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One of the most eligible women on the Eastern seaboard, Devon is a wild beauty who dreams of training a Derby winner. She is swept away by one man who promises a bright future--but she cannot foresee the terrible choice she will have to make when fate darkens her fairy tale life.
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First published May 1, 1993
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62 people want to read
About the author
Nicole McGehee
4 books2 followersNicole McGehee was born in South Carolina, but spent most of her adult life in the Washington, DC, area. She began her career in politics as a lobbyist and event planner for several medical non-profits. Later, she worked as a speech writer and legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives. From there, she went to work in the West Wing of the White House.
After leaving the White House, Nicole started her own publication on business and trade in Latin America and the Caribbean. She owned the journal for seven years, then sold it shortly after signing a two-book contract with publishers Little, Brown and Company (hard cover) and Warner Books (paperback). Her books have been translated into French, Spanish and German, and were also published in the United Kingdom and Canada. In addition, her travel writing has appeared in the Washington Post, the Denver Post, the Miami Herald, and Honeymoon magazine. Nicole is co-author of The Insiders' Guide to Washington, DC, 3rd edition.
In 1997, her first husband, Michael, died in a car accident. Devastated, Nicole sold their home in Virginia and moved to ski country in Colorado. Five years later, she met her second husband, David. They continue to live in Colorado.
Nicole has an Associate's degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and a BA from Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
Nicole's novels are now available in e-format. Her website is nicolemcgeheefiction.com.
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After leaving the White House, Nicole started her own publication on business and trade in Latin America and the Caribbean. She owned the journal for seven years, then sold it shortly after signing a two-book contract with publishers Little, Brown and Company (hard cover) and Warner Books (paperback). Her books have been translated into French, Spanish and German, and were also published in the United Kingdom and Canada. In addition, her travel writing has appeared in the Washington Post, the Denver Post, the Miami Herald, and Honeymoon magazine. Nicole is co-author of The Insiders' Guide to Washington, DC, 3rd edition.
In 1997, her first husband, Michael, died in a car accident. Devastated, Nicole sold their home in Virginia and moved to ski country in Colorado. Five years later, she met her second husband, David. They continue to live in Colorado.
Nicole has an Associate's degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and a BA from Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
Nicole's novels are now available in e-format. Her website is nicolemcgeheefiction.com.
Show Less
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2016
A historical fiction that immerses the reader in the world of American horse racing in a period spanning from the thirties to the sixties, as well as the portrait of a passionate and turbulent marriage, Regret Not A Moment is a wonderful page-Turner and often a tear-jerker. I had never read anything about horse racing before and though I have ethical issues against this "sport" due to the often inhumane treatment of animals, I came away with a better understanding of it. It was like when I read La Gloire de Mon Pere, I still have reservations against hunting yet I could at least understand through the characters the passion that drives them, their reverence for it, etc. Same here. The author obviously has either meticulously researched this area or she has first hand knowledge because the poignancy with which she writes about the race horses, owners, trainers, jockeys etc. makes for some of the most emotional and interesting scenes in the book, in a book that is full of them.
This book is at the same time a scorching romance between two immensely complex, vibrant and admirable characters. There is nothing corny about it as is the case with some historical romances. It is actually a very contemporary and realistic outlook on the ways two people who are intelligent attractive and passionately in love with each other can through immaturity, stubbornness, inflexibility and single-minded vision destroy that relationship. As life goes on and experiences shape and develop their personalities, they can still have a chance to rectify those youthful mistakes although it will never be that perfect idealized first true love, it can be different and yes even better.
This historical fiction truly immerses you in each decade that it spans, although for me the most authentic was Book 1 which was devoted to the thirties. Some super fun cameos from celebrities of the era like William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies. A real feel for the lingo of the era without trying to mimic the speech of Hollywood movies of the era, as is the case with many novels set in that era.
The only issues with the book, and this is just terrible nit picking on my part, are that some of the plot twists and turns were a bit too melodramatic. But really, nothing would prevent me from highly highly recommending this book. I LOVED IT!!!
This book is at the same time a scorching romance between two immensely complex, vibrant and admirable characters. There is nothing corny about it as is the case with some historical romances. It is actually a very contemporary and realistic outlook on the ways two people who are intelligent attractive and passionately in love with each other can through immaturity, stubbornness, inflexibility and single-minded vision destroy that relationship. As life goes on and experiences shape and develop their personalities, they can still have a chance to rectify those youthful mistakes although it will never be that perfect idealized first true love, it can be different and yes even better.
This historical fiction truly immerses you in each decade that it spans, although for me the most authentic was Book 1 which was devoted to the thirties. Some super fun cameos from celebrities of the era like William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies. A real feel for the lingo of the era without trying to mimic the speech of Hollywood movies of the era, as is the case with many novels set in that era.
The only issues with the book, and this is just terrible nit picking on my part, are that some of the plot twists and turns were a bit too melodramatic. But really, nothing would prevent me from highly highly recommending this book. I LOVED IT!!!
September 7, 2015
Simply superb!!
November 30, 2020
This book is about 2 1/2 stars. I must have read about it somewhere, as it is an older title. It should have been something I liked, but needed soooo much editing. Characters would threaten revenge to beat all revenge and then just disappear. The main character was both too perfect and deeply flawed, and knew it. I just don't know what to think, but I did have to finish it, and then felt the end was unfinished. Grrrr.
May 19, 2021
Well, I find this book very strange and somewhat badly written causa of the sudden changes in narrative, out of the blue years and years go by in just a few pages. Besides that, I don't like the characters all that much, they could have had a much deeper development
Spoilers ahead
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Also gotta say that I hated the way Devon went back to John and there was no clear finish to Francesca and Jesse's story
Spoilers ahead
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Also gotta say that I hated the way Devon went back to John and there was no clear finish to Francesca and Jesse's story
April 2, 2019
An easy to read, lightweight, hot water bottle romance.
November 23, 2013
Regret Not A Moment is not my typical read and it took me a while to really get into it, but I have to say I did enjoy it. It is set in 1930 in Fauquier County, Virginia, a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable for women to be independent, and when African Americans were supposed to be employees and nothing more.
Devon Richmond isn’t your typical rich girl. At 25, her parents fear she will never marry and she is very aware of the whispers about her from all of her married friends, but she doesn’t care what everyone else thinks. Devon wants to be truly happy in her life. If she is going to give up her independence, she’s going to do it for love, not because she’s getting “old”, but after several proposals she still hasn’t met the one. Until she meets John…
John Alexander is a businessman from New York and is the type of guy who stands out in a crowd. Now in his 30s, he’s been in love before but it never worked out, and he has no desire to get married – he’s seen how dull all of his friend’s wives became after marriage. When he meets Devon at a dinner party, he is immediately drawn in by both her looks and her attitude, and he knows that won’t be the case with her.
After marrying, John buys the run-down Willowbrook farm that was once famous for horse racing and breeding. Devon, being a lover of horses, wants a hand in running the operation but it is unheard of for women to be involved in business. She is quick to prove others wrong and soon becomes a valuable asset, and she also helps Jeremiah, a young black trainer, become one of the best jockeys in the country. Before long, Willowbrook is known as one of the best thoroughbred farms in the nation, and the only farm led by a woman and an African-American trainer.
Regret Not A Moment is, at the core, a story of love and changing the norm of acceptance, but it is also full of infidelity, tragedy, prejudice, women’s rights, and acceptance. It was very interesting to me to see how everything changed throughout the years, starting from the 1930s and going through the war times and racial issues of the 1950s and 1960s. A LOT happens in this story, so much more than I can describe without giving anything away, and sometimes I found it a little hard to keep up with. It started out a little slow and the language took a little getting used to, but I’m glad I stuck with it, and I was happy in the end. If you want to be transported back in time and see what it was like to schmooze with the rich and famous of years past, give Nicole McGehee a shot!
Devon Richmond isn’t your typical rich girl. At 25, her parents fear she will never marry and she is very aware of the whispers about her from all of her married friends, but she doesn’t care what everyone else thinks. Devon wants to be truly happy in her life. If she is going to give up her independence, she’s going to do it for love, not because she’s getting “old”, but after several proposals she still hasn’t met the one. Until she meets John…
John Alexander is a businessman from New York and is the type of guy who stands out in a crowd. Now in his 30s, he’s been in love before but it never worked out, and he has no desire to get married – he’s seen how dull all of his friend’s wives became after marriage. When he meets Devon at a dinner party, he is immediately drawn in by both her looks and her attitude, and he knows that won’t be the case with her.
After marrying, John buys the run-down Willowbrook farm that was once famous for horse racing and breeding. Devon, being a lover of horses, wants a hand in running the operation but it is unheard of for women to be involved in business. She is quick to prove others wrong and soon becomes a valuable asset, and she also helps Jeremiah, a young black trainer, become one of the best jockeys in the country. Before long, Willowbrook is known as one of the best thoroughbred farms in the nation, and the only farm led by a woman and an African-American trainer.
Regret Not A Moment is, at the core, a story of love and changing the norm of acceptance, but it is also full of infidelity, tragedy, prejudice, women’s rights, and acceptance. It was very interesting to me to see how everything changed throughout the years, starting from the 1930s and going through the war times and racial issues of the 1950s and 1960s. A LOT happens in this story, so much more than I can describe without giving anything away, and sometimes I found it a little hard to keep up with. It started out a little slow and the language took a little getting used to, but I’m glad I stuck with it, and I was happy in the end. If you want to be transported back in time and see what it was like to schmooze with the rich and famous of years past, give Nicole McGehee a shot!
December 3, 2013
I love, love, love this book! I love going back in time. I would so love living back then. No social media drama, just good old girl drama.
I think what really drew me into the story was I used to dream of owning horses when I was little because my parents always took me to horse races. Devon and John had a beautiful life of horses. I love them and their life.
I LOVE Devon. She isn’t the typical wealthy girl of early years. Most of her friends are married and at 25 she doesn’t care about what they have to say. She is happy with her life. Not that men haven’t tried to ‘tame’ her, she just hasn’t met the man she wants. Enter one John Alexander.
John is a businessman and isn’t looking for love. He isn’t interested or found the one he wanted to be with. Being in his 30’s, he has been in love but it hasn’t worked out. But then he meets Devon at a part. One look at her and he knows she isn’t like any other woman he has been with…
This is a beautiful story about Devon and John’s life. It all isn’t easy, but their story transports you to a time unlike to today. This story is well written and I couldn't put it down. I was completely consumed by the story and the characters. 5 Stars!!! ~Anna
I think what really drew me into the story was I used to dream of owning horses when I was little because my parents always took me to horse races. Devon and John had a beautiful life of horses. I love them and their life.
I LOVE Devon. She isn’t the typical wealthy girl of early years. Most of her friends are married and at 25 she doesn’t care about what they have to say. She is happy with her life. Not that men haven’t tried to ‘tame’ her, she just hasn’t met the man she wants. Enter one John Alexander.
John is a businessman and isn’t looking for love. He isn’t interested or found the one he wanted to be with. Being in his 30’s, he has been in love but it hasn’t worked out. But then he meets Devon at a part. One look at her and he knows she isn’t like any other woman he has been with…
This is a beautiful story about Devon and John’s life. It all isn’t easy, but their story transports you to a time unlike to today. This story is well written and I couldn't put it down. I was completely consumed by the story and the characters. 5 Stars!!! ~Anna
November 22, 2013
Sublime writing and heartfelt romance.
There’s much to love in this book:
The writing style, which is effortless to read and highly evocative.
The romance, which is wonderfully true to life and mature.
The poignancy, which had me reaching for the tissues.
The settings, which are painted so richly one feels transported to the times and places.
The eras depicted, which add such layers of depth and meaning to the book.
The ‘epic’ feel the story, which makes for very satisfying reading of a story spanning some years.
The characters, who are so easy to empathise with; especially the heroine, who is to be admired for her resilience and strength.
The plot, which is intelligent and gripping – I especially loved the family connections and the exploration of the horse-racing world.
In all, a book I highly recommend for first-class escapism.
There’s much to love in this book:
The writing style, which is effortless to read and highly evocative.
The romance, which is wonderfully true to life and mature.
The poignancy, which had me reaching for the tissues.
The settings, which are painted so richly one feels transported to the times and places.
The eras depicted, which add such layers of depth and meaning to the book.
The ‘epic’ feel the story, which makes for very satisfying reading of a story spanning some years.
The characters, who are so easy to empathise with; especially the heroine, who is to be admired for her resilience and strength.
The plot, which is intelligent and gripping – I especially loved the family connections and the exploration of the horse-racing world.
In all, a book I highly recommend for first-class escapism.
March 12, 2014
This book holds your attention immediately! Not only is the story romantic, fast-paced and historical, but it deals with matters of racism, feminism and misogyny. Strong character development and a wonderful protagonist. An extra bonus is the attention to fashion in character descriptions. A true shout out to the strong and able woman! AFR
July 6, 2014
This is an enjoyable story with in-depth characters and an engaging plot. It explores the issues of sexism and racism without being preachy and provides interesting insight in what it's like to be in woman in the 1930s. This would be an excellent choice for a book club because it brings up lots of interesting questions and issues!
June 30, 2015
Interesting read.
The book was totally different from the style I usually read, but I enjoyed it. It had a good story, not the best I have ever read, but enjoyable. The typos bothered me, but didn't take away from the story.
The book was totally different from the style I usually read, but I enjoyed it. It had a good story, not the best I have ever read, but enjoyable. The typos bothered me, but didn't take away from the story.
February 12, 2016
Historical fiction with a lot of romance
Not too bad. It's a little too slow for my liking. It started out good and fast paced then it got a slow and plot becomes predictable. Lost interest early on and could not finish.
Not too bad. It's a little too slow for my liking. It started out good and fast paced then it got a slow and plot becomes predictable. Lost interest early on and could not finish.
February 7, 2015
Excellent!
Had it all, happiness, sadness, excitement, and history. I loved it. I was sorry when it ended, but loved the ending.
Had it all, happiness, sadness, excitement, and history. I loved it. I was sorry when it ended, but loved the ending.
May 6, 2015
Very nice read
The book starts a little slow but soon engages you in the lives of the characters. Recommended read. Very entertaining.
The book starts a little slow but soon engages you in the lives of the characters. Recommended read. Very entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews