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Regency Duo #2
A Midnight Clear
'TIS THE SEASON FOR LOVE--AND SCANDAL!
Lord Fallon felt duty bound to restore his family's disreputable name to social respectability. All that stood in his way was Scandalbroth, an upcoming tome of notorious indiscretions in which the Fallons featured most prominently.
So Miss Jane Ryder, secretary to the dowager author of the anticipated tell-all, offered to accompany Fallon to his estate to research a more proper history--his lordship's own--that might overshadow past scandal. But her good intentions stirred up unexpected passions. . . .
Lord Fallon felt duty bound to restore his family's disreputable name to social respectability. All that stood in his way was Scandalbroth, an upcoming tome of notorious indiscretions in which the Fallons featured most prominently.
So Miss Jane Ryder, secretary to the dowager author of the anticipated tell-all, offered to accompany Fallon to his estate to research a more proper history--his lordship's own--that might overshadow past scandal. But her good intentions stirred up unexpected passions. . . .
Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 1997
About the author
Lynn Kerstan
30 books18 followersLynn Kerstan is a former college professor, folksinger, professional bridge player, and nun.
Her first book, A Spirited Affair, published in 1993, was a double RITA finalist. In 1996, she took home a prestigious RITA Award for Gwen's Christmas Ghost, written with Indianapolis resident Alicia Rasley via E-Mail. A pioneer of on-line collaboration, she had previously collaborated with Rasley and Julie Caille on Lessons in Love, the world's first Electronic Regency Romance.
A four-time RITA finalist and regularly featured on awards lists, Kerstan has won the CRW Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill Award, two San Diego Book Awards, two Romance Communications Awards, and been a finalist for the National Readers' Choice Award, several Romantic Times awards, and the Holt Medallion.
Kerstan lives in Southern California, where she plots her books while riding her boogie board and does character research at the San Diego Zoo.
Her first book, A Spirited Affair, published in 1993, was a double RITA finalist. In 1996, she took home a prestigious RITA Award for Gwen's Christmas Ghost, written with Indianapolis resident Alicia Rasley via E-Mail. A pioneer of on-line collaboration, she had previously collaborated with Rasley and Julie Caille on Lessons in Love, the world's first Electronic Regency Romance.
A four-time RITA finalist and regularly featured on awards lists, Kerstan has won the CRW Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill Award, two San Diego Book Awards, two Romance Communications Awards, and been a finalist for the National Readers' Choice Award, several Romantic Times awards, and the Holt Medallion.
Kerstan lives in Southern California, where she plots her books while riding her boogie board and does character research at the San Diego Zoo.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 11, 2022
Spoiler ahead:
I was just loving this book and thought it was such a super find at my used bookstore! It for the most part is quite a gem, with highly skilled writing and presentation of atmosphere, and very likable characters. But just when it was getting good -- I was hoping the couple would make love, being snowbound in an old house over Christmas -- they find a baby in the snow!! This was almost enough to make me quit. I don't have kids, don't want kids, and don't read romances that revolve around kids. But since I'd invested time to read 3/4 of the book, I determined I would finish it. After getting over the hump of the beginning of the storyline with the baby, the love story and familial backstory still drew me in and I finished the book, quite satisfied, just not 100%. It speaks to the skill of the author that she didn't lose me when I thought the book had "jumped the shark." (Or goat -- you'll find out.) I'll look for other titles by this author, but maybe there will be more romantic heat and fewer diapers.
