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Mist of Midnight
(Daughters of Hampshire #1)
by
In the first of a brand new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.
Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca re ...more
Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca re ...more
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A young woman returns to England after losing her entire family in a rebellion in India. Rebecca Ravenshaw has been away from her native country for many years and is eager to return to her ancestral home. Except that the reception she receives is anything, but what she expected. Rebecca, soon learns that the previous year, a young woman bearing her name had claimed to be Rebecca and she mysteriously dies. Now, Rebecca is on a mission to clear her name and discover who the deceiver was. Of cours
...more
I haven't been so drawn into a story in a while! Several things were in this story's favor from the get-go!
Sandra uses first person narration - my favorite! I love getting inside the head of the main character and really viewing the story from their perspective. Rebecca is a reliable narrator, but is very unsure of her situation at Headbourne House. There were a few times where I wish she would just say things outright, but this is always how I feel with books set during this time period - speak ...more
Sandra uses first person narration - my favorite! I love getting inside the head of the main character and really viewing the story from their perspective. Rebecca is a reliable narrator, but is very unsure of her situation at Headbourne House. There were a few times where I wish she would just say things outright, but this is always how I feel with books set during this time period - speak ...more
Not since Jane Eyre have I read a Gothic romance that has captured my heart so completely. From the exotic India to an English estate shrouded in mystery, Byrd’s eye for detail shines through on every page. Readers are sure to devour the tale of Rebecca Ravenshaw and her search for the truth behind the mysteries of Headbourne House and the handsome young captain who lives on the estate. As with any good Gothic story, there's a little mystery and of course there's a rambling estate covered with l
...more
Daughter of missionaries to India, Rebecca Ravenshaw returns, orphaned, to Hampshire England to take possession of the home and finances bequeathed to her by her father, only to find that a mysterious imposter has recently appeared with the same intentions - laying claim on Rebecca's identity and inheritance - and then died; burying the trust and hospitality of those in the neighborhood with her.
Rebecca is denied the peace and security she came home searching for as she seeks to prove that she i ...more
Rebecca is denied the peace and security she came home searching for as she seeks to prove that she i ...more
I found myself quite engaged with plot and characters, so much so I swept through this wonderful book in a matter of hours, the suspense and mystery working hand in hand holding my attention and curiosity.
The gripping plot took me by surprise. Along with Rebecca discerning the culprit of who actually was the identity theft wasn’t easy, I was pleasantly surprised when the thief was discovered. Byrd provides enough twists and turns to add interest only fueling the mystery aspect. The romance eleme ...more
The gripping plot took me by surprise. Along with Rebecca discerning the culprit of who actually was the identity theft wasn’t easy, I was pleasantly surprised when the thief was discovered. Byrd provides enough twists and turns to add interest only fueling the mystery aspect. The romance eleme ...more
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Author Sandra Byrd has been in my tbr for a while and though I own two of her earlier novels, Mist of Midnight marks my first taste of her work and I'm happy to report I found the experience quite enjoyable.
First and foremost, I really liked how Byrd used identity theft in the context of this story. I'm used to seeing 19th century murder mysteries and I thought impersonation a fun and refreshing departure from that norm. Th ...more
Author Sandra Byrd has been in my tbr for a while and though I own two of her earlier novels, Mist of Midnight marks my first taste of her work and I'm happy to report I found the experience quite enjoyable.
First and foremost, I really liked how Byrd used identity theft in the context of this story. I'm used to seeing 19th century murder mysteries and I thought impersonation a fun and refreshing departure from that norm. Th ...more
Jul 07, 2021
Farshana ❤️rainnbooks❤️
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Reminiscent of stories by Victoria Holt, Sandra Byrd’s Mist of Midnight captures the gothic creepiness with an excellent atmospheric setting. Rebecca Ravenshaw the sole surviving member of her family has escaped the mutiny in India and only wishes to return to her homeland and find peace and security. However, upon her arrival, she discovers that another Rebecca Ravenshaw has already claimed her inheritance and passed away in mysterious circumstances. There are whispers about her death and suspi
...more
Quite a while ago I read a book by Sandra Byrd call Eat Cake which was a contemporary story about a West coast woman who goes to France to intern as pastry chef. It was fun and interesting especially since I enjoy books that have some sort of technical focus on a hobby or occupation. There was also a bit of gentle romance. Then I saw Mist Of Midnight come up in my feed and noticed the same author but this was historical fiction with a gothic sort of feel. Quite different. When I initially read E
...more
Mist of Midnight is a well done Gothic Romance novel. I was trying to figure out chapter after chapter who the fraudulent Rebecca was and why. In the midst of all that mind bending, there was a delightful romance developing between Captain Luke Whitfield and Rebecca Ravenshaw.
I especially enjoyed the historical detail woven into the story. Details including religions in England and English missionaries in India.
I recommend Mist of Midnight to fans of historical fiction that enjoy mysteries too.
I especially enjoyed the historical detail woven into the story. Details including religions in England and English missionaries in India.
I recommend Mist of Midnight to fans of historical fiction that enjoy mysteries too.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Mist Of Midnight
Stolen identities, eerie happenings in a huge English estate, duplicitous characters. Mist of midnight has all the ingredients for a captivating gothic romance!
Rebecca Ravenshaw returns home to England after the tragic death of her missionary parents in India . But when she reaches Hampshire, England, to claim her family's estate. But she finds out that another woman with a Indian servant has already posed to be her! And has assumed her money and home. On top of that, th ...more
Stolen identities, eerie happenings in a huge English estate, duplicitous characters. Mist of midnight has all the ingredients for a captivating gothic romance!
Rebecca Ravenshaw returns home to England after the tragic death of her missionary parents in India . But when she reaches Hampshire, England, to claim her family's estate. But she finds out that another woman with a Indian servant has already posed to be her! And has assumed her money and home. On top of that, th ...more
I still want to read the book described on the back cover. It's an intriguing premise, with plenty of drama and creepiness and suspense seemingly built right in, but here the execution was so lacking. This was a clunky, awkward, silly mess.
Byrd shows no familiarity with the historical setting. The notes at the end appear to indicate that all of her research was on Christian missionaries in India, and none on what life in England (or India for that matter) was like at the time, which becomes a pr ...more
Byrd shows no familiarity with the historical setting. The notes at the end appear to indicate that all of her research was on Christian missionaries in India, and none on what life in England (or India for that matter) was like at the time, which becomes a pr ...more
I listened to this on audio, and as the book moved on, I realized the story was familiar. I was halfway through before I was certain that at sometime, somewhere in previous years, I had read this book. I have no idea how I felt about it the first time, but I really enjoyed the second time around.
Rebecca Ravenshaw returned to England from India after the deaths of her missionary parents in a native uprising. On arriving at Headborne, her family's country home that she had left as a small child, s ...more
Rebecca Ravenshaw returned to England from India after the deaths of her missionary parents in a native uprising. On arriving at Headborne, her family's country home that she had left as a small child, s ...more
I’ve been a fan of Sandra Byrd’s writing since I devoured her Ladies in Waiting series. As soon as I found out she was releasing a new series, Daughters of Hampshire, I knew I wouldn’t miss out on a chance to read them. And boy oh boy, she didn’t disappoint!
I attempted several times to make myself read faster. I tried to will myself. I really did. Why? Because this is the kind of story that you want to find out what happens, but you also want to enjoy every page penned. Oh the sufferings of a r ...more
I attempted several times to make myself read faster. I tried to will myself. I really did. Why? Because this is the kind of story that you want to find out what happens, but you also want to enjoy every page penned. Oh the sufferings of a r ...more
Where I got the book: purchased on Amazon. I know Sandra Byrd personally. An IRL book club read.
I’d only read one of Sandra Byrd’s Tudor historicals (To Die For) in the past. I didn’t read the series, not being a big Tudor fan (although my oldest daughter IS a big Tudor fan and has read the lot). But now she’s diving into Victorian gothics, she’s got my full attention. I’m starting to think of Byrd’s books as “romance-plus”—there’s a strong romantic arc but there’s a whole lot more going on unde ...more
I’d only read one of Sandra Byrd’s Tudor historicals (To Die For) in the past. I didn’t read the series, not being a big Tudor fan (although my oldest daughter IS a big Tudor fan and has read the lot). But now she’s diving into Victorian gothics, she’s got my full attention. I’m starting to think of Byrd’s books as “romance-plus”—there’s a strong romantic arc but there’s a whole lot more going on unde ...more
It's official. I'm two for two with Ms. Sandra Byrd's historical romances. I couldn't put either of them down until the very end. Maybe it's the slightly creepy vibe or the vulnerable yet strong heroines that the author features in her books. Maybe it's the strong historical details and interesting backdrop to her stories. Whatever the whole reason, it's also undoubtedly the strong, faith-based message that I've come to strive for in my daily life.
I've really enjoyed the two historical romances ...more
I've really enjoyed the two historical romances ...more
I bought this, looking for a classic Gothic novel, and it initially seemed ok. However, over the course of the novel, it moves from being annoyingly preachy to flat out cheeseball inspirational at the end (view spoiler)
...more
I have been looking forward to this book for a long time now. I love Gothic romances and am a huge fan of authors like Victoria Holt. This book sounded like a Victoria Holt novel so I was totally on board to review it!
I love not knowing if the hero is implicated in the crime or not….you hope he’s not but with the evidence mounting, how can you deny that it looks suspicious? That’s what I like best about Gothic romances, the hoping that the hero isn’t really the villain.
In this book, there was pl ...more
I love not knowing if the hero is implicated in the crime or not….you hope he’s not but with the evidence mounting, how can you deny that it looks suspicious? That’s what I like best about Gothic romances, the hoping that the hero isn’t really the villain.
In this book, there was pl ...more
Hot dang! I'm a jaded reader, so it's a rare occurrence when I find a new author that I actually like. Sandra Byrd is the lucky winner this year. In her book, MIST OF MIDNIGHT, I discovered some sweet turns of phrases in a setting that I wouldn't mind packing my bags and moving into right now.
What's not to love about a manor home in England? A handsome captain who may or may not be a bad boy? Lots of intrigue and a French maid that you kind of want to slap? All these ingredients make for a fine ...more
What's not to love about a manor home in England? A handsome captain who may or may not be a bad boy? Lots of intrigue and a French maid that you kind of want to slap? All these ingredients make for a fine ...more
Mist of Midnight, drew me in from the very beginning. Byrd has masterfully written a very intriguing and compelling Gothic Romance novel. The characters come to life right off the page and keep you on your toes, guessing as to who you can and cannot trust. Hope battles doubts, and the story comes to ahead wonderfully at the end. A very satisfying read and conclusion! I look forward to Byrd's next novel Bride of a Distant Isle.
4 1/2 Stars!!! ...more
4 1/2 Stars!!! ...more
"They were gone now, every last one of them. Gone, but not completely gone.
I still saw them at midnight."
With an opening line like that, you'd think that you were in for a novel full of excitement, intrigue, and mysterious happenings based around a Victorian mansion, just like the novels of Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney, right.
Instead, what I got was a far too overdrawn novel of tea parties, riding horses, and utter boredom.
Rebecca Ravenshaw is the daughter of British missionaries who li ...more
I still saw them at midnight."
With an opening line like that, you'd think that you were in for a novel full of excitement, intrigue, and mysterious happenings based around a Victorian mansion, just like the novels of Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney, right.
Instead, what I got was a far too overdrawn novel of tea parties, riding horses, and utter boredom.
Rebecca Ravenshaw is the daughter of British missionaries who li ...more
“Um, I forgot”- isn’t this a response that mom’s constantly hear from their darling cherubs who perhaps didn’t complete their list of chores? Well I have to say, after reading Sandra Byrd’s captivating Gothic Romance novel Mist of Midnight, that was my response- “Um, I forgot how much I love a great Gothic Romance novel!", especially when penned by the hugely talented Sandra Byrd who weaves the historical parts of the novel into the story seamlessly . It just adds to the enjoyment for the reader
...more
Rebecca Ravenshaw has barely escaped India with her life and is still grieving the brutal mirder of her parents. She hopes to come home for a good rest—and, instead, is greeted by skeptical chill. She is shocked to learn that someone impersonated her only months before, took possession of her home, and died by suicide. She has an uphill battle to prove herself to the wary community and servants, and in addition she begins to fear that the woman who pretended to be her was, in fact, murdered.
Ther ...more
Ther ...more
I've given this a B for narration and a C- for content, so I'm calling it 3.5 stars.
Although Sandra Byrd is known primarily as an author of Inspirational Romances and I’m not in the least religious, I’m not averse to an Inspy when there’s a good story and the religious element isn’t too prominent. In any case, I’ve got a soft spot for a good gothic romance and the premise of Mist of Midnight sounded interesting. Rebecca Ravenshaw is the daughter of missionaries who were killed in the Indian Mut ...more
Although Sandra Byrd is known primarily as an author of Inspirational Romances and I’m not in the least religious, I’m not averse to an Inspy when there’s a good story and the religious element isn’t too prominent. In any case, I’ve got a soft spot for a good gothic romance and the premise of Mist of Midnight sounded interesting. Rebecca Ravenshaw is the daughter of missionaries who were killed in the Indian Mut ...more
Will some dear writer use all the talent, resourcefulness and creativity that is ours in Christ Jesus to write something that moves and is intelligent? Unfortunately, this is not it for me. This book further confirms my theory that Christian fiction is graded on a curved scale, which explains its 4+ reviews. This story is watered down and benign with tension that never tightened either romantically or mysteriously, although I enjoyed the British/Indian connection.
Overall, this story offered many good elements.
I liked the gothic atmosphere, the constant doubts arising from every single situation the heroine was involved in, all the little details which were there to make us think and doubt everyone. I think the author succeeded in creating a tone as misty as the title indicates.
However, I think the romance part was too vague and undetermined - which I understand, since the hero wasn't always clearly defined as such - and when things are finally solved I j ...more
I liked the gothic atmosphere, the constant doubts arising from every single situation the heroine was involved in, all the little details which were there to make us think and doubt everyone. I think the author succeeded in creating a tone as misty as the title indicates.
However, I think the romance part was too vague and undetermined - which I understand, since the hero wasn't always clearly defined as such - and when things are finally solved I j ...more
Find my full review at http://aliteraryvacation.blogspot.com.
I became a huge fan of Sandra Byrd after reading her delicious Tudor Ladies in Waiting series and therefore snatched up this newest novel of hers, the first in a new series set in Victorian England, as soon as I got the chance. While this novel has a very different feel from those mentioned above it was still as engrossing as its predecessors.
When Rebecca Ravenshaw steps off the boat from India she is seeking nothing more than some war ...more
I became a huge fan of Sandra Byrd after reading her delicious Tudor Ladies in Waiting series and therefore snatched up this newest novel of hers, the first in a new series set in Victorian England, as soon as I got the chance. While this novel has a very different feel from those mentioned above it was still as engrossing as its predecessors.
When Rebecca Ravenshaw steps off the boat from India she is seeking nothing more than some war ...more
The history in this historical romance revolves mostly around missionary work in India in the late 1800s. It's interesting and, if you read the author's notes at the end of the story, you'll see she's done a good amount of research on the subject. Speaking of these missionaries, that should have told me this would be Christian fiction but I didn't pay enough attention and downloaded the book. The plot sounded interesting, with its Gothic overtones, and the price was good. And although Christian
...more
Was this woman the "real" Miss Ravenshaw or was the Miss Ravenshaw that was at Headbourne House a few weeks ago the "real" Miss Ravenshaw.
Rebecca Ravenshaw arrived with her chaperone from India after her parents were killed in an uprising and she was the only one in the family that had survived. Miss Ravenshaw had no place to go but back to her family mansion in England. When she arrived, everyone was shocked beyond belief.
How can this be Miss Ravenshaw when she committed suicide not more than a ...more
Okay -- seriously -- if you read only one book this year make sure it is this one. Yes, I think I really mean that! Because this is beyond incredible. Hello -- Gothic romance at it's absolute best. Be still my Victoria Holt loving heart! Just thinking about this story sends me into a near swoon of spine-tingling, toe-curling ecstasy!
Exquisite details create the classic dark ambiance of this genre. Just the name, Rebecca Ravenshaw screams Gothic heroine, doesn't it? And an enigmatic Captain, us ...more
Exquisite details create the classic dark ambiance of this genre. Just the name, Rebecca Ravenshaw screams Gothic heroine, doesn't it? And an enigmatic Captain, us ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YA Buddy Readers'...: Mist of Midnight (Daughters of Hampshire #1) by Sandra Byrd ---> Starting August 28th, 2016 | 7 | 17 | Aug 28, 2016 10:49PM | |
| Christian Fiction...: June Book of the Month - Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd | 48 | 62 | Jul 22, 2016 06:58PM | |
| Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish | 1 | 1 | Feb 28, 2015 09:09AM |
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Bestselling author Sandra Byrd continues to earn both industry acclaim and high praise from readers everywhere. The author of more than fifty books, her work has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice award, two Christy Award nominations, two Library Journal Best Book selections, a Bookpage Top Pick for Romance, and inclusion on B ...more
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“Many have doubts; few voice them. The silent tended to quickly condemn those honest few who air misgivings dormant deep within us all.”
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“. . man he made and for him built Magnificent this world, and earth his seat, Him lord pronounced; and, Oh indignity! Subjected to his service angel-wings, And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their earthly charge: Of these the vigilance I dread; and, to elude, thus wrapped in mist Of midnight vapor glide obscure, and pry In every bush and brake, where hap may find The serpent sleeping; in whose mazy folds To hide me, and the dark intent I bring. —PARADISE LOST, JOHN MILTON”
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