Scan barcode
clairey_fairy82's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
shelbyday's review
3.0
The main story was okay, but the real treasure was the introduction of Lucilla Cynster and Thomas Carrick.
beastreader's review
3.0
This is the first book I have read about the Cynster family. Which I liked but I could tell I might have liked it more if I had read the prior novels or at least some of the prior novels. Then I would have established a relationship with the family and the children. There were just so many to try and keep straight in my head who was who. Although I did think that the romance between Daniel and Claire was sweet and charming. Besides all of the many characters, I did feel like the book was a bit too long. It seemed like scenes would go on and on and never really moved along at a steady pace. On the bright side, I thought the author built a nice world and backdrop for the book.
amotisse's review
3.0
I often rib myself for regularly indulging in fluffy romance novels. Chick lit is a lovely escape and I have enjoyed many unexpected surprises. There really is a bit of everything within this genre!
Now this one is sugar sweet sap at its best, wonderfully wholesome... except for the 40 minute 'ravenously riveting' raunchy chapter, where the scalding wetness of her descriptions, left me wanting more...more!
Not to mention his jutting member... what a supernova of sensation! Riveting indeed!
Now this one is sugar sweet sap at its best, wonderfully wholesome... except for the 40 minute 'ravenously riveting' raunchy chapter, where the scalding wetness of her descriptions, left me wanting more...more!
Not to mention his jutting member... what a supernova of sensation! Riveting indeed!
balletbookworm's review
2.0
Like two novellas that got pasted together. Probably would have been better to run them as ebooks separately. The younger Cynster plot where they wind up helping the crofter family was more interesting than the Claire/Daniel love story (Laurens handled middle-class lovers much better in The Masterful Mr Montague)
frannieman's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.25
athenaevarinya's review
3.0
This honestly filled like a filler book to bridge the gap from the previous generation to their children who will all be starting to find love soon.
christinawegner's review
1.0
Dnf @ 30%, and man was that a rough 30%.
Is your idea of a good book “being constantly reminded of who all the characters are, because there are so many”? Would you like a recap of all the Cynster children and their parentage interrupting a very weak storyline every two to three pages? Want to listen to a woman we’re about whether she should marry a guy “because she was married before” without any context besides that? Great! This is the book for you.
Otherwise, don’t bother. This book will make your eyes bleed. Literally any other book in this series is better.
Is your idea of a good book “being constantly reminded of who all the characters are, because there are so many”? Would you like a recap of all the Cynster children and their parentage interrupting a very weak storyline every two to three pages? Want to listen to a woman we’re about whether she should marry a guy “because she was married before” without any context besides that? Great! This is the book for you.
Otherwise, don’t bother. This book will make your eyes bleed. Literally any other book in this series is better.
scoutmomskf's review
5.0
Excellent addition to the Cynster series, even though the main romance isn't between Cynsters, but two of their staff members. Daniel has long been drawn to Claire, but as a tutor whose charges are about to age out of his care, he hasn't felt in a position to support a wife. Just before Christmas, his employer asked him to stay on as his assistant in the antiquities business. This gives Daniel the impetus he needs to make his case to Claire. He's nervous because, while he believes his feelings are returned, he isn't positive.
Claire has sensed his feelings, and is not sure what to do. Her marriage was not the best, and left her not trusting men and what they say they want, nor her own feelings around them. Her mind tells her to say no to furthering their relationship, but her heart isn't listening.
I loved seeing the relationship develop between them. They had been friends before, as all the governesses and tutors are. Their exposure to the Cynsters, and seeing the obvious love among all the couples is a great example, and Daniel especially sees it as the model for what he wants. His first attempt to speak to Claire doesn't go that well, as she is spooked by her feelings. Her uncertainty leaves the door open for Daniel to do his best to persuade her. I loved the fact that he didn't just bulldoze over her fears, but addressed them, making her look at things in a different way. I loved seeing how his love helped her overcome them and see that happiness is possible for her after all.
One of the really fun things about the book was seeing the help that Daniel had along the way. He thought that he had hidden his feelings from others very well, but Cynsters are a remarkably observant family. I loved seeing the way that the group of teen girls, led by Louisa, made sure that both Daniel and Claire went on the green cutting expedition, and how the girls made it their mission to sneak some mistletoe into the mix. I loved seeing how they were helped along by the Dowager Duchess, and her interest in helping the couple. It was fun seeing how nervous Daniel and Claire were about telling their employers of their plans, and how stunned they were by what happened. The scene in the library was perfectly Cynster-like and I loved how it turned out.
Another main part of the book was the chance to get to know the next generation of Cynsters. The older kids, just reaching adulthood, were given the chance to show what they were made of during their Christmas Eve explorations. With it being their home turf, Lucilla and Marcus had the biggest roles to play. I especially enjoyed seeing Lucilla's actions during the crisis, and how her training as Lady-in-waiting was so critical. As with her parents' story, Scandal's Bride, the importance of the land around her is an integral part of who she is. The arrival of a neighbor to help foreshadows what looks to be in her future. I'm really looking forward to the next books in the series.
Claire has sensed his feelings, and is not sure what to do. Her marriage was not the best, and left her not trusting men and what they say they want, nor her own feelings around them. Her mind tells her to say no to furthering their relationship, but her heart isn't listening.
I loved seeing the relationship develop between them. They had been friends before, as all the governesses and tutors are. Their exposure to the Cynsters, and seeing the obvious love among all the couples is a great example, and Daniel especially sees it as the model for what he wants. His first attempt to speak to Claire doesn't go that well, as she is spooked by her feelings. Her uncertainty leaves the door open for Daniel to do his best to persuade her. I loved the fact that he didn't just bulldoze over her fears, but addressed them, making her look at things in a different way. I loved seeing how his love helped her overcome them and see that happiness is possible for her after all.
One of the really fun things about the book was seeing the help that Daniel had along the way. He thought that he had hidden his feelings from others very well, but Cynsters are a remarkably observant family. I loved seeing the way that the group of teen girls, led by Louisa, made sure that both Daniel and Claire went on the green cutting expedition, and how the girls made it their mission to sneak some mistletoe into the mix. I loved seeing how they were helped along by the Dowager Duchess, and her interest in helping the couple. It was fun seeing how nervous Daniel and Claire were about telling their employers of their plans, and how stunned they were by what happened. The scene in the library was perfectly Cynster-like and I loved how it turned out.
Another main part of the book was the chance to get to know the next generation of Cynsters. The older kids, just reaching adulthood, were given the chance to show what they were made of during their Christmas Eve explorations. With it being their home turf, Lucilla and Marcus had the biggest roles to play. I especially enjoyed seeing Lucilla's actions during the crisis, and how her training as Lady-in-waiting was so critical. As with her parents' story, Scandal's Bride, the importance of the land around her is an integral part of who she is. The arrival of a neighbor to help foreshadows what looks to be in her future. I'm really looking forward to the next books in the series.