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The Daughter of the Manor
A helping hand!
It deeply irritated Leonora that she was always being caught in awkward situations with the village's new doctor, James Galbraith--especially since she was engaged to Tony. But James provided a sturdy support as she did her best to keep her parents' decrepit but much loved manor house running smoothly. There was little point in admitting her growing feelings for James, since he showed so little sign of caring for her...
It deeply irritated Leonora that she was always being caught in awkward situations with the village's new doctor, James Galbraith--especially since she was engaged to Tony. But James provided a sturdy support as she did her best to keep her parents' decrepit but much loved manor house running smoothly. There was little point in admitting her growing feelings for James, since he showed so little sign of caring for her...
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
53 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Betty Neels
584 books419 followersEvelyn Jessy "Betty" Neels was born on September 15, 1910 in Devon to a family with firm roots in the civil service. She said she had a blissfully happy childhood and teenage years.(This stood her in good stead later for the tribulations to come with the Second World War). She was sent away to boarding school, and then went on to train as a nurse, gaining her SRN and SCM, that is, State Registered Nurse and State Certificate of Midwifery.
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 29, 2020
DotM combines some of my LEAST favorite BN tropes: a Cinderella heroine in need of rescue; an unlikable OM/fiance to be rid of (why do BN heroines get involved with such shallow jerks?); a paternalistic hero who solves all her problems. But my main issue with this one is how DULL it is. There's no real conflict to be overcome--not even a Big Misunderstanding or OW drama, which I think BN relied on too much in many of her books but which would have given this story some focus and tension at least.
As it is, we spend way too much time hearing about the pernicious fiance's mercenary reasons in pursuing the heroine until she finally comes to her senses and kicks him to the curb. That made me like her a little--but she has to be rescued by the hero in every subsequent scene in which she encounters her ex, which irked me. She has to be rescued by the hero in order to patch up her crumbling family home. She has to be rescued by the hero in order to finally shed herself (somewhat at least) of her ridiculous, idle, idiotic parents (one has to wonder how BN's sensible and selfless heroines spring from such unsavory stock time and again). He even tells her, when she wonders what to do about her family after the ILYs and proposals, not to worry--he'll take care of everything.
Perhaps that is, in part, Neels' appeal: the concept of a godlike hero who will take care of everything. But the greater part of Neels' appeal for me was always that her earlier heroines really didn't need saving--particularly her hardworking nurses who, no matter what life threw at them, always had the confident belief that they would work and make a go of it (however unhappy and lonely an existence it might be). They were fully capable of saving themselves from the direst situations. But with her later heroines, Neels often trapped them in such unhappy circumstances with no way out that the hero's intervention seems more like pity than love.
From 1997, so one of Betty's later books when she seemed mainly to be writing anachronistic Cinderella stories, with old-fashioned heroines who had as little sense of and liking for modern sensibilities as Betty herself apparently had. Some nice details, as we might expect from Betty; an amusing moment when the hero thinks that the heroine looks as nice going as coming, heee; the usual solid, clean writing that Betty always delivered... but still, the plusses in this one don't quite make up for the minuses.
As it is, we spend way too much time hearing about the pernicious fiance's mercenary reasons in pursuing the heroine until she finally comes to her senses and kicks him to the curb. That made me like her a little--but she has to be rescued by the hero in every subsequent scene in which she encounters her ex, which irked me. She has to be rescued by the hero in order to patch up her crumbling family home. She has to be rescued by the hero in order to finally shed herself (somewhat at least) of her ridiculous, idle, idiotic parents (one has to wonder how BN's sensible and selfless heroines spring from such unsavory stock time and again). He even tells her, when she wonders what to do about her family after the ILYs and proposals, not to worry--he'll take care of everything.
Perhaps that is, in part, Neels' appeal: the concept of a godlike hero who will take care of everything. But the greater part of Neels' appeal for me was always that her earlier heroines really didn't need saving--particularly her hardworking nurses who, no matter what life threw at them, always had the confident belief that they would work and make a go of it (however unhappy and lonely an existence it might be). They were fully capable of saving themselves from the direst situations. But with her later heroines, Neels often trapped them in such unhappy circumstances with no way out that the hero's intervention seems more like pity than love.
From 1997, so one of Betty's later books when she seemed mainly to be writing anachronistic Cinderella stories, with old-fashioned heroines who had as little sense of and liking for modern sensibilities as Betty herself apparently had. Some nice details, as we might expect from Betty; an amusing moment when the hero thinks that the heroine looks as nice going as coming, heee; the usual solid, clean writing that Betty always delivered... but still, the plusses in this one don't quite make up for the minuses.
December 30, 2017
Betty Neels’ The Daughter of the Manor caught me by surprise. No RDD or OW. Beautiful Leonora had luxurious hair, a voluptuous body and measured in at 5 ft. 10 in! But as pretty as Leonora was, Betty couldn’t let the heroine slide without some frumpiness. Her clothes were dowdy.
The angst is this older romance was delivered by two clueless parents and a morally corrupt fiancé. Her father lost his money to bad investments; the family was land-rich but poor as a church mouse. Leonora, an only child, would eventually inherit the estate. That is, if it didn’t fall apart. Tony The Deceitful Fiancé had other ideas.
In Neelsdom, Leonora managed the household, saw that bills were paid and made sure food was on the table. Her mother was a flighty airhead and I am not quite sure what to make of her father. Let me just say, he should have known better.
The new doctor in town was Dr. James Galbraith and he was well to do. At 6 ft 5 in., he was handsome, kind and...and...for some reason not married.
But then Betty, you and I know the real reason.
Physics! Yes, physics. When two things collide because of position, velocity and acceleration. Sleet and biting wind caused Lenora to trod to her village with care. There was a curve in the road, a car was rounding it, a piece of frozen earth caught her foot, she stumbled and plopped down with little dignity. The driver, Dr. Galbraith got out of his vehicle, heaved her to her feet and said, “You should look where you are going.”
There was plenty of food, descriptions of clothes and expensive cars.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
The angst is this older romance was delivered by two clueless parents and a morally corrupt fiancé. Her father lost his money to bad investments; the family was land-rich but poor as a church mouse. Leonora, an only child, would eventually inherit the estate. That is, if it didn’t fall apart. Tony The Deceitful Fiancé had other ideas.
In Neelsdom, Leonora managed the household, saw that bills were paid and made sure food was on the table. Her mother was a flighty airhead and I am not quite sure what to make of her father. Let me just say, he should have known better.
The new doctor in town was Dr. James Galbraith and he was well to do. At 6 ft 5 in., he was handsome, kind and...and...for some reason not married.
But then Betty, you and I know the real reason.
Physics! Yes, physics. When two things collide because of position, velocity and acceleration. Sleet and biting wind caused Lenora to trod to her village with care. There was a curve in the road, a car was rounding it, a piece of frozen earth caught her foot, she stumbled and plopped down with little dignity. The driver, Dr. Galbraith got out of his vehicle, heaved her to her feet and said, “You should look where you are going.”
There was plenty of food, descriptions of clothes and expensive cars.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
February 22, 2023
I do enjoy an impoverished gentlewoman trope, and we've got that here with Leonora Crosby and her parents Sir William and Lady Crosby. They live in a decent size manor house in a village between Bath and Wells that is slowly deteriorating from the family's lack of funds through bad business investments. Leonora and her nanny bear the brunt of keeping up the house and garden, cooking, shopping, etc. Her father's health is fragile and her mother thinks her own health is fragile (therefore she won't do anything with the house). Her parents aren't actively helpful, but they're not actively harmful either. Her father especially nearly steps up to the plate several times. But mostly it's up to Leonora to keep the family on a genteel footing.
The stage is set for the conflict between Leonora's fiance, Tony, who has mercenary intentions towards the house, and Leonora and her parents who love the house even as it falls down around their ears. Tony is horrid and it's easy to see that he's All Wrong for Leonora. The town's new GP, Dr. James Galbraith, knows it almost immediately on meeting Leonora and Tony. When will Leonora figure it out? She does figure it out and tells Tony in a very satisfying way. Of course Dr. Galbraith is also on hand soon after Leonora’s encounter with Tony to help with the emotional recovery (which includes baked beans on a jacket potato!).
This is a quiet story, but I found it a peaceful and enjoyable read. I love that Dr. Galbraith isn't a high-powered medical man like so many other Neels' heroes, but a thoroughly competant, caring, and smart local doctor who is called on to aid the villagers in many different ways. Leonora gets to help him at his surgery for several weeks as a receptionist and she rises to the occasion very well indeed. The unfolding of their love story is lovely and includes a visit from the doctor's sister and her three children and a game of hide and seek. So fun!
This is definitely a Neels I'll be eager to re-visit in the future. I especially enjoyed the villager shopkeeper Mrs. Pike, too.
The stage is set for the conflict between Leonora's fiance, Tony, who has mercenary intentions towards the house, and Leonora and her parents who love the house even as it falls down around their ears. Tony is horrid and it's easy to see that he's All Wrong for Leonora. The town's new GP, Dr. James Galbraith, knows it almost immediately on meeting Leonora and Tony. When will Leonora figure it out? She does figure it out and tells Tony in a very satisfying way. Of course Dr. Galbraith is also on hand soon after Leonora’s encounter with Tony to help with the emotional recovery (which includes baked beans on a jacket potato!).
This is a quiet story, but I found it a peaceful and enjoyable read. I love that Dr. Galbraith isn't a high-powered medical man like so many other Neels' heroes, but a thoroughly competant, caring, and smart local doctor who is called on to aid the villagers in many different ways. Leonora gets to help him at his surgery for several weeks as a receptionist and she rises to the occasion very well indeed. The unfolding of their love story is lovely and includes a visit from the doctor's sister and her three children and a game of hide and seek. So fun!
This is definitely a Neels I'll be eager to re-visit in the future. I especially enjoyed the villager shopkeeper Mrs. Pike, too.
May 17, 2014
Excellent!
Leonora Crosby's family has a 200 year history of living in the manor. Her finance believes it would suit his plans to retire her parents to a little cottage and take over the family estate.
Dr. James Galbraith is new to the town, but he finds that Leonora would suit him very well. Hoping she will find out about the scoundrel she seems set to marry, he finds himself in a position to offer her a shoulder now and then.
Leonora Crosby's family has a 200 year history of living in the manor. Her finance believes it would suit his plans to retire her parents to a little cottage and take over the family estate.
Dr. James Galbraith is new to the town, but he finds that Leonora would suit him very well. Hoping she will find out about the scoundrel she seems set to marry, he finds himself in a position to offer her a shoulder now and then.
August 12, 2025
Oh I really enjoyed this story! It was slightly different from BN's usual formula but still quite delightful.
In fact, I liked it so much I bought my own copy!
In fact, I liked it so much I bought my own copy!
March 28, 2017
Un doctor apuesto y considerado, una heroína que da todo de sí para ser feliz, pueblo acogedor, modales ingleses... Nunca me canso de Betty Neels, ¡sus novelas hacen que el tiempo vuelva atrás tan fácilmente! Leerla me produce mucho placer.
May 17, 2015
Leonora Crosby is an Olivia who is engaged to a London businessman. Leonora and her parents live in a charming, but old-and-run-down manor house in the Somerset countryside. While her parents love her, they are impractical and Leonora, with the help of a housekeeper, run the house, pay the bills and cook the meals.
Leonora takes a temporary job as receptionist to the new local GP, James Galbraith. When Leonora finds out that Tony, her fiancé, plans to take over her home once they are married, move her parents out, and convert it into a business center, she breaks the engagement. James is there to dry her tears and mend her bruised heart.
This one was okay. Tony was a nasty piece of work. 3 stars.
Leonora takes a temporary job as receptionist to the new local GP, James Galbraith. When Leonora finds out that Tony, her fiancé, plans to take over her home once they are married, move her parents out, and convert it into a business center, she breaks the engagement. James is there to dry her tears and mend her bruised heart.
This one was okay. Tony was a nasty piece of work. 3 stars.
October 11, 2025
I need a 3.5. I like the characters, they are sweethearts. And I don’t mind quiet, mild stories but this was a bit too quiet. I would have liked if one or both of the main characters actually pursued the other. They are so respectfully distant I wanted to cry.
So... it’s nice. It’s sweet. And at some point you will wish for a bit of drama. That MIGHT be cause I’ve been on an Anne Mather binge of course... lol
First book of the author I’m reading. Was sick in bed and wanted something sweet and mushy and must say it worked :) Will be checking out more of the author.
Ps. If it’s set in 1999 it does sound quite different from the 1999 I lived in. I think.
So... it’s nice. It’s sweet. And at some point you will wish for a bit of drama. That MIGHT be cause I’ve been on an Anne Mather binge of course... lol
First book of the author I’m reading. Was sick in bed and wanted something sweet and mushy and must say it worked :) Will be checking out more of the author.
Ps. If it’s set in 1999 it does sound quite different from the 1999 I lived in. I think.
July 29, 2021
I just loved this book this was a such a sweet little story and a welcome change from the regular doctor nurse story BN where more emphasis is on surgeries patients than the hero heroine our story.
In this story Leonara the heroine is the only daughter of her parents and she is engaged to a gold digger Tony . Leonara stays with her parents in a manor, a big house which has been in the family from past 2 centuries. Her father recently lost his money in a financial scam and so they are living in a tight budget, tony wants to Mary Leonara to get his hands on the manor house and use it for his business transactions and entertain his clients
Along comes James the new village doctor who is immediately liked by all, He is ever carefully my, well behaved and helps Leonara whenever she is in need
What happens next is a series of events where Leonara realises Tony’s true intentions and breaks the engagement and also falls In love with James and finally they confess their feelings for one another .
The entire story was well written with lots of good dialogues and the characterisation as very good. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to all BN fans
In this story Leonara the heroine is the only daughter of her parents and she is engaged to a gold digger Tony . Leonara stays with her parents in a manor, a big house which has been in the family from past 2 centuries. Her father recently lost his money in a financial scam and so they are living in a tight budget, tony wants to Mary Leonara to get his hands on the manor house and use it for his business transactions and entertain his clients
Along comes James the new village doctor who is immediately liked by all, He is ever carefully my, well behaved and helps Leonara whenever she is in need
What happens next is a series of events where Leonara realises Tony’s true intentions and breaks the engagement and also falls In love with James and finally they confess their feelings for one another .
The entire story was well written with lots of good dialogues and the characterisation as very good. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to all BN fans
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2012
The heroine was a little "limp noodle" for my taste but I did really enjoy the story and voice. This was my first Neels but I already have another in the queue from the library.
March 10, 2015
Always enjoy her books
I have been reading her books since high school and enjoy them thoroughly. This is light romance at its finest.
I have been reading her books since high school and enjoy them thoroughly. This is light romance at its finest.
March 1, 2016
The usual Betty Neels but still entertaining. I do like how she talks about food so much!
April 7, 2020
I think objectively, this is your standard vintage romance novel written by an author born in early part of the 20th century. But if like me, you’re a Betty Neels mega-fan, this is ace. This is one of the Betty Neels novels not featuring a nurse or a Dutch man. This is the story of Leonora, the daughter of a posh family that’s fallen in hard times and the well-to-do family doctor, James, who moved into the village at just the time that Leonora is going through “it” with her no-good fiancé. However with them both talking at cross-purposes, a relationship between them seems impossible.
I’m a Betty Neels mega fan and I love the sameness of her books. The fact that expressions of love and attraction are sensible and subtle and the books are always very gentle. I do own this on paper and Kindle versions (as I do most of her books) and I’ve read this several times before but listening to it in audio was a new and enjoyable experience and the performer did a fabulous job with the voices.
I’m a Betty Neels mega fan and I love the sameness of her books. The fact that expressions of love and attraction are sensible and subtle and the books are always very gentle. I do own this on paper and Kindle versions (as I do most of her books) and I’ve read this several times before but listening to it in audio was a new and enjoyable experience and the performer did a fabulous job with the voices.
April 3, 2020
My rating is based entirely on an extremely short sample. In fact, I don’t think that I have ever come across a shorter one. Based on this short sample, I don’t think Betty Neels is the kind of writer that I would enjoy. Too much talk of quiet English countryside villages where nothing much happens apart from the local village gossip.
October 12, 2016
Very Enjoyable Book
Cute story with accidents, illness, a worthless fellow, a splendid doctor - all woven together in a lovely fashion, I think!!!
Cute story with accidents, illness, a worthless fellow, a splendid doctor - all woven together in a lovely fashion, I think!!!
September 12, 2018
Wonderful
Another great story by Betty Neels, they seem to be getting better with every book I read. Sweet and innocent, the way I like it.
Another great story by Betty Neels, they seem to be getting better with every book I read. Sweet and innocent, the way I like it.
June 13, 2020
I really liked this story, I would rank it with other top Neels’ books, especially the best of the “non-nurse” books. Leonora Crosby is Daughter of the Manor, but this isn’t a fabulous castle, but a long-neglected, run-down manor. Leonora’s parents love her, but they are inept. Her father loves her, knows she is handling most of the details of life, but after the father’s loss of funds in a bad investment, he no longer makes any major decisions. The mother is totally self-absorbed and living like a toddler. She expects all her wants to be taken care of, so that she can continue to live as she lived when they were well-to-do. Leonora is a gem. She handles most of the responsibility for family, house, decisions, and life with her only help coming from Nanny. Even her fiancé (the infamous Tony Beamish, “big city suave man”) makes demands of her, which only adds to her burdens and never lessoning them.
To this mix comes our hero, the new replacement G. P., Dr. James Galbraith, who first encounters Leonora when he almost runs her down. James encounters Leonora a number of times, and each time she is anything but glamorous, but she catches his eye. Neels uses contrast very effectively. Examples: Leonora’s selfless behavior versus her parent’s selfish behavior. Leonora’s contentment with the simple things in lift versus Tony’s focus on gaining more and more wealth. Leonora’s love for the manor and understanding that her parents will never sell it regardless of its condition versus Tony wanting to ship the parents off to a small home so he can install himself with his trophy wife Leonora in the house and use it for business purposes. The falling down manor versus the gracious home of Dr James, named Buntings. The mother’s useless life versus Leonara’s total capableness. The father’s lack of leadership versus Dr. James command of situations. The 101 ways to use eggs that Leonora comes up with in her effort to economize versus the wonderful spread of food produced by Cricket every time she is at Buntings. Contrasts help build a bond and emotionally positive connection to Leonora, Dr James, Nanny, & Cricket versus the emotional distance that builds with the actions of the characters of the father, the mother, and especially Tony.
In an effort to help Leonora, Dr. James hires her for his office when his help has to leave for family business. She loves it and grows in confidence and understanding of the G. P.’s responsibilities. At this point, she assumes she can continue to work for Dr James perpetually, but he hires a new help. Emotionally punched, she realizes she is out, and simultaneously understanding she love the good Doctor. Of course, the next thing you know is he is asking to marry her. In between all, you have interesting Neelisms in such areas as conversations, sickness emergencies, food, restaurants, cars, entertaining, and travel. Another Great BN book!
To this mix comes our hero, the new replacement G. P., Dr. James Galbraith, who first encounters Leonora when he almost runs her down. James encounters Leonora a number of times, and each time she is anything but glamorous, but she catches his eye. Neels uses contrast very effectively. Examples: Leonora’s selfless behavior versus her parent’s selfish behavior. Leonora’s contentment with the simple things in lift versus Tony’s focus on gaining more and more wealth. Leonora’s love for the manor and understanding that her parents will never sell it regardless of its condition versus Tony wanting to ship the parents off to a small home so he can install himself with his trophy wife Leonora in the house and use it for business purposes. The falling down manor versus the gracious home of Dr James, named Buntings. The mother’s useless life versus Leonara’s total capableness. The father’s lack of leadership versus Dr. James command of situations. The 101 ways to use eggs that Leonora comes up with in her effort to economize versus the wonderful spread of food produced by Cricket every time she is at Buntings. Contrasts help build a bond and emotionally positive connection to Leonora, Dr James, Nanny, & Cricket versus the emotional distance that builds with the actions of the characters of the father, the mother, and especially Tony.
In an effort to help Leonora, Dr. James hires her for his office when his help has to leave for family business. She loves it and grows in confidence and understanding of the G. P.’s responsibilities. At this point, she assumes she can continue to work for Dr James perpetually, but he hires a new help. Emotionally punched, she realizes she is out, and simultaneously understanding she love the good Doctor. Of course, the next thing you know is he is asking to marry her. In between all, you have interesting Neelisms in such areas as conversations, sickness emergencies, food, restaurants, cars, entertaining, and travel. Another Great BN book!
January 5, 2019
3.5* 1997
I am 34 weeks pregnant so am reading really slowly!
The story does drag on a little, only in how long it took to completely get rid of the b@stard Beanish/Beamish! But it gave us a nice contrast between RBD James and the thorny Tony, who from the beginning was obnoxious. Only Leonora was sheltered and hardly met eligible young men, so was swept along by the first man who proposed.
Poor Leonora. Not just financially but in all ways except the generosity of her spirit and good nature. More maid than daughter of the manor, her useless parents made me so angry and impatient most of the book! Leonora was also an enabler, just letting them drift along like before, spending money they didn't have...
I like these latter day heroes of Betty Neels. This was published in 1997 and James was quick to come to terms with reality and in touch with his feelings. While he prided himself in knowing females, having five sisters, he knew not to rush Leonora and treat her pride sensitively. He had no idea she returned his feelings so early on though, so those moments of coolness were misinterpreted leading to dragginess of the story. When he commented on her appearance and size she wasn't happy at all haha! So much for having five sisters and understanding women!
I simply love how James would whisk her to Buntings, his home, to be pampered by Cricket. Such a contrast to being at home where she had to pamper her parents! It's so sweet how James wanted to just keep her there in Buntings to cosset her, when he knew he was going to marry her. This is one heroine who needed rescuing and lots of pampering! Aww...
I am 34 weeks pregnant so am reading really slowly!
The story does drag on a little, only in how long it took to completely get rid of the b@stard Beanish/Beamish! But it gave us a nice contrast between RBD James and the thorny Tony, who from the beginning was obnoxious. Only Leonora was sheltered and hardly met eligible young men, so was swept along by the first man who proposed.
Poor Leonora. Not just financially but in all ways except the generosity of her spirit and good nature. More maid than daughter of the manor, her useless parents made me so angry and impatient most of the book! Leonora was also an enabler, just letting them drift along like before, spending money they didn't have...
I like these latter day heroes of Betty Neels. This was published in 1997 and James was quick to come to terms with reality and in touch with his feelings. While he prided himself in knowing females, having five sisters, he knew not to rush Leonora and treat her pride sensitively. He had no idea she returned his feelings so early on though, so those moments of coolness were misinterpreted leading to dragginess of the story. When he commented on her appearance and size she wasn't happy at all haha! So much for having five sisters and understanding women!
I simply love how James would whisk her to Buntings, his home, to be pampered by Cricket. Such a contrast to being at home where she had to pamper her parents! It's so sweet how James wanted to just keep her there in Buntings to cosset her, when he knew he was going to marry her. This is one heroine who needed rescuing and lots of pampering! Aww...
March 28, 2021
Published in 1997 apparently, though, it reads like a story written in the 1960s and merely updated to include cell phones.
While it does have the delicious unrequited live tension of many Harlequins of the 70s, 80, and 1990s, the heroine does have the air of an earlier age as she doesn’t recognize her own feelings. Though written as hard-working, she may be disappointing to contemporary readers with her lack of ambition.
The story told much but showed far less; there were lost opportunities which would have made for a richer story and stronger characters. One example is the one-dimensional antagonist in the form of boyfriend Tony, which Leonora is led to believe she must love because she is to marry him? This made no sense. Tony seems evil and nasty for no reason with no effort to round him out. The same goes for the mother of the twins, oddly described as “sluttish.”
I did like how James was in no hurry and worried more about to help her, and while there were hints of sexual interest, the curtain was graciously closed over anything stronger.
The writing was stilted at times; there were some jarring jumps in location or time.
There were things to like about the characters and it was a quick and enjoyable read.
