A Passionate Endeavor (Signet Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully touching and tender--HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Review: Best Regency I've read all year!

I read this author's first book, loved it, and had very high expectations for her second. When I read that this story got a 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK in RT BookClub Magazine, I ordered it right away. I am glad I did.

Like the first book, this story is hotter than the average Regency, but the love scenes that are included are handled very tastefully. I would not be surprised if this author goes on to write historical romances because that is how this book read to me.

I always hate when reviewers include a spoiler, so I won't tell you what about this story made me cry and later cry again but with joyful tears. I will say that it was very moving.

If you want a Regency romance where they hero and heroine shake hands at the end, then this story might not be for you. If you love stories with depth, where the hero and heroine grab your heartstrings and pull, then you will love this story too. I certainly did.



Rating:
Summary: A welcome new author
Review: Here goes - some thoughts - not a review as others have already presented very comprehensive outlines of the story. Although I would not rate "A Passionate Endeavor" as a keeper, I do welcome a talented writer to the Regency genre. The best thing about this novel was the great imagination of the author in introducing the topic of dyslexia whilst keeping it set within the timeframe of the novel. In otherwords, although there was a breakthrough for the hero, it was sensitively handled and seemed realistic.

The main criticism I have here is the introduction of a sort of "counter hero", Alexandre, Viscount Gaston. I was very confused about this character - was he a hero or villain? I also felt that Charlotte's childhood experiences were not fully exploited. And, there was a point in the last quarter of the novel where I felt the author was tiring and in some danger of losing the plot line.

Some of the characters, such as the two dowager Duchesses, were badly overwrought. The author gets the name of the 95th Regiment of Rifles wrongly named, over and over. I was surprised by this as it was something to get easily correct!

On the plus points, I was most impressed overall by the sensitive handling of the handicap of illiteracy and the ramifications in terms of self-esteem on a very kind and generous man who deserved the love and encouragement of his family. The 30 year old Lord Huntington's inability to read had coloured the whole of his life, the way others viewed him and, in the end, had made him ready to step back from his destined role in life. Very sad. How lovely that the love of an equally kind woman enabled him to find his true life's path.

For a second novel, this was very good although it did not quite reach the excitement I felt on first reading Anne Gracie's debut and follow up novels. I look forward to seeing what Sophia Nash produces next!

Rating:
Summary: In My Opinon:
Review: I tend to base my reviews on whether I feel, after reading, that I'll want to read a book again & again -- in other words, that it's a keeper. And even tho' this book is well-written, and I can't find any fault in the characterizations or the plot (tho' the heroine was just SO sweet & good, & I did feel the plot dragged on a bit), it's just not good enough to rate "keeper" status.

I think the 3 star rating is a fair one, considering that the book just didn't take off for me; that's not to say it might not do that for you. Everyone has their own criteria for "keepers" or "re-reads" or whatever you want to call them...but this wasn't one for me. A pleasant & well-written read, but not a great one.

Rating:
Summary: warm, romantic and very engrossing
Review: I'll confess: I probably numbered amongst the very few who didn't think that Sophia Nash's first Regency ("A Secret Passion") was anything out of the ordinary. On the other hand, "A Passionate Endeavor" really is something special. Beautifully written and with engaging and taking characters, "A Passionate Endeavor" would rank as a keeper on anyone's romance shelf!

Charlotte Knight had quite resigned herself to her fate as being firmly on the shelf; and fortunately for her, she had her work as her father's (a physician) assistant to fill her days and energies. That is until she met the eldest son of her father's latest patient, Lord Nicholas Huntington. Home from the wars, and badly wounded in the leg, Lord Nicholas is every young lady's dream come true: kind, courteous, intelligent and quite good looking. Except that Lord Nicholas has sworn never to marry -- not that so eligible gentleman would ever look at her and think of marriage anyway! And then there is the dark mood that seems to haunt and torment Lord Nicholas, as well as his family's strange behaviour... Can Charlotte help Lord Nicholas with his troubles, and in so doing win his heart and esteem? And will he let her?

"A Passionate Endeavor" is, I think, Sophia Nash's homage to Jane Austen. And what a homage it is too. Using quotes from Austen's novels and letters to head each chapter, Ms Nash sets the mood and tone. I thoroughly enjoyed "A Passionate Endeavor." It had everything from an intelligent and courageous heroine to a noble honourable and tormented, who comes complete with a cold and snobbish stepmother, a spoilt younger half-brother; a simple but affecting story, and a nice prose style. It was a good and satisfying read. Except that (and this is just me being nit-picky) I really couldn't understand the behaviour of Lord Nicholas' father's, the ailing Duke of Cavendish, doltish behaviour. How could a loving and intelligent man have allowed his cold and autocratic second wife to treat his son and daughter so? And how could he think that waiting around for Lord Nicholas to decide to stop being so high minded and self sacrificing and do the right thing, was a good idea? Did he never consider the fact that things may not go as he had hopes? Like, the fact that Lord Nicholas could have carried on being self sacrificing to the very end? However, aside from the duke's bizarre behaviour, I found "A Passionate Endeavor" to be and engrossing, touching and romantic read and well worth buying, reading and keeping.

Rating:
Summary: Passion? Check. Romance? Semi-check.
Review: Lord Huntington is on his way home from war with a very nasty leg wound. He needs to see a doctor, but all he gets is a willful young girl named Charlotte Kittridge, the doctor's daughter. Charlotte gets the job done, and she surprises him (and helps him) on numerous occasions. One of those suprises is her age. He thought she was a mere fifteen, but she's really seven and twenty--a confirmed spinster.

Charlotte, a fan of those romantic novels written by "A Lady", has no hopes of a romance for herself. And even though Lord Huntington's station is far above her own, his kisses make her hopeful. She knows she is no beauty... certainly not to Lord Huntington, who, even with his wounded leg, is seemingly perfect.

But Lord Huntingon has a secret. He may be the heir to a dukedom, but the poor man cannot read. Charlotte is determined to teach him. Willful Miss Kittridge quickly becomes the most fascinating woman of his acquaintance.

Having not read Sophia Nash's last novel, I cannot really compare the two. She has been hailed as a promising new talent. Still, I can't say I was blown away. The main characters were the strongpoint of the novel. However, I don't expect to remember anything about the secondary characters next week. Considering this novel has a few "racy" moments, I thought it was inappropriate (and misleading) to start each chapter with a Jane Austen quote.

"A Passionate Endeavor" might be your bag... but not if you're looking for a charming, witty, Austen-esque story. I bought this book on a recommendation. Frankly, I was a little disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: This is a Sweetheart of a Read!
Review: Setting - Wiltshire, England 1814 --- Hanging on for all he was worth, Nicholas Huntington traveled home to see his ailing father, praying that he only stay conscious from the injuries he'd received in the war long enough to get there. Prayers answered, arriving home, he then promptly blacked out. The next thing he saw, and felt, were gentle hands exploring his body that were attached to what appeared to be a very young girl with huge gray eyes.

Plain Charlotte Kittridge, because of her tiny form appeared much younger, but at seven and twenty resolved herself to be firmly on the shelf, until this very handsome soldier, son of the ailing duke, stirred up feelings she'd long thought were dead and buried. Being the daughter of the most talented and esteemed physician in Europe, she had dedicated herself to being his nurse and helpmate, but now, with her sensually reawakened, she couldn't help dreaming of a different life that included Nicolas. Later discovering that Nicolas had made a vow to never marry, she savored the one kiss he'd given her when he came out of a delirious fever. When he confessed a shameful secret to her, she insinuated herself into his life determined to help him overcome his greatest shame. Later when he proposed a marriage in name only, with the stipulation of a one night consummation to make it legal, she realized that while she really only wanted Nicolas' love, she'd agree to anything for the one chance to love him for real, and maybe, just maybe, he might want more.

In this very lovely romance, this newer author reveals some superb characterizations of people dealing with serious (dyslexia) issues as well as gently inserting some very nice sensuality that is generally not found in the traditional short regency novel. The numerous secondary characters were delightful and I particularly enjoyed the two older (80ish) dowagers vying for the cleric's attention! Not only was I impressed with her debut A SECRET PASSION but also have truly enjoyed this entry showing an author who does her research as well as coming up with an original storyline. Bottom Line - This is a warm, romantically sensual sweetheart of a read - I loved it! ---- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicromancewriters.com ---



Rating:
Summary: Pull out your hanky--for wiping your brow & dabbing tears
Review: What a delightful treat! I found a regency with the depth and emotional power of a larger novel.

I was really surprised because shorter regency books rarely have the length needed to involve me so fully that I really care about the people in it. Especially not enough to profoundly touch me. This one did (OK, I cried. I admit it!)

I was also pleasantly surprised by the heat of this story. Again, this is something I haven't seen in many regencies but I really enjoyed it.

I recommend this book with five stars. This regency is a stand out.