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sarah_moynihan's review
4.0
Layton has been depressed and recluse since the death of his wife almost five years earlier. The one bright spot in his life is his young daughter Caroline. Caroline never got the chance to know her mother and has had a series of several nursemaids since, as a result she's quite sullen and subdued for such a small child. Marion's entire life has been unrooted and so she travels to take the position of governess in Layton and Caroline's home. This is a huge life adjustment for Marion and she must learn not to blurr the lines between servant and employer. She adores Caroline and she beames a bright spot and comfort in both Caroline and Layton's life.
Marion and Layton's story is very sweet. I will say though that Marion's story was a little lacking in believablility for me. Of course women during this time were very reliant on the men in their lives for shelter and support. But I find it hard to believe that as soon as the men in her life were unable to care for her, she was instantly destitute, no valuables to sell to buy herself some time? Then she's on the run seeking a way to earn a living, how was she able to secure and confirm a position through letter so quickly? Other than that I don't have any complaints. This book was really engaging. In a lot of books where the male character is tortured and unwilling to give in to his feelings for some reason or other, his reasoning is normally not adequate enough for how he is acting, normally just an excuse to remain tortured and whining until some one knocks sense into them. But I found Layton's reasoning for fighting being with Marion to be well- founded. He wasn't just thinking of himself, he was factoring in the social ramifications and backlash for Caroline and Marion as well as for himself. I respected his reasoning
I really liked Marion and Layton, plus Caroline was so adorable. I was glad that Philip was in this book because I find him very amusing. I liked that this book wasn't solely about the romance, it also focused on the importance of family, the pressure of guilt, and forgiveness. Very happy with this series, on to the next book!
Marion and Layton's story is very sweet. I will say though that Marion's story was a little lacking in believablility for me. Of course women during this time were very reliant on the men in their lives for shelter and support. But I find it hard to believe that as soon as the men in her life were unable to care for her, she was instantly destitute, no valuables to sell to buy herself some time? Then she's on the run seeking a way to earn a living, how was she able to secure and confirm a position through letter so quickly? Other than that I don't have any complaints. This book was really engaging. In a lot of books where the male character is tortured and unwilling to give in to his feelings for some reason or other, his reasoning is normally not adequate enough for how he is acting, normally just an excuse to remain tortured and whining until some one knocks sense into them. But I found Layton's reasoning for fighting being with Marion to be well- founded. He wasn't just thinking of himself, he was factoring in the social ramifications and backlash for Caroline and Marion as well as for himself. I respected his reasoning
I really liked Marion and Layton, plus Caroline was so adorable. I was glad that Philip was in this book because I find him very amusing. I liked that this book wasn't solely about the romance, it also focused on the importance of family, the pressure of guilt, and forgiveness. Very happy with this series, on to the next book!
leslireads's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I cry every time I read this book. I think it’s the mixture of hope and despair but what gets me every time is when Marion is despondent. Such a wonderful ending. I will continue to reread this
cari1268's review
3.0
I needed a good fluff book. I tend to not enjoy books that feature little kids. This one had a four year-old in it (that did not speak like a four year-old). I'm impressed I enjoyed this as much as I did. I felt that the first half was stronger than the second half.
veenaea12's review
3.0
This book only rated so high because I’m convinced that Caroline Jonquil is probably the cutest fictional little girl in the world. Her nicknames for each of her uncles was just too adorable.
We never find out if Layton’s first wife really was in love with him and he only viewed her as a friend?
We never find out if Layton’s first wife really was in love with him and he only viewed her as a friend?
channywax's review
Oh, I just loved this book. The characters, the romance, everything. Diving into book 3 now. Such a wonderful series.
xoxo_lils's review
5.0
Layton is so sweet and it's hard to not love Marion. They both kind of got one my nerves after a minute, but eventually they fixed their problems. I'm so excited to read the next books!
10/10 series. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
Happy reading!
10/10 series. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
Happy reading!
toastymaloney's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't like this one as much as the first one, but it was still good. It still held my interest. It was lovely and sad and sweet. I am enjoying the stories of the Jonquil brothers.
valerieelseswhere's review against another edition
4.0
If you need a good clean romance novel, Sarah Eden does not disappoint, but this one is easily my favorite of all of the ones I have read.
tt_reads123's review against another edition
4.0
This was so good! I think Ms. Eden is now a staple author for me. Her stories are just so sweet and cute, and always leave me with a smile on my face. Usually regency novels aren't for me (I just don't find them that interesting) but her characters are just so much fun to read about, and you can't help but find yourself rooting for them. Characterization is really the best thing about her books. The writing isn't mind blowing, and there isn't always a huge plot, but reading about the interactions between the characters just makes time rush by. In this scenario, Layton and Marion made the perfect couple. They were great is all I'm really going to say. If you're looking for a nice sweet book to read, this is it. In fact, I actually think I prefer it over the first book in the series. I mean really, Caroline (Layton's daughter) really made the difference. So cute!
4 stars
4 stars
katiemayveil's review against another edition
5.0
I had previously read these books in random order (which you most certainly can) I am re-reading them in order of brother. This book tells the story of the second eldest Jonquil brother, Layton. 5 years ago he estranged himself from his family and society, now through the efforts of a lady-turned governess his past is brought to a peaceful resolution. This book touches on several serious topics including suicide and death of family members.