While it does have the delicious unrequited live tension of many Harlequins of the 70s, 80, and 1990s, the heroine does have the air of an earlier age as she doesn’t recognize her own feelings. Though written as hard-working, she may be disappointing to contemporary readers with her lack of ambition.
The story told much but showed far less; there were lost opportunities which would have made for a richer story and stronger characters. One example is the one-dimensional antagonist in the form of boyfriend Tony, which Leonora is led to believe she must love because she is to marry him? This made no sense. Tony seems evil and nasty for no reason with no effort to round him out. The same goes for the mother of the twins, oddly described as “sluttish.”
I did like how James was in no hurry and worried more about to help her, and while there were hints of sexual interest, the curtain was graciously closed over anything stronger.
The writing was stilted at times; there were some jarring jumps in location or time.
There were things to like about the characters and it was a quick and enjoyable read.
October 12, 2021
Leonara Crosby is the only daughter of a well-respected but impoverished family in the village. She is engaged to be married, but the new doctor is always on hand to help her. Will her fiance show his true colors before it is too late, and will Leonara trust her heart a second time.
Another perfect rainy day read! I like Leonara's plucky nature and her conversations with Dr. Galbraith. it wasn't love at first sight, but a growing respect for each other.
There are no surprises, but a book like this doesn't need surprises or twists. It is a sweet, easy read for an afternoon when just need a peaceful few hours' escape.
Another perfect rainy day read! I like Leonara's plucky nature and her conversations with Dr. Galbraith. it wasn't love at first sight, but a growing respect for each other.
There are no surprises, but a book like this doesn't need surprises or twists. It is a sweet, easy read for an afternoon when just need a peaceful few hours' escape.
August 10, 2018
Lovely
If you enjoy your romances clean, light, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels
If you enjoy your romances clean, light, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels
August 10, 2022
Loved it
Glad Tony got his come uppance,what a rogue, but then,they do exist in this world. Loved the whole story, what a drip her mother is though.
Glad Tony got his come uppance,what a rogue, but then,they do exist in this world. Loved the whole story, what a drip her mother is though.
June 21, 2023
Set in the 1990's but it seems about a few decades earlier. A nice short read for a train journey.
July 13, 2023
She has “splendid proportions “ and he has a “splendid nose”! What more can you ask for?
September 13, 2023
It's a Betty Neels, what's not to love!
May 7, 2021
Practically perfect Neels book, about Leonora who lives in a village with her useless but well-intentioned parents. They're broke and living in their country manor house which is falling down around them. Leonora is engaged to a conniving city man who plans to make lots of money and restore the house. Or so he says. Fortunately a wonderful Dr. moves into the village, circumstances throw them together, and everything works out in the end.
NB - If you enjoy Neel's books join the conversation at the GR group Betty Neels Junkies. See you there!
NB - If you enjoy Neel's books join the conversation at the GR group Betty Neels Junkies. See you there!
December 19, 2023
Clean romance.
Leonora is a poor woman engaged to Tony, a con artist who only wants to marry her for her manor and lands of her and her aging parents. She finds out that he isn’t who he represented himself to be. she breaks off the engagement.
She meets James in the first chapter. through a series of events he helps her in various ways (because he likes her) and eventually helps her find a job in his workplace.
they both like each other but are worried that the other doesn’t like them.
Leonora is a poor woman engaged to Tony, a con artist who only wants to marry her for her manor and lands of her and her aging parents. She finds out that he isn’t who he represented himself to be. she breaks off the engagement.
She meets James in the first chapter. through a series of events he helps her in various ways (because he likes her) and eventually helps her find a job in his workplace.
they both like each other but are worried that the other doesn’t like them.
July 16, 2025
A very sweet story. No tragedy, explosions, or graphic violence. A simple romance that’s perfect for a rainy day.
June 22, 2017
Classic Betty Neels
Feels like snippet from another era. Story occurs in small village where everyone knows everyone else--and most likely are probably related in way or another. A gentle read to take you away when you own world is too much. Enjoy!
Feels like snippet from another era. Story occurs in small village where everyone knows everyone else--and most likely are probably related in way or another. A gentle read to take you away when you own world is too much. Enjoy!
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