I was just loving this book and thought it was such a super find at my used bookstore! It for the most part is quite a gem, with highly skilled writing and presentation of atmosphere, and very likable characters. But just when it was getting good -- I was hoping the couple would make love, being snowbound in an old house over Christmas -- they find a baby in the snow!! This was almost enough to make me quit. I don't have kids, don't want kids, and don't read romances that revolve around kids. But since I'd invested time to read 3/4 of the book, I determined I would finish it. After getting over the hump of the beginning of the storyline with the baby, the love story and familial backstory still drew me in and I finished the book, quite satisfied, just not 100%. It speaks to the skill of the author that she didn't lose me when I thought the book had "jumped the shark." (Or goat -- you'll find out.) I'll look for other titles by this author, but maybe there will be more romantic heat and fewer diapers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2013
Miss Jane Ryder is in need of a job and a place to stay ASAP so she takes a job with the scandalous Lady Swann who wants Jane to transcribe her scurillious tell all memoir of the British aristocracy of the 18th century. When the new Marquess of Fallon discovers Lady Swann's intentions, he is outraged. She threatens to destroy everything he is working hard for. When Lady Swann refuses to supress the book, she sends Jane with an offer to Lord Fallon to uncover the history of the women of the family. Lord Fallon sees the opportunity to use Jane for his own ends but she's too sharp for that. She decides to accompany him to his estate over Christmas to find what she's searching for. Both Jane and Fallon find the unexpected and discover a Christmas miracle. It will take more than a miracle to find the happy ending they both desire.
This is a cute story but not all that memorable - more like a 3 1/2 star read but since it's Christmas I will round up. The plot is pretty good. Though the timeline is super short, the relationship develops meaningfully and realistically for the characters. There is a mystery towards the end that comes out of nowhere and I couldn't put the book down until it was solved. The conclusion is less tedious and common than I expected and not too rushed. I liked the way it all came about. This book reminded me of Joan Smith's writing style. The romance is clean but there's talk of past exploits and Lady Swann's conquests (current and past).
My favorite character is Lady Swann. She's a riot! She's maniupulative in a good way and provides a lot of comic relief. I liked Jane and Fallon as well. Jane is a great heroine. I felt bad for her once she revealed her full history and her wishes for Fallon's future children. My heart broke for her. I love how she can stand up to the most autocratic people when she feels like it and how she's too smart to be manipulated - or so she thinks. She's very caring and strong. At first I loathed Fallon. He was a typical alpha male, high-handed aristocrat in the mold of Mr. Darcy but more hot tempered. Then, once Jane got to know him and his story, I grew to care about him too. He's an honorable man (sort of... he is a nabob and he probably didn't get that way from being honorable) struggling to do what he feels is right. I think he was actually on the right track given that the next generation will come of age duing the stuffy Victorian era. Yet, I wanted him with Jane and I wanted him to be happy and true to himself. It was a tough dilemma.
This is a good older Regency. It's light but has substance. I would recommend it to fans of the old traditional Regency novels.
This is a cute story but not all that memorable - more like a 3 1/2 star read but since it's Christmas I will round up. The plot is pretty good. Though the timeline is super short, the relationship develops meaningfully and realistically for the characters. There is a mystery towards the end that comes out of nowhere and I couldn't put the book down until it was solved. The conclusion is less tedious and common than I expected and not too rushed. I liked the way it all came about. This book reminded me of Joan Smith's writing style. The romance is clean but there's talk of past exploits and Lady Swann's conquests (current and past).
My favorite character is Lady Swann. She's a riot! She's maniupulative in a good way and provides a lot of comic relief. I liked Jane and Fallon as well. Jane is a great heroine. I felt bad for her once she revealed her full history and her wishes for Fallon's future children. My heart broke for her. I love how she can stand up to the most autocratic people when she feels like it and how she's too smart to be manipulated - or so she thinks. She's very caring and strong. At first I loathed Fallon. He was a typical alpha male, high-handed aristocrat in the mold of Mr. Darcy but more hot tempered. Then, once Jane got to know him and his story, I grew to care about him too. He's an honorable man (sort of... he is a nabob and he probably didn't get that way from being honorable) struggling to do what he feels is right. I think he was actually on the right track given that the next generation will come of age duing the stuffy Victorian era. Yet, I wanted him with Jane and I wanted him to be happy and true to himself. It was a tough dilemma.
This is a good older Regency. It's light but has substance. I would recommend it to fans of the old traditional Regency novels.
April 15, 2013
I am glad I requested to review this book. Lynn did her research as I learned a few more phrases of this era than I had previously read. She picked a story line that on first reading the synopsis sounds like any other book. This wasn't. Yes, there is a woman, Jane, who is on her own looking for work. However she isn't a typical poor woman who gets boosted up the social ladder. Yu must read the book the book to find out who, how and why. Her antagonist, Fallon, is assumed to be a rake of the lowest sort. He is a new heir to a Dukedom and while he wants no part of it he decides if he must be a Duke then he must be the most law abiding, grandest Duke there ever was. An ancient, self-sufficient Lady of the Ton is forcing Fallon to provide her with all the juicy stories of his storied ancestors. He is where Jane and His Grace get thrown together. On top of this they get snowed in when a blizzrd hits while searching Fallon's tumbling down Estate for family papers. Things go from bad to worse and i'ts Christmas Eve and someone abandons a baby girl outside the house. They only make things more difficult for themselves when they make choices they think are good for the other person but aren't what they want. I would be amiss to tell any more. I have added this book to my Collecton. Now it's time for you to read this book and add it to yours!
June 8, 2013
I love traditional Regencies, and it was a pleasure to find a delightful one that I had not read. A wealthy marquess and a secretary who is little more than a servant seem to have nothing in common, but Jane and Fallon are both lonely people forced by circumstances to depend only on themselves and to make the most of their opportunities. Watching them become real and dear to one another and watching Lady Swan’s machinations force them into a realization of just what they have found in one another is heartwarming. The Christmas setting and the infant whose tiny hands grab both their hearts make it a special story.
If you like traditional Regencies with engaging characters or if you like historical Christmas stories with a tender romance and a generous serving of seasonal sentiment, you will enjoy this story. Once again Belle Bridge has reissued an older romance that is a true treasure. I’ll be adding A Midnight Clear to my favorite Christmas romances.
See full review at Just Janga:
http://justjanga.blogspot.com/2013/05...
If you like traditional Regencies with engaging characters or if you like historical Christmas stories with a tender romance and a generous serving of seasonal sentiment, you will enjoy this story. Once again Belle Bridge has reissued an older romance that is a true treasure. I’ll be adding A Midnight Clear to my favorite Christmas romances.
See full review at Just Janga:
http://justjanga.blogspot.com/2013/05...
November 28, 2011
An unusual and delightful tale of love found unexpectedly at Christmas.
January 2, 2025
Well I had no idea this was going to be so preachy. Apparently it was written by a nun so that explains it.
This is an old style "charmed" book. You can definitely feel that it was written in the 90s. It has the handsome, intelligent, ambitious man who turns into a fool on any topic the woman in the book is good at, and she speaks with such authority that she's practically talking down to him. In that way of the old style cleaning commercials where the husband just doesn't know which end of the mop to hold.
It was a nice reminder that we've come a long way since the 90s.
This is an old style "charmed" book. You can definitely feel that it was written in the 90s. It has the handsome, intelligent, ambitious man who turns into a fool on any topic the woman in the book is good at, and she speaks with such authority that she's practically talking down to him. In that way of the old style cleaning commercials where the husband just doesn't know which end of the mop to hold.
It was a nice reminder that we've come a long way since the 90s.
March 21, 2024
2-2.5*
I enjoyed this book until the baby showed up, at which point the story quickly devolved from ‘sweet albeit implausible’ to ‘nauseatingly over-the-top’. Considering this was about two-thirds of the way in, I gritted my teeth through the last bit.
I enjoyed this book until the baby showed up, at which point the story quickly devolved from ‘sweet albeit implausible’ to ‘nauseatingly over-the-top’. Considering this was about two-thirds of the way in, I gritted my teeth through the last bit.
December 3, 2024
I love this author she writes good srorylines you can read fast. They have great plots and characters that maintain your interest.
June 3, 2013
Written For Confessions From Romaholics
I cannot even remember the last time I had so much fun just by reading a book. This book is a cocktail of humor, drama and romance. It contains the perfect balance of strong characters, funny and entertaining dialogue and a great plot.
The Regency Era is a period in which the society treats and judges its members depending on their actions and, of course, their fortunes. Perhaps because of this, Lady Eudora Swann, known as The Tongue, being in possession of many spicy secrets of her generation of aristocrats, decides to gather them together in a book called Scandalbroth. Not everyone is happy to learn about the appearance of this infamous book and, in particular, the Marques of Fallon, who is determined to suppress the lurid tales of his licentious and corrupt ancestors, who gave a bad name to the title which he inherited. After spending many years in India gaining the wealth he needed to restore the family name, he is confronted with a bigger problem when Lady Swann doesn’t want to cede to his demand not to publish the infamous history of his family. But as she is always looking for a new plot, Lady Swann strikes a bargain with Fallon. In exchange for his family’s history, written by Jane Ryder, Lady Eudora Swann’s personal secretary, she will hand him the manuscript of Scandalbroth. Grabbing this unexpected chance with both hands and thinking he finally has the opportunity to learn more about Lady Swann, he takes Jane to his family home. But he is in for a big surprise with plain Jane.
The illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat, poor and homeless after her last employment, Jane Ryder is hired for the position of personal secretary to Lady Swann, transcribing the past scandals of some of the nobility dictated by the lady herself. The two women become more than just a lady and her secretary; they became really good friends, in spite of their age difference, and especially wealth. For the first time in years, Jane feels finally safe; she has enough money and a roof over her head for the Christmas holidays. But nothing goes as she has planned because Lady Swann retreats strategically for a couple of weeks leaving her to deal with the bargain struck with Lord Fallon.
Their adventure begins at his ancestral manor, Wolvercote, when the storm is raging and they are caught alone together for a few days. From then on, they learn about each other and their feelings grow from friendship and respect to love. In their way of finding love is some major hindrances like their social status and fortune, their dreams and prejudices. She thinks she is a nobody and for the high society she is, being a bastard of a lord and such. He believes that the only right thing to do in order to restore his family name is to marry a woman with impeccable credentials and connections. Their own preconceptions hamper their acknowledgement of their feelings and by doing so they risk a dreary and unhappy life. But don’t worry, the devious old woman Lady Swann is there to pry into the matter.
The captivating secondary character, Dowager Lady Swann plays a very important part in this story and through manipulation and machinations, gossips and devices a plan well drawn nudging Jane and Fallon in the direction she wants and sees fit. I love her character very much and I would have like to have known more of her secrets. She gives a note of originality and a wonderful view of the Regency Era.
A midnight Clear is a very well written book with funny moments and dramatic elements, a book that I enjoyed very much. I highly recommend this.
This review can also be found here: Confessions From Romaholics
I cannot even remember the last time I had so much fun just by reading a book. This book is a cocktail of humor, drama and romance. It contains the perfect balance of strong characters, funny and entertaining dialogue and a great plot.
The Regency Era is a period in which the society treats and judges its members depending on their actions and, of course, their fortunes. Perhaps because of this, Lady Eudora Swann, known as The Tongue, being in possession of many spicy secrets of her generation of aristocrats, decides to gather them together in a book called Scandalbroth. Not everyone is happy to learn about the appearance of this infamous book and, in particular, the Marques of Fallon, who is determined to suppress the lurid tales of his licentious and corrupt ancestors, who gave a bad name to the title which he inherited. After spending many years in India gaining the wealth he needed to restore the family name, he is confronted with a bigger problem when Lady Swann doesn’t want to cede to his demand not to publish the infamous history of his family. But as she is always looking for a new plot, Lady Swann strikes a bargain with Fallon. In exchange for his family’s history, written by Jane Ryder, Lady Eudora Swann’s personal secretary, she will hand him the manuscript of Scandalbroth. Grabbing this unexpected chance with both hands and thinking he finally has the opportunity to learn more about Lady Swann, he takes Jane to his family home. But he is in for a big surprise with plain Jane.
The illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat, poor and homeless after her last employment, Jane Ryder is hired for the position of personal secretary to Lady Swann, transcribing the past scandals of some of the nobility dictated by the lady herself. The two women become more than just a lady and her secretary; they became really good friends, in spite of their age difference, and especially wealth. For the first time in years, Jane feels finally safe; she has enough money and a roof over her head for the Christmas holidays. But nothing goes as she has planned because Lady Swann retreats strategically for a couple of weeks leaving her to deal with the bargain struck with Lord Fallon.
