Another lovely regency romance. I like the Jonquil brothers more and more; Layton is quite a likable character (this book even makes me like Philip moAnother lovely regency romance. I like the Jonquil brothers more and more; Layton is quite a likable character (this book even makes me like Philip more, who barely makes an appearance in the final few chapters). Marion is a delightful character, and her cheerfulness definitely makes her approachable and likable. I also like the nod to Miles from “For Elise”. I don’t know which book came first, but it was fun to realize I already knew the character of Cousin Miles. The romance progresses a little quickly, but that seems typical—and truthfully, I love the clean, unfettered, heartfelt romances in these books. All in all I really liked it. (Side note: when listening to an audio book, the quality of the reader can make a big difference in the entire impression. Even when the story is good, if the reader terrible, it’s hard to like the book. I didn’t love the reader of this book. She’s not terrible, but it can color ones perception of the book.)...more
I loved this series! It is a short series (only two books) but they are lovely. My husband and I read them together and we both loved them. Between peI loved this series! It is a short series (only two books) but they are lovely. My husband and I read them together and we both loved them. Between periods when we were able to read, our conversations often went to the story and wondering what will happen. The characters are wonderful, the story is so good, the writing is lovely. I was deeply touched and loved this book!...more
2019 REVIEW: This is my second reading of this book and I love it just as much this time as I did the first. Beautiful story, well-turned characters, 2019 REVIEW: This is my second reading of this book and I love it just as much this time as I did the first. Beautiful story, well-turned characters, good time line, great character and plot development. It’s a favorite Eden book, for sure.
Note: Very clean book. Hand holding. A kiss. A few unkind remarks about Irish, but nothing overly derogatory or harsh.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by Sandra Campbell. I’ve listened to several books narrates by Sandra and she does a good job with those. She has pretty good voices for the different characters, and though I am by no means an expert on accents, I thought she did a fair job with the Irish accent of all the Irish characters.
2016 REVIEW: I really loved this book! The pacing felt perfect, the writing and language is lovely. The mystery surrounding the story is intriguing and yet you're given enough as you go along not to feel frustrated at the not knowing. I love Katie, Joseph, Tavish, and Biddy. Such beautiful characters! I cannot believe it took me this long to read this great book—and now I can't wait to read the sequel....more
This was a delightful story. Though in the beginning I wasn't sure how I would like it, it wrapped up so well I couldn't help loving it by the time I This was a delightful story. Though in the beginning I wasn't sure how I would like it, it wrapped up so well I couldn't help loving it by the time I was finished. I think it's safe to say I'm becoming a Shannon Hale fan.
Side note: the full cast audio book version is a lot of fun to listen to. ...more
I read the first two books in this series so many years ago, I don’t remember many details of them! I primarily remember liking them. There are both aI read the first two books in this series so many years ago, I don’t remember many details of them! I primarily remember liking them. There are both advantages and disadvantages to that. An advantage is I can’t really compare this book to her sister volumes and have those impact my judgement of this one. A major disadvantage is I can’t remember details! Some of those details are mentioned here, so it was frustrating to be unable to recall them. As is frequently the case with YA lit, the age of the protagonists is unbelievable to me when viewed with the lens of all they pull off. 15 seemed far too young to have that much prowess and knowledge. But it’s something I’ll overlook because this is a fun book. There are a couple of plot twists toward the end, one of which I didn’t even think about and the other I just hoped and crossed my fingers would be the case. When it turned out that way, I was very happy. This ultimately feels like a book about remembering what is really important and being happy with what we have, not what we think we should have. It’s also about appreciating the people in our lives, not taking them for granted, and forgiving others. I’m not sure those moral themes were purposeful, but I still noticed them. I like Kat. Her attitude and priorities, fears and abilities, make her a very likable character. I appreciate how her family rallies around her and makes things happen for her, even if it’s not convenient for them or the way they’d do things. Family matters! Even if they’re quirky or weird or busy, they know what matters. It was so heartwarming. Hale, as I remember from the first two books, is usually a likable character, though I had a harder time with him for the first half of this book. Actually, I was pretty angry at him most of that time. Yes, he has just experienced a terrible tragedy, an awful blow, and yes, he is grieving and hurting. And yes, he is probably overwhelmed and confused by his grandmother’s will. But I don’t think his treatment of Kat was acceptable. Ignoring her, brushing her off, yelling at her, barely claiming to know her in front of his family are all unacceptable. Does she matter to you or not, Hale? If she matters to you then by golly act like it. Personally I think she put up with a lot more than I would have been inclined to. Maybe I would be understanding and forgiving, but I think I would have given him the what-for long before he finally came around. (And the fact that he never acknowledges or apologizes for his behavior is probably the thing that grated against me most.) The cast of supporting characters is so great. Hamish and Angus are like the Heist equivalents of the Weasley twins from Harry Potter, both in their ability to make jokes and in how they work together to make things happen. And finishing each other’s sentences! Simon is much too much genius for a 15 year old, but he’s so great. His personality is all geek and it’s quite endearing. I love how protective Gabrielle is of Kat and how much she is helps her throughout the book. Bobby Bishop is very cool and I love that Kat and her father can talk with each other so freely even if they haven’t been in close physical proximity for years. Hazel is the coolest grandma ever and I’m sad for her life. Her family is rotten! Marcus and Marianne are the coolest. I just love Marcus and it’s so great to see and hear more of his loyal character, especially going to all the trouble to hire Kat for his sister. And Uncle Eddie is probably the best uncle ever. I loved that he was involved in the story more this time. Garrett is a slimy sleaze ball. That’s all. Actually that’s not all. He raised a slimy sleaze ball in Natalie, too. I was always suspicious of her and then she went and proved me right! Now that’s all. ...more
I think I enjoyed this book as much as Edenbrook. It was a little slower moving in the beginning (though there is a sense of mystery that kept me fromI think I enjoyed this book as much as Edenbrook. It was a little slower moving in the beginning (though there is a sense of mystery that kept me from being bored) but once I got through the first couple of chapters, I was completely hooked. Kate & Henry are the perfect characters, with flaws that make them human but just enough goodness to make them lovable. I liked watching Kate's development and reading the flashbacks in her life that explained so much of her life, family, and character, as well as relationships with Henry & Sylvia. I also thought the other characters in the book were perfectly dislikable, even detestable for some. I vacillated between liking Sylvia and being frustrated with her; I liked Herr Sporh, Oliver, Alice and Grandfather, though their roles are minuscule enough it's easy to brush over them. I couldn't like Juliet or Maria. Just couldn't. And, of course, didn't like the others at all. The story is perfect. I love that it is clean but driven. I *loved* the way it ended. I was afraid the ending wouldn't be an ultimate conclusion but something to merely leave us hoping. However, it couldn't have been more perfect. ...more
Dear Mrs. Eden, I love love this book. You have written so many wonderful books, and though it’s nigh impossible to choose a single favorit2021 Review:
Dear Mrs. Eden, I love love this book. You have written so many wonderful books, and though it’s nigh impossible to choose a single favorite, this one is near the top of my list. The characters are so well thought out, their backstories so perfectly developed. Sorrel is just the sort of person I think I’d like to be friends with. Her no-nonsense demeanor, with a soft side, makes me love her instantly. Would you mind passing along my request that she and I become friends? I would love that ever so much. Though he makes Sorrel a tad bit crazy, I cannot deny my love for Phillip Jonquil. Naturally it’s easy to love him when one knows his full motivations and can see into his heart, but I believe I would be hard pressed not to love him even if I only saw his foppish exterior. He is just so charming (for all that he is a bit clueless with women). I do believe I should like to be his acquaintance as well. Perhaps after he and Sorrel are wed, I shall come to call on them. That sounds like a most entertaining visit. Of course the other characters are lovely as well. I love all the Jonquil boys and Mater is an absolute delight. Sorrel’s sister, Marjie, is so sweet, and her brother Fennel is hilarious (and so insightful). Perhaps the only character I’m not overly fond of is Sorrel’s mother. I just cannot like her, I’m afraid to admit. I love this entire storyline and how everything comes together. I have found myself hopelessly in love with the entire Jonquil world once again and do believe I must revisit each brother’s stories. I am so grateful for your lovely books and this delightful literary family. Your devoted fan, Jessica
Quotes I loved:
“This seems a highly efficient way of eliminating one’s enemies.” Philip chuckled. “Too bad I didn’t think of it sooner.” “You mean you don’t kiss all of your enemies?” Sorrel attempted to sound surprised.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2018 Review:
Lovely regency romance. I really like the story. Sorrel is the kind of character I relate to and I so liked her. I enjoyed reading about a character with such fierce independence and disregard for the traditional social expectations of women. And Philip was a great character, too. I liked him right away and only liked him more as the book progressed(except for maybe wanting to slap him around a bit in the library scene when Sorrel asks for help...luckily that only lasted a page or two). I loved their witty conversations and the chemistry between them. Great book. I look forward to reading more of Eden’s books....more
I do like this book, though it’s not my favorite Eden offering. It was fairly predictable. I was able to guess beforehand nearly everything that shoulI do like this book, though it’s not my favorite Eden offering. It was fairly predictable. I was able to guess beforehand nearly everything that should have been a mystery. But it’s still a charming romance. Miranda is a pretty awesome character. My husband listened to most of it with me and he said, “she is a really remarkable woman, to deal with everything she’s gone through, and just forgive like she does.” I concur. Carter is a nitwit. No really! Since when does a man madly in love allow his father to handle all his personal correspondence with his wife? Just. What? I struggled to like him. But I was glad to see him turn around and make some positive—essential—changes. Miranda’s grandfather is just a gem. I adored him from the beginning. I admire Doctor McPherson for standing up for what he knows is right, regardless of where anyone stands on the social hierarchy. Carter’s parents are deplorable people. I disliked his mother from the beginning, but she gets worse. And maybe it’s rude to hate a character who is dead, but I still do. His father is terrible. My favorite line from the book: “don’t worry, mother is about as far away from here as possible without being in the slums.” Baha! AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by Kimberly Mellon. This isn’t my favorite reader. All the men’s voices sound the same, except sometimes they’re different, and then I would get confused. Sometimes Carter sounded just like Grandfather. Miranda’s voice is nice, and mother’s suits her. And I do like the accents given to all the servants. Those suit quite well. ...more
I am really enjoying this series! Such delightful stories and development of all the characters. I loved the surprises that would pop up now and againI am really enjoying this series! Such delightful stories and development of all the characters. I loved the surprises that would pop up now and again and I look forward to the next book. ...more
This book presented many ideas about Mary I had never before considered. Of course there is speculation involved because there is so much we don't knoThis book presented many ideas about Mary I had never before considered. Of course there is speculation involved because there is so much we don't know, so much that isn't told. However, I believe Olsen had to have done a lot of research and thus I found this book informative and knowledgeable. ...more
I didn't realize this book was a sequel when I began reading it. Even so, it holds up pretty well on its own and works without having read the first. I didn't realize this book was a sequel when I began reading it. Even so, it holds up pretty well on its own and works without having read the first. While I liked the story I also wouldn't say it's anything special and was pretty to predict what would happen. A quick read, a fun little filler, not much more. ...more
I think I may have liked this book better than “Seeking Persephone,” but who wouldn’t with Harry as protagonist?
Harry is such a great character. I liI think I may have liked this book better than “Seeking Persephone,” but who wouldn’t with Harry as protagonist?
Harry is such a great character. I like him exceptionally! Now, he approached this problem of “helping” to marry off the woman he loves may be just a tad foolish, but I also thought it was kind of funny. I knew he was going to be in big trouble with Athena when she found out, but I still laughed at the “friends” he kept choosing to introduce Athena to.
I thought Athena was a little thick. It really takes you that long to realize you have feelings for your dear, wonderful, supportive, helpful, always-calms-me-down-and-makes-feel-better-just-by-being-around-him friend? I wanted to shake her a little and say, “come on, Athena! The man of your dreams is right under your nose!” *sigh* Ah, well. I guess if shed figured it out sooner, we wouldn’t have seen her introduced to so many colorful characters. [hee hee!]
Perceptive Persephone took far too long to figure out Harry’s feelings and far too much longer to make Adam aware of the facts. I expected Persephone to figure things out so much quicker! But again, I guess I can’t complain because otherwise we’d have missed a cute story.
It’s a lovely book. Perhaps predictable. But fun to read. ...more
Charming but not overly impressive. A little Beauty-and-the-Beast, a little Hades-and-Persephone, with a regency romance flair. Some of the similaritiCharming but not overly impressive. A little Beauty-and-the-Beast, a little Hades-and-Persephone, with a regency romance flair. Some of the similarities between the previously mentioned stories were a little too obvious, a little too drawn in, to me. Persephone is a lovely character, very selfless and caring. Adam is an absolute beast, a narcissist to the core it seems. I didn’t like him for most of the book. Persephone was finally bringing out the long buried (and thought dead) feelings of empathy and love within his heart, but it takes an awfully long time and the transformation feels as though it lasts mere pages. So it is a cute little romance, just not my favorite Eden book. ...more
The first thing I have to say is there is much of the Hawaiian culture that is so beautiful and this book has fueled a desire to learn more. It was exThe first thing I have to say is there is much of the Hawaiian culture that is so beautiful and this book has fueled a desire to learn more. It was extremely interesting to read (in the first section) about the first LDS missionaries to the Hawaiian Islands and the struggles they met, how they overcame them, and the kinds of things they did, as well as the persecution early members endured. The first section might be my favorite, followed by the third. The leper colony on Moloka’i is so sad to me. The things those people had to endure are heartbreaking. This author’s writing style isn’t always my favorite. Sometimes she switches writing from the perspective of one character into that of a different character with no warning or notice; it just changes, and usually to that of a nominal character so you really don’t expect it. Also sometimes what is happening is so vague, and all the characters are dealing with this big problem, for pages at a time, without telling us what the problem is until later. That just frustrates me a little. But I do like the level of research into George Q. Cannon’s mission, Jonathon Napela’s life, and the Hawaiian culture, and all the author’s notes at the end of the chapters. I really liked those. ...more
This book provided a good balance of encouragement with doses of helping me see where I needed to improve. Brad provides just enough humor to keep it This book provided a good balance of encouragement with doses of helping me see where I needed to improve. Brad provides just enough humor to keep it from being dry, I loved the many analogies and personal stories, and it is so insightful. I particularly love that just about everything came back to the Atonement, because it is through the Atonement we accomplish all good. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone trying to strengthen themselves spiritually and learn how they can improve their relationship with God. ...more
Lovely book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and liked how it ended. Klassen obviously did her research (or is very good at faking) on old apothecary & mediciLovely book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and liked how it ended. Klassen obviously did her research (or is very good at faking) on old apothecary & medicinal practices and I found it fascinating. I admit, I am glad the old class system has been largely done away. The idea that one could only marry someone of their own social class and financial standing feels very confining to me. Also, reading books like these always make me realize I’m more feminist than I think. :) I’d like to understand more about how the “season of London” looked and what it entailed, as well as other customs of the day. I look forward to reading more Klassen books in the future. ...more
This book was wonderfully written and executed! I almost scathed the author but then she redeemed herself right at the end. Phew!
I loved Della's charaThis book was wonderfully written and executed! I almost scathed the author but then she redeemed herself right at the end. Phew!
I loved Della's character. She's obviously written with the intent of feeling sympathy for her from thievery beginning, but I didn't mind it. I didn't think that was overdone in anyway. Aside from Della's aunt and uncle, I can't even think of a character I don't like in this story! I even liked the stern principle most of the time, just because I could sense that there was something about her story missing and it made my heart go out to her.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Content: some kissing, but still very clean. Also, a pretty sad ending (which is part of the true story)—I cried. ...more
2013: I LOVED this book! It took me about 50 pages to really get into it but once I was drawn in, I was hooked. It's so refreshing to read a story tha2013: I LOVED this book! It took me about 50 pages to really get into it but once I was drawn in, I was hooked. It's so refreshing to read a story that can have romance and action without being crass, explicit, or vulgar. I think I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone.
2018: Do you know what is delightful? Reading a book and loving it so deeply you want everyone you know to read it and love it as much as you do. Do you know what is more delightful? Rereading that same book many years later to find you still love it as much, if not more. This book is one of those for me. The story is beautifully conceived, the characters (especially Sarah) developed exceptionally, and the writing is clever and well-done. I just love this book. ...more
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