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A Fragile Mask
Cold as ice or warm as honey? A snow maiden impervious to his charm. Denzell Hawkeridge sees her from the window, beautiful and animated. When he meets mysterious Verena Chaceley, she is a polite statue. Provoked and intrigued, flirtatious Denzell sets out to prick the mask. And finds a hidden and poignant vulnerability. Anxious for her abused mother’s health, terrified the perpetrator will come after them, Verena struggles to stay aloof and heart-free. She dare not drop her guard. Yet is there disappointment when Denzell retires, defeated? A chance encounter provides an unexpected key, reviving Denzell’s affections. But can he coax Verena out of her ingrained fear of matrimony?
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 1996
57 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bailey
93 books303 followersAn avid reader from an early age, Elizabeth Bailey grew up in colonial Africa under unconventional parentage and with theatre in the blood. Back in England, she trod the boards until discovering her true métier as a writer in her thirties, when she fulfilled an early addiction to Georgette Heyer by launching into historical romance. Eight years and eight books later, Elizabeth joined the Harlequin Mills & Boon stable, fuelling her writing with a secondary career teaching and directing drama, and writing plays into the bargain.
With 18 historicals published, Elizabeth turned to other genres, producing two titles (Fly the Wild Echoes and For One More Tomorrow) in the cross-genre literary/paranormal field as well as a suspense novella (Silence of a Stranger). She has several short stories available too and a guide for writers on editing.
Continuing her foray into other genres, but returning to her favourite historical period, Elizabeth turned to mystery. She placed her female sleuth in the late Georgian world of intrigue, elegance, aristocrats and rogues, where privilege rubbed shoulders with the harsh realities of making ends meet. While Ottilia moves in the upper echelon of Society, she is thoroughly at ease in the lower, which allows Elizabeth to cross boundaries with impunity. These novels are now published with Sapere Books and the list continues to grow.
Sapere also publish her Brides by Chance Regency Adventures, a series dedicated to the countless women who could not ordinarily hope for romance and marriage: poor relations, dowerless females, those who did not "take", orphans. In a word, the classic Cinderella heroine.
Now retired from teaching, Elizabeth concentrates on writing and promotion, with a sideline in running an assessment critique service for writers.
With 18 historicals published, Elizabeth turned to other genres, producing two titles (Fly the Wild Echoes and For One More Tomorrow) in the cross-genre literary/paranormal field as well as a suspense novella (Silence of a Stranger). She has several short stories available too and a guide for writers on editing.
Continuing her foray into other genres, but returning to her favourite historical period, Elizabeth turned to mystery. She placed her female sleuth in the late Georgian world of intrigue, elegance, aristocrats and rogues, where privilege rubbed shoulders with the harsh realities of making ends meet. While Ottilia moves in the upper echelon of Society, she is thoroughly at ease in the lower, which allows Elizabeth to cross boundaries with impunity. These novels are now published with Sapere Books and the list continues to grow.
Sapere also publish her Brides by Chance Regency Adventures, a series dedicated to the countless women who could not ordinarily hope for romance and marriage: poor relations, dowerless females, those who did not "take", orphans. In a word, the classic Cinderella heroine.
Now retired from teaching, Elizabeth concentrates on writing and promotion, with a sideline in running an assessment critique service for writers.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 24, 2018
A Most Poignant Romance
It is not often that historical romances tough on deeper subjects of the human condition. But Bailey has the courage to do so and to do it with heart wrenching skill. As important as the romantic pairing is the resolution of trauma. And the healing necessary before love has a chance to blossom. Yet withal there is humour and a lightness of touch. This is the second novel I have read with that wise old reprobate Sir John, and the in depth depiction of minor characters is one of the factors that make Bailey such a terrific author.
It is not often that historical romances tough on deeper subjects of the human condition. But Bailey has the courage to do so and to do it with heart wrenching skill. As important as the romantic pairing is the resolution of trauma. And the healing necessary before love has a chance to blossom. Yet withal there is humour and a lightness of touch. This is the second novel I have read with that wise old reprobate Sir John, and the in depth depiction of minor characters is one of the factors that make Bailey such a terrific author.
April 25, 2022
Well done!
A very real story, I very much enjoyed this novel. A break from the usual story line. Domestic violence is never a happy topic but well done here, exploring the reaction of children as well as the victim all wrapped up in regency costume. Dialogue and storylines entertaining and well done. Thank-you!
A very real story, I very much enjoyed this novel. A break from the usual story line. Domestic violence is never a happy topic but well done here, exploring the reaction of children as well as the victim all wrapped up in regency costume. Dialogue and storylines entertaining and well done. Thank-you!
November 29, 2023
The story has such good dialogue it had me thinking Ms Bailey's experience on the stage was put to very good use. The interaction and gentle teasing between the good friends Denzell and Osmond struck me as very natural. And the quips of the old gentleman, Sir John, had me chuckling.
The reason Verena has learned to so successfully don her mask is quite chilling.
The reason Verena has learned to so successfully don her mask is quite chilling.
June 12, 2019
The Snow Princess
Took a little to get in but after that heals my attention. Sad to think even then they had to deal with spousal abuse but the daughter took mom and ran, didn't think she could ever trust again. Worth the reading.
Took a little to get in but after that heals my attention. Sad to think even then they had to deal with spousal abuse but the daughter took mom and ran, didn't think she could ever trust again. Worth the reading.
June 16, 2017
The abrupt ending though... =__=
1st read: December 2007
2nd read: May 2017
1st read: December 2007
2nd read: May 2017
August 1, 2020
Brilliant
A very complex story with real depth, reflecting life in the past which still occurs today. I loved all the characters and the writing style.
A very complex story with real depth, reflecting life in the past which still occurs today. I loved all the characters and the writing style.
March 2, 2023
Wordy
This novel had all the elements of a good romance. It is nicely written but every scene was too long.
This novel had all the elements of a good romance. It is nicely written but every scene was too long.
March 3, 2016
This book was good, but not Elizabeth Bailey's best.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews