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jessbookishlife's review against another edition
5.0
So, this is the first book I’m reading of Catherine’s, although it’s not the first one I have on my hands. I have the second book in this series and will be reading it as soon as I can. Anyway, from what I know of most historical romances from the lovely and awesome ladies of The Unlaced Historical Romance Group, I knew I would love this one and that it would be okay for me to read it without reading the other two before.
This books talks about a second chance love, in some ways. And that type of trope is one of my favorites because it always leaves me hopefully. Lady Olivia was 18 years old when when the man she loved crushed her heart when he told her he was going to Australian. And that heartbreak made her close herself off from men so she wouldn’t be hurt again. Now four years later he’s back.
That means they have a second chance to get the love going. Ah! And doesn’t that sounds like a fun idea for a historical romance?! Of course, things aren’t easy. There is always drama, unexpected things and the sexual tension to make us all sigh for all the sweet, sexy and “Oh my Goodness!” moments between them.
And Catherine knows just how to takes us on a journey. I love historical romances because of that. When the author is a master on what she/he writes, the story will take us to places we can only dream about. And Catherine’s characters and all the descriptions of places, moments and thoughts are just some of the things I loved about this book.
I also love that I could relate to Olivia. We are only two years apart (she’s 22 and I will be 24 in some days) and we have both be through heartbreaks that made us stay clear of men. I just hope I life gets to turn out as lovely as hers, even with all the twist and turns and uncertainties in the beginning, I just I hope I get to love and be love like Olivia loves and is loved by Jem.
I won’t say much more about the book because I really don’t want to give spoilers accidentally, but I so recommend this book! I loved it and I really need to read the other book I have of Catherine’s, and get the first one too.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Catherine for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
This books talks about a second chance love, in some ways. And that type of trope is one of my favorites because it always leaves me hopefully. Lady Olivia was 18 years old when when the man she loved crushed her heart when he told her he was going to Australian. And that heartbreak made her close herself off from men so she wouldn’t be hurt again. Now four years later he’s back.
That means they have a second chance to get the love going. Ah! And doesn’t that sounds like a fun idea for a historical romance?! Of course, things aren’t easy. There is always drama, unexpected things and the sexual tension to make us all sigh for all the sweet, sexy and “Oh my Goodness!” moments between them.
And Catherine knows just how to takes us on a journey. I love historical romances because of that. When the author is a master on what she/he writes, the story will take us to places we can only dream about. And Catherine’s characters and all the descriptions of places, moments and thoughts are just some of the things I loved about this book.
I also love that I could relate to Olivia. We are only two years apart (she’s 22 and I will be 24 in some days) and we have both be through heartbreaks that made us stay clear of men. I just hope I life gets to turn out as lovely as hers, even with all the twist and turns and uncertainties in the beginning, I just I hope I get to love and be love like Olivia loves and is loved by Jem.
I won’t say much more about the book because I really don’t want to give spoilers accidentally, but I so recommend this book! I loved it and I really need to read the other book I have of Catherine’s, and get the first one too.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Catherine for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
katie_83's review against another edition
4.0
The Makings of a Lady
By Catherine Tinley
4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
The Makings of a Lady was a beautifully written historical romance story and one that I really enjoyed. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was really taken with how well written the story was, the descriptive language mean that I was easily able to imagine what I was reading. From the setting down the clothes the characters worn I felt like Oi was right there almost watching what I was reading.
Lady Olivia had always wanted Jem – I could feel how disappointed she was when he decided to move away as she honestly thought that he was the one. The characters were well developed and as I would expect for the time period in which the story takes place. The romance/steam level wasn’t particularly off the charts but it suited the story in my opinion.
I will be honest and say the story was a little predictable however I still wanted to carry on reading just to be sure I got the ending I wanted for the characters.
This was definitely a sweet historical romance story and I know lovers of this genre will enjoy this story. I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.
By Catherine Tinley
4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
The Makings of a Lady was a beautifully written historical romance story and one that I really enjoyed. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was really taken with how well written the story was, the descriptive language mean that I was easily able to imagine what I was reading. From the setting down the clothes the characters worn I felt like Oi was right there almost watching what I was reading.
Lady Olivia had always wanted Jem – I could feel how disappointed she was when he decided to move away as she honestly thought that he was the one. The characters were well developed and as I would expect for the time period in which the story takes place. The romance/steam level wasn’t particularly off the charts but it suited the story in my opinion.
I will be honest and say the story was a little predictable however I still wanted to carry on reading just to be sure I got the ending I wanted for the characters.
This was definitely a sweet historical romance story and I know lovers of this genre will enjoy this story. I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
The Makings of a Lady by Catherine Tinley is a 2018 Harlequin Historical publication.
Four years ago, Lady Olivia was sure Jem Ford was about to propose, but instead he announces he is leaving to make something of himself. Now, the smooth talking, Mr. Manning has taken an interest in her, just when Jem returns home. But, it would seem Jem still only thinks of Olivia as his sister’s best friend, and nothing more. So, Olivia decides to keep her mind open and consider Mr. Manning as a possible love interest. However, no matter how protective she is of her heart, her feelings for Jem continue to linger.
Jem has thought of Olivia constantly over the past four years. She has now blossomed into a beautiful young lady, but despite his rank as ‘Captain’, he still feels unworthy of her. Surely the only reason she is still unmarried is because no one is good enough for her. But, he really does not enjoy Mr. Manning's attentiveness towards Catherine.
Will Catherine and Jem’s love for one another remain unrequited?
This is an enjoyable historical romance, but also has a mild romantic suspense element added it that really spices things up. The romantic elements are fine, but it’s a case where neither party was willing to speak plainly to the other, making too many presumptions about what the other was probably thinking or feeling. The chemistry suffers a bit as there are too few romantic scenes between the couple. It’s not hard to figure out in which direction the story is headed, but I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. As a result, the plot was more detailed than I had imagined it would be. The last quarter of the book was especially absorbing, and the ending was very satisfactory. Another plus, for me, is the authenticity. I love it when an author adheres, mostly, to the language, dress, and social interactions required from the depicted time frame.
The story has a low steam level, which makes it a book all historical romance readers can enjoy.
Overall, the romance meets the standards for a Harlequin historical, however, the mystery / suspense elements are what give this story a little edge and thus a nudge up on the rating scale.
3.5 rounded up
Four years ago, Lady Olivia was sure Jem Ford was about to propose, but instead he announces he is leaving to make something of himself. Now, the smooth talking, Mr. Manning has taken an interest in her, just when Jem returns home. But, it would seem Jem still only thinks of Olivia as his sister’s best friend, and nothing more. So, Olivia decides to keep her mind open and consider Mr. Manning as a possible love interest. However, no matter how protective she is of her heart, her feelings for Jem continue to linger.
Jem has thought of Olivia constantly over the past four years. She has now blossomed into a beautiful young lady, but despite his rank as ‘Captain’, he still feels unworthy of her. Surely the only reason she is still unmarried is because no one is good enough for her. But, he really does not enjoy Mr. Manning's attentiveness towards Catherine.
Will Catherine and Jem’s love for one another remain unrequited?
This is an enjoyable historical romance, but also has a mild romantic suspense element added it that really spices things up. The romantic elements are fine, but it’s a case where neither party was willing to speak plainly to the other, making too many presumptions about what the other was probably thinking or feeling. The chemistry suffers a bit as there are too few romantic scenes between the couple. It’s not hard to figure out in which direction the story is headed, but I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. As a result, the plot was more detailed than I had imagined it would be. The last quarter of the book was especially absorbing, and the ending was very satisfactory. Another plus, for me, is the authenticity. I love it when an author adheres, mostly, to the language, dress, and social interactions required from the depicted time frame.
The story has a low steam level, which makes it a book all historical romance readers can enjoy.
Overall, the romance meets the standards for a Harlequin historical, however, the mystery / suspense elements are what give this story a little edge and thus a nudge up on the rating scale.
3.5 rounded up
ksmarsden's review against another edition
4.0
Lady Olivia has had four years to talk herself out of her silly crush of the handsome young soldier Jem. But when he returns, she realises her feelings have only gotten stronger.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I believe this is the third and final book in the Chadcombe marriages. Having read The Captain's Disgraced Lady, it helps give a deeper background of Jem, his connection with Olivia's brother, and their trials at Waterloo. That said, it's not entirely necessary, because this book supports itself as a standalone.
After Jem returned to her family's house to recuperate after being injured in the war, Olivia becomes very attached to him. They are close friends, and she hopes more. But when he recovered, instead of proposing, Jem announces that he has taken on a commission in the army, and will not return for years.
Olivia then spends the next four years trying to get over her silly little crush, telling herself that Jem saw her as nothing more than a friend. Until he returns, and her carefully constructed arguments fall apart.
Making things more interesting, is the timely arrival of Olivia's first real suitor, a very handsome and charming gentleman by the name of Mr Manning.
I enjoyed this book. It is a lot of fun. Olivia is a very kind and caring character, and quite shrewd in everything except her own feelings towards Jem.
Oh, and Jem is such a perfect match for her. When they first met, he was still young, naive, but very sweet. He's still very kind, but he has now grown into his own man, with confidence and strength when needed.
The story follows Olivia and her friends, as they are dazzled by the bright light that is the mysterious Mr Manning; and not one, but two kidnappings.
The pace drags in places, and there is a feeling of repetition, as Olivia and Jem continue to deny their feelings, and misread the others' intentions. But there is an air of mystery, and questions that need answering, that pulls you along to the very end.
This was an enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more of Tinley's work.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I believe this is the third and final book in the Chadcombe marriages. Having read The Captain's Disgraced Lady, it helps give a deeper background of Jem, his connection with Olivia's brother, and their trials at Waterloo. That said, it's not entirely necessary, because this book supports itself as a standalone.
After Jem returned to her family's house to recuperate after being injured in the war, Olivia becomes very attached to him. They are close friends, and she hopes more. But when he recovered, instead of proposing, Jem announces that he has taken on a commission in the army, and will not return for years.
Olivia then spends the next four years trying to get over her silly little crush, telling herself that Jem saw her as nothing more than a friend. Until he returns, and her carefully constructed arguments fall apart.
Making things more interesting, is the timely arrival of Olivia's first real suitor, a very handsome and charming gentleman by the name of Mr Manning.
I enjoyed this book. It is a lot of fun. Olivia is a very kind and caring character, and quite shrewd in everything except her own feelings towards Jem.
Oh, and Jem is such a perfect match for her. When they first met, he was still young, naive, but very sweet. He's still very kind, but he has now grown into his own man, with confidence and strength when needed.
The story follows Olivia and her friends, as they are dazzled by the bright light that is the mysterious Mr Manning; and not one, but two kidnappings.
The pace drags in places, and there is a feeling of repetition, as Olivia and Jem continue to deny their feelings, and misread the others' intentions. But there is an air of mystery, and questions that need answering, that pulls you along to the very end.
This was an enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more of Tinley's work.
wyvernfriend's review
4.0
refound love A few years ago Lady Olivia Fanton helped Captain Jem Ford get back to health only for him to run away to Australia. She thought she loved him and now he's back and she's not sure how to react. Meanwhile a neighbour has a visitor, Mr Manning who is flattering her and making her feel wanted. She's not sure who she wants, she felt betrayed when Jem left but she still can't resist him. When she's kidnapped everything changes.
Charming and fun I enjoyed the ride.
Charming and fun I enjoyed the ride.
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