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Surrendering the Past
In a world of honor and obligation, falling in love can be a dangerous game. Captain Richard Granville has returned to London after serving the Crown in perilous missions fighting Napoleon’s army. Bone weary and distrustful of all around him, the captivating Jane Dawson awakens his long dormant desire for more than a solitary existence. When he learns she is betrothed to his father, the conniving and dangerous Earl of Litchfield, shadows of the past descend upon Richard, bringing along memories of a tortuous childhood and his failure to protect the person he had loved most.
Jane Dawson would pay any price to renew her family’s happiness, but is the cost of marrying Lord Litchfield too high? A woman of virtue and honor, she cannot break a promise once given, especially when doing so would ruin those she seeks to protect. But can she ignore the connection she feels to the wild soldier who understands both her duty and her heart?
Follow the men of the Granville family in this suspenseful Regency romance series as they discover that their family legacy is much darker than they realized and that the future holds treasures they can only grasp by surrendering the past.
Jane Dawson would pay any price to renew her family’s happiness, but is the cost of marrying Lord Litchfield too high? A woman of virtue and honor, she cannot break a promise once given, especially when doing so would ruin those she seeks to protect. But can she ignore the connection she feels to the wild soldier who understands both her duty and her heart?
Follow the men of the Granville family in this suspenseful Regency romance series as they discover that their family legacy is much darker than they realized and that the future holds treasures they can only grasp by surrendering the past.
156 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2017
7 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Lynne
8 books108 followersPamela Lynne grew up in the American South, surrounded by Southern Gothic works by Faulkner, O'Connor and the like. These authors helped shape her evolving mind and continue to influence everything she produces as an adult. It was a Regency-era wit from across the Atlantic, however, who lit a life-long interest in 19th Century England.
Pamela cites Jane Austen as her primary literary influence and she delves into the darker aspects of Regency life in all her novels, most particularly in the upcoming Granville Legacy Series, where she explores the bonds of family and what it costs to break them.
Dearest Friends: A Jane Austen Inspired Novel, Pamela’s debut work, won the Independent Publishers 2016 IPPY Awards Bronze Medal for Romance.
Pamela currently lives in the rolling hills of Tennessee with her husband of more than a decade, four kids, two cats and one very blond dog. She is still a Marianne hoping to grow into Elinor, or Clairee from Steel Magnolias.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 12, 2017
A dark family legacy, a prodigal son returns, a young woman caught in a web of deceit, and an evil that will take great cunning to defeat. This introduction to the Granville Legacy set things in motion and I can't wait to see it all play out.
I loved this story's classical gothic romance atmosphere and the introduction to a fantastic cast of characters even the evil Earl of Litchfield who I loved to hate on. It's like a historical romantic suspense with a large cast of characters full of strengths, flaws, tangled feelings and relationships and plottings. I got a taste of the complex and twisting plot that this was merely the opening gambit for what is to follow.
This was a shorter piece and set the table well for the series. It read fast, but was developed and had time for a sweet romance to build between Richard Granville the second of Litchfield's sons and the lovely, sweet Jane who misguidedly is willing to sacrifice much for familial duty and affection. A few other promising situations are introduced even as the book wraps up with a mystery and a new threat.
All in all, I was enchanted by this intro to a new series that promises a strong and complex series arc and some engaging romances. I can definitely recommend this sweet with a hint of spice and suspenseful historical romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story's classical gothic romance atmosphere and the introduction to a fantastic cast of characters even the evil Earl of Litchfield who I loved to hate on. It's like a historical romantic suspense with a large cast of characters full of strengths, flaws, tangled feelings and relationships and plottings. I got a taste of the complex and twisting plot that this was merely the opening gambit for what is to follow.
This was a shorter piece and set the table well for the series. It read fast, but was developed and had time for a sweet romance to build between Richard Granville the second of Litchfield's sons and the lovely, sweet Jane who misguidedly is willing to sacrifice much for familial duty and affection. A few other promising situations are introduced even as the book wraps up with a mystery and a new threat.
All in all, I was enchanted by this intro to a new series that promises a strong and complex series arc and some engaging romances. I can definitely recommend this sweet with a hint of spice and suspenseful historical romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2018
Duty, Danger, and Family Drama
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Having read and adored all of Pamela Lynne’s previously published novels (see here for proof), I was elated to learn that she was working on a traditional Regency Romance series. A series that would tell the emotional and turbulent tales of three men from the Granville family and the women who love them. As a reader who loves traditional Regency Romances and on who has great affection for Pamela Lynne’s original character, Viscount Hedley, I was very excited and eager to read a series that includes a whole cast of original characters.
Surrendering the Past, the first book of The Granville Legacy Series, introduces all three Granville men and gives a bit of history on each of their lives, but focuses mostly on Captain Richard Granville. Captain Granville is the second son of the Earl of Litchfield, and their relationship is strained and filled with resentment and mistrust. While he is on leave from the army, the Earl of Litchfield summons Captain Granville to his side in order to announce his upcoming nuptials to an unknown beauty without a fortune. Who is this angel and what duty compels her to marry the evil Earl of Litchfield?
The earl’s betrothed is none other than the beautiful and kind-hearted Jane Dawson eldest daughter in the Dawson family. She posses no dowry, is especially close to her younger and more outspoken sister, and has mother who behaves a little vulgar in public (sounds a little familiar, right?) Because of her unselfish nature and duty to her family, Jane Dawson agrees to the Earl of Litchfield’s marriage proposal. Even though he is more than twice her age. Even though his behavior is sometimes controlling and menacing. Even though she feels the beginning of a connection with the Earl’s younger son. Jane must honor her promises…
What a splendidly gripping introduction to the Granville family! I loved all the characters introduced (especially the men!), and I greatly enjoyed the complex personalities and challenges Ms. Lynne bestowed on each one of her characters. Not only with our brave hero and worthy heroine, but with the supporting cast as well (which I believe will be featured more in the next installments of this series). Alongside Captain Granville and Jane Dawson, readers will encounter Julian Hale (Captain Granville’s brooding cousin that has eschewed society these past couple of years), Wesley Granville (Captain Granville’s older brother who dutifully follows his father’s every wish but may have some secrets of his own), Amy Dawson (Jane’s younger sister who isn’t afraid to speak her mind), and Lady Rachel Blanchard (neighbor and friend to the Granville brothers who tragically lost her betrothed a few years back). And to top it all off, Pamela Lynne creates a most vile, dangerous, and heartless antagonist with her creation of the Earl of Litchfield. Such a baddy!
Not only are there well-drawn characters in this tale, but a lot of riveting action too! As the events build up to the story’s climax and resolution the pacing escalates as well. It is such a gripping tale and with all the surprising twists that take place along the way, I wouldn’t have minded if this story was fifty pages longer to give these events more time to progress and develop. At 147 pages, felt more like a novella than a novel.
Mistrust and mistakes, danger and deceit, sacrifice and secrets – the Granville family is filled with enthralling drama and adventure! Even though this installment ends with a satisfying resolution, there are hints that there is more angst and drama in store for the Granville men! I, for one, cannot wait to spend some more time these engaging and worthy characters! Highly anticipating the publication of Book 2: Redeeming the Past!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Having read and adored all of Pamela Lynne’s previously published novels (see here for proof), I was elated to learn that she was working on a traditional Regency Romance series. A series that would tell the emotional and turbulent tales of three men from the Granville family and the women who love them. As a reader who loves traditional Regency Romances and on who has great affection for Pamela Lynne’s original character, Viscount Hedley, I was very excited and eager to read a series that includes a whole cast of original characters.
Surrendering the Past, the first book of The Granville Legacy Series, introduces all three Granville men and gives a bit of history on each of their lives, but focuses mostly on Captain Richard Granville. Captain Granville is the second son of the Earl of Litchfield, and their relationship is strained and filled with resentment and mistrust. While he is on leave from the army, the Earl of Litchfield summons Captain Granville to his side in order to announce his upcoming nuptials to an unknown beauty without a fortune. Who is this angel and what duty compels her to marry the evil Earl of Litchfield?
The earl’s betrothed is none other than the beautiful and kind-hearted Jane Dawson eldest daughter in the Dawson family. She posses no dowry, is especially close to her younger and more outspoken sister, and has mother who behaves a little vulgar in public (sounds a little familiar, right?) Because of her unselfish nature and duty to her family, Jane Dawson agrees to the Earl of Litchfield’s marriage proposal. Even though he is more than twice her age. Even though his behavior is sometimes controlling and menacing. Even though she feels the beginning of a connection with the Earl’s younger son. Jane must honor her promises…
What a splendidly gripping introduction to the Granville family! I loved all the characters introduced (especially the men!), and I greatly enjoyed the complex personalities and challenges Ms. Lynne bestowed on each one of her characters. Not only with our brave hero and worthy heroine, but with the supporting cast as well (which I believe will be featured more in the next installments of this series). Alongside Captain Granville and Jane Dawson, readers will encounter Julian Hale (Captain Granville’s brooding cousin that has eschewed society these past couple of years), Wesley Granville (Captain Granville’s older brother who dutifully follows his father’s every wish but may have some secrets of his own), Amy Dawson (Jane’s younger sister who isn’t afraid to speak her mind), and Lady Rachel Blanchard (neighbor and friend to the Granville brothers who tragically lost her betrothed a few years back). And to top it all off, Pamela Lynne creates a most vile, dangerous, and heartless antagonist with her creation of the Earl of Litchfield. Such a baddy!
Not only are there well-drawn characters in this tale, but a lot of riveting action too! As the events build up to the story’s climax and resolution the pacing escalates as well. It is such a gripping tale and with all the surprising twists that take place along the way, I wouldn’t have minded if this story was fifty pages longer to give these events more time to progress and develop. At 147 pages, felt more like a novella than a novel.
Mistrust and mistakes, danger and deceit, sacrifice and secrets – the Granville family is filled with enthralling drama and adventure! Even though this installment ends with a satisfying resolution, there are hints that there is more angst and drama in store for the Granville men! I, for one, cannot wait to spend some more time these engaging and worthy characters! Highly anticipating the publication of Book 2: Redeeming the Past!
Austenesque Reviews
July 17, 2017
What a brilliant start to this series! Captain Richard Granville, second son of the Earl of Litchfield has been summoned to his father's home in London after being away for two years. He is not sure what is drawing him to attend, for there is no love lost between them. However, once he sees 'her', he wonders, 'what was this angel doing in the den of the devil.'
There is a delicious cast of characters in this story and each are well developed. You are completely drawn in as Richard slowly but surely maneuvers his way around his father and his minions. All the while, keeping Jane Dawson, his father's betrothed, in his sights. For no woman is safe married to the Earl of Litchfield.
"It was the voice Litchfield always gave when he was up to something vile - the performance before the mask was removed to reveal the evil underneath."
I was completely captivated and riveted to this dark but romantic tale. The Granville men have secrets and danger stalks them, unless they can unravel the mystery of their legacy.
I highly recommend this well written Regency romance with a gothic twist. I am so looking forward to Book 2 in the series!
I also want to say how much I love the cover of this book...gorgeous!
October 17, 2017
Cliffhanger alert: for those who need to know, according to another reviewer, this book ends with a cliffhanger. It was published 4 or 5 months ago, and there is no second book yet.
The story opens pretty good, but there seems to be about three different relationships trying to blossom. I just wanted to focus on the main one, but that's not really possible.
The story opens pretty good, but there seems to be about three different relationships trying to blossom. I just wanted to focus on the main one, but that's not really possible.
January 17, 2022
Almost JAFF
Synopsis:
The second son of an Earl of Litchfield, Captain Richard Granville, has just returned to England after a 2 year absence to discover his abusive father, who drove his mother to an early grave, has a new & young target: the lovely, mild mannered Jane Dawson, eldest of three daughters of an insignificant landowner.
Jane is throwing herself away in a marriage to the old Earl, in hopes it will provide her sisters with the security her parents are unable to. Amy Dawson, the second daughter, has an acerbic wit that soon attracts Richard's cousin Mr Julian Hale, a wealthy landowner, who is haunted by a mistake in his past. Julian enjoys engaging Amy in lively debate.
As Richard resolves to save Jane from marriage to the cruel Earl, he will wonder if he can trust his brother Wesley, the Viscount, who has always done his duty to their father, including engaging himself to a harpy, one who has a charming sister, Rachel, his eyes keep straying towards...
Yes this relatively short book juggles three couples and none are properly developed as a result. The only relationship that didn't feel 'insta-love' manufactured was Rachel & the viscount, all the other ones fell flat. Ironic that the title is 'Surrendering the Past,' as I felt the author surrendered fleshing out the characters and their past backstories. We are dropped in, and little is told to help us know who they are, what distinguishes them. Sure, some of the past is slowly doled out, and that could work, if there were enough situations that displayed who those characters are, but the story is too short and cluttered to do that credibly.
Random note: I'm guessing the 'Litchfield' name of the earldom was intentional. 'Lich field' means graveyard, and in fantasy lore the Lich monster is prevalent. So that was a neat detail.
The Brass Tacks:
Thinly veiled JAFF, and why not just go ahead and make it JAFF? It would have helped to have the JAFF lore to backup the lack of character establishment. I tried to read it as OG characters but there was not enough material therein to breath life to them, so then I tried just imagining them as their JAFF counterparts, but they don't align perfectly and the name discrepancies make it a doozy to picture. Thus in the end I was just all over the place trying futilely to make these characters stand on their own. It is so short and much too ambitious trying to develop so much, and so many; it is a suicide mission.
I love this author but I think this was rushed. It has been over 4 years since this first installment came. It would have maybe worked if a sequel had been out already to develop things further, who knows if it will ever come out, but I can't say I care about these characters to have any degree of anticipation. My anticipation I'll save for Ms Lynne's JAFFs, those have never let me down.
📎Try out Sketching Character & Dearest Friends, they are excellent.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
Synopsis:
The second son of an Earl of Litchfield, Captain Richard Granville, has just returned to England after a 2 year absence to discover his abusive father, who drove his mother to an early grave, has a new & young target: the lovely, mild mannered Jane Dawson, eldest of three daughters of an insignificant landowner.
Jane is throwing herself away in a marriage to the old Earl, in hopes it will provide her sisters with the security her parents are unable to. Amy Dawson, the second daughter, has an acerbic wit that soon attracts Richard's cousin Mr Julian Hale, a wealthy landowner, who is haunted by a mistake in his past. Julian enjoys engaging Amy in lively debate.
As Richard resolves to save Jane from marriage to the cruel Earl, he will wonder if he can trust his brother Wesley, the Viscount, who has always done his duty to their father, including engaging himself to a harpy, one who has a charming sister, Rachel, his eyes keep straying towards...
Yes this relatively short book juggles three couples and none are properly developed as a result. The only relationship that didn't feel 'insta-love' manufactured was Rachel & the viscount, all the other ones fell flat. Ironic that the title is 'Surrendering the Past,' as I felt the author surrendered fleshing out the characters and their past backstories. We are dropped in, and little is told to help us know who they are, what distinguishes them. Sure, some of the past is slowly doled out, and that could work, if there were enough situations that displayed who those characters are, but the story is too short and cluttered to do that credibly.
Random note: I'm guessing the 'Litchfield' name of the earldom was intentional. 'Lich field' means graveyard, and in fantasy lore the Lich monster is prevalent. So that was a neat detail.
The Brass Tacks:
Thinly veiled JAFF, and why not just go ahead and make it JAFF? It would have helped to have the JAFF lore to backup the lack of character establishment. I tried to read it as OG characters but there was not enough material therein to breath life to them, so then I tried just imagining them as their JAFF counterparts, but they don't align perfectly and the name discrepancies make it a doozy to picture. Thus in the end I was just all over the place trying futilely to make these characters stand on their own. It is so short and much too ambitious trying to develop so much, and so many; it is a suicide mission.
I love this author but I think this was rushed. It has been over 4 years since this first installment came. It would have maybe worked if a sequel had been out already to develop things further, who knows if it will ever come out, but I can't say I care about these characters to have any degree of anticipation. My anticipation I'll save for Ms Lynne's JAFFs, those have never let me down.
📎Try out Sketching Character & Dearest Friends, they are excellent.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
August 24, 2017
I just loved this short historical read that gave me a fascinating family of males, Granville. There were moments of intrigue, suspense, wrapped in a family legacy of darkness, shame, torture, and desperation. This was a great kick off to a new family from Pamela Lynne.
August 2, 2017
Quick read
I love the era and the story. The characters were introduced too many too fast. Would have loved and extended version of Richard and Wesley's past.
I love the era and the story. The characters were introduced too many too fast. Would have loved and extended version of Richard and Wesley's past.
October 24, 2022
A page turner
I really had to know what came next! I really hope the continuation to this story is published very soon!
I really had to know what came next! I really hope the continuation to this story is published very soon!
September 25, 2018
Wow, packed with everything wonderful. Surrendering the Past will leave you wanting more especially since there is a cliffhanger ending. The book will be familiar to P & P JAFF fans who I think, like me, will have a hard time not substituting P & P character names for the ones used in the book. The men are swoon-worthy and Lord Litchfield is a great villian. The book reads well and quick. You won't want to put it down. My only complaints are that the print version needs to correct what I are assume are computer-edit mistakes and that it ended without the second book being available. Loved this one!
Reread: Same as above!
Reread: Same as above!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews