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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.
meuyi's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tellmeastoryxx's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
heyhaley17's review
2.0
The characters deserve better... this is less of a romance or character novel and more about traditions leading up to and around Christmas. Its a shame because my major interest in the novel originated from a historical romance set during the holidays, but nothing really happened-- no conflicts or anything really involving plot.
I got to just over half way through and realized that as no real conflict or time spent with the couple as anything more than this nebulous idea of a couple with his appreciating her and wanting to marry her...I looked up to see if anything would actually happen, found nothing would, and just called it quits. I give it two stars simply because the idea is sound and what I did read of the lead couple (if I can't remember there names half way through...there is a problem) I liked the idea of them (tutor/governess to the Cynster children) and thought they had potential, they were just under developed.
I got to just over half way through and realized that as no real conflict or time spent with the couple as anything more than this nebulous idea of a couple with his appreciating her and wanting to marry her...I looked up to see if anything would actually happen, found nothing would, and just called it quits. I give it two stars simply because the idea is sound and what I did read of the lead couple (if I can't remember there names half way through...there is a problem) I liked the idea of them (tutor/governess to the Cynster children) and thought they had potential, they were just under developed.
helenephoebe's review against another edition
4.0
Review - I loved the introduction of the next generation of Cynster children, but I do wish we could have seen more of the older generation whose stories have already been told. It will be interesting to see more of Daniel and Clare in future books about the younger Cynsters. I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. However, it was really well written (not unusual for Laurens), and engaging from the beginning. I suppose I didn't expect it to be as good, because it was about those outside the Cynster circle. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth reading.
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Daniel Crosbie / Clare Meadows / Lucilla Cynster / Marcus Cynster / Helena, Dowager Duchess of St Ives / Catriona Cynster / Richard Cynster / Louisa Cynster / Sebastian Cynster, Marquess of Earith
Setting? - The Vale (Scotland)
Series? - Cynster #21
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 17/20
Genre? - Historical / Romance
Characters? - Daniel Crosbie / Clare Meadows / Lucilla Cynster / Marcus Cynster / Helena, Dowager Duchess of St Ives / Catriona Cynster / Richard Cynster / Louisa Cynster / Sebastian Cynster, Marquess of Earith
Setting? - The Vale (Scotland)
Series? - Cynster #21
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 17/20
cgoodfellow's review
2.0
Nothing very special or exciting in regard to the plot. It started out as a sweet, cozy holiday read but there very quickly became too many characters to follow and there was no major conflict or problems to solve which made the plot drag on too long.
l1brarygirl's review
3.0
#1 Devil's Bride - ★★★★☆
#2 A Rake's Vow - ★★★★☆
#3 Scandal's Bride - Haven't Read
#4 A Rogue's Proposal - Haven't Read
#5 A Secret Love - Haven't Read
#6 All About Love - Haven't Read
#7 All About Passion - Haven't Read
#8 On a Wild Night - ★★★★☆
#9 On a Wicked Dawn - Haven't Read
#10 The Perfect Lover - ★★★★☆
#11 The Ideal Bride - ★★★★☆
#12 The Truth About Love - No Rating
#13 What Price Love? - ★★★★★
#14 The Taste of Innocence - ★★★☆☆
#15 Temptation and Surrender - ★★★★☆
#16 Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue - ★★★★★
#17 In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster - ★★★★★
#18 The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae - ★★★★☆
#19 And Then She Fell - ★★★★☆
#20 The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh - ★★★☆☆
This tells the story of two employees of the Cynster family - Claire, governess and young widow & Daniel, tutor.
Mixed in with their story is a tale of a Christmas baby, a ferocious storm, and the introduction of a new character - Thomas Carrick, who seems to have a connection with Lucille Cynster.
Quick read; more of a bridge story
Pop Sugar’s 2015 Reading Challenge - A book set during Christmas
#2 A Rake's Vow - ★★★★☆
#3 Scandal's Bride - Haven't Read
#4 A Rogue's Proposal - Haven't Read
#5 A Secret Love - Haven't Read
#6 All About Love - Haven't Read
#7 All About Passion - Haven't Read
#8 On a Wild Night - ★★★★☆
#9 On a Wicked Dawn - Haven't Read
#10 The Perfect Lover - ★★★★☆
#11 The Ideal Bride - ★★★★☆
#12 The Truth About Love - No Rating
#13 What Price Love? - ★★★★★
#14 The Taste of Innocence - ★★★☆☆
#15 Temptation and Surrender - ★★★★☆
#16 Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue - ★★★★★
#17 In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster - ★★★★★
#18 The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae - ★★★★☆
#19 And Then She Fell - ★★★★☆
#20 The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh - ★★★☆☆
This tells the story of two employees of the Cynster family - Claire, governess and young widow & Daniel, tutor.
Mixed in with their story is a tale of a Christmas baby, a ferocious storm, and the introduction of a new character - Thomas Carrick, who seems to have a connection with Lucille Cynster.
Quick read; more of a bridge story
Pop Sugar’s 2015 Reading Challenge - A book set during Christmas
loverofromance's review
3.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
By Winter’s Light is the first book in the Cynster New Generation series and is also a holiday romance that is set in the Victorian Era as its year 1837. I have been wanting to read this one for the longest time and I have been wanting to explore more of this author’s work. She isn’t an author that I want to read all at once though because I know sometimes her books can feel the same (some author’s writing styles are like this so its intelligent to space them out). I was really intrigued with the setup of the story, as I do love a good unrequited love or intentions of marriage. There is also a Christmas theme to this story and I can’t tell you how much I adore this cover. There is such a magical theme to it. It really fits the Christmas setting. And one thing you can truly depend on with Stephanie Laurens is that her books are so authentic to the era. I love the realism feel to it, with the combination of culture and society and history that she is able to implement. But it also means that you need to be more patient as she takes the time for the description and captures the scene. The romance is charming, the characters and reconnecting, and the setting is purely festive.
Summary
By Winter’s Light begins with the youger generation of the Cynster clan have arrived to Casphairn Manor, which is Richard and Catriona Cynster’s place of residence. Daniel Crosbie, the tutor to Lucifer’s Cynster’s son nand Claire Meadows, govern to Gabriel Cynster’s daughter are drawn together during this festive time. Daniel and Claire have known each other previously, and there is an attraction between them. Daniel is looking to win the hand of Claire, but Claire had a ot great marriage the first time around and isn’t eager to participate in it once again. But Daniel and Cynster younglings are determined to bring these two together with a level of matchmaking. We see another story prop up with Lucilla to help with childbirth with the other Cynster’s aiding her in bringing about the miracle of a child being born. Will Daniel be able to convince Claire that they are meant to be together and overcome her fears?
What I Loved
There were quite a few things about this one that I actually enjoyed. I loved the authenticity element to the time period and the way in which the author really capitalized on the culture of the Christmas season. You see the richness that is displayed. We also get some wonderful family dynamics and I was having so much fun getting back with the Cynsters. I do think that the Christmas/Winter theme will work for quite a few. The romance that is developed is quite sweet and endearing and I really enjoyed Daniel’s devotion and determination to win over Claire’s hand. I was really drawn into the charm and elegance that is displayed and the writing stye that is so clearly a “Stephanie Laurens” signature.
What I Struggled With
While there were quite a few things that I enjoyed, there was also some aspects to this story that just didn’t quite work out or me. Quite frankly, I was mostly bored with this story. I had to really force myself to keep going with this book and just pushed the speed faster on the arration to get through it.. I wasn’t too invested in the romance, I wasn’t a fan of Claire’s character and it felt choppy at moments. I didn’t quite get the separate storylines that happen in this story, and would have wished for more focus on the actual romance between Daniel and Claire. I felt like they didn’t get the story that they deserved here, It also could be the author’s writing style just doesn’t work for me anymore, as I have grown pickier with historicals. As I know there were some readers that really enjoyed this one. At the end of the day, I just don’t think that it was for me.
The Narration
Despite my reservationsm, I really do feel like the narration was well done on this one here. The narrator really captured on the character’s personalities, and the level of excitement and magic of the Christmas season in this story. I would definitely listen to him again.
Overall View
By Winter’s Light is a magical tale of renewing love, endearing familial connections and a sense of renewal and fresh starts!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
By Winter’s Light is the first book in the Cynster New Generation series and is also a holiday romance that is set in the Victorian Era as its year 1837. I have been wanting to read this one for the longest time and I have been wanting to explore more of this author’s work. She isn’t an author that I want to read all at once though because I know sometimes her books can feel the same (some author’s writing styles are like this so its intelligent to space them out). I was really intrigued with the setup of the story, as I do love a good unrequited love or intentions of marriage. There is also a Christmas theme to this story and I can’t tell you how much I adore this cover. There is such a magical theme to it. It really fits the Christmas setting. And one thing you can truly depend on with Stephanie Laurens is that her books are so authentic to the era. I love the realism feel to it, with the combination of culture and society and history that she is able to implement. But it also means that you need to be more patient as she takes the time for the description and captures the scene. The romance is charming, the characters and reconnecting, and the setting is purely festive.
Summary
By Winter’s Light begins with the youger generation of the Cynster clan have arrived to Casphairn Manor, which is Richard and Catriona Cynster’s place of residence. Daniel Crosbie, the tutor to Lucifer’s Cynster’s son nand Claire Meadows, govern to Gabriel Cynster’s daughter are drawn together during this festive time. Daniel and Claire have known each other previously, and there is an attraction between them. Daniel is looking to win the hand of Claire, but Claire had a ot great marriage the first time around and isn’t eager to participate in it once again. But Daniel and Cynster younglings are determined to bring these two together with a level of matchmaking. We see another story prop up with Lucilla to help with childbirth with the other Cynster’s aiding her in bringing about the miracle of a child being born. Will Daniel be able to convince Claire that they are meant to be together and overcome her fears?
What I Loved
There were quite a few things about this one that I actually enjoyed. I loved the authenticity element to the time period and the way in which the author really capitalized on the culture of the Christmas season. You see the richness that is displayed. We also get some wonderful family dynamics and I was having so much fun getting back with the Cynsters. I do think that the Christmas/Winter theme will work for quite a few. The romance that is developed is quite sweet and endearing and I really enjoyed Daniel’s devotion and determination to win over Claire’s hand. I was really drawn into the charm and elegance that is displayed and the writing stye that is so clearly a “Stephanie Laurens” signature.
What I Struggled With
While there were quite a few things that I enjoyed, there was also some aspects to this story that just didn’t quite work out or me. Quite frankly, I was mostly bored with this story. I had to really force myself to keep going with this book and just pushed the speed faster on the arration to get through it.. I wasn’t too invested in the romance, I wasn’t a fan of Claire’s character and it felt choppy at moments. I didn’t quite get the separate storylines that happen in this story, and would have wished for more focus on the actual romance between Daniel and Claire. I felt like they didn’t get the story that they deserved here, It also could be the author’s writing style just doesn’t work for me anymore, as I have grown pickier with historicals. As I know there were some readers that really enjoyed this one. At the end of the day, I just don’t think that it was for me.
The Narration
Despite my reservationsm, I really do feel like the narration was well done on this one here. The narrator really captured on the character’s personalities, and the level of excitement and magic of the Christmas season in this story. I would definitely listen to him again.
Overall View
By Winter’s Light is a magical tale of renewing love, endearing familial connections and a sense of renewal and fresh starts!
bookwyrm_lark's review
3.0
By Winter’s Light is intended to bridge the gap between the books about the original Cynster generation and those about their offspring. It takes place during a family Christmas gathering in the Vale – Catriona and Richard Cynster’s domain. Since the older generation (Devil, Vane, Richard, and their cousins) are already married, and the younger generation haven’t quite come of age, the romance takes place between a tutor and governess. Since they are both more constrained by their position as employees and their responsibilities toward their charges, the relationship is rather subdued, and there is little romantic tension. In fact, the obstacle to the couple’s happiness turns out to be less dramatic than early hints suggest. Still, both Daniel and Claire are nice people who deserve their eventual happy ending.
I have to admit, though, that I found the first glimpse of Cynster twins Marcus and Lucilla just as interesting than the romance when I first read By Winter’s Light last year. (Their books were released last February and May, respectively.) Sebastian, Devil’s heir, also has potential, as does his younger sister Louisa, but the others are either too young or had too little page time to get much of a sense of their characters.
Since the book takes place in Scotland, and most of the characters are English, I enjoyed the 19th-century Christmas, Yule, and Hogmany traditions scattered throughout the book. And of course, it’s always fun to revisit the Cynsters – though we don’t get a lot of time with any of the previous couples. There are a lot of people to keep track of, but Laurens has included a helpful cast of characters in the beginning of the book. (If you’re reading the ebook, I highly recommend you bookmark it so you can refer to it as needed.)
Bottom line: If you’re a Cynster fan and plan to continue the series, it’s worth reading as long as you don’t expect a full-blooded Cynster-style romance. If you’re not already following the series, don’t start here.
Review originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
I have to admit, though, that I found the first glimpse of Cynster twins Marcus and Lucilla just as interesting than the romance when I first read By Winter’s Light last year. (Their books were released last February and May, respectively.) Sebastian, Devil’s heir, also has potential, as does his younger sister Louisa, but the others are either too young or had too little page time to get much of a sense of their characters.
Since the book takes place in Scotland, and most of the characters are English, I enjoyed the 19th-century Christmas, Yule, and Hogmany traditions scattered throughout the book. And of course, it’s always fun to revisit the Cynsters – though we don’t get a lot of time with any of the previous couples. There are a lot of people to keep track of, but Laurens has included a helpful cast of characters in the beginning of the book. (If you’re reading the ebook, I highly recommend you bookmark it so you can refer to it as needed.)
Bottom line: If you’re a Cynster fan and plan to continue the series, it’s worth reading as long as you don’t expect a full-blooded Cynster-style romance. If you’re not already following the series, don’t start here.
Review originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
verityw's review
Had this out from the library for as long as it would let me, but every time I tried to get into it, I just couldn't. So I'm giving up. Hey ho, never mind.