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Nightingale
In the spring of 1840, eighteen-year-old Jessica Blair is a scullery maid in a remote manor house, part of the vast holdings of the Duke of Fornay. Two years younger than Queen Victoria, Jessica is the well-educated daughter of a deceased professor. Sole support of her widowed mother and avoiding an unacceptable marriage prospect, Jessica
has secretly collected a flock of cast-off hens, and is supplementing her income hoping to improve her future.
Jessica is alarmed when horsemen race headlong through the twilight on the footpath she has inadvertently cut to her coops. She stops the charge short of disaster to find the threat is not many horses, but one magnificent, riderless runaway. Ignorant of the dangers in handling an overwrought stallion, Jessica calms the animal. She calls him “Sweetness.”
Backtracking, Jessica finds the missing rider, twenty-eight-year-old Devlin Miracle, the arrogant Twelfth Duke of Fornay, badly injured, and waiting for daylight. But, for this aristocrat, there will be no daylight. His injuries have left him blind.
Struggling against their disparities, Devlin and Jessica resist, but sometimes love will not be ignored.
has secretly collected a flock of cast-off hens, and is supplementing her income hoping to improve her future.
Jessica is alarmed when horsemen race headlong through the twilight on the footpath she has inadvertently cut to her coops. She stops the charge short of disaster to find the threat is not many horses, but one magnificent, riderless runaway. Ignorant of the dangers in handling an overwrought stallion, Jessica calms the animal. She calls him “Sweetness.”
Backtracking, Jessica finds the missing rider, twenty-eight-year-old Devlin Miracle, the arrogant Twelfth Duke of Fornay, badly injured, and waiting for daylight. But, for this aristocrat, there will be no daylight. His injuries have left him blind.
Struggling against their disparities, Devlin and Jessica resist, but sometimes love will not be ignored.
344 pages, ebook
First published May 20, 2013
47 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Ervin
23 books20 followersMEMORY is my twelfth published romantic suspense novel. This one was released from The Wild Rose Press on March 8, 2017 in both print and ebook formats.
JACK SPRAT COULD, my thirteenth, is coming August 25, also from The Wild Rose Press.
If you would like review copies of either one, let me know.
Sharon Ervin
ervins@sbcglobal.net
JACK SPRAT COULD, my thirteenth, is coming August 25, also from The Wild Rose Press.
If you would like review copies of either one, let me know.
Sharon Ervin
ervins@sbcglobal.net
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 25, 2016
Nightingale is a Victorian romance and was free to borrow on Kindle so I took a chance on reading it when there are not that many reviews here on Goodreads or on Amazon. The few reviews that do exist are mostly 4 and 5 stars so I thought it might be worth reading.
The story begins with the main character, Jessica trying to save her hens from being trampled by a horse. The hens are a source of income for Jessica, who assists her mother as a scullery maid at a manor house. Her mother has recently become bed ridden and depends on her help. While I really liked the main character Jessica, I can't say the same for Devlin, the love interest. I'm not sure why this book has gotten so many high ratings. I usually love Victorian and Regency romances, but I found this one to be a somewhat awkward read with some rather weird descriptions, and a confusing and not so bright love interest that came across rather like a pedophile at times, because he couldn't make up his mind if he believed the main character was a child or an adult.
Devlin first meets Jessica after he's been injured during an attack and robbery on the road. As a result he has lost his eyesight, so he mistakes her for a much younger girl of between 10 and 12 instead of 18. He calls her a child from the beginning and she tells him she is not a child, but a grown woman. She helps him back onto his horse and then he insists she ride with him to his home, so she climbs into the saddle in front of him. I will add here that she is in a very baggy dress that is much too big for her and she is very thin and small so maybe at first he would think she is younger than she is just by feeling her waist, but other than that I'm not sure why he wouldn't believe her.
Throughout the book Devlin seems to go back and forth on whether he thinks she is a child or a grown woman. At one point he tells her that he knew all along she was 18 but was pretending not to, only to continue to refer to her as a child again over and over and behave as if he thinks she is a child half the time and the other half he believes she is an adult. This back and forth was really annoying and confusing. I'm sure some of the time he was just goading her on by calling her child, but not all the time. The thing that made this worse is that there are several times when he acts in an inappropriate way for someone who believes he is interacting with a child which came off as kind of creepy to me.
As far as the weird descriptions go, I think the most ridiculous one in the book would have to be this gem of a paragraph, which happened after she was knocked unconscious while fencing. Keep in mind that Devlin, the love interest is blind at the time:
"Devlin shifted to lay her over his arm and turn her, giving him access to the last tie, freeing her. As he lifted the shield, her breasts, confined in a chemise and a man's shirt buttoned to her throat, exploded into his hands."
Her breasts did what? I really got a good laugh out of that one. I'm including this paragraph in my review because so much of the book actually hinges on it. The love interest in this book doesn't truly consider Jessica a woman until this paragraph, and that is just cringe worthy while being completely infuriating, and also funny because it's so ridiculous at the same time. Yes, this is when he finally takes her seriously as an adult. He asks his mother why no one told him that Jessica was a fully grown woman. By this point in the story his mother had actually told him that Jessica was 18, and I guess he completely forgot that Jessica had told him herself countless times. I just could not believe how dumb this guy really was. And the fact that big breasts are what finally convinced him she was a fully developed woman irked me. Up until this point it seems like he believed she was 18 but since she seemed small and thin he didn't consider her a fully grown woman? Someone should have informed this idiot that fully grown women come in all shapes and sizes.
I finished this book feeling mostly annoyed. This is a stand-alone and even if it weren't I would not be able to make myself read another one of these.
The story begins with the main character, Jessica trying to save her hens from being trampled by a horse. The hens are a source of income for Jessica, who assists her mother as a scullery maid at a manor house. Her mother has recently become bed ridden and depends on her help. While I really liked the main character Jessica, I can't say the same for Devlin, the love interest. I'm not sure why this book has gotten so many high ratings. I usually love Victorian and Regency romances, but I found this one to be a somewhat awkward read with some rather weird descriptions, and a confusing and not so bright love interest that came across rather like a pedophile at times, because he couldn't make up his mind if he believed the main character was a child or an adult.
Devlin first meets Jessica after he's been injured during an attack and robbery on the road. As a result he has lost his eyesight, so he mistakes her for a much younger girl of between 10 and 12 instead of 18. He calls her a child from the beginning and she tells him she is not a child, but a grown woman. She helps him back onto his horse and then he insists she ride with him to his home, so she climbs into the saddle in front of him. I will add here that she is in a very baggy dress that is much too big for her and she is very thin and small so maybe at first he would think she is younger than she is just by feeling her waist, but other than that I'm not sure why he wouldn't believe her.
Throughout the book Devlin seems to go back and forth on whether he thinks she is a child or a grown woman. At one point he tells her that he knew all along she was 18 but was pretending not to, only to continue to refer to her as a child again over and over and behave as if he thinks she is a child half the time and the other half he believes she is an adult. This back and forth was really annoying and confusing. I'm sure some of the time he was just goading her on by calling her child, but not all the time. The thing that made this worse is that there are several times when he acts in an inappropriate way for someone who believes he is interacting with a child which came off as kind of creepy to me.
As far as the weird descriptions go, I think the most ridiculous one in the book would have to be this gem of a paragraph, which happened after she was knocked unconscious while fencing. Keep in mind that Devlin, the love interest is blind at the time:
"Devlin shifted to lay her over his arm and turn her, giving him access to the last tie, freeing her. As he lifted the shield, her breasts, confined in a chemise and a man's shirt buttoned to her throat, exploded into his hands."
Her breasts did what? I really got a good laugh out of that one. I'm including this paragraph in my review because so much of the book actually hinges on it. The love interest in this book doesn't truly consider Jessica a woman until this paragraph, and that is just cringe worthy while being completely infuriating, and also funny because it's so ridiculous at the same time. Yes, this is when he finally takes her seriously as an adult. He asks his mother why no one told him that Jessica was a fully grown woman. By this point in the story his mother had actually told him that Jessica was 18, and I guess he completely forgot that Jessica had told him herself countless times. I just could not believe how dumb this guy really was. And the fact that big breasts are what finally convinced him she was a fully developed woman irked me. Up until this point it seems like he believed she was 18 but since she seemed small and thin he didn't consider her a fully grown woman? Someone should have informed this idiot that fully grown women come in all shapes and sizes.
I finished this book feeling mostly annoyed. This is a stand-alone and even if it weren't I would not be able to make myself read another one of these.
July 30, 2017
This book began beautifully, with a very clever meet-cute. I loved the banter between Jessica and Devlin. Obviously, by having the duke continue to need her assistance, Jessica's comfort level rose and I could see why she would tarry. However, she had been taking care of her mother and her chickens and even with a quick visit home to put her no-account brother in charge, this thread never reemerged to cause her problems. Which caused a problem for me since I kept wondering when she'd give a thought to her mother again. Other than that, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
just-not-into-you
April 23, 2016This book is set in 1840. There is no time travel. So why is there a woman in modern clothing and hairstyle on the cover? WTF?
August 2, 2017
I thought this book was a sweet, sort of different take on a Cinderella story. There were a few downsides to the book, one being the ending. There were a lot of situations with different characters that never really seemed to be resolved. It left me wondering if there would be a second book, but the way it was ended made no room for extension. I felt like the author was focusing too much on making it a happy "fairy-tale ending" that they forgot to include some very important details. The other thing is that it's written in an old-style English, so it takes a little while to get into it, making the beginning seem very slow. Other than that, it was a cute story.
July 7, 2017
Starts interesting and funny.
After their first meeting everything goes south.
She tells him she is an adult woman, and her exact age is 18. But the main drama is when he REALISES that she is not a child but an adult woman with breast... wow.
I wont detail it further it was lame, period.
After their first meeting everything goes south.
She tells him she is an adult woman, and her exact age is 18. But the main drama is when he REALISES that she is not a child but an adult woman with breast... wow.
I wont detail it further it was lame, period.
December 5, 2017
An excellent journey by both the heroine and hero. This is what the Duke falling in love with a scullery maid should be rather than some of the silly tropes.
February 27, 2018
Decent read. Characters and plot held my attention.
Somehow the book felt like it was more so set in the Regency era rather then the early Victorian era.
Somehow the book felt like it was more so set in the Regency era rather then the early Victorian era.
March 17, 2020
This book is ridiculous. The hero is blind and he is riding horses and doing everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2015
American Mary Sue in Victorian England with a Blind Rich Guy.
Ms. Ervin does pretty well when writing contemporary romances (I've read Bodacious & Counterfeit Cowboy, and they were both fun reads), but I find her foray into historical "Ye Olde England" romance leaves me cold.
Something about the writing style, the way the characters think/act, has a very modern "American" feel that does not gel very well with the Victorian England setting. As a result it's very hard to suspend disbelief and enjoy the story properly.
The heroine, Miss Blair, falls into that unfortunate Mary Sue slot of being excessively perfect. All the birds, bees and strangers she meets are immediately bowled over by how amazingly lovable and enchanting she is. While I don't mind some idealistic heroine types, this got a bit nauseatingly convenient as to how perfect she was. Well, her only flaw seems to be that she's poor. And wanders about in the gardens wearing sexy lingerie. Do prudish victorian gels do that? :/
The hero, Lord Miracle (which is a name hard to take seriously), is conflictingly hot and cold. I know he's supposed to be struggling with accepting his love for Miss Blair, but his constant referring to her as a "Child", and then turning around and perving on her, is a bit gross. Also, his remarkably swift adaptation to his blindness (WHOA Blind Horse Riding, anyone?) is another jarring note in the shaky package.
The overall story concept had some promise, but the lack of chemistry between the hero-heroine, excessively convenient everything, and inconsistency between modern-day writing + old english setting means this was a bust for me.
Ms. Ervin does pretty well when writing contemporary romances (I've read Bodacious & Counterfeit Cowboy, and they were both fun reads), but I find her foray into historical "Ye Olde England" romance leaves me cold.
Something about the writing style, the way the characters think/act, has a very modern "American" feel that does not gel very well with the Victorian England setting. As a result it's very hard to suspend disbelief and enjoy the story properly.
The heroine, Miss Blair, falls into that unfortunate Mary Sue slot of being excessively perfect. All the birds, bees and strangers she meets are immediately bowled over by how amazingly lovable and enchanting she is. While I don't mind some idealistic heroine types, this got a bit nauseatingly convenient as to how perfect she was. Well, her only flaw seems to be that she's poor. And wanders about in the gardens wearing sexy lingerie. Do prudish victorian gels do that? :/
The hero, Lord Miracle (which is a name hard to take seriously), is conflictingly hot and cold. I know he's supposed to be struggling with accepting his love for Miss Blair, but his constant referring to her as a "Child", and then turning around and perving on her, is a bit gross. Also, his remarkably swift adaptation to his blindness (WHOA Blind Horse Riding, anyone?) is another jarring note in the shaky package.
The overall story concept had some promise, but the lack of chemistry between the hero-heroine, excessively convenient everything, and inconsistency between modern-day writing + old english setting means this was a bust for me.
May 20, 2013
Fans of historical romance will appreciate this most enjoyable novel. This is an entertaining, well-written book. Eloisa James is currently writing a series of historical romances which are her versions of fairy tales. Sharon Ervin gives us a delightful Cinderella story which is also witty and pleasing in its unique way. In 1840 Great Britain, Jessica Blair, apprentice scullery maid, is out one evening caring for her chickens when she hears the thundering of hooves. She finds a frightened horse frothing at the mouth and manages to gentle him. She soon finds the rider lying on the ground with a head wound, blind and defenseless. The man turns out to be Devlin Miracle, Duke of Fornay, master of Gull’s Way, who enlists Jessica to return him home. His gratitude is boundless as is that of his mother, the Dowager. Jessica is a girl of immense character and intelligence. There is a good deal of back story as well. She also manages to solve the murder of a young maid and discover why the Duke was attacked and who was responsible. There are some humorous plays on words as well. For example, Jessica calls the Duke’s horse Sweetness while he insists the war horse’s proper name is Vindicator. Jessica’s betrothed is a bully, apply named John Lout. This is a romance about a relationship that develops between two sympathetic, well-developed characters. I strongly recommend this novel to romance readers.
May 13, 2014
First -- I was given a copy of the book in the hope of an honest review. That being said, I'm not a huge reader of historical fiction, so any inaccuracies along those lines would have gone right by me.
I found this an enjoyable book, sort of what if Cinderella had been working for Prince Charming? The heroine was feisty--perhaps a little too outspoken in her dealings with the hero. After all, she was an assistant scullery maid, and he was a Duke. However, putting any concerns aside, the writing was witty, and the book enjoyable, with enough mystery/tension included to keep this mystery reader entertained.
I found this an enjoyable book, sort of what if Cinderella had been working for Prince Charming? The heroine was feisty--perhaps a little too outspoken in her dealings with the hero. After all, she was an assistant scullery maid, and he was a Duke. However, putting any concerns aside, the writing was witty, and the book enjoyable, with enough mystery/tension included to keep this mystery reader entertained.
June 20, 2013
Ervin has another stellar performance in the writing of Nightingale. A scullery maid rescues an injured Duke and in gratitude she is ensconced in his manor and eventually in his heart. Although it is a first in the Historical genre for Ervin, it is not just another "rags to riches" story. It is an entertaining read with vibrant, memorable characters and sparkling details.I have found her contemporary novels interesting, original and this romp through nineteenth century England is no exception. It fits the first rate category. You will enjoy it.
April 2, 2016
A delightful story of a beautiful young woman who was a very resourceful scullery maid and a wealthy duke with whom she rescued after he had been beaten and robbed. His injuries have left him blind. Taken by a beautiful black stallion that she rescued and called Sweetness to the site where the duke had fallen, the stallion takes them to his home. Then begins an interesting inner action of two completely different people from different social back grounds. The duke calls her his nightingale and tries to hold her close thinking she is a mere child . A really good story follows.
September 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this Historical romance which is also book nine of the Timeless Passion set of Historical Romances.I enjoyed the heroine and hero and how they drew sparks from each other.It had a steady pace and I didn't want to put it down after I started to read.There is some violence but it is interesting what could ruin a persons repetation. How times have changed.
August 17, 2015
I loved this story. It was a bit of a Cinderealla tale with a feisty intelligent heroine and a stuffy entitled Duke. It was so fun watching everyone fall in love with Jessica. It took the Duke a little too long to figure it out but it was worth the wait.
This is a clean romance.
This is a clean romance.
September 1, 2015
Nightingale Review
The novel was full of cliches. The storyline was predictable and unimpressive. The plot was boring and the names of the characters childish. I would not recommend this book to prospective readers.
The novel was full of cliches. The storyline was predictable and unimpressive. The plot was boring and the names of the characters childish. I would not recommend this book to prospective readers.
January 28, 2016
Suspenseful story
At first I thought it lame, however it started holding my interest. Sharon Ervin paints an excellent picture with her well chosen words. I felt like I was watching a movie as opposed to reading a book.
At first I thought it lame, however it started holding my interest. Sharon Ervin paints an excellent picture with her well chosen words. I felt like I was watching a movie as opposed to reading a book.
February 23, 2016
Tedious
The author could not make up her mind what kind of book she wanted this to be ..... a saucy historical romance, perhaps, but the main characters are just silly.
I gave the book a 3 instead of a 2 because Ms. Ervin is from Oklahoma.
The author could not make up her mind what kind of book she wanted this to be ..... a saucy historical romance, perhaps, but the main characters are just silly.
I gave the book a 3 instead of a 2 because Ms. Ervin is from Oklahoma.
June 6, 2015
Loved it.
June 27, 2015
Loved this book!
I got totally involved with the characters and the story. Excellent read. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a clean and exciting book.
I got totally involved with the characters and the story. Excellent read. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a clean and exciting book.
September 9, 2015
Nicely done.
Great read. I enjoyed the tussle between two very different people. Congrats to the author. Very good. Thank you for the enjoyment of reading this book.
Great read. I enjoyed the tussle between two very different people. Congrats to the author. Very good. Thank you for the enjoyment of reading this book.
December 2, 2015
Great read
I love the love story with the mystery. Trying to figure out who all the bad people were was fun.
I love the love story with the mystery. Trying to figure out who all the bad people were was fun.
March 21, 2016
Nightingale is a lark!
This period tale has humor, suspense, and romance all rolled into a fine story about love that transcends class and titles.
This period tale has humor, suspense, and romance all rolled into a fine story about love that transcends class and titles.
March 24, 2016
Nightingale book review
This was a very good colonial days love story. It made you feel involved with the characters personally and root for the good guys.
This was a very good colonial days love story. It made you feel involved with the characters personally and root for the good guys.
August 16, 2016
Too predictable
Could have been A nice 200 page short story. I found myself speed reading this book quite often.
Could have dealt more I depth with Martha's murder.
Could have been A nice 200 page short story. I found myself speed reading this book quite often.
Could have dealt more I depth with Martha's murder.
February 11, 2017
Fun quick read.
...... being tired of reading political headlines and articles - Nightingale proved to be a refreshing distraction of reality. Fun historical read
...... being tired of reading political headlines and articles - Nightingale proved to be a refreshing distraction of reality. Fun historical read
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews