to save her family from financial ruin. Neither Leigh nor Neil spoke of the deep feelings they had for each other. Then the war intervened to change everything.
McBain meticulously presents the devastation the Civil War brought to the two families as Leigh and Neil are separated by years (and more). Leigh's family fights for the South and Neil becomes the Yankee raider known as “Captain Dagger.” The descriptions are vivid and rich, the dialog amazing, the characters many and well developed (some quite endearing), and the story satisfying. As a sample, thinking about Leigh, Neil reflected,
“She was like the willow on the riverbank. She bent to the winds that swept across Travers Hill. She had adapted gracefully to the changes that had come so tragically into her life. She hadn’t broken trying to resist, to fight against a far greater force that would have destroyed her. Nor had she been weakened by the struggle, she had become stronger, finding a strength within that she might never have known otherwise.”
This is a sweeping saga, and a love story that develops across years. It’s a long one, too, at 678 pages. McBain draws many threads together for a teary ending that is very sweet. For fans of McBain, as I am, it will not disappoint.
McBain’s Novels:
Devil's Desire (1975)
Tears Of Gold (1979)
Wild Bells To The Wild Sky (1983)
When The Splendor Falls (1985)
Dominick Trilogy:
Moonstruck Madness (1977) Sabrina and Lucien
Chance The Winds Of Fortune (1980) their daughter Rhea and Dante
Dark Before The Rising Sun (1982) Rhea and Dante (cont’d.)
Regrettably for lovers of historical romance, this was McBain’s last novel. I have read, reviewed and loved all of them (see list below). And, they can be found gracing my best lists on Historical Romance Review (this one is on both the Western and Patriotic lists). McBain was a part of the seminal group of authors who ushered in modern historical romance in the 70s, and she stayed for the booming 80s to give us more wonderful, well-written, and deeply emotional sagas. As if she knew this would be her last, she took her time with it, slowly developing the tapestry of the two Southern families whose lives were intertwined before, during and after the terrible conflict known as the Civil War.
Leigh Alexandra Travers, of Travers Hill in Virginia loved her home, her family and her horses for which the Travers family was famous. Neil Braedon was from the branch of the Virginia Braedons that went west to the Territories. He was captured by Comanches as a child to become the warrior “Sun Dagger,” then later rescued and sent east to school, graduating from Yale. One day, seeing Leigh in the woods, he mistakes her for a lady’s maid and steals a kiss—her first. Both were forever changed by the encounter. Neil wanted Leigh as no woman before and Leigh was no longer content with her handsome, wealthy gentleman fiancé, though she would wed him to save her family from financial ruin. Neither Leigh nor Neil spoke of the deep feelings they had for each other. Then the war intervened to change everything.
McBain meticulously presents the devastation the Civil War brought to the two families as Leigh and Neil are separated by years (and more). Leigh's family fights for the South and Neil becomes the Yankee raider known as “Captain Dagger.” The descriptions are vivid and rich, the dialog amazing, the characters many and well developed (some quite endearing), and the story satisfying. As a sample, thinking about Leigh, Neil reflected,
“She was like the willow on the riverbank. She bent to the winds that swept across Travers Hill. She had adapted gracefully to the changes that had come so tragically into her life. She hadn’t broken trying to resist, to fight against a far greater force that would have destroyed her. Nor had she been weakened by the struggle, she had become stronger, finding a strength within that she might never have known otherwise.”
This is a sweeping saga, and a love story that develops across years. It’s a long one, too, at 678 pages. McBain draws many threads together for a teary ending that is very sweet. For fans of McBain, as I am, it will not disappoint.
McBain’s Novels:
Devil's Desire (1975)
Tears Of Gold (1979)
Wild Bells To The Wild Sky (1983)
When The Splendor Falls (1985)
Dominick Trilogy:
Moonstruck Madness (1977) Sabrina and Lucien
Chance The Winds Of Fortune (1980) their daughter Rhea and Dante
Dark Before The Rising Sun (1982) Rhea and Dante (cont’d.)