Their adventure begins at his ancestral manor, Wolvercote, when the storm is raging and they are caught alone together for a few days. From then on, they learn about each other and their feelings grow from friendship and respect to love. In their way of finding love is some major hindrances like their social status and fortune, their dreams and prejudices. She thinks she is a nobody and for the high society she is, being a bastard of a lord and such. He believes that the only right thing to do in order to restore his family name is to marry a woman with impeccable credentials and connections. Their own preconceptions hamper their acknowledgement of their feelings and by doing so they risk a dreary and unhappy life. But don’t worry, the devious old woman Lady Swann is there to pry into the matter.
The captivating secondary character, Dowager Lady Swann plays a very important part in this story and through manipulation and machinations, gossips and devices a plan well drawn nudging Jane and Fallon in the direction she wants and sees fit. I love her character very much and I would have like to have known more of her secrets. She gives a note of originality and a wonderful view of the Regency Era.
A midnight Clear is a very well written book with funny moments and dramatic elements, a book that I enjoyed very much. I highly recommend this.
This review can also be found here: Confessions From Romaholics
April 2, 2013
4 STARS
A Midnight Clear was a surprising romance novel of the regency era. I did not expect what it would bring by reading the first couple of chapters. This is a clean book which at first I wondered about that. I liked the characters, the plot twists were charming.
Jane has just been kicked out of her lodging and has only one job to interview for. Their are a lot of others who are interviewing too. Everyone who comes out of the job interview looks at the horror of what she just went through. Some leave before the interviews even. Jane gets the job.
Her job is to transcribe and put together the novel telling all about the scandles that Lady Eudora Swann knows. And she knows a lot of them. While Jane hates the book she does her best to write it and keep her opinions about it.
Lady Swann has been married six times. She knows all the scandals and wants to leave a legacy so she won't be forgotton. Now she is confined to a bath chair. She has still a lot of gentleman callers who sneak out in the morning. She has a lot of money.
Charles Fallon's relatives are a big part of the book. He wants to restore his family name and reputation. He already has earned the wealth in India. He has heard about Lady Swann's book and wants his family left out of it. He threatens to sue Lady Swann but that will only make the book sell better.
He rejects her offer of sleeping with her. He has set up a house in London and plans to marry good to a lady of Society.
Lady Swann has a idea that will change her mind if he lets Jane find other things about the woman in the Fallon family. Over the Christmas holidays while she goes away to a party for the holidays.
This was quick read,fun in parts,sweet in others as they end up lost in the snow with plenty of drama thrown into.
I would look for more books by Lynn Kerstan in the future to read based on this book.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when done by Netgalley.
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books (March 11, 2013) 186 pages ASIN: B00BY98QAM
A Midnight Clear was a surprising romance novel of the regency era. I did not expect what it would bring by reading the first couple of chapters. This is a clean book which at first I wondered about that. I liked the characters, the plot twists were charming.
Jane has just been kicked out of her lodging and has only one job to interview for. Their are a lot of others who are interviewing too. Everyone who comes out of the job interview looks at the horror of what she just went through. Some leave before the interviews even. Jane gets the job.
Her job is to transcribe and put together the novel telling all about the scandles that Lady Eudora Swann knows. And she knows a lot of them. While Jane hates the book she does her best to write it and keep her opinions about it.
Lady Swann has been married six times. She knows all the scandals and wants to leave a legacy so she won't be forgotton. Now she is confined to a bath chair. She has still a lot of gentleman callers who sneak out in the morning. She has a lot of money.
Charles Fallon's relatives are a big part of the book. He wants to restore his family name and reputation. He already has earned the wealth in India. He has heard about Lady Swann's book and wants his family left out of it. He threatens to sue Lady Swann but that will only make the book sell better.
He rejects her offer of sleeping with her. He has set up a house in London and plans to marry good to a lady of Society.
Lady Swann has a idea that will change her mind if he lets Jane find other things about the woman in the Fallon family. Over the Christmas holidays while she goes away to a party for the holidays.
This was quick read,fun in parts,sweet in others as they end up lost in the snow with plenty of drama thrown into.
I would look for more books by Lynn Kerstan in the future to read based on this book.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when done by Netgalley.
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books (March 11, 2013) 186 pages ASIN: B00BY98QAM
May 1, 2013
Midnight Clear was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A sweet, romantic Regency romance, Midnight Clear is a very enjoyable read. There's humor, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic tension, so you definitely won't be bored.
Jane is your typical poor, Regency Miss, with no connections or family. She's out of work and, having had to stiffen her backbone over the past few years, is hired for a less-than-desired position transcribing the past scandals of some of the ton. The scandals are part of a memoir dictated by a slightly scandalous lady of the ton, herself, Lady Eudora Swann. Known as a fun-loving gossip, Lady Swann wants to leave a legacy behind, and Jane vows to do the best job she can. Over time, the two women grow fond of each other and, with the arrival in town of Charles, the new Lord Fallon, Lady Swann decides to play match-maker.
Charles and Jane are thrown into a scandalous situation, themselves but, as Jane swears she's just a nobody who's doing Lady Swann's bidding, she thinks that no one will think twice about her improper arrangement with Charles. Charles, on the other hand, is desperate to save his family legacy and ancestral home, and uses their situation to try to convince Jane to abandon Lady Swann's memoir all together.
A lot happens in a small space of time, and a few of the events are pretty implausible, but Midnight Clear is a cute read that includes a lot of warmth and humor. The characters are likable and the story moves at a pretty good pace. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A sweet, romantic Regency romance, Midnight Clear is a very enjoyable read. There's humor, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic tension, so you definitely won't be bored.
Jane is your typical poor, Regency Miss, with no connections or family. She's out of work and, having had to stiffen her backbone over the past few years, is hired for a less-than-desired position transcribing the past scandals of some of the ton. The scandals are part of a memoir dictated by a slightly scandalous lady of the ton, herself, Lady Eudora Swann. Known as a fun-loving gossip, Lady Swann wants to leave a legacy behind, and Jane vows to do the best job she can. Over time, the two women grow fond of each other and, with the arrival in town of Charles, the new Lord Fallon, Lady Swann decides to play match-maker.
Charles and Jane are thrown into a scandalous situation, themselves but, as Jane swears she's just a nobody who's doing Lady Swann's bidding, she thinks that no one will think twice about her improper arrangement with Charles. Charles, on the other hand, is desperate to save his family legacy and ancestral home, and uses their situation to try to convince Jane to abandon Lady Swann's memoir all together.
A lot happens in a small space of time, and a few of the events are pretty implausible, but Midnight Clear is a cute read that includes a lot of warmth and humor. The characters are likable and the story moves at a pretty good pace. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 6, 2016
This is one of those fast moving stories that was a pleasure to read and I wished it was just a bit longer.
The characters are well written and very likable, while the plot twists added a mystery and humor, but what you'll find most enjoyable are Charles and Jane.
I highly recommend this sweet and heartwarming traditional Regency romance that will brighten and illuminate your Christmas season.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
The characters are well written and very likable, while the plot twists added a mystery and humor, but what you'll find most enjoyable are Charles and Jane.
I highly recommend this sweet and heartwarming traditional Regency romance that will brighten and illuminate your Christmas season.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
December 16, 2013
Highly improbable regency Christmas romance, with a very engaging and intelligent couple. Especially enjoyed the amusing matchmaking/gossip mongering Lady Eudora Swann who promoted a match between her secretary and the lonely Lord Fallon
August 15, 2009
Stuffy Lord Fallon is trying to turn the leaf as to his disreputable family. Along the way Jane Ryder and Lady Eudora interrupt those plans.
All the better.
All the better.
April 9, 2013
Lynn Kerstan's A Midnight Clear is just a sweet regency period love story.
This story had humor, surprises, love, animals, children and sweet Christmas miracle.
This story had humor, surprises, love, animals, children and sweet Christmas miracle.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews