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Descendants #2
After the Rain
Forced to leave the girls' school where she has spent the past six years as an orphan, Christelle Clement tries to find work in Paris. When her mother’s reputation as a high-paid courtesan precedes her, Christelle decides to go to England in search of the father she has never met.
A humble gentleman, Dr. Seamus Craig is in search of a wife who can provide him with the family he longs for. He moves his practice to London, but finds the long hours and constraints of Polite Society make it difficult to meet ladies.
An accident brings Christelle and Seamus together, but will their romance withstand the reality of her father 's identity? Will his family accept her?
A humble gentleman, Dr. Seamus Craig is in search of a wife who can provide him with the family he longs for. He moves his practice to London, but finds the long hours and constraints of Polite Society make it difficult to meet ladies.
An accident brings Christelle and Seamus together, but will their romance withstand the reality of her father 's identity? Will his family accept her?
- GenresRegencyHistoricalRomance
Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
310 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Johns
89 books361 followers Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 4, 2018
This one had some interesting dynamics. It played with social classes and roll reversals. I love that the hero wasn't smarmy. He was just a genuinely nice guy. And I do love nice guys.
Clean and sweet.
Clean and sweet.
May 26, 2021
Surprise seems the operative word in Elizabeth Johns' second "Descendants Series" book. This well paced story includes surprises of circumstance and fortune, surprises of recognition and apprehension, surprises of danger and family protectiveness, and surprises of love longed for and love sacrificially suppressed. So many surprises that the action can keep the reader engrossed half the night. The author carries from the first book of the series the themes of adoptive family and medical professionals as major components in this story. Also, the hero and heroine show themselves as types of misfits to both upper society and their large, diverse and somewhat boisterous family. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a sweet romance with a little mystery and interesting family interactions including a lot of meddling! I did not want to put the book down...even to sleep!
September 18, 2017
Elizabeth Johns is one of my favorite romance authors and her sweet historical romances are always charming and enjoyable reads. I love how she focus on the development of her characters through tragedy and trial and we have the privilege of going along on their journey.
After the rain is the second book in the Descendants series and the first two books have focused on the off springs of Lord and Lady Craig. As their children grow up they have to navigate the minefield of finding love in English society, much like their parents before.
Seamus Craig is finally living his dream of being a practicing Doctor. Has has moved to London to try to further his career, but Seamus has learned that his career is not all that he desires. He desires to fall in love and to have a family of his own.
what I loved about Seamus, was he was a regular guy just trying to make his name in the world. He wasn't caught up in the trappings in society and had no desire to live a crazy and wild bachelor lifestyle so many of his peers were living. While I always love reading about a good rogue, my heart will forever belong to a good guy and Seamus had my heart.
Seamus begins to suspect finding a wife will be harder then he thinks when he has a run with a Christelle on a rainy day. Christelle has just arrived from Paris and is in desperate need for help. She has traveled to London to try to find her father and is all alone in the world.
Christelle is a brave girl. refusing to let the life she was forced to live break her spirit. She has been left all alone for a number of years, but she is always making the best of the situation. Also Christelle and Seamus had such a meet cute moment and you can see the instant chemistry between the two.
I loved watching Christelle and Seamus get to know each other and slowly falling in love, but they are both a little to scared to do anything. Once Christelle's father is revealed it changes everything for these two.
As Christelle's life changes in an instance, so does her relationship with Seamus. As these two are thrust into English society they will have to find out who they really are before they can be happy with each other, but time is against them as danger lurks around the corner, threatening to tear apart their happiness before it begins.
After the rain is the second book in the Descendants series and the first two books have focused on the off springs of Lord and Lady Craig. As their children grow up they have to navigate the minefield of finding love in English society, much like their parents before.
Seamus Craig is finally living his dream of being a practicing Doctor. Has has moved to London to try to further his career, but Seamus has learned that his career is not all that he desires. He desires to fall in love and to have a family of his own.
what I loved about Seamus, was he was a regular guy just trying to make his name in the world. He wasn't caught up in the trappings in society and had no desire to live a crazy and wild bachelor lifestyle so many of his peers were living. While I always love reading about a good rogue, my heart will forever belong to a good guy and Seamus had my heart.
Seamus begins to suspect finding a wife will be harder then he thinks when he has a run with a Christelle on a rainy day. Christelle has just arrived from Paris and is in desperate need for help. She has traveled to London to try to find her father and is all alone in the world.
Christelle is a brave girl. refusing to let the life she was forced to live break her spirit. She has been left all alone for a number of years, but she is always making the best of the situation. Also Christelle and Seamus had such a meet cute moment and you can see the instant chemistry between the two.
I loved watching Christelle and Seamus get to know each other and slowly falling in love, but they are both a little to scared to do anything. Once Christelle's father is revealed it changes everything for these two.
As Christelle's life changes in an instance, so does her relationship with Seamus. As these two are thrust into English society they will have to find out who they really are before they can be happy with each other, but time is against them as danger lurks around the corner, threatening to tear apart their happiness before it begins.
June 24, 2017
Christelle Clement knew her stay at the Harriet School for girls was temporary at best, but the timing of being turned out couldn't have been worse. She had no family since the loss of her mother six years ago, no place to go, and not a cent to her name.
The headmistress gave Christelle a trunk of her mother's things that she had saved for her. Thinking there could be something that might give her direction, Christelle searched the trunk, emotions barely at bay as she moved through her mother's beautiful gowns. Christelle thinks perhaps she could remake them to fit her. In survival mode, her thoughts briefly turned to her mother's occupation- a paramour. She had certainly observed her mother's ways, but lacking her mother's confidence, she knew that her mother's life wasn't for her. However, Christelle knew she did possess her mother's uncommon flair for design and sewing. She decided to pursue that path and hoped she could find a job as a seamstress to support herself. Before closing the trunk, she discovered an old sheath of paper with her name and birthday. Benedict Stanton was listed as her father! This gave her hope.
She decides to find father- if he is still alive- and at least decide whether she wants to know him. Hating the name Clement, she quickly decided to use her real last name. Clement was her stepfather, a man that had only been mean and scary to her as a child.
Stanton had to be English, so she decided to head to London. The trip from Paris to London was hard- but she meets Seamus Craig and discovers kindness and more assistance than she ever anticipated.
Dr. Seamus Craig, a man who himself had been an orphan, discovers Christelle in distress on a bridge in the rain. He fears for her and convinces her to come with him. After meeting Christelle and finding out what she wanted to do, he meets with his Grandfather to see if he can help her get started in London as a seamstress. The more time they spend together, the more they find common ground.
Seamus had come to London to find a wife, deciding it was time. He is struck by both beauty and her wonderful humor, and gets the feeling that Christelle could be the one. He meets with his
His Grandfather comes through and refers Christelle to a seamstress for an interview. The owner of the shop recognizes the dress Christelle was wearing, shocked to see the daughter of her former friend. She hires Christelle, and lets her know that she knew her mother. This is the same modiste that sews for Seamus' mother and her sisters.
Settled, Seamus and Christelle turn their attention to their friendship, both secretly hoping to see where it could take them.
Just as life seems to have righted itself, Christelle meets someone that turns both of their lives upside down, and threatens their very friendship. Will they be able to hold onto their feelings for each other, or will the upheaval that London brings snuff out any chance for love and happiness?
Elizabeth Johns' has done it again. This is a sweet romance that I honestly couldn't put down until the last page. I adored Christelle's sweet character- a young woman unblemished by tragedy and hopelessness. Seamus could be her perfect hero- but only if they can find their way to a happy ending.
A five star hit!
The headmistress gave Christelle a trunk of her mother's things that she had saved for her. Thinking there could be something that might give her direction, Christelle searched the trunk, emotions barely at bay as she moved through her mother's beautiful gowns. Christelle thinks perhaps she could remake them to fit her. In survival mode, her thoughts briefly turned to her mother's occupation- a paramour. She had certainly observed her mother's ways, but lacking her mother's confidence, she knew that her mother's life wasn't for her. However, Christelle knew she did possess her mother's uncommon flair for design and sewing. She decided to pursue that path and hoped she could find a job as a seamstress to support herself. Before closing the trunk, she discovered an old sheath of paper with her name and birthday. Benedict Stanton was listed as her father! This gave her hope.
She decides to find father- if he is still alive- and at least decide whether she wants to know him. Hating the name Clement, she quickly decided to use her real last name. Clement was her stepfather, a man that had only been mean and scary to her as a child.
Stanton had to be English, so she decided to head to London. The trip from Paris to London was hard- but she meets Seamus Craig and discovers kindness and more assistance than she ever anticipated.
Dr. Seamus Craig, a man who himself had been an orphan, discovers Christelle in distress on a bridge in the rain. He fears for her and convinces her to come with him. After meeting Christelle and finding out what she wanted to do, he meets with his Grandfather to see if he can help her get started in London as a seamstress. The more time they spend together, the more they find common ground.
Seamus had come to London to find a wife, deciding it was time. He is struck by both beauty and her wonderful humor, and gets the feeling that Christelle could be the one. He meets with his
His Grandfather comes through and refers Christelle to a seamstress for an interview. The owner of the shop recognizes the dress Christelle was wearing, shocked to see the daughter of her former friend. She hires Christelle, and lets her know that she knew her mother. This is the same modiste that sews for Seamus' mother and her sisters.
Settled, Seamus and Christelle turn their attention to their friendship, both secretly hoping to see where it could take them.
Just as life seems to have righted itself, Christelle meets someone that turns both of their lives upside down, and threatens their very friendship. Will they be able to hold onto their feelings for each other, or will the upheaval that London brings snuff out any chance for love and happiness?
Elizabeth Johns' has done it again. This is a sweet romance that I honestly couldn't put down until the last page. I adored Christelle's sweet character- a young woman unblemished by tragedy and hopelessness. Seamus could be her perfect hero- but only if they can find their way to a happy ending.
A five star hit!
August 14, 2017
I really liked “After the Rain”! For those of us who read Regency England stories and have many - some of us can claim a ridiculous amount in our reading history; it’s refreshing to find a new twist. And that is exactly what Elizabeth Johns has done with this plot. Grabbed my attention right away and never let go!
Sixteen-year-old Christelle is forced to leave the girl’s school in Paris she has called home for the past six years. Her mother is dead and the school no longer has funds to sponsor her. She is sent off with a trunk from saved from her mother, which upon closer inspection reveals Christelle’s birth certificate and her father’s ring. She sets off to England to locate her father.
Arriving near destitute in England, Christelle has the good fortune of meeting Dr. Seamus Craig who is kind enough to help the poor young woman. Christelle finds her father and becomes interestingly entwined with a vary unique family. It’s a journey that easily slides Christelle and Dr. Craig into your heart and soul.
By itself, this is a good story, but if you have read all the previous books that connect the characters and family members, it’s a richer experience. I definitely encourage getting them all, then stacking them up in order, and have at it Regency lovers!
Sixteen-year-old Christelle is forced to leave the girl’s school in Paris she has called home for the past six years. Her mother is dead and the school no longer has funds to sponsor her. She is sent off with a trunk from saved from her mother, which upon closer inspection reveals Christelle’s birth certificate and her father’s ring. She sets off to England to locate her father.
Arriving near destitute in England, Christelle has the good fortune of meeting Dr. Seamus Craig who is kind enough to help the poor young woman. Christelle finds her father and becomes interestingly entwined with a vary unique family. It’s a journey that easily slides Christelle and Dr. Craig into your heart and soul.
By itself, this is a good story, but if you have read all the previous books that connect the characters and family members, it’s a richer experience. I definitely encourage getting them all, then stacking them up in order, and have at it Regency lovers!
June 10, 2017
Elizabeth Johns has written another wonderful story again! How does a young lady move forward after her mother passes away and she discovers who her real father is? Traveling from Paris to London is a frightening thing for anyone to do when they have to support, but Christelle Clement makes that leap. In what seems to be her darkest hour for Christelle, an unexpected encounter on a bridge with Dr. Seamus Craig is a godsend to her, and it leads to interesting things. Will Christelle find her father along with a new life? Will she ever see Seamus after that fateful night? Read this story to find out what happens next.
This is Book 2 in the series and it is beautifully written with interesting and likable characters. It is a sweet romance with a bit of intrigue and suspense, and it has nice emotion. I also loved that there were characters from previous books included in the story. I found it to be a very enjoyable and satisfying read. I am looking forward to Book 3. Highly recommended!
This is Book 2 in the series and it is beautifully written with interesting and likable characters. It is a sweet romance with a bit of intrigue and suspense, and it has nice emotion. I also loved that there were characters from previous books included in the story. I found it to be a very enjoyable and satisfying read. I am looking forward to Book 3. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2020
When your mother has left you penniless and in disgrace in a school that has kept you as a charity case for years treating you as a servant. You have learned to earn your keep. To do so in Paris with no references, no money and no family is impossible.
Deciding to head to England to locate her father was the only possible recourse. Maybe she could get a job in London. Maybe England would not know of her mother's sins. Alas, that was not the case and she was to have to forge her life on her own.
Finding herself without a escort meant she could not even rent a room. Desperate in a rainstorm in London, she looked at the river and debated jumping. She was approached by a young doctor on his way home from work. He offered her food and shelter for the night. He would help her find a job and pray someone would do the same should one of his sisters ever need help.
Deciding to head to England to locate her father was the only possible recourse. Maybe she could get a job in London. Maybe England would not know of her mother's sins. Alas, that was not the case and she was to have to forge her life on her own.
Finding herself without a escort meant she could not even rent a room. Desperate in a rainstorm in London, she looked at the river and debated jumping. She was approached by a young doctor on his way home from work. He offered her food and shelter for the night. He would help her find a job and pray someone would do the same should one of his sisters ever need help.
August 16, 2020
After reading three boring horrible books by different author, i was so reluctant to read this as i was afraid of disappointment.
I really liked it, main characters are well shaped with loveable nature which makes you like and respect.
I was unable to put it down without finishing it.
Loved how family stick together, protect and support each other.
An orphan who was kicked out of her charity house,in Paris, find her birth certificate to discover her real father and seek him out hoping she will end up in a family.
An orphan Dr who tries to establish himself, find her and help her to find her way in estranged London.
Loved the reomance, and how elegant life didn't change heroine perspective, or the way she looks at life.
Amazing simple love story.
I really liked it, main characters are well shaped with loveable nature which makes you like and respect.
I was unable to put it down without finishing it.
Loved how family stick together, protect and support each other.
An orphan who was kicked out of her charity house,in Paris, find her birth certificate to discover her real father and seek him out hoping she will end up in a family.
An orphan Dr who tries to establish himself, find her and help her to find her way in estranged London.
Loved the reomance, and how elegant life didn't change heroine perspective, or the way she looks at life.
Amazing simple love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
Seamus Craig had been away at school or working in the other books but now he is ready to have a wife and family of his own. He meets a young lady on the bridge in London, at night in the rain. He helps her and in time finds she is the daughter of Lillian and the Duke of Yardley. She never knew her father and had come to find him. They seem to love each other from the beginning but he wants to give her time to know her family and have a season. It gives us a chance to see how the triplets are doing with their lives and see the rest of the family as well as seeing how these two find their love.
May 30, 2025
Although there are some heavy moments, this is a very sweet read. You do not need to read the other books to enjoy this one. Dr. Craig quite literally runs into Christelle on her first night in England and she is in complete despair. She left France in search of her father but was unaware of how unkind London would be to a young woman traveling alone. They grow close before finding out who her father is, and then things get very complicated! Though the romance itself is kisses only, the FMC’s mother was a courtesan and her lifestyle is discussed several times.
Rating: 🫑
💋Kisses Only
🫑-🫑🫑🫑Steamy/Closed Door
🌶️-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Spicy/Open Door
Rating: 🫑
💋Kisses Only
🫑-🫑🫑🫑Steamy/Closed Door
🌶️-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Spicy/Open Door
June 27, 2017
Interesting. Engaging Main Characters.
The world of the Descendants series is still best appreciated if you read the books of the generation that came before these (although these focus do far on the adopted children of Lord Craig, so the age difference between the previous main characters and these are not a full generation).
Descendants 2 is more of a full novel than Descendants 1, although it is still quick read. Both protagonists are lovely and interesting people. Looking forward to Maili and Duke C's story as previewed at the end of this one.
The world of the Descendants series is still best appreciated if you read the books of the generation that came before these (although these focus do far on the adopted children of Lord Craig, so the age difference between the previous main characters and these are not a full generation).
Descendants 2 is more of a full novel than Descendants 1, although it is still quick read. Both protagonists are lovely and interesting people. Looking forward to Maili and Duke C's story as previewed at the end of this one.
December 3, 2017
It was really good and I really enjoyed the continuation of these characters and would have given it five stars but for some reason the ages and dates of the main characters didn't coincide with the characters of the Melting the Ice novel, maybe it was just me but it didn't seem to work out numbers-wise/ages/amount of time passing and that was a distraction to the story. I finally had to stop dwelling on it and just read it, a great story, love Elizabeth Johns!
August 17, 2022
After the Rain
I really enjoyed this story. Crystelle was sent home from the school she had been staying for the past six years. Before she left, the head mistress gave her a trunk filled with her mothers gowns and other mementoes. When she went through the things, she found certificate of birth, naming her father. When she left, she was determined to find him. Enjoy her story, I really did.
I really enjoyed this story. Crystelle was sent home from the school she had been staying for the past six years. Before she left, the head mistress gave her a trunk filled with her mothers gowns and other mementoes. When she went through the things, she found certificate of birth, naming her father. When she left, she was determined to find him. Enjoy her story, I really did.
July 30, 2025
Family of triplets from Elements Series!
Johns some amazing stories! The Duke of Yardley learns that he has a daughter from his first wife, who was killed by his second wife, defending her husband. If you haven’t read the elements series, you should do that before reading this book. You will enjoy the characters more and have a better idea of motivations and personalities. A mature theme is introduced; Christelle’s mother was a prostitute. But this is a clean romance and is appropriate for your young teen daughters and sons if they like regency historical fiction.
Johns some amazing stories! The Duke of Yardley learns that he has a daughter from his first wife, who was killed by his second wife, defending her husband. If you haven’t read the elements series, you should do that before reading this book. You will enjoy the characters more and have a better idea of motivations and personalities. A mature theme is introduced; Christelle’s mother was a prostitute. But this is a clean romance and is appropriate for your young teen daughters and sons if they like regency historical fiction.
February 12, 2023
love the story
I enjoy this extension of the Elements Series about the children. I like that there is still a continuity and some drama but not too overwhelming.
One thing I noticed though is that the Duke is sometimes addressed as “sir” and not as my lord or your grace as his due. It’s a minor thing , though
I enjoy this extension of the Elements Series about the children. I like that there is still a continuity and some drama but not too overwhelming.
One thing I noticed though is that the Duke is sometimes addressed as “sir” and not as my lord or your grace as his due. It’s a minor thing , though
September 27, 2023
Enjoy the Whole Series
In order to enjoy the complex plot of this book, I recommend that you read the whole series A series a series of elements.Each novel feeds into the next, with a long cast of characters both good and evil.
Christie is a Cinderella-like figure, and Seamus a mixed blend of intelligence and confusion. A worthy story.
In order to enjoy the complex plot of this book, I recommend that you read the whole series A series a series of elements.Each novel feeds into the next, with a long cast of characters both good and evil.
Christie is a Cinderella-like figure, and Seamus a mixed blend of intelligence and confusion. A worthy story.
June 25, 2017
My favorite in this series so far!
Thoroughly enjoyable installment in a series I have very much enjoyed. I love the continuation into this, the second generation of what feels like extended family members! I love these characters!
Thoroughly enjoyable installment in a series I have very much enjoyed. I love the continuation into this, the second generation of what feels like extended family members! I love these characters!
February 3, 2018
This is the second book in this series and it centred around characters that weren't introduced in book one. It makes this book hardly enjoyable. I cannot follow the characters backstory half the time.
February 13, 2018
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book, and it has been fun reading the descendants trilogy. As always, this book has the romance, suspense, mystery and drama all wrapped together. Above all, it was a clean read!
I really enjoyed this book, and it has been fun reading the descendants trilogy. As always, this book has the romance, suspense, mystery and drama all wrapped together. Above all, it was a clean read!
July 21, 2017
This is a fun branch off of her Elements series. Can't wait for the next one.
June 7, 2018
I remember reading this, and I remember being slightly underwhelmed. It was nice to read mostly because it revisited characters that I already loved.
November 30, 2019
Lots going on in this book. Good story. On to book 2
April 6, 2020
Splendid
One of my favorites! Fulfilling on its own but even more fun if you have read the other books ahead of it. A nice sense of fun and adventure, revenge and love.
One of my favorites! Fulfilling on its own but even more fun if you have read the other books ahead of it. A nice sense of fun and adventure, revenge and love.
April 13, 2020
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed the personalities of both the hero and heroine. And their growth was steady and charming. An enjoyable read for sure
I really enjoyed the personalities of both the hero and heroine. And their growth was steady and charming. An enjoyable read for sure
May 5, 2020
Enjoyed
I loved the doctor. It was a good story and I was glad there was a happily ever after at the end. Clean romance
I loved the doctor. It was a good story and I was glad there was a happily ever after at the end. Clean romance
May 9, 2020
Lovely
Another, lovely book by Elizabeth John. I have enjoyed this series and fell in love with this big interesting family.
Another, lovely book by Elizabeth John. I have enjoyed this series and fell in love with this big interesting family.
May 15, 2020
I really enjoyed a different take, with a doctor as the hero. I usually don't like such young heroines but she was wise beyond her years.
March 8, 2021
I loved this story, but.... I started at the wrong end of several series most of which are mentioned in this book and probably the ones that follow. Now I am starting with the 5-book series the Loring-Abbott series. I love Elizabeth Johns' books, now I need to catch up. This is not a stand alone. Recommended with reservations.
May 28, 2021
Beautiful love story
I think I read this before. I used to get books in the mail and also a lot of books on iTunes. Great the 2nd time around.
I think I read this before. I used to get books in the mail and also a lot of books on iTunes. Great the 2nd time around.
September 25, 2022
first half was great, but then the romance was just lacking...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews