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The Bengal Bridegift
Timid and shy, Juno Payne has lived an uneventful life growing up in Calcutta--her father's home port during those rare times when he wasn't at sea, trading for the East India Company. But news of her father's death--and the cloud of scandal surrounding it--has suddenly made Juno the center of attention, as various factions attempt to seize her supposed bridegift--a fabulous cache of diamonds. In vain, Juno protests that she knows nothing about a bridegift, and that her father had no such fortune, but England's enemies are not convinced, and Juno is forced to escape with an unlikely ally--a Barbary pirate. Can she believe his extraordinary tale about her father, or is he only another one who is looking to steal her bridegift? Find out, as Juno plumbs depths of courage she never knew she had, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2016
30 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Anne Cleeland
36 books473 followersAnne Cleeland writes a contemporary Scotland Yard mystery series that is featured in the Amazon top 100 best sellers. She also writes a historical series of stand-alone books set in the Regency period. A member of International Thriller Writers, The Historical Novel Society, and Mystery Writers of America, she lives in California and has four children. www.annecleeland.com; @annecleeland.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 26, 2016
Anne Cleeland writes it and I read it. I know when I sit down with one of her books, be it in one of my favorite series featuring Lord Acton and DCI Doyle or one of the author's stand-alone books, I am in for an adventure that sweeps me away. After reading Anne's latest, The Bengal Bridegift, I sighed happily and thought to myself that I had just had so much fun reading it. And, then I realized that one of the aspects of her remarkable characters is their witty dialogue. No one does witty dialogue better than Anne Cleeland. Another part of her successful characters is the presence of both a male lead character and a female lead character, and the larger-than-life male meets his match in the enterprising, resourceful female. It's a most satisfying arrangement. And, the stories that Anne creates with these characters do justice to the characters' existence. Of course, the settings are exciting, too, whether it be foggy London or the high seas.
The Bengal Bridegift has pirates. That's really all I should need to say to entice readers, but I suppose a bit more might sweeten the pot for someone who isn't as thrilled with pirates as I am, if such people really can be found. But, before the pirate, there is a young English girl, who finds her world, which has been in India as a small child, turned on its head. Her father, and employee of the East India Trading Company, is dead, and the convent school in Calcutta she attended has been attacked and ransacked. Saving herself by hiding in a chicken coop, Juno Payne survives the attack only to come to face with a Barbary pirate, a Dutchman named Jost Van dar Haar. With little choice, she accepts help from this handsome pirate as she endeavors to gather her brother Horry, who is at the fort hospital with malaria, and make her way to England, where she has financial matters to see to and hopes to find a doctor and treatment for Horry.
Juno soon learns that she has a most pressing matter to resolve, one of life and death. Rumors are that her father left her a bridegift of an impressive cache of diamonds hidden somewhere safe, but Juno had no knowledge of this fortune. When Juno tells Jost that she is engaged to her father's financier, a Nabob, the pirate suggests that the Nabob is interested in her bridegift, which is the first word of it Juno hears. It certainly won't be the last word of it, as there are men from different factions that are trying to find it and steal it. Not sure if she believes such a gift exists but unable to convince anyone else that it doesn't, Juno and Horry must flee India and solve this mystery of the missing diamonds if they are to live. The pirate Jost is Juno's only viable means of escape, so she must rely on his sworn friendship with her father as proof that Jost can be trusted. The way to England will be fraught with many obstacles and much danger. There are enemies seemingly everywhere, including England. And, readers will love every minute of the treacherous journey with Juno and Jost.
Thank you, Anne Cleeland for yet another great tale. I can't wait for your next one.
The Bengal Bridegift has pirates. That's really all I should need to say to entice readers, but I suppose a bit more might sweeten the pot for someone who isn't as thrilled with pirates as I am, if such people really can be found. But, before the pirate, there is a young English girl, who finds her world, which has been in India as a small child, turned on its head. Her father, and employee of the East India Trading Company, is dead, and the convent school in Calcutta she attended has been attacked and ransacked. Saving herself by hiding in a chicken coop, Juno Payne survives the attack only to come to face with a Barbary pirate, a Dutchman named Jost Van dar Haar. With little choice, she accepts help from this handsome pirate as she endeavors to gather her brother Horry, who is at the fort hospital with malaria, and make her way to England, where she has financial matters to see to and hopes to find a doctor and treatment for Horry.
Juno soon learns that she has a most pressing matter to resolve, one of life and death. Rumors are that her father left her a bridegift of an impressive cache of diamonds hidden somewhere safe, but Juno had no knowledge of this fortune. When Juno tells Jost that she is engaged to her father's financier, a Nabob, the pirate suggests that the Nabob is interested in her bridegift, which is the first word of it Juno hears. It certainly won't be the last word of it, as there are men from different factions that are trying to find it and steal it. Not sure if she believes such a gift exists but unable to convince anyone else that it doesn't, Juno and Horry must flee India and solve this mystery of the missing diamonds if they are to live. The pirate Jost is Juno's only viable means of escape, so she must rely on his sworn friendship with her father as proof that Jost can be trusted. The way to England will be fraught with many obstacles and much danger. There are enemies seemingly everywhere, including England. And, readers will love every minute of the treacherous journey with Juno and Jost.
Thank you, Anne Cleeland for yet another great tale. I can't wait for your next one.
October 12, 2017
I started this awhile ago when she had it on her website for free. I have about ten chapters to finish it, and finish it I will. I loved what I read.
More to come
More to come
September 18, 2017
This was a rip roaring "bodice ripping" adventure on the high seas. And.......I loved it. It's been quite awhile since I read a book of this nature and I was surprised how much I liked it. It certainly is unheard of to rate this book so high!?!
I contemplated exactly what I liked about this book. Since I do not possess the skills needed to give point by point critiques of the technical nature, I relied on why this novel made me so happy.
The story was straight forward and very intriguing.
However, it is the male and female protagonist that makes this book difficult to put down on your nightstand. The author has made them bigger than life. The majority of this book is dialogue. The best dialogue was spoken by Juno and Jost.
Two lovers could not have been more different. Separated by many years in age, different languages, different nationalities and different personalities but they still managed to communicate in spades, verbally and physically.
Why did I put this on my to read shelf? I read a book a few months back (Daughter of the God-King, thank you Margitte) which I enjoyed very much. At the end where it notes other books by this author, this novel was listed. It also starts off in India during the very early years when the Eastern India Company was in charge which I covet for storylines. It also uses Napoleon Captivity as a catalyst that motivates the characters. It seems the only historical research this author does in depth. Because several of her books notes Napoleon.
I only have one complaint, that Jost was not on the book cover.
I contemplated exactly what I liked about this book. Since I do not possess the skills needed to give point by point critiques of the technical nature, I relied on why this novel made me so happy.
The story was straight forward and very intriguing.
However, it is the male and female protagonist that makes this book difficult to put down on your nightstand. The author has made them bigger than life. The majority of this book is dialogue. The best dialogue was spoken by Juno and Jost.
Two lovers could not have been more different. Separated by many years in age, different languages, different nationalities and different personalities but they still managed to communicate in spades, verbally and physically.
Why did I put this on my to read shelf? I read a book a few months back (Daughter of the God-King, thank you Margitte) which I enjoyed very much. At the end where it notes other books by this author, this novel was listed. It also starts off in India during the very early years when the Eastern India Company was in charge which I covet for storylines. It also uses Napoleon Captivity as a catalyst that motivates the characters. It seems the only historical research this author does in depth. Because several of her books notes Napoleon.
I only have one complaint, that Jost was not on the book cover.
July 31, 2016
A pirate hero, a convent school heroine and an adventure. A perfect mix in this Regency romance. Loved all the scenes with Juno and Jost.
April 24, 2016
Funny and full of action. Thoroughly enjoyed!
March 11, 2019
This novel had been on my radar for ages and I'm so glad i finally got around to reading The Bengal Bridegift. It had everything I love: a mystery (where's the bridegift?), a plucky heroine who is brave and makes good decisions, wonderful and well-drawn secondary characters and a hunky pirate hero. What's not to love?
Juno has been raised in India while her father, a sea captain, works for the East India Company. She's just survived a massacre at her convent school when a bold pirate shows up (as they do.) Jost is absolutely delightful. He struggles with English language idiom but as more than one bloody encounter reveals, he's most definitely a pirate at heart. Fortunately for Juno, he's also a friend of her late father's...or so Jost says.
There were so many great twists and turns in this story that it kept me reading late into the night, and left me completely satisfied at the end. I'll definitely look for more of Ms. Cleeland's books!
Juno has been raised in India while her father, a sea captain, works for the East India Company. She's just survived a massacre at her convent school when a bold pirate shows up (as they do.) Jost is absolutely delightful. He struggles with English language idiom but as more than one bloody encounter reveals, he's most definitely a pirate at heart. Fortunately for Juno, he's also a friend of her late father's...or so Jost says.
There were so many great twists and turns in this story that it kept me reading late into the night, and left me completely satisfied at the end. I'll definitely look for more of Ms. Cleeland's books!
February 9, 2023
My next read in this wonderful series. This one starts in India.
Juno and Horatio (Horry) grew up in India after the death of their mother in England. As their father was a captain for the East India Company, what time he spent on land is spent in India.
Juno has been approached by representatives of Lloyds of London with the news that her father has died and that before his death he laid false claims upon Lloyds and that there is a fortune hidden in her name, her bridegift. Following their departure, she is approached by Mr. Finch, the Nabob, who offers for her hand out of the "goodness" of his heart. Then the Catholic school where she lives is attacked by Mughals and the others flee or are killed. So, Juno departs on her own to be with Horry, only to be rescued for a man who she finds out to be an old friend of her father, Sir Jost.
So, now the journey to England starts picking up companions along the way, all in search of the bridegift.
Juno and Horatio (Horry) grew up in India after the death of their mother in England. As their father was a captain for the East India Company, what time he spent on land is spent in India.
Juno has been approached by representatives of Lloyds of London with the news that her father has died and that before his death he laid false claims upon Lloyds and that there is a fortune hidden in her name, her bridegift. Following their departure, she is approached by Mr. Finch, the Nabob, who offers for her hand out of the "goodness" of his heart. Then the Catholic school where she lives is attacked by Mughals and the others flee or are killed. So, Juno departs on her own to be with Horry, only to be rescued for a man who she finds out to be an old friend of her father, Sir Jost.
So, now the journey to England starts picking up companions along the way, all in search of the bridegift.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2020
Very enjoyable
There was such a nice feel to this book, a simplicity of flow that kept attention. Lots of interesting characters and and equally interesting plot with lots of action, and a simple love story where trust played a leading role. No misunderstandings but instead lots of understanding until truths were told - a pleasant change.
There was such a nice feel to this book, a simplicity of flow that kept attention. Lots of interesting characters and and equally interesting plot with lots of action, and a simple love story where trust played a leading role. No misunderstandings but instead lots of understanding until truths were told - a pleasant change.
August 17, 2021
Delightful
What an adventure. I loved Juno and her Jost. What a madcap adventure. And I think I recognized a cameo of a gentleman who was in another story. But Juno thinking she wasn't brave, only doing what she had to do? Adorable.
What an adventure. I loved Juno and her Jost. What a madcap adventure. And I think I recognized a cameo of a gentleman who was in another story. But Juno thinking she wasn't brave, only doing what she had to do? Adorable.
May 11, 2017
There are times during this book when I wasn't sure who the real villain was but it was most satisfying following the twists and turns to find out.
Anne Cleeland is a masterful writer!
Anne Cleeland is a masterful writer!
July 9, 2017
Just smashing!
Likable characters, great story, paced just right. Thoroughly enjoyable. Love all of her books! Can't go wrong starting with any of them.
Likable characters, great story, paced just right. Thoroughly enjoyable. Love all of her books! Can't go wrong starting with any of them.
April 30, 2016
4.5 stars!!!! Anne Cleeland's latest historical adventure, The Bengal Bridegift!
Juno Payne, a young woman raised in a convent in Calcutta, daughter of a captain for the East India Company is soon the attention of too many men. The recent death and apparent rumors of thievery associated with her father has led Juno to find her young brother and figure out how to put a stop to the rumors of a secret Bridegift of diamonds and clear her father's name. Who can she trust? Certainly not the handsome, muscle-bound, black-haired, dutch-speaking pirate she encounters in the jungle! Jost Van Der Haar, claims to also be an honorable captain (these days, anyway) and a very good friend of her father's. Jost agrees the lies about her father are untrue, but could there really be a cache of diamonds? Vowing to protect Juno and her brother Horry, there is no mistaking the appreciative gleam in his eye as Jost tries to gain her confidence to accompany him to safety. Unfortunately Juno herself is finding the situation although dire, the current circumstances may prove that she may not be able trust herself in the presence of this Barbarry pirate.
Juno Payne, a young woman raised in a convent in Calcutta, daughter of a captain for the East India Company is soon the attention of too many men. The recent death and apparent rumors of thievery associated with her father has led Juno to find her young brother and figure out how to put a stop to the rumors of a secret Bridegift of diamonds and clear her father's name. Who can she trust? Certainly not the handsome, muscle-bound, black-haired, dutch-speaking pirate she encounters in the jungle! Jost Van Der Haar, claims to also be an honorable captain (these days, anyway) and a very good friend of her father's. Jost agrees the lies about her father are untrue, but could there really be a cache of diamonds? Vowing to protect Juno and her brother Horry, there is no mistaking the appreciative gleam in his eye as Jost tries to gain her confidence to accompany him to safety. Unfortunately Juno herself is finding the situation although dire, the current circumstances may prove that she may not be able trust herself in the presence of this Barbarry pirate.
May 6, 2016
I am obsessed with Anne Cleeland's New Scotland Yard series but this book fell flat for me. It was extremely overblown and a bit silly, I thought. Maybe because it is a standalone the pace was off, lots happened all at once and the characters never had much chance to build relationships or grow unlike Acton and Doyle.
June 18, 2016
I was given this book as a gift by a dear friend and as it's not normally my speed of reading, it was wonderful. Just enough action to keep me interested and just enough romance to keep me swooning. Beautifully written and a pleasure to read!
May 22, 2016
This is a marvelous book.
I truly cared about the characters and could hardly wait to see how things would work out.
The "Killer of Tigers" is quite a young person!
And hardly anyone is quite what they seem.
I truly cared about the characters and could hardly wait to see how things would work out.
The "Killer of Tigers" is quite a young person!
And hardly anyone is quite what they seem.
July 23, 2016
Pretty much the whole book is about Juno and Jost wanting to get laid.
March 14, 2023
Reread 3/14/23
June 22, 2016
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews