Saving Meg

by Jayne Davis

A soldier returns to keep a promise—but it will prove more difficult than he imagined.Lieutenant Jonathan Lewis is devastated when his best friend, Fred, is fatally injured on the battlefield. He willingly promises to take care of Fred’s sister and mother—after all, he has been quietly in love with Fred’s sister, Meg, for years.After a gruelling retreat across Spain, Jon finally returns to find England in the grip of a snowy winter. Thoughts of Meg have kept him going, but when he reaches her home, it is not Meg who meets him at the door but her cousin Rupert. Jon is devastated to learn that Rupert and Meg are to be wed in two days’ time.Despite Rupert’s efforts to keep them apart, Jon manages to talk to Meg, who does notnot want to marry her cousin. Meg suggests that she would be safe from Rupert’s threats if she married Jon instead.Without hesitation, Jon sets off through the icy conditions and deep snow to get a marriage licence before Rupert can force Meg to marry him. But does Meg only want him for her safety, or could she love him, too? And can he make it back in time?

Genres: Historical, Romance, Historical Romance, Novella, Historical Fiction

124 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2021

About the author

I was born in England, near the Welsh border, and lived in several places while I was growing up, including a spell in Singapore and in Malta. Malta was where I got hooked on historical romances - my parents rented a furnished house, and the owners had left most of their books there, including a whole set of Georgette Heyer novels.

Loving Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I longed to write similar novels myself. I toyed with the idea several times over the years, but real life intervened and I've had several careers, including as a non-fiction author under another name. That wasn’t quite the writing career I had in mind…

So here I am, finally publishing my stories. I hope you enjoy them!

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Novella

[Tillie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely novella from Jayne Davis. A quick read, but --as with all of Jayne Davis' books-- the beautifully crafted characters and setting could have kept me happily reading indefinitely. I loved Lt. Jon Lewis, home on leave from the Peninsular Wars, weary from years of fighting and near- starvation in Spain; grieving the death of his fellow soldier and best friend Fred Rymer.
Now Jon has returned to visit Fred's family, particularly Fred's sister Meg, for whom Jon has unspoken feelings. Dismayed to find Meg betrothed to her cousin, with the wedding only a few days away, Jon quickly learns that things are not what they seem and the forthcoming nuptials are anything but welcome.
The cousin is quite villainous, with a veneer of solicitous concern masking his true nature. Subsidiary characters including the local townsfolk, tradespeople and servants, are brought to life with care and imbued with wonderful humanity and warmth and humor. There's nothing really new about the story; the tropes are there, but made fresh and appealing by Jayne Davis' skill. Five Stars. Lovely. Saving Meg

[Pauline Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but very sweet - a lovely little novella about a soldier returning from the Napoleonic wars to claim the woman he’s loved for years, battling through snow to her side, only to find that she’s on the brink of marrying her cousin. Needless to say, there’s a lot more to it, as Meg is being forced into marriage by threats against her mother. Jon arrives just in time, but what can he do to help? He can save Meg by marrying her himself, that’s what.

So begins a heroic ride through the snow to obtain a marriage licence in time to prevent the marriage, or at least to prevent the repercussions if Meg refuses point blank to go through with it at the altar. I won’t spoil the story by revealing how the villain’s dastardly plot is foiled, but suffice to say that my pedantic soul was thrilled by the clever use of the provisions of the Marriage Act, and by an ingenious intervention from the vicar.

So three rousing cheers for impeccable deployment of Regency law and plot logic, the romance was heart-warming, and there’s a delightfully original epilogue. My only complaint is that it’s too short! I could have stood to read a lot more about these characters. Five stars.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story that was a quick read, that I really wished had been longer. I did like the characters of Lieutenant Jonathon Lewis and Meg Ryan. Meg had a torrid time of late and now she had a troubling problem with her cousin, Rupert Taylor. There are some males in the village who think women are not capable of running an estate. Would Jon be able to help now he is back on leave? This was an entertaining read with a happy ending.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

This was a solid novella, with plenty of character and plot development.

[Zvezdana_whatwhymeagain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very short, bland and simplistic historical novella that left me cold and unengaged with protagonists. I read it yesterday and the only things I remember from it are 1) MMC riding endlessly through cold weather and snow storms, and 2) him touching fingerposts (whatever those may be), 4 or 5 times.

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short regency romance novelette, quick and charming.

[MelCa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 {⭐️}
A quick but very sweet read.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read at only seventy-five or so pages, this was a charming little novella, typical of the 'Regency Romance' genre, with all the expected ingredients added into the recipe in the right, master-chef class, order.

I would suggest, however, that this is more of a short story than a novella, the sort of well presented story that I used to read (and enjoy) in the better quality UK women's magazines such as Woman's Own. Maybe a bit too short for something that must be purchased, though? I would have preferred three or four such stories collected together to make a better value-for-money reading experience - but - as quick read short stories go, this was very enjoyable and very well written.

The history appeared to be accurate, the characters were instantly recognisable, the plot moved at a good pace and the end was most satisfactory.

As a story it was very good, I just wish it had been a little longer.

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely clean regency novella

Interesting main characters, reasonably fleshed out (it IS a novella), clean but not bland story (you can share with family of all ages from aunts and grandmas to nieces and granddaughters IMO)… enjoyed reading a regency era story not set in aristocracy ( I almost said about ‘regular people’ but these characters as landowners still were more privileged than average, I suspect!) glad I’ve found this author and definitely will read some of her full length stories too (though I really do love novella length!)

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to spend a snowy April evening. This was a very quick, enjoyable read. I love short stories because you can get a sense of the author in a short time. The story of Meg and Jon is sweet yet sad, both from the losses they suffered and the situation Meg and her Mom have been in. These two definitely deserve a happy ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Bks43v3r · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a sweet novella. Jonathan and Meg grew up together. They are very close. It is clear that these two know each other well and care deeply for each other. Over the years they have fallen in love with each other, secretly. Neither has ever declared their feelings openly. I can't recall why Jon did not declare himself earlier.

Jonathan is in the army with his best friend and Meg's brother (Fred). Recently Fred is killed in battle. When Jon returns home (he promised Fred he would take care of his family), he learns that Meg's cousin Rupert is trying to blackmail her into marrying him...and soon. (He wants her money.) Meg's father, and now brother, are dead. And with a mother who is mentally altered from an accident, Meg may have no choice. Can Jonathan save her from this fate in time?

I mostly liked the story. Even though Meg was in a tight jam, she did not totally crumble. She still showed courage and did her part to help herself. And the village folk were great. However, I did not like that the two MCs were hardly together in this story. Given the plot, I guess that was unavoidable; however, for me it took away from the story a bit for me.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lighthearted novella with an obvious villain and a couple worth caring about. I enjoyed how the Lisette saved herself with the help of her village neighbors, whose help was coordinated by an old family friend when Jon told him of the problems Lisette was facing. A good story to read on a lazy afternoon. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweet Novella.
Jon has been sweet on his friend’s sister for years but has not divulged his feelings, after all what can an impecunious solder offer her? At his friend’s deathbed he promises to look after Meg and her mother, but it takes several months before he can get home on leave, only to find Meg in dire circumstances. Can he rescue her before her cousin takes everything?

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect way to spend an afternoon

Sweet romance. The villainous cousin has Meg backed into a corner. She thinks marriage to Jon can save her. The whole village turns out to help thwart the bad guy! Love Jayne Davis. This short book didn't disappoint.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong and sweet

What a delight! This sweet story has wonderful characters including a valiant horse and a lawyer with integrity. Meg and Jon's story has drama, travel, helpful and kind people, and love.

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bad Situation

I enjoyed this romance about a couple faced with a conniving relative. Good characters, and I enjoyed the way the author portrayed the stress and challenges Jon and Meg endured. I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Good plot and a good read.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes talent and creativity to make a common formulaic love story into something approaching a very plausible scenario with all the thrills of Romance and managing to inject it with humour, too. But then this author has not failed me yet.

[Kare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella. In contrast to many romances, it did not deal with anyone titled or excessively wealthy...just regular people. An enjoyable afternoon read.

[Vonna Fortner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short & Sweet

This is the sixth book I’ve read by this author and have enjoyed them all. She is an excellent writer with each containing different plots and characters. All are appealing, nothing formulaic even in the same genre.

[Cheri Sandberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant story!

Not the most fraught tale, but it is about people who care about each other. I am reading this on the night before our son's wedding. Perfect for such occasion, n'est pas?

[Danielle Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome short story

Jayne is an awesome writer and storyteller. Loved this book and all her others.

Truly a Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen style writer. Clean and well written.

[Max Paredes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet novella

I love me a good quick happily ever after. I am a declared Jayne Davis fan. Yet another satisfying read --the bonus is that its a quickfix --emotional ride. You'll get off smiling in the end.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! Quick read- just right. A little mystery, bad guy, super awesome good guy, and a great connection between them.

[ChillwithabookAWARD With · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Meg by Jayne Davis has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award
www.chillwithabook.com

[Wallace Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Just enough suspense to keep us rooting for the HEA. No anachronisms! Happy to have found Jayne Davis.

[Jenreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read historical romances triple the length of this little gem that don’t have half the heart and truth of this. Well worth the KU read. I’m glad the lovely review at Dear Author led me to it.

[Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lame

Just a slightly misjointed little story with no real plot or development of any characters.Not what I expected from this author.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean read

Short and sweet story about how a young man saves Meg from being forced into a forced marriage after her father and brother die

[Lazy Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice story

Good story. I’m sure this kind of situation occurred back in those times. Women had no rights and were easily manipulated.