January 4, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Laurie McBain is the absolute best writer of Historical Romance that ever lifted a pen. The only writer who even comes close is Diane Gabaldon McBain has a masterful grasp of the period and details bringing to the reader an experience unlike any other. Epic and sweeping are just two mere words I can use to describe "When the Splendor Falls". This expansive tale of the Civil War South and the western Territories is a wonderful blend of real history and a fantastic love story. Please don't let the length or the descriptive details, scare you off, it is well worth the time.
In the time before the Civil War, Virginia 1860, was a place in a time where if your were wealthy, it was paradise. Leigh Alexandra Travers is the daughter of a seemly wealthy family, the Travers of Travers Hill. Her life at her family's Virginia plantation is a paradise of summer picnics and sweet tea. There quite simply is no life outside her world. Leigh is a chaste young woman who, at 18, is contemplating which young gentleman will make the best husband. Then she meets Neil Braedon and everything she thought she wanted in a man is turned on it's head.
Neil Braedon was born in the New Mexico Territory, kidnapped and raised to by the Comanche. His life experience has left him a gentleman, but a gentleman with a real edge. When he first sees Leigh, he is consumed with the desire to possess her, not knowing that she is a daughter of the gentry or that there are forces that will tear them apart after their passionate, stolen kiss.
As the Civil War rages across the divided land, Leigh's family fights to survive and hold onto their Southern heritage. Neil joins the Union army and uses his unique talents to bedevil the Confederacy forces. As circumstances find Neil and his men at Travers Hill, the smoldering passion between Neil and Leigh is reignited. The South is falling and Leigh and her family make their way to the New Mexico Territory where the story shifts to the intrigue and deceit left over from the War and threatens any future Neil and Leigh may hope to have.
Laurie McBain is the absolute best writer of Historical Romance that ever lifted a pen. The only writer who even comes close is Diane Gabaldon McBain has a masterful grasp of the period and details bringing to the reader an experience unlike any other. Epic and sweeping are just two mere words I can use to describe "When the Splendor Falls". This expansive tale of the Civil War South and the western Territories is a wonderful blend of real history and a fantastic love story. Please don't let the length or the descriptive details, scare you off, it is well worth the time.
In the time before the Civil War, Virginia 1860, was a place in a time where if your were wealthy, it was paradise. Leigh Alexandra Travers is the daughter of a seemly wealthy family, the Travers of Travers Hill. Her life at her family's Virginia plantation is a paradise of summer picnics and sweet tea. There quite simply is no life outside her world. Leigh is a chaste young woman who, at 18, is contemplating which young gentleman will make the best husband. Then she meets Neil Braedon and everything she thought she wanted in a man is turned on it's head.
Neil Braedon was born in the New Mexico Territory, kidnapped and raised to by the Comanche. His life experience has left him a gentleman, but a gentleman with a real edge. When he first sees Leigh, he is consumed with the desire to possess her, not knowing that she is a daughter of the gentry or that there are forces that will tear them apart after their passionate, stolen kiss.
As the Civil War rages across the divided land, Leigh's family fights to survive and hold onto their Southern heritage. Neil joins the Union army and uses his unique talents to bedevil the Confederacy forces. As circumstances find Neil and his men at Travers Hill, the smoldering passion between Neil and Leigh is reignited. The South is falling and Leigh and her family make their way to the New Mexico Territory where the story shifts to the intrigue and deceit left over from the War and threatens any future Neil and Leigh may hope to have.
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December 1, 2018
Exceedingly loquacious to the point of tediousness. Too many characters and their overly long conversations, during which detailed background explanations are given about other characters. These dialogues appear forced and solely for the purpose of information and some of the details we can do without. While I appreciate a well researched book and well sketched characters, it should not be to the detriment of the development of the main protagonists and their relationship. At a third of the way through, when I gave up, the two leads barely interacted and conversed, while we had to endure 10 page monologues from other lesser characters.
July 22, 2014
The book begins prior to the civil war and continues on through and after, beginning in Virginia and then heading out west.
Laurie McBain wrote some really engaging stories. This is one that still works today.
Laurie McBain wrote some really engaging stories. This is one that still works today.
February 24, 2016
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Once again I am honored to share with you all a book by Laurie McBain. One of the last books written by Ms. McBain. A book that takes us from the innocence of the Antebellum South through the ravages of war and the cost of survival. It isn't pretty and it doesn't romanticize the war.. Instead Ms. McBain focused on what it takes to survive..
Another powerful sweeping saga that covers time and sweeps us along through the triumphs and tragedy of innocence lost.
I remember when I read this book for the first time, I wept. It may be about the civil war and yes a Southern Family or rather two Southern Families but it is really about surviving war. It could have taken place during any war.. the emotions and loss were well written. The devastation that comes when the war is over and the desire to start over, whether at home or in another place.
Leigh Travers was a golden girl, life was good and she was soon to be engaged. Her family while not perfect was hers and she loved them. But war was coming and no one really understood what that meant. Leigh watched as fiancee and family members left for war, some never to return and others to return changed men. Then there was the death caused by illness and disease. Life was no longer pretty and as she struggled to keep what was left of her family together, Leigh was given a choice she didn't know if she could make.. But her family always came first, always and Leigh sacrificed her very happiness for them, or so she thought.
Neil Braedon was the bad boy of the Braedon family, not raised on the neighboring plantation but out west and at one time with the Comanche. He is a man of strength and values and knows the end of a way of life is coming. But seeing Leigh Travers he wants... knowing she will never be his but their lives are destined to intertwine and finally he is given no choice, marry her..
Through the dark times of war Leigh and Neil are constantly at odds but both of them believe in family and in ways neither of them understand, in each other. A love begins a tiny seed that blossoms over time and distance as Leigh and Neil travel from Virginia to the Wilds of Texas where even there, darkness follows.
This was truly a beautiful story and I know Civil War stories are not "in" these days but it's fabulous and certainly well worth the read.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of When the Splendor Falls, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be re released on March 1, 2016
Once again I am honored to share with you all a book by Laurie McBain. One of the last books written by Ms. McBain. A book that takes us from the innocence of the Antebellum South through the ravages of war and the cost of survival. It isn't pretty and it doesn't romanticize the war.. Instead Ms. McBain focused on what it takes to survive..
Another powerful sweeping saga that covers time and sweeps us along through the triumphs and tragedy of innocence lost.
I remember when I read this book for the first time, I wept. It may be about the civil war and yes a Southern Family or rather two Southern Families but it is really about surviving war. It could have taken place during any war.. the emotions and loss were well written. The devastation that comes when the war is over and the desire to start over, whether at home or in another place.
Leigh Travers was a golden girl, life was good and she was soon to be engaged. Her family while not perfect was hers and she loved them. But war was coming and no one really understood what that meant. Leigh watched as fiancee and family members left for war, some never to return and others to return changed men. Then there was the death caused by illness and disease. Life was no longer pretty and as she struggled to keep what was left of her family together, Leigh was given a choice she didn't know if she could make.. But her family always came first, always and Leigh sacrificed her very happiness for them, or so she thought.
Neil Braedon was the bad boy of the Braedon family, not raised on the neighboring plantation but out west and at one time with the Comanche. He is a man of strength and values and knows the end of a way of life is coming. But seeing Leigh Travers he wants... knowing she will never be his but their lives are destined to intertwine and finally he is given no choice, marry her..
Through the dark times of war Leigh and Neil are constantly at odds but both of them believe in family and in ways neither of them understand, in each other. A love begins a tiny seed that blossoms over time and distance as Leigh and Neil travel from Virginia to the Wilds of Texas where even there, darkness follows.
This was truly a beautiful story and I know Civil War stories are not "in" these days but it's fabulous and certainly well worth the read.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of When the Splendor Falls, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be re released on March 1, 2016
March 1, 2016
Novels such as When the Splendor Falls, are the stories that cause me to unwelcome the thought of sharing my thoughts with fellow readers. In theory I don't believe that any book should be labeled as "foul," often times it is just the author's writing that needs a little work and this is certainly what I feel the story needs more of, a rewrite of selective sections.
Sadly, both the plot and the romance suffered unpleasantly and caused me to have a great struggle with just pushing through in my reading. The novel itself is over seven-hundred pages in length and most of those pages are spent with mindless descriptive details that are in overload. The story continues without ever moving forward and I felt like I was at a dead stand still before I even reached the halfway point.
The romance was not of any difference. For the first fifty pages the reader is given only a small number of glimpses into what the love story is going to be like through the eyes of the characters. Of course I am not talking about sex, but the romance. The attraction between the characters is excellent, but after while I grew tired of the chemistry and was ready for the romance, only I don't feel like the author ever really delivered the romance because the backdrop of the story kept stealing the spotlight.
In my opinion the fact that this book is a reprint from the 80's has nothing to do with my review. I spent my youth reading romances from that era and for the most part those are my favorite romances.
I think that this story was not my style. I love a civil war romance when written correctly. I would not recommend this book, although I don't judge an author based sorely on one novel. Since I haven't read the author before I plan to give McBain another chance and together we will see where the next story leads.
-Find more reviews at The Bookish & The Romantic.
http://thebookishandtheromantic.blogs...
Sadly, both the plot and the romance suffered unpleasantly and caused me to have a great struggle with just pushing through in my reading. The novel itself is over seven-hundred pages in length and most of those pages are spent with mindless descriptive details that are in overload. The story continues without ever moving forward and I felt like I was at a dead stand still before I even reached the halfway point.
The romance was not of any difference. For the first fifty pages the reader is given only a small number of glimpses into what the love story is going to be like through the eyes of the characters. Of course I am not talking about sex, but the romance. The attraction between the characters is excellent, but after while I grew tired of the chemistry and was ready for the romance, only I don't feel like the author ever really delivered the romance because the backdrop of the story kept stealing the spotlight.
In my opinion the fact that this book is a reprint from the 80's has nothing to do with my review. I spent my youth reading romances from that era and for the most part those are my favorite romances.
I think that this story was not my style. I love a civil war romance when written correctly. I would not recommend this book, although I don't judge an author based sorely on one novel. Since I haven't read the author before I plan to give McBain another chance and together we will see where the next story leads.
-Find more reviews at The Bookish & The Romantic.
http://thebookishandtheromantic.blogs...
July 25, 2019
Memorizing. Rich. Fulfilling. Devouring.
February 13, 2016
This is the second release of this book.. the first being in the late 80's. I am glad that it is being release again as this is another one that I missed. I also like that with the new book they have updated the cover some which to me helps when getting a better picture of the couple. This is a long book about 700 pages so it is well worth the money not to mention that it was a really good read. Our hero is Neil Braedon who had been captured by the Comanches as a child and raised in that involvement. But Neil was 'rescued' later and sent to school were he graduated at Yale. Although he is to be a gentlemen the Comanche raising has left him not want to be a gentlemen. Our heroine, Leigh Alexandra Travers met Neil in woods by chance. Neil thinking she was a maid stole a kiss from her...which changed both of their courses. Leigh felt her gentleman fiancé was now lacking. Neil wanted Leigh like no other women he has met. They don't out and out say their feeling right away so this start their story how what they had to overcome to be-together. I enjoyed having this book and hope that you will too.
July 19, 2011
This is the best romance novel I ever read. Granted, the first time I read it, I was about twelve. I was a voracious reader and my mother had a huge paperback romance novel collection. I would borrow the books and read them, usually skipping over the steamier parts out of embarrassment. I knew the books weren't written all that well, but they were something to read. This book, however, is one that stood the test of time. I reread it several times as I got older and it never lost its appeal, even when I started reading more "serious" literature. The closest comparison that I can think of is Gone With the Wind.
February 6, 2017
The level of detail in the descriptions in this novel is impressive.
A Civil-War-set novel probably shouldn't be one of my go-to-for-humour novels but this one is. All of the characters in this story make me laugh.
A Civil-War-set novel probably shouldn't be one of my go-to-for-humour novels but this one is. All of the characters in this story make me laugh.
January 3, 2018
One of the best books I have ever read
A hauntingly beautiful story of love, loss and grief during war between the states. This is the second time I have read this book. Ms McBain is truly a gifted story teller although it took me a while to realize all the characters during the first chapter. As far as I am concerned is better than Gone With the Wind. It certainly had me both laughing and crying, even the second time around.
A hauntingly beautiful story of love, loss and grief during war between the states. This is the second time I have read this book. Ms McBain is truly a gifted story teller although it took me a while to realize all the characters during the first chapter. As far as I am concerned is better than Gone With the Wind. It certainly had me both laughing and crying, even the second time around.
February 13, 2016
When the Splendor Falls by Laurie McBain was first published in 1985, and is now being re-released. It's an epic novel, which although I didn't get to read first time around, I have had the pleasure of reading now.
The story is set out in 3 parts, a necessity I think because of the length of the book. The book covers many years. The first part is where we learn about the characters of the story, especially Leigh Travers, and Neil Braedon. They are the main couple in the story. Leigh isn't your usual Southern belle, although she is from a rich family and has been brought up with fine manners, she would much rather be out riding her horse than taking tea and putting on airs and graces. Neil Braedon isn't your typical Southern Gentleman either, as a young child he and his sister were abducted by Indians. They were brought up by them, and Neil earned himself the name 'Dagger'. After many years of searching, Neil's father found him and brought him back into the family fold. Although a gentleman now, he's proud of what he has learned from the Indians and still keeps his hair in a braid, and dresses in buckskin breeches whenever he can get away with it. Leigh meets Neil in this part of the book and although there is quite the case of mistaken identity, they both are instantly attracted to each other. I think by far that this is the slowest part of the book, not a bad thing, but it's where we read all about Southern life, life on a plantation, where we meet the characters, and where we learn that the civil war between North and South is imminent.
In the second part of the book Civil war has begun, and we read about how it affects both Leigh and Neil and their families. There are many emotional scenes in this section, especially learning about the losses that have to be endured. Neil fights for the North, agreeing with the abolishment of slavery, and while he and his men are trying to outrun an ambush from the Confederate army he leads them towards the Travers plantation where he knows the perfect place to hide. Some of his men are injured and he decides to move onto the Travers plantation, which is now nearly in total ruin, to hide out in the stables while his men recuperate. To his surprise he discovers that Leigh and some of her family are still in the big house, although keeping their presence unknown as possible. Leigh ends up stumbling across Neil and his men, and despite them being on the other side, she knows she has to help them with their injuries, and to keep their presence unknown, especially when Confederate troops come through the plantation looking for Neil and his men. Meeting up again has Neil and Leigh in each others arms, and with him convincing her to move with what is left of her family to his father's home in Mexico where they will be safe. To ensure the safety for their travel and to be welcomed in his father's home, he has to marry Leigh. Neither are happy with the situation, not because they don't want to be together, but because they do, but they want the other one to want to be married to them. Which at this point they are too blind to see.
So begins the third part of the book. This is where we see Leigh and her family settle into life in Mexico. Neil stays in Virginia to fight, and although Leigh is secure enough in her new environment, she misses Neil terribly. She is kept busy though with looking after her nephews and nieces. By the time the war is over and Neil returns to Mexico, that is where the real romance of the story develops. He, nor Leigh believes that the other loves them, lusts after them yes, but not loves them. Leigh believes that Neil is in love with his mistress, and is certain that when he learns that she is a widow, that he will want a divorce so that he can ask her to marry him, and forget all about Leigh. There is skullduggery afoot too when somebody arrives looking for work, somebody who lies about who he is, and seems intent on revenge for something Neil has wrongly been accused of doing. Will Neil's life be in danger, will he and Leigh ever come to realise that they are perfect for each other, and can both the Travers and Braedan families ever come to terms with life and it's changes caused by the civil war, not least the loss of loved ones?
This book was really wonderful to read with so much description from the author in all the scenes, from the smell of the sheets on the beds, to the glorious meals that they ate. You finish the book feeling as if you too have lived on a plantation, have lived through the civil war, and are close friends with Leigh and Neil. Some may think there is too much description, but I think it is absolutely necessary to really give you a good understanding of life in that place and time. There were many characters in the story that I loved and although they were secondary to Neil and Leigh, their stories were great to read. This is a very emotive book, one which I loved and recommend wholeheartedly. Not only do you get a wonderful romance to read, but you learn so much too.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The story is set out in 3 parts, a necessity I think because of the length of the book. The book covers many years. The first part is where we learn about the characters of the story, especially Leigh Travers, and Neil Braedon. They are the main couple in the story. Leigh isn't your usual Southern belle, although she is from a rich family and has been brought up with fine manners, she would much rather be out riding her horse than taking tea and putting on airs and graces. Neil Braedon isn't your typical Southern Gentleman either, as a young child he and his sister were abducted by Indians. They were brought up by them, and Neil earned himself the name 'Dagger'. After many years of searching, Neil's father found him and brought him back into the family fold. Although a gentleman now, he's proud of what he has learned from the Indians and still keeps his hair in a braid, and dresses in buckskin breeches whenever he can get away with it. Leigh meets Neil in this part of the book and although there is quite the case of mistaken identity, they both are instantly attracted to each other. I think by far that this is the slowest part of the book, not a bad thing, but it's where we read all about Southern life, life on a plantation, where we meet the characters, and where we learn that the civil war between North and South is imminent.
In the second part of the book Civil war has begun, and we read about how it affects both Leigh and Neil and their families. There are many emotional scenes in this section, especially learning about the losses that have to be endured. Neil fights for the North, agreeing with the abolishment of slavery, and while he and his men are trying to outrun an ambush from the Confederate army he leads them towards the Travers plantation where he knows the perfect place to hide. Some of his men are injured and he decides to move onto the Travers plantation, which is now nearly in total ruin, to hide out in the stables while his men recuperate. To his surprise he discovers that Leigh and some of her family are still in the big house, although keeping their presence unknown as possible. Leigh ends up stumbling across Neil and his men, and despite them being on the other side, she knows she has to help them with their injuries, and to keep their presence unknown, especially when Confederate troops come through the plantation looking for Neil and his men. Meeting up again has Neil and Leigh in each others arms, and with him convincing her to move with what is left of her family to his father's home in Mexico where they will be safe. To ensure the safety for their travel and to be welcomed in his father's home, he has to marry Leigh. Neither are happy with the situation, not because they don't want to be together, but because they do, but they want the other one to want to be married to them. Which at this point they are too blind to see.
So begins the third part of the book. This is where we see Leigh and her family settle into life in Mexico. Neil stays in Virginia to fight, and although Leigh is secure enough in her new environment, she misses Neil terribly. She is kept busy though with looking after her nephews and nieces. By the time the war is over and Neil returns to Mexico, that is where the real romance of the story develops. He, nor Leigh believes that the other loves them, lusts after them yes, but not loves them. Leigh believes that Neil is in love with his mistress, and is certain that when he learns that she is a widow, that he will want a divorce so that he can ask her to marry him, and forget all about Leigh. There is skullduggery afoot too when somebody arrives looking for work, somebody who lies about who he is, and seems intent on revenge for something Neil has wrongly been accused of doing. Will Neil's life be in danger, will he and Leigh ever come to realise that they are perfect for each other, and can both the Travers and Braedan families ever come to terms with life and it's changes caused by the civil war, not least the loss of loved ones?
This book was really wonderful to read with so much description from the author in all the scenes, from the smell of the sheets on the beds, to the glorious meals that they ate. You finish the book feeling as if you too have lived on a plantation, have lived through the civil war, and are close friends with Leigh and Neil. Some may think there is too much description, but I think it is absolutely necessary to really give you a good understanding of life in that place and time. There were many characters in the story that I loved and although they were secondary to Neil and Leigh, their stories were great to read. This is a very emotive book, one which I loved and recommend wholeheartedly. Not only do you get a wonderful romance to read, but you learn so much too.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2017
Not her best but still a lovely story.
April 6, 2018
Loved this tale of the antebellum and Civil War south. One of my first romance novels, it started me on an antebellum southern romance kick.
Read
September 5, 2020Couldn’t get into this.
not-for-me
September 9, 2025Long get together.
January 29, 2023
I have read this book 5 times. Probably going in for another read soon.
November 1, 2016
Leigh is the favored one of the family. Leigh is beautiful and loves to ride horses - her family breeds the best horses. Leigh was soon to become engaged. Then the war hits and Leigh ‘s fiance as well as her family go off to war. As some return home from war life was very different for Leigh and she struggles to try to keep her family together. Leigh gave up happiness for her family as family always came first with Leigh. Then Leigh and Neil meet and he doesn’t look like someone from the neighboring plantation - he looks for a hunter of some sort- Neil and his sister had been taken as children and raised by the Commanchees. Neil and Leigh are attracted to each other right away. Although almost of the main house is ruined but Leigh and her family is still there. Neil had fought for the north and he and his men were hiding in Leigh’s barn Leigh finds Neil and his men there and decides to help and keeps their presence hidden when the confederate soldiers come through. Neil convinces Leigh to take her family to his father’s home where she and her family will be safe but Leigh and Neil must be married. Neil however stays in Virginia to fight while Leigh stays busy with with her nieces and nephews.
I enjoyed this story as it shows you before the Civil War, during the war and some after. I loved Leigh’s strength and determination to keep what is left of her family together even marrying to accomplish that goal. I also liked how Neil married Leigh to assure her safety as well as her family. But Niel really wanted to feel Leigh married him for love. Not for family. Leigh wanted to feel Neil married her because he loved her and not to make sure she was safe. This did drag a little at times but got through it. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.
I enjoyed this story as it shows you before the Civil War, during the war and some after. I loved Leigh’s strength and determination to keep what is left of her family together even marrying to accomplish that goal. I also liked how Neil married Leigh to assure her safety as well as her family. But Niel really wanted to feel Leigh married him for love. Not for family. Leigh wanted to feel Neil married her because he loved her and not to make sure she was safe. This did drag a little at times but got through it. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.
December 13, 2016
Un romance di tutto rispetto e anche di un certo spessore (e non mi riferisco solo alla numerosità delle pagine). Anzi, diciamo che la parte propriamente “romance” non è nemmeno così preponderante, a favore della accurata ricostruzione storica e della minuziosa caratterizzazione dei tanti personaggi, anche minori.
Sì, diciamo anche che – almeno questa è la mia sensazione – la storia d’amore è forse l’elemento più debole, non tanto perché sia relegata sullo sfondo, ma perché risulta, tutto sommato, piuttosto “canonica”, scontata.
Inevitabile è il rimando a “Via col vento” – che confesso, spargendomi cenere sul capo, di non aver mai letto, anche se il film l’ho visto almeno una decina di volte – e a quelle tipiche atmosfere del periodo a cavallo della guerra di secessione americana: prima l’agiata spensieratezza dell’aristocrazia locale, poi la “caduta” e l’orgogliosa lotta per la sopravvivenza, infine la voglia di ricostruire una nuova vita dalle ceneri di quella passata. Poi dalla raffinata Virginia si passa al selvaggio Texas, tra mandrie e incursioni comanche…
Nel complesso mi è piaciuto, nonostante la pesantezza data dalla sovrabbondanza di dettagli (tanti personaggi – tra l’altro, molti con il doppio nome: ci ho messo giorni prima di associare correttamente nomi e personaggi! – tanti dialoghi, tante descrizioni…), che poi andava a stridere con tante piccole, assurde ingenuità (una tra tutte: si è vista mai una neonata o poco più che non piange, non mangia e nemmeno va cambiata giorno e notte?! Ogni tanto la prendono in braccio e la rimettono nella culla giusto per far capire che c’è. Insomma, nemmeno una bambola… NB: non si tratta della figlia dei protagonisti).
Sì, diciamo anche che – almeno questa è la mia sensazione – la storia d’amore è forse l’elemento più debole, non tanto perché sia relegata sullo sfondo, ma perché risulta, tutto sommato, piuttosto “canonica”, scontata.
Inevitabile è il rimando a “Via col vento” – che confesso, spargendomi cenere sul capo, di non aver mai letto, anche se il film l’ho visto almeno una decina di volte – e a quelle tipiche atmosfere del periodo a cavallo della guerra di secessione americana: prima l’agiata spensieratezza dell’aristocrazia locale, poi la “caduta” e l’orgogliosa lotta per la sopravvivenza, infine la voglia di ricostruire una nuova vita dalle ceneri di quella passata. Poi dalla raffinata Virginia si passa al selvaggio Texas, tra mandrie e incursioni comanche…
Nel complesso mi è piaciuto, nonostante la pesantezza data dalla sovrabbondanza di dettagli (tanti personaggi – tra l’altro, molti con il doppio nome: ci ho messo giorni prima di associare correttamente nomi e personaggi! – tanti dialoghi, tante descrizioni…), che poi andava a stridere con tante piccole, assurde ingenuità (una tra tutte: si è vista mai una neonata o poco più che non piange, non mangia e nemmeno va cambiata giorno e notte?! Ogni tanto la prendono in braccio e la rimettono nella culla giusto per far capire che c’è. Insomma, nemmeno una bambola… NB: non si tratta della figlia dei protagonisti).
March 5, 2016
When The Splendor Falls is an epic book and a deeply emotional saga of a man and a woman whose choices and actions are dictated by the winds of war and family obligations. Ms. McBain is known for her layer upon layer of character and building of her story line. Our hero is Neil Braedon who as a young child he and his sister were captured by the Comanche’s and raised by them. Neil was later rescued and sent to school where graduated from Yale. He should be a genteel gentleman, but his early years of Comanche raising has left him not wanting to be a “Southern gentlemen”. Spirited Leigh Alexandra Travers is young and beautiful; she has been raised on her family’s horse farm where she rides horses like the wind. It’s by chance Leigh Alexandra Travers meets Neil in woods where he thinks she’s just a maid and steals a kiss from her changing the course both of their lives. Choices made out of loyalty keep them apart in the beginning. Neil realizes he wants Leigh as he never wanted a women before and Leigh finds her fiancé now seriously lacking when compared to Neil. This is a story of how two people overcome grief and misunderstandings to reach their HEA. This is amazing story of overcoming obstacles to build an enduring love to last the ages.
I received a free ARC copy from NetGally in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free ARC copy from NetGally in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2016
This book is a real classic. First issued in the 80's, now it is released again with a new cover. Before reading the book you must have the frame of mind when it was written. If you enjoy historicals from that time, you will enjoy this one!
This book is about Neil Braedon who was captured and raised by the Comanches until he is rescued and sent to school and later he graduates from Yale. Although he mingles perfectly in society, the Comanches left an indelible mark on him. He meets Leigh Alexandra Travers by chance. Neil doesn't know she is a lady and steals her a kiss. From then on there is an epic book about love, adventures, angst, heritage. Very entertaining
I received an ecopy by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review
This book is about Neil Braedon who was captured and raised by the Comanches until he is rescued and sent to school and later he graduates from Yale. Although he mingles perfectly in society, the Comanches left an indelible mark on him. He meets Leigh Alexandra Travers by chance. Neil doesn't know she is a lady and steals her a kiss. From then on there is an epic book about love, adventures, angst, heritage. Very entertaining
I received an ecopy by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review
February 24, 2016
This is a Gone with the Wind style saga of a man and a woman whose choices and actions are dictated by the winds of war and family obligations. Choices made out of loyalty keep them apart in the begining. War keeps them apart later but will pride keep them apart or will they chose the love that has survived everything else?
Laurie McBain does a masterful job of bringing the reader "up to speed" on the tangled history of the characters. Without that scene we would be lost trying to figure out how all the cousins and cousins by marriage fit into the puzzle. Her skill enrichens the story and the characters. Making family history more important as new characters are added in.
Laurie McBain does a masterful job of bringing the reader "up to speed" on the tangled history of the characters. Without that scene we would be lost trying to figure out how all the cousins and cousins by marriage fit into the puzzle. Her skill enrichens the story and the characters. Making family history more important as new characters are added in.
June 7, 2016
This is a book I have read over and over. This time, I skimmed a lot and dug into the good parts - i.e. the romance. Still, this is an epic romantic story, full of descriptive settings, fleshed-out characters (some more FLESH than others - lol), and nostalgic imagery. They don't write historical romance like this anymore!
November 30, 2010
I thought this was a great book, however, I could of done with some of the details. Details are good, especially when it's background to understand the characters, but felt too much was offered on Neil.
February 14, 2013
Read or should I say re-read this one like for the millionth (is that a word?)time. Classic !!!!! Someone needs to make this a movie. On second thought nevermind , a movie would just ruin one of my all time favorite books.
December 19, 2016
An absolute favourite novel by Laurie McBAIN and is a keeper on my shelves. I loved this tale which took us through the American Civil War and the impact of the war on the 2 families. It was emotional dramatic and a sweeping romance in the historical romance style. I loved it.
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