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Scandal #1
Scandal's Child
Miranda Comstock, widowed and impoverished, accepts a position in London caring for a child who was blinded in a fire. When she discovers the child’s mysterious guardian is the lover who’d seduced and abandoned her five years earlier, her first thought is to flee. But nine-year-old Phoebe depends on her and is blossoming under her care. Jeremy Montague returns from Jamaica to take up his duties as the new Earl of Longley and is shocked to find his former lover is his ward’s nurse. Believing she played him for a fool, he vows to remove her from his household, especially when his traitorous body begins to remember the passion they shared. But there is a mystery afoot involving a long-ago disappearance, Miranda’s resemblance to a society debutante, and the child’s suppressed memories of the fire, which are starting to emerge. As Phoebe’s memories become sharper, Jeremy begins to suspect that he and Miranda were pawns in a twisted game. And both must learn to trust again, if they are to find their way back into each other’s hearts.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2017
318 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Gibson
29 books467 followersAward-winning author of 21 novels and eight history books, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives in the Nevada desert. Having spent three years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug with her patient spouse, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading, writing, cooking and keeping up with the antics of her gran-cats, and Ralph, her rescue cat. If you want to learn more about her activities go to https://www.pamelagibsonwrites.com and sign up for her newsletter or occasional blog..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 28, 2024
Why did I not love this....interfering mother with a touch of madness, both of the main characters in love with each other, and the H becomes an Earl. Enjoyable writing but the plot had nothing that really grabbed my attention. So many missed opportunities like using the "mad mother" more or the "misunderstanding" that continued on to almost the last page. Talk to each other. Anyone else would have said "WHY did you leave me"? This is from my free books on kindle and it gets a 3.25* Others have liked this more than I.
January 14, 2020
Miranda and Jeremy were once lovers. When Jeremy was dispatched to Jamaica to oversee a family property, he sends for her. But the note is intercepted and they part, both thinking the other was uncaring. Five years later they meet again. The meeting is arranged by Jeremy’s brother who has always been curious about their relationship. What transpires is a rekindling of their love which never quite died, although both resist until they can no longer ignore their feelings.
In books like this, a reader might ask why they don’t have a heart to heart conversation and clear up the past. They do—twice—but their core beliefs about what happened are different, so they always end the conversation more confused than before. But Jeremy begins to wonder if they may have been pawns in a dangerous game and sets out to find out what really happened. All this occurs while Miranda and Jeremy are at odds over how best to treat Jeremy’s blind ward with Miranda finally taking action that leads her into unexpected peril.
Every author has a book of her heart. This was mine because my sister, knowing she was dying of cancer, helped with the research in between her bouts of chemotherapy. The book is dedicated to her.
In books like this, a reader might ask why they don’t have a heart to heart conversation and clear up the past. They do—twice—but their core beliefs about what happened are different, so they always end the conversation more confused than before. But Jeremy begins to wonder if they may have been pawns in a dangerous game and sets out to find out what really happened. All this occurs while Miranda and Jeremy are at odds over how best to treat Jeremy’s blind ward with Miranda finally taking action that leads her into unexpected peril.
Every author has a book of her heart. This was mine because my sister, knowing she was dying of cancer, helped with the research in between her bouts of chemotherapy. The book is dedicated to her.
February 18, 2023
DNF about 40-50% in. The love interest is a slave owner--but it's cool, he's one of those mythical beasts who treat their slaves well and hates slavery and plans to help abolish it. Not now, mind you. Not even after he's inherited the plantation and free to do so. He's got to make sure the plantation is settled and stuff first. Then he has several observations in England about how he misses the slaves singing in the fields. Had to check that this was really published in the 21st century after that. Add to that an incredibly paper thin plot that hinges on never, not once, speaking or writing to each other to clear up a miscommunication, despite supposedly being so love.
Then there's the slave owner's treatment of the MC. I get it, he thinks she rejected his plan to elope by not showing up at the ship before it sailed. Yet despite how much he allegedly loved her, not once does he write her or his father (whom he sent the elopement letter to) to ask for an explanation? Being long-time friends and neighbors, it would be have fine for him to send her a letter. Despite how well he knows and cares for her, no allowance made that maybe something awful kept her away or that she simply couldn't reach the ship in time, or (what actually happened) she didn't get the letter and was lied to about his feelings? Nope, he just spends 5 years away pouting and deciding that she was unfaithful/lied about loving him for eventually marrying someone else.
When he meets up with the MC again, he repeatedly questions her competence of caring for a child and her knowledge of nursing/medicine; going so far as being perfectly willing to consider letting his blind ward go to a hospital where children had died from the brutal treatments just to prove her wrong (as well as just dragging his feet in general on getting the child into a doctor, solely because the MC recommended it). And then he blows hot and cold with her, even though she's now his employee, he tries to seduce her, again; and declares repeatedly to himself that bedding her will get rid of his infatuation--how romantic. But also, he tried that 5 years ago. Didn't work. And again, she's his employee and has no family to fall back on if he throws her out once he's done with her, so he's taking advantage of the extreme power imbalance between them. Then he courts a woman who looks exactly like her (again, how utterly romantic. Except the opposite. And how unfair and gross towards both women). Or a scene where she says no, and his reaction is "was that really a yes or really a no, I guess I'll have to decide which"; and gropes/kisses her despite that no (yep, I had to check the publication date once again too after that scene). Add to that the MC is far too willing to let him try to seduce her again and far too forgiving of him in general. Never mind that as far as she knows, he just mysteriously abandoned her and sent his mother to say horrible things to her, and left her alone to deal with the fallout--which was she was pregnant, had to marry a man she didn't love, lost the baby and was disowned by her father.
It just all got to the tipping point of way too much problematic crap to to continue.
Then there's the slave owner's treatment of the MC. I get it, he thinks she rejected his plan to elope by not showing up at the ship before it sailed. Yet despite how much he allegedly loved her, not once does he write her or his father (whom he sent the elopement letter to) to ask for an explanation? Being long-time friends and neighbors, it would be have fine for him to send her a letter. Despite how well he knows and cares for her, no allowance made that maybe something awful kept her away or that she simply couldn't reach the ship in time, or (what actually happened) she didn't get the letter and was lied to about his feelings? Nope, he just spends 5 years away pouting and deciding that she was unfaithful/lied about loving him for eventually marrying someone else.
When he meets up with the MC again, he repeatedly questions her competence of caring for a child and her knowledge of nursing/medicine; going so far as being perfectly willing to consider letting his blind ward go to a hospital where children had died from the brutal treatments just to prove her wrong (as well as just dragging his feet in general on getting the child into a doctor, solely because the MC recommended it). And then he blows hot and cold with her, even though she's now his employee, he tries to seduce her, again; and declares repeatedly to himself that bedding her will get rid of his infatuation--how romantic. But also, he tried that 5 years ago. Didn't work. And again, she's his employee and has no family to fall back on if he throws her out once he's done with her, so he's taking advantage of the extreme power imbalance between them. Then he courts a woman who looks exactly like her (again, how utterly romantic. Except the opposite. And how unfair and gross towards both women). Or a scene where she says no, and his reaction is "was that really a yes or really a no, I guess I'll have to decide which"; and gropes/kisses her despite that no (yep, I had to check the publication date once again too after that scene). Add to that the MC is far too willing to let him try to seduce her again and far too forgiving of him in general. Never mind that as far as she knows, he just mysteriously abandoned her and sent his mother to say horrible things to her, and left her alone to deal with the fallout--which was she was pregnant, had to marry a man she didn't love, lost the baby and was disowned by her father.
It just all got to the tipping point of way too much problematic crap to to continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2019
Fake Regency... feels and reads like American take the sentence "I guess so."... hence the swing from Contemporary to contrived Regency (use of words like "process" in present day context... "doppelganger" origin German 1824? or 1826? about 13 years after the book's timeline based upon Jeremy's return as the Earl of Longley, indicating lack of research?... a phrase like "lie back down") ... and failed plot. How could John not know about their mother's mood swings?.... where was the formidable and fast relay of gossip called the servants' grapevine? despite them being dismissed owing to the the Countess' madness, nothing can stop them from talking, for her meanness could not inspire loyalty... also in a small village where mostly everyone who works at the big house could most likely be related to someone in the village and their main excitement would be gossiping about their betters to add spice to the monotony of chores including speculating even on Jeremy's and Miranda's trysts... the woods being an ideal place to hide and spy at people... to hunt rabbits and make assignations...etc... etc... etc... in such a setting, there could be no secrets.
July 10, 2022
The transition between “Scandal’s Deception” and “Scandal’s Redemption” is flawless.
Read full review in the 2022 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 5, 2020
I enjoyed this read. Good easy read. Even though it was predictable it was still good.
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July 26, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/26/2019)! 🎁
May 22, 2018
Great story. I loved the drama and what the characters had to overcome. The mother aspect was amazing and can I just say wow.
August 1, 2021
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4. I was completely fooled by the cover. Expected a "sweet and clean" Regency, but this reads like an homage to the slightly over-the-top historical romances that came out in the late 90's--in the best sense. So, if you're looking for a tame Jane Austen-like plot, you won't find that here. You'll find an alpha-ish H and mostly Americanisms in the dialog. Traditional angsty tropes and characters, including a dramatic, villain-gone-bonkers resolution. In other words, if you turn your brain off, you'll find this book is pretty enjoyable. The h is fairly intelligent and I was moved by her relationship with H's sister--this is probably the best aspect of the story. It's also refreshing that h actually liked and respected her late husband. Main criticisms: too much time spent in H/h's head, and the H is really TSTL. It takes him until the very end of the book to put the pieces together of what had happened five years ago, when it should have been glaringly obvious from the beginning. POSSIBLE SPOILERS: Why did H and h's father idiotically believe the elderly, respected town doctor would have been having a tryst with a teenage daughter of the vicar? And why did the H, in particular, not realize that h was carrying his child? They'd had unprotected sex more than once (another throwback element).
Anyway, if you're looking for pure silly escapism, you could do worse.
Anyway, if you're looking for pure silly escapism, you could do worse.
May 30, 2022
The blurb grabbed me, and I always enjoy a good story about redemption. Plus, there’s a mystery to solve—who wants the Earl of Seaton dead?
James Margrave, the Earl of Seaton, a doctor in the war, and now home, must marry after the death of his brother, and he also does not want his irresponsible cousin to inherit the title. I must say I enjoyed the character of James. He suffers from PTSD after what he saw in the war, but there is quiet strength to him. Being a doctor, he is not a man of violence or murder. He is a man of peace, a lover of books. Having such a different type of hero to read about was a refreshing change, I must say.
As for Lady Jocelyn Stafford, her immaturity caused her to become involved in a terrible scandal with the wrong kind of man for her, even if he is a duke. At the beginning of the novel, Jocelyn is all about appearances. I wouldn’t call her shallow. She’s simply a young woman enjoying her season and wanting excitement, like most young women, hence her picking the wrong man over someone who truly cares about her.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-7CQ
James Margrave, the Earl of Seaton, a doctor in the war, and now home, must marry after the death of his brother, and he also does not want his irresponsible cousin to inherit the title. I must say I enjoyed the character of James. He suffers from PTSD after what he saw in the war, but there is quiet strength to him. Being a doctor, he is not a man of violence or murder. He is a man of peace, a lover of books. Having such a different type of hero to read about was a refreshing change, I must say.
As for Lady Jocelyn Stafford, her immaturity caused her to become involved in a terrible scandal with the wrong kind of man for her, even if he is a duke. At the beginning of the novel, Jocelyn is all about appearances. I wouldn’t call her shallow. She’s simply a young woman enjoying her season and wanting excitement, like most young women, hence her picking the wrong man over someone who truly cares about her.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-7CQ
May 29, 2022
I've enjoyed reading each book of Pamela Gibson's Scandal series, with each one getting better and better. If Scandal's Redemption is the last (I hope not), what a way to go out on a high note!
First of all, when you read a Scandal book, you are transported to another time and place by the author's minute descriptions, conversations, and setting. Her accuracy of details, language, and other period elements immerse you in the story, where it's hard to pull yourself out until the very end.
Jocelyn and James are characters you want to root for. Jocelyn made a poor choice in her past that directly influenced James, and their road back to each other makes this book a page-turner. Subplots enrich the tale, with a mystery, as well as other plot twists, adding layers to this story, making it more than just a satisfying romance.
I enjoyed revisiting characters from earlier books in this series, though Scandal's redemption can be read as a standalone, though who would want to? Read the entire series!
First of all, when you read a Scandal book, you are transported to another time and place by the author's minute descriptions, conversations, and setting. Her accuracy of details, language, and other period elements immerse you in the story, where it's hard to pull yourself out until the very end.
Jocelyn and James are characters you want to root for. Jocelyn made a poor choice in her past that directly influenced James, and their road back to each other makes this book a page-turner. Subplots enrich the tale, with a mystery, as well as other plot twists, adding layers to this story, making it more than just a satisfying romance.
I enjoyed revisiting characters from earlier books in this series, though Scandal's redemption can be read as a standalone, though who would want to? Read the entire series!
May 25, 2022
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. What a delight to have it resolved in a satisfying way. We have seen Lady Jocelyn Stafford's reputation tarnished beyond redemption. James Margrave was in love with her until she soundly rejected him. Now he is in need of a wife. Jocelyn agrees to help him select an appropriate woman. However, the affection between them cannot be denied. Will they find a happy ending? Read the book to find out. I highly recommend it.
August 24, 2019
Not bad, but too many secrets, lies, confusion, and madness. The end also left you wanting.
August 2, 2021
Beautiful
This was such a beautifully told story, loved the characters and felt Phoebes pain. Enjoyed the HEA ending. Highly recommend.
This was such a beautifully told story, loved the characters and felt Phoebes pain. Enjoyed the HEA ending. Highly recommend.
June 2, 2018
Can love conquer all??? When it is true and real, then absolutely!! Miranda and Jeremy are young and in love, each waiting for the other, a message, a visit..something...but Miranda never shows, and Jeremy's mother delivers a message alright, just not the one Miranda was expecting to hear. Both are heartbroken and fell betrayed...but were they? Miranda marries the local doctor and Jeremy now sees her betrayal is complete...and Jeremy, off in Jamaica never sends a letter explaining himself...so Miranda knows his mother was telling the truth, betrayal complete. When Miranda's husband dies nd she has nowhere to go, Jeremy's brother hires her on as a companion to a young blind girl..Phoebe, unbeknownst to Miranda, Jeremy's ward.
When Jeremy returns he is furious with his brother, still desirous of Miranda, yet both cannot get past the perceived betrayal...through tons of misunderstandings, miscommunication, and loads of love for a sweet little girl...as well as dealing with a mebtally unstable, interfering and dangerous mother...Jeremy and Miranda navigate their way through a maze of doubt, confusion and mistrust and find their way right back where they started...to the place it all began, where they fell in love, and when the facts of that night meet the harsh light of day...and the unraveling of a teensy case of mistaken identity, or two come to light...these two characters wind up exactly where they should have been all along...in love, together, and living happily ever after. And I loved the entire journey!
August 3, 2019
Fresh and interesting plot
Overall I enjoyed this book, especially the storyline that had some interesting twists and turns. I liked that while I knew it concluded HEA, I was not able to guess the exact role the mother - or the younger brother - would ultimately play. I did struggle a bit with the uncharacteristic layout which required us to get to know the main characters’ interactions with one another through memories. These were the weakest parts of the book, and it often felt like they were included to satisfy a sex-scene requirement more than to help us learn about their love and commitment to one another. I don’t actually mind a good sensual read, but felt the book was good enough to stand without random acts of erogenous memories.
Overall I enjoyed this book, especially the storyline that had some interesting twists and turns. I liked that while I knew it concluded HEA, I was not able to guess the exact role the mother - or the younger brother - would ultimately play. I did struggle a bit with the uncharacteristic layout which required us to get to know the main characters’ interactions with one another through memories. These were the weakest parts of the book, and it often felt like they were included to satisfy a sex-scene requirement more than to help us learn about their love and commitment to one another. I don’t actually mind a good sensual read, but felt the book was good enough to stand without random acts of erogenous memories.
August 1, 2019
Without giving too much away, I'll rave and say this heartwarming book is a wonderfully woven story of misunderstandings and negative assumptions between potential lovers. I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Gibson used a bit of mystery to add depth to her plot line. Ms. Gibson has a solid understanding of what life was like in this Regency period. She reveals this with her descriptive language and rich dialog giving readers a clear picture of characters' clothing, their home furnishings and their manners. Ms. Gibson has a strong character-driven plot line. We see how these characters evolve. I highly recommend this book to fans who love Regency romances.
December 15, 2017
4.5/5.0
Pamela Gibson has written a heartwarming tale about love, loss and compassion, and this enduring tale of lost love will tug at the reader’s heartstrings.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Pamela Gibson has written a heartwarming tale about love, loss and compassion, and this enduring tale of lost love will tug at the reader’s heartstrings.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 12, 2019
I enjoyed this regency romance. The characters were well developed and realistic, the plot twists kept the story moving forward and while a great deal of the romantic conflict was based on miscommunication, it was touching to see the couple forgive and move forward despite their misconceptions. A nice read for a rainy Sunday.
July 7, 2018
Young love...true love ...
Interesting insight into treatment of mentally ill manic depressive issues and how little was understood of the issue.
Children with problems such as blindness were treated as invalids or sent to basically asylums to be housed.
Liked the development of the love between Amanda and Jeremy as they mature and find what they thought was lost.
Interesting insight into treatment of mentally ill manic depressive issues and how little was understood of the issue.
Children with problems such as blindness were treated as invalids or sent to basically asylums to be housed.
Liked the development of the love between Amanda and Jeremy as they mature and find what they thought was lost.
July 27, 2019
Excellent story
A thoroughly satisfying Regency story with no silliness. A wicked mother who keeps her son and his intended apart, a cruel father who casts his daughter out, a blind child, and a mystery to bring all to a happy conclusion Very well done.
A thoroughly satisfying Regency story with no silliness. A wicked mother who keeps her son and his intended apart, a cruel father who casts his daughter out, a blind child, and a mystery to bring all to a happy conclusion Very well done.
August 3, 2019
A good storyline
There were a lot of twists and turns to this story. My main issue was dragging the story out to just get the answers. I was grateful that this story shared an ending, although it does allude to another part of their circle of friends continuing in another book.
There were a lot of twists and turns to this story. My main issue was dragging the story out to just get the answers. I was grateful that this story shared an ending, although it does allude to another part of their circle of friends continuing in another book.
May 14, 2018
lê-se. nada de especial. (3,5)
July 29, 2019
The big M with a vengence.
August 10, 2019
Enjoyed the storyline of this novel. Well written. Thank you for a few hours of pleasant escapist reading.
August 12, 2019
Good Book
A good book. It kept my interest and the storyline is good. I don't need that much detail on the sex scenes but just skipped through those.
A good book. It kept my interest and the storyline is good. I don't need that much detail on the sex scenes but just skipped through those.
August 19, 2019
Unusual yet Realistic
This love story has an unusual plot that I suspect has a lot of basis in careful research of life in the Regency era, and not just life of England's idle Society. With vivid details making both London and the countryside come alive and a subplot of medical issues, this book is much richer than the run-of-the-mill Regency romance.
This love story has an unusual plot that I suspect has a lot of basis in careful research of life in the Regency era, and not just life of England's idle Society. With vivid details making both London and the countryside come alive and a subplot of medical issues, this book is much richer than the run-of-the-mill Regency romance.
April 22, 2023
Unforgettable characters and vivid descriptions bring this passionate tale to life in a way that will make you feel like you are living the adventure with them.
July 27, 2019
Scandals Child
This is a very good book. It has all the aspects of unrequited love. Well written. I am anxious to read more of Pamela Gibson’s books.
This is a very good book. It has all the aspects of unrequited love. Well written. I am anxious to read more of Pamela Gibson’s books.
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July 26, 2019Delightful!
Jeremy and Miranda find the path to a forever love over the horrible obstacle of his mother and British society.
Jeremy and Miranda find the path to a forever love over the horrible obstacle of his mother and British society.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews