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Britannia All At Sea
It was love at first sight for Britannia when she met Professor Jake Luitingh van Thien and he proposed! But just when all seemed perfect, she met Madeleine. In every way Madeleine was right for Jake, and Britannia became more convinced that to go ahead with the wedding might ruin Jake's life.
Paperback
First published April 1, 1978
About the author
Betty Neels
584 books422 followersEvelyn Jessy "Betty" Neels was born on September 15, 1910 in Devon to a family with firm roots in the civil service. She said she had a blissfully happy childhood and teenage years.(This stood her in good stead later for the tribulations to come with the Second World War). She was sent away to boarding school, and then went on to train as a nurse, gaining her SRN and SCM, that is, State Registered Nurse and State Certificate of Midwifery.
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 14, 2021
With BAaS, Betty tried a new tack in some ways—the tone of this book is very different than some of her more placid reads, as is her heroine—big, beautiful, bold Britannia. The results are mixed--a strong first half and a weaker second half made, for me, for a solid 3.5 star read. The first half of the book is briskly paced, and the clashes between the bad-tempered RDD, Jake, and the confident heroine are pretty amusing. She doesn’t hesitate to call him out on his rudeness, even walking out on him when he says something she doesn’t like at a restaurant. No mouse here!
Like so many Betty books, this has two distinct parts, first in England and then in Holland. The parts are a little disjointed in pacing and tone, though, and while the first half was enjoyable with their frequent sparring and strong personalities, the story lags a bit when they reach Holland and the heroine becomes suddenly dense and a lot less fun. The second half is much weaker than the first.
Nonetheless, overall it was a fun read and had some nice differences in characters and tone from other BN books—a very Beatrice and Benedick Much Ado about Nothing vibe. Bonus points for a visit with Reilof and Laura from The Hasty Marriage, who only get a quick para or two, but we do get to see Reilof looking with great devotion at his happy wife as they cuddle their recently born twins. (Laura deserved that HEA for what she was put through!)
Betty car porn!
The heroine’s dad drives an “elderly Morris Oxford, decidedly vintage and Mr. Smith’s pride and joy,” which I imagine looking something like this:
The hero has the standard-issue RDD Rolls (a Camargue, to be specific):
Like so many Betty books, this has two distinct parts, first in England and then in Holland. The parts are a little disjointed in pacing and tone, though, and while the first half was enjoyable with their frequent sparring and strong personalities, the story lags a bit when they reach Holland and the heroine becomes suddenly dense and a lot less fun. The second half is much weaker than the first.
Nonetheless, overall it was a fun read and had some nice differences in characters and tone from other BN books—a very Beatrice and Benedick Much Ado about Nothing vibe. Bonus points for a visit with Reilof and Laura from The Hasty Marriage, who only get a quick para or two, but we do get to see Reilof looking with great devotion at his happy wife as they cuddle their recently born twins. (Laura deserved that HEA for what she was put through!)
Betty car porn!
The heroine’s dad drives an “elderly Morris Oxford, decidedly vintage and Mr. Smith’s pride and joy,” which I imagine looking something like this:
The hero has the standard-issue RDD Rolls (a Camargue, to be specific):
April 3, 2019
This book simply delights me. The heroine is the embodiment of a plucky optimist (until she turns into a plucky pessimist), and the hero is a 6-foot-plus rich Dutch grumpycat. Their bickering is adorable. ADORABLE.
The moment I read it, I raced to Amazon to buy my own copy only to discover the only ebook version available for purchase is this one: Britannia all at Sea Her Maverick M.D.: A 2-in-1 Collection
Apparently, evil HQN is in the process of phasing out the "Best of Betty Neels" single title editions and is reissuing the canon paired with random other romances in their catalog. DO NOT WANT. "But it's a bonus book," you protest. "It's extra. You get Betty *and* some maverick physician." I JUST WANT BETTY.
So now I will patiently wait another decade for the next reissue of Neels' books as single titles. I'm sure Britannia would approve because she makes crazy choices, too.
The moment I read it, I raced to Amazon to buy my own copy only to discover the only ebook version available for purchase is this one: Britannia all at Sea Her Maverick M.D.: A 2-in-1 Collection
Apparently, evil HQN is in the process of phasing out the "Best of Betty Neels" single title editions and is reissuing the canon paired with random other romances in their catalog. DO NOT WANT. "But it's a bonus book," you protest. "It's extra. You get Betty *and* some maverick physician." I JUST WANT BETTY.
So now I will patiently wait another decade for the next reissue of Neels' books as single titles. I'm sure Britannia would approve because she makes crazy choices, too.
December 24, 2014
4 Stars ~ Though this Betty Neels classic has the prerequisite rich Dutch Professor and the capable English nurse, it has a few surprises.
Britannia is not sure how she should feel ...
So when an opportunity arises for her to accompany a friend to Holland on vacation, Britannia jumps at it, knowing that it would be a miracle to meet him there. But one day out on her own on the bicycle, she finds a bird flapping about in the road. Stopping to help the creature, she is nearly run over by a fabulous Rolls Royce.
And just as she is almost at her friend's home, he pulled up beside her in his Rolls ...
Britannia is happy for any small moment she can spend with Jake. And when he does profess to love her and proposes, Britannia suddenly realizes that she's not at all suitable to be his wife. He lives in the most beautiful home, is so incredibly wealthy, and Britannia is not at all sophisticated and glamorous as the girl that everyone thought that he'd marry. And she tells him this. But Jules is determined to make her his, and he promises that he won't give up easily.
Of course, our dear Professor shall have his HEA, though there are some bumpy bits along the way, especially from that determined ex-girlfriend. Britannia certainly kept Jake on his toes, and he certainly kept her guessing what he was feeling. He has those hooded eyes and often she catches him staring at her thoughtfully. I rather enjoyed the merry dance Ms. Neels set for these two
Britannia munched and swallowed and thought in a vague way about Professor Luitingh van Thien; an ill-tempered man, and arrogant, she considered, then looked up in astonishment as he opened the door and walked in. And over and above that, she discovered with an almighty shock, the man she wished to marry; she had been in and out of love quite a few times, as any healthy-minded girl of twenty four or so would, but never had she felt like this.
Nevertheless, all she said in a mild voice was: "You should have knocked, Professor."
The cold eyes studied hers. "Why?"
She said with some asperity: "Manners."
His thick dark brows rose, and then: "But I have none," and he went on deliberately, "I am getting on for forty, unmarried, rich and something of a hermit; I need please no one."
"How very sad," observed Britannia with sincerity. "Did you want something?"
The lids drooped over his eyes. "Yes. I also wish to ask you a question. Why Britannia?"
She took a sip of her cooling coffee and stared at him over the mug's rim. "My parents decided that with a name like Smith they should -- should compensate me."
He broke into such a roar of laughter...
Britannia is not sure how she should feel ...
...she wasn't likely to see him again, at least not to speak to. "And that's negative thinking, my girl," she admonished herself out loud. "If you want to see him again, you must work at it."
A heartening piece of advice, which she knew quite well was quite hollow. The professor wasn't the kind of man to be chased, even if the girl chasing him had made up her mind to marry him. She sighed; probably she would have to rely on Fate, and that lady was notoriously unpredictable.
So when an opportunity arises for her to accompany a friend to Holland on vacation, Britannia jumps at it, knowing that it would be a miracle to meet him there. But one day out on her own on the bicycle, she finds a bird flapping about in the road. Stopping to help the creature, she is nearly run over by a fabulous Rolls Royce.
It stopped within a foot of Britannia and she looked over her shoulder to see Professor Luitingh van Thien get out. She had the bird in her hand and said without preamble: "I think its wing is broken-what shall I do?"
"Fool," said the professor with icy forcefulness, "darting into the road in that thoughtless fashion. I might have squashed you flat, or worse, gone into a skid and damaged the car."
He held out a hand. "Give me that bird."
She handed it over, for once unable to think of anything to say. So dreams did come true, after all, but he hardly seemed in the mood to share her pleasure in the fact. She stood, the rain washing over her in a relentless curtain, while he examined the small creature with gentle hands. "I'll take it with me," he said finally, and nodded briefly before getting back into his car. Britannia, made of stuff worthy of her name, followed him.
"Do you live near here?" she asked.
"Yes." He gave her a cold look which froze the words hovering on her tongue, and drove away.
She stood in the road and watched him go. "I must be mad," she cried to the sodden landscape around her. "He's the nastiest man I've ever set eyes on!" She went back to collect her bike and got on to it and rode off towards Hoenderloo. "But he took the bird," she reminded herself, "and he could have wrung its neck."
And just as she is almost at her friend's home, he pulled up beside her in his Rolls ...
"The bird's wing has been set; it will be cared for until it is fit to fly again." He spoke unsmilingly, but she didn't notice that, she looked at him with delight. "Isn't it incredible?" she declared. "I mean, meeting like this after the sluice at St Jude's and now you here, almost next door, as it were."
He looked down his splendid nose. "I can see nothing incredible about it," he said repressively. "It is a coincidence, Britannia, they occur from time to time."
He could call it that if he liked. She thought secretly of good fairies and kindly Fate and smiled widely. "Well, you don't need to be so cross about it. I've never met such a prickly man. Have you been crossed in love or something?"
The ferocious expression which passed over the professor's handsome features might have daunted anyone of lesser spirit than hers. "You abominable girl!" he ground out savagely. "I have never met anyone like you…'
Britannia lifted a hand to tuck back a wet strand of hair. "What you need," she told him kindly, "is a wife and a family."
His mouth quivered momentarily. "Why?"
She answered him seriously. "Well, you would have them to look after and care for and love, and they'd love you and bring you your slippers in the evening, and…'
His voice was a well-controlled explosion. "For God's sake, girl," he roared, "be quiet! Of all the sickly sentimental ideas…!"
Two tears welled up in Britannia's fine eyes and rolled slowly down her cheeks. The professor muttered strongly in his own language, and with the air of a man goaded beyond endurance, got out of his car.
"Why are you crying? I suppose that you will tell me that it's my fault."
Britannia gave a sniff, wiped her eyes on a delicate scrap of white lawn and then blew her nose. "No, of course it's not your fault, because you can't help it, can you? It's just very sad that you should think of a wife and children as being nothing more than s-sickly s-sentiment." Two more tears spilled over and she wiped them away impatiently as a child would, with the back of her hand.
The professor was standing very close to her. When he spoke it was with surprising gentleness. "I didn't mean that. I was angry."
She said in a woeful voice, "But you're always losing your temper - every time we meet you rage and roar at me."
"I neither rage nor roar, Britannia. Possibly I am a little ill-tempered at times." The gentleness had a decidedly chilly edge to it now.
"Oh, yes, you do," she answered him with spirit. "You terrify me." She peeped at him, to see him frowning.
"I cannot believe that you are terrified of anyone or anything, certainly not of me. Try that on some other man, my dear girl, I'm not a fool."
Britannia is happy for any small moment she can spend with Jake. And when he does profess to love her and proposes, Britannia suddenly realizes that she's not at all suitable to be his wife. He lives in the most beautiful home, is so incredibly wealthy, and Britannia is not at all sophisticated and glamorous as the girl that everyone thought that he'd marry. And she tells him this. But Jules is determined to make her his, and he promises that he won't give up easily.
He gave a great laugh. "I shan't say goodbye until the very last minute, Britannia, and that is still two days away. I shall spend the evening persuading you to marry me."
The pink dress must be doing its work very well. She said in her calm way: "That will be a waste of time, and you know it."
"I shall have you in the end."
She allowed a few seconds of delight at the prospect and then damped it down with common sense.
Of course, our dear Professor shall have his HEA, though there are some bumpy bits along the way, especially from that determined ex-girlfriend. Britannia certainly kept Jake on his toes, and he certainly kept her guessing what he was feeling. He has those hooded eyes and often she catches him staring at her thoughtfully. I rather enjoyed the merry dance Ms. Neels set for these two
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2015
I am ready to Not Like this one just because of this girl's face. What is wrong here?? She must have sinus issues.
3.5* but would have given 4 if not for the episode before she went home near the end. And I fixed the cover with a blue patch over her mouth. hehe
3.5* but would have given 4 if not for the episode before she went home near the end. And I fixed the cover with a blue patch over her mouth. hehe
January 5, 2024
This is very cute and the spirited h is very appealing except when she lets the H’s wealth intimidate her. Fortunately, he is a determined crab who isn’t going to give up on her despite her momentary idiocy.
January 4, 2016
I missed this one last year during my Betty Neels marathon - I didn't have a copy, so I skipped it. Then I received my copy, but am just now getting around to reading it. Well, I read it years ago, but didn't remember much about it.
Britannia Smith is a Staff Nurse and she meets a tall, vast, rude, bad-tempered Dutch professor of surgery. She immediately knows she wants to marry him (as one does). *sarcasm font*
As she tells her parents, it "seems like a sign" when her friend, Joan, invites her to go to Holland and stay a fortnight with Joan's godparents. So she revamps her wardrobe, making sure to include a dress of soft pink, which, according to Mrs. Smith, the gentlemen always find irresistible.
Of course, Fate Decrees that Britannia should run into Professor Luitingh van Thien (thank God his parents named him Jake). He is still rude and ill-tempered and Britannia tells him so.
It apparently works, because Jake declares his love and proposes in CHAPTER 4!!! In the meantime, however, Britannia has seen his home (and the Veronica) and realized just how wealthy he is and so she sadly tells Jake they won't suit because of their different backgrounds. This brings out the alpha in Jake: he tells her, "I shall have you in the end." Rowr!
So, they remain at a standoff – Jake insists that they will suit perfectly fine and Britannia keeps saying no. Oh, yeah, we haven’t seen Joan in days because she met the son of some old friends of the Veskes and they immediately fell in love. Anyway, this has left Britannia at loose ends and free to accompany Jake to the hospital in Appeldorn, saving a little girl choking on a pebble on the way, and to his home for tea, where she met his mother (who was lovely) and Madeleine the Veronica (who was nasty). Jake takes her out on her last two evenings that she is scheduled to remain in Holland. If Britannia was really serious about not marrying Jake, would she have wanted to hang out with him? *rhetorical question*
Anyway, on the very last day, Britannia decides to ride her bike and take a last look at Jake’s home. She has a bike accident, severely spraining her ankle and hitting her head. She lies unconscious in the cold for hours. Joan and Mevrouw Veske suspect where she went and call Jake’s home. Marinus, the butler, knows which way the wind is blowing (and all the servants dislike Madeleine) and calls Jake, who immediately rushes home and jumps on his horse to search for her. Of course, she is too badly hurt to return to England and since the Veskes have plans to travel for Sint Nikolaas, Britannia stays at Jake’s home.
And Jake’s family is lovely to her, especially his youngest sister, Corinne. They are all happy to think Jake may marry her and not the Malevolent Madeleine. Things are going well between Jake and Britannia; Sint Nikolaas is particularly fun. Jake takes Britannia off to a little room and proposes and they engage in some heavy snogging.
A couple of days later, Jake gets all distant and acts worried and Britannia overhears him talking to Madeleine on the phone and making arrangements to meet with her. She says nothing. Afterward, Jake seems fine, so she thinks all is resolved. Then Madeleine shows up looking upkempt and sad and says she has a letter from Jake. Bottom line, Madeleine points out Britannia is from a different class and that although Jake is infatuated with her now, he will eventually fall out of love and realize he should have married Madeleine (which is what Britannia is worried about to start with). Of course, it’s all lies! When Britannia confronts Jake, he gets all in a rage and won’t talk to her and insists on driving her home immediately.
So, Britannia goes back to the hospital to finish out her contract, working in Geriatrics, where she is thankful to be kept busy enough she can sleep at night.
Then Jake shows up, temper-tantrum over; he takes her back to Ned’s Café (their fairy godfather, as he says); he apologizes; he explains that Madeleine stole a letter intended for Britannia; he professes his undying love; and he produces a special license. She accepts and they’re off to a HEA.
Things I Liked: 1. Jake doesn’t wait around for 9 chapters to declare himself. 2. Britannia calls him out for his evasive answers and his rudeness. 3. Great dialogue/banter between H/h. 4. The travelogue of the Appeldoorn area. 4. The food descriptions.
Things I didn’t like: 1. Britannia is a bit wishy-washy. First, she falls in love at first sight and is determined to meet Jake again and someday marry him. Then when she does, and when he has apparently fallen in love with her, too, she is put off by his wealth and the differences in their background. This is the problem I have with the LAFS trope – how can you truly fall in love with someone you don’t know? Instant attraction, yes. Real love, no. 2. I'm a bit worried about Jake's temper. 3. The cover. 70s era Harlequins are a mixed bag - some of them are delightful, but this one is just ugh. Jake is supposed to be handsome and Britannia is supposed to be beautiful and on the cover, neither one are attractive, IMHO.
Final rating: 3.75/5
*****************
"What I like about you," observed Britannia, "is the terseness of your answers."
He grinned. "I am high-handed, I shout, I'm nasty, ill-tempered, irritable . . . I forget the rest, although you have told me often enough." He gave her a little shake. "I have never been preached at so often in my life before."
"Or tea, perhaps -- you English drink gallons of tea."
"That's why we're such nice people. I'd love to go to your house."
This description of Madeleine de Venz, the Veronica: "Oyster crepe, cut far too low for such a bony chest and too elaborate for the occasion. Quite unsuitable . . . "
Britannia Smith is a Staff Nurse and she meets a tall, vast, rude, bad-tempered Dutch professor of surgery. She immediately knows she wants to marry him (as one does). *sarcasm font*
As she tells her parents, it "seems like a sign" when her friend, Joan, invites her to go to Holland and stay a fortnight with Joan's godparents. So she revamps her wardrobe, making sure to include a dress of soft pink, which, according to Mrs. Smith, the gentlemen always find irresistible.
Of course, Fate Decrees that Britannia should run into Professor Luitingh van Thien (thank God his parents named him Jake). He is still rude and ill-tempered and Britannia tells him so.
It apparently works, because Jake declares his love and proposes in CHAPTER 4!!! In the meantime, however, Britannia has seen his home (and the Veronica) and realized just how wealthy he is and so she sadly tells Jake they won't suit because of their different backgrounds. This brings out the alpha in Jake: he tells her, "I shall have you in the end." Rowr!
So, they remain at a standoff – Jake insists that they will suit perfectly fine and Britannia keeps saying no. Oh, yeah, we haven’t seen Joan in days because she met the son of some old friends of the Veskes and they immediately fell in love. Anyway, this has left Britannia at loose ends and free to accompany Jake to the hospital in Appeldorn, saving a little girl choking on a pebble on the way, and to his home for tea, where she met his mother (who was lovely) and Madeleine the Veronica (who was nasty). Jake takes her out on her last two evenings that she is scheduled to remain in Holland. If Britannia was really serious about not marrying Jake, would she have wanted to hang out with him? *rhetorical question*
Anyway, on the very last day, Britannia decides to ride her bike and take a last look at Jake’s home. She has a bike accident, severely spraining her ankle and hitting her head. She lies unconscious in the cold for hours. Joan and Mevrouw Veske suspect where she went and call Jake’s home. Marinus, the butler, knows which way the wind is blowing (and all the servants dislike Madeleine) and calls Jake, who immediately rushes home and jumps on his horse to search for her. Of course, she is too badly hurt to return to England and since the Veskes have plans to travel for Sint Nikolaas, Britannia stays at Jake’s home.
And Jake’s family is lovely to her, especially his youngest sister, Corinne. They are all happy to think Jake may marry her and not the Malevolent Madeleine. Things are going well between Jake and Britannia; Sint Nikolaas is particularly fun. Jake takes Britannia off to a little room and proposes and they engage in some heavy snogging.
A couple of days later, Jake gets all distant and acts worried and Britannia overhears him talking to Madeleine on the phone and making arrangements to meet with her. She says nothing. Afterward, Jake seems fine, so she thinks all is resolved. Then Madeleine shows up looking upkempt and sad and says she has a letter from Jake. Bottom line, Madeleine points out Britannia is from a different class and that although Jake is infatuated with her now, he will eventually fall out of love and realize he should have married Madeleine (which is what Britannia is worried about to start with). Of course, it’s all lies! When Britannia confronts Jake, he gets all in a rage and won’t talk to her and insists on driving her home immediately.
So, Britannia goes back to the hospital to finish out her contract, working in Geriatrics, where she is thankful to be kept busy enough she can sleep at night.
Then Jake shows up, temper-tantrum over; he takes her back to Ned’s Café (their fairy godfather, as he says); he apologizes; he explains that Madeleine stole a letter intended for Britannia; he professes his undying love; and he produces a special license. She accepts and they’re off to a HEA.
Things I Liked: 1. Jake doesn’t wait around for 9 chapters to declare himself. 2. Britannia calls him out for his evasive answers and his rudeness. 3. Great dialogue/banter between H/h. 4. The travelogue of the Appeldoorn area. 4. The food descriptions.
Things I didn’t like: 1. Britannia is a bit wishy-washy. First, she falls in love at first sight and is determined to meet Jake again and someday marry him. Then when she does, and when he has apparently fallen in love with her, too, she is put off by his wealth and the differences in their background. This is the problem I have with the LAFS trope – how can you truly fall in love with someone you don’t know? Instant attraction, yes. Real love, no. 2. I'm a bit worried about Jake's temper. 3. The cover. 70s era Harlequins are a mixed bag - some of them are delightful, but this one is just ugh. Jake is supposed to be handsome and Britannia is supposed to be beautiful and on the cover, neither one are attractive, IMHO.
Final rating: 3.75/5
*****************
"What I like about you," observed Britannia, "is the terseness of your answers."
He grinned. "I am high-handed, I shout, I'm nasty, ill-tempered, irritable . . . I forget the rest, although you have told me often enough." He gave her a little shake. "I have never been preached at so often in my life before."
"Or tea, perhaps -- you English drink gallons of tea."
"That's why we're such nice people. I'd love to go to your house."
This description of Madeleine de Venz, the Veronica: "Oyster crepe, cut far too low for such a bony chest and too elaborate for the occasion. Quite unsuitable . . . "
May 16, 2012
I am a true Betty Neels fan. I own almost all of her books.
I usually give Betty Neels books 4-5 stars, however, I find I must give this one 3 stars and here's why:
I found the Professor Luitingh van Thien to be very rude at times, not forthcoming with information when asked, and as he stated in the book "no need to please anyone." However under that strong and overbearing behavior is a man with a good heart. I actually like him.
Now Britannia at times made me want to throw my book at her. She over questioned, and was insecure about everything, especially when it came to Professor Luitingh van Thien. Even when he professed his feelings for her she questioned it, and wouldn't believe it (I won't give too much away her, you really need to read it). She accused him of being rude, yet she was rude to him. Her back and forth behavior drove me nuts.
I will continue to read Betty Neels books until I have read them all.
I usually give Betty Neels books 4-5 stars, however, I find I must give this one 3 stars and here's why:
I found the Professor Luitingh van Thien to be very rude at times, not forthcoming with information when asked, and as he stated in the book "no need to please anyone." However under that strong and overbearing behavior is a man with a good heart. I actually like him.
Now Britannia at times made me want to throw my book at her. She over questioned, and was insecure about everything, especially when it came to Professor Luitingh van Thien. Even when he professed his feelings for her she questioned it, and wouldn't believe it (I won't give too much away her, you really need to read it). She accused him of being rude, yet she was rude to him. Her back and forth behavior drove me nuts.
I will continue to read Betty Neels books until I have read them all.
August 6, 2013
First of all, did you guys know there was only one "T" in "Britannia"? Take it from this woman who just spent what feels like an eternity trying to find this GD book on Goodreads using two "T"'s.
*breathing out*
Second, this rating is really only like 2.5 stars. This is shocking to me, and I almost hesitate to write this, but I may have found, for the first time in twenty-two years of Betty Neels reading the one title of hers that I dislike.
To be fair, I think I dislike the characters way more than I dislike the story. I also missed the traditional BN story structure, but that's a minor quibble because, you guys, these characters are maddening. I mean I've loved some of Betty's taciturn, bad-tempered big-boned Dutch doctors and there have been a few that I've puzzled over and some that maybe I thought were bit over-the-top in their zeal to not fall in love, but I don't think I've ever thought any of them were cruel.
Until now.
I'm marking this for spoilers because well, I have something to get off my chest here.
*breathing out*
Yeah, I had some issues.
I feel a bit disloyal here, but I am wide awake at 4:08am writing this as a way to exorcise my turbulent emotions. I really never thought I'd meet a BN title that didn't make my heart lurch. I guess, in a way, it's a tribute to Betty that it took twenty-two years for me to find the one though.
*breathing out*
Second, this rating is really only like 2.5 stars. This is shocking to me, and I almost hesitate to write this, but I may have found, for the first time in twenty-two years of Betty Neels reading the one title of hers that I dislike.
To be fair, I think I dislike the characters way more than I dislike the story. I also missed the traditional BN story structure, but that's a minor quibble because, you guys, these characters are maddening. I mean I've loved some of Betty's taciturn, bad-tempered big-boned Dutch doctors and there have been a few that I've puzzled over and some that maybe I thought were bit over-the-top in their zeal to not fall in love, but I don't think I've ever thought any of them were cruel.
Until now.
I'm marking this for spoilers because well, I have something to get off my chest here.
*breathing out*
Yeah, I had some issues.
I feel a bit disloyal here, but I am wide awake at 4:08am writing this as a way to exorcise my turbulent emotions. I really never thought I'd meet a BN title that didn't make my heart lurch. I guess, in a way, it's a tribute to Betty that it took twenty-two years for me to find the one though.
November 10, 2020
You must be thinking I'm becoming a Betty Neels fan, with the amount of books of her I'm reading. or maybe you've already seen my rating and have guessed I'm not. To be honest, it's neither. I'm not a fan, but I don't dislike her books either (in general). Adding to that an ebook-pack with a bunch of her titles, and how easy these are to read and I end up reading quite a few of them whenever I'm bored.
This also means that their formula is becoming clearer and clearer and the main point of these books is almost always the same. In some cases, I love the dynamics, here, I did not. I did not like the main character, and the very weird insta-love. In a second she knew she wanted to marry him. Then even when he kept being rude and annoying, she loved him, even though she literally never had a good thought about him.
She was also very rude and annoying to him, yet somehow their feelings were mutual. There were also way too many plot-convenient coincidences for me. Did not like this.
This also means that their formula is becoming clearer and clearer and the main point of these books is almost always the same. In some cases, I love the dynamics, here, I did not. I did not like the main character, and the very weird insta-love. In a second she knew she wanted to marry him. Then even when he kept being rude and annoying, she loved him, even though she literally never had a good thought about him.
She was also very rude and annoying to him, yet somehow their feelings were mutual. There were also way too many plot-convenient coincidences for me. Did not like this.
May 7, 2021
This is a Neels with a strong heroine and distant RDD - at least at first. However, Britannia decides to marry the Dr. after one meeting and soon starts thinking about kind fairies and such, which seemed out of character for her. I liked that she maneuvered herself to meet the Dr. again, an unusually forward action for a Neels girl. Then she started falling off her bicycle and causing near-accidents at such a rate that I had to agree with the Dr. when he told her she shouldn't be allowed out alone. There's also an OW whom everybody - including the hero - assures her he doesn't care for, but at the crucial moment she chooses to believe the schemer and forget everything else, thus setting up our crises. All in all I enjoyed the book but it's not one of Neels' best, as she usually does a better job drawing consistent characters. This one felt like two different books stuck together.
NB - If you enjoy Neel's books join the conversation at the GR group Betty Neels Junkies. See you there!
NB - If you enjoy Neel's books join the conversation at the GR group Betty Neels Junkies. See you there!
February 7, 2026
Read: 20Nov25, 7Feb26
4.2 stars. I enjoyed this book a lot because I love an icy and moody H and Jake was all of that. However in the middle of the book, the h Britannia behaved in a way I found utterly stupid and insipid and that spoiled some of the book for me. The angsty ending and Britannia being more sensible even while heartbroken kind of redeemed it.
h Britannia is a big, tall, beauty and a hospital nurse. This time she has a loving family, no impoverishment. H Jake is an RDD based in holland. They meet when she is in the hospital sluice room comforting a newbie nurse who was blamed for someone else's mistake, and when Jake turns up she doesnt know he is the all important consultant that they are rushing to tidy everything up for and she tells him, kindly, to go all the way back downstairs etc and that he will have to wait until the important inspection is over before he can visit whoever he has come to see. Jake is aloof and does as she asks. (Probably sees they all ned a bit more time so he decides to go along with her suggestion. That was nice of him!) But when he then turns up again shortly afterwards and she realises he is the important visiting consultant she is mortified and miffed with him for not telling her. Ooh, sparks at the meetcute are always a good sign.
Even so, Britannia has her moment of realisation very quickly and not only becomes aware she has fallen in love at first sight but also resolves that she intends to marry this man. That was interesting, and usually it would put me off to see a h making such a potentially arrogant and overreaching presumption, but Betty knows how to make these things work so that they arent too annoying.
H is a moody and high handed sort which i actually find quite sexy. He asks Britannia out for a meal and we know he is interested in her because he asks her if she is intending to marry anyone or if she is in love. Being honest to a fault, she says that yes, she is in love. She means with HIM but she doesn't say that of course. He goes from being aloof but intense, to being icy and terse. She doesn't really pick up on it, but obviously he is miffed that the girl he likes seems to be in love with someone else. He says goodbye and shortly leaves for holland, and she is sad, thinking she wont see him again.
But then a fellow nurse friend of hers is going on a 2 week trip to holland to see her godmother and she has invited Britannia along for company and Britannia decides to go, hoping fate might let her meet Jake again. It's interesting that Britannia even tells her parents that she has met the man she wants to marry but that he doesnt seem to like her very much.
To her surprise she and Jake meet again in holland when she is on a bike and he nearly runs her over. she had stopped to rescue and injured bird. he is furious with her and very rude. He doesnt offer her a lift, doesn't help her fix her damaged tyre and, in fact, quite rudely tells her she can darn well fix it herself and he drives off in a huff (with the bird). it takes 20 mins for him to drive back, by which time she has accepted help from a stranger, and she tells him she doesnt need a lift, and he drives off in a huff again. lol. I gotta say that i love such a moody volatile hero and he is the most volatile betty hero so far!
SPOILERS
Despite his initial shock and annoyance at her presence, he cant help but come and seek her out and though he is often aloof and chilly, he takes her for bike rides and drives and to see his lovely house and meet his mom etc. Britannia is pleased of course, but not sure if he likes her as he is still acting all unpredictable and high handed and aloof. At his house, Britannia meets the OTHER WOMAN, a skinny beautiful sophisticate who has clearly known him and his family for years and who is clearly intent on marrying Jake.
When Jake drops Britannia off at the house she is staying at, she asks him if he is planning to marry the other woman. she expects he will explode at the impertinence of her question. To her shock, he huffily says no. perhaps he was at one point considering it but that he absolutely will not and the reason is Britannia herself. that he loves her and cant live without her and he plans on marrying Britannia! This was actually really wonderful and unexpected to read at this point in the story.
this is where the SUPER ANNOYING thing happens. Brittania, who was so determined to marry Jake from the start, suddenly changes her mind. She becomes all self sacrificing. She says she cant possibly marry him because she never knew he was so rich with such a big house and lived in a way she wouldnt fit in with, and that she must self sacrifice herself because the Other woman is clearly a better choice as a wife for him. He says dont tell me what is good for me, but she wont hear it. It was so incredibly just pathetic to see a woman humble herself stupidly and for no good reason. It just didn't make sense that a woman confident enough to decide she is going to marry a man who doesn't even seem to like her would suddenly behave in such a pathetic way. WTH. i HATED it.
Then, even though Jake continues to spend time with her, she continues to not change her mind, even though he declares often that she is the one he wants and he intends to change her mind. Then comes the day she is going to leave and return home from her holiday and he takes her out one last time and she is miffed that he doesnt seem sad when she says goodbye and yet she still doesnt change her mind. And then fate intervenes and she has a bad crash on her bike near his home and hurts her ankle and her head. She is missing for some time, unconscious and cold and unable to move, and when he is alerted she is missing, he rushes to find her. He is gentle and competent when he rescues her but remains distant and she finds it upsetting. He takes her back to his house, which is nearby, and tends to her injuries. She has to remain there for some days in bed. she begins to feel like a burden as they are having a winter family celebration, Sinterklaas, and she is being treated as a mere guest stuck in her room and not as part of the family and not part of everything. Worse, the other woman is invited to join the family.
To her surprise, on the day of Sinterklaas, jake insists she participates and takes her downstairs. The other woman is cold to her and Britannia decides the OW doesnt deserve him because she doesnt care for him enough, which the whole family have already also said to Britannia. Jake is solicitous of Britannia's needs and makes sure she is cherished, and then takes her to a private room and asks her again to marry him. He bulldozes her a bit but this time she agrees to marry him but asks him to keep it quiet for a while and not talk about it. Even so, the whole family pretty much guess and they are very pleased.
ENDING SPOILERS
some days later, Britannia overhears Jake on phone with the OW arranging to meet her. He doesnt tell Britannia about this and Britannia is a bit worried. Afterwards the OW comes to see Britannia and she looks untidy and sad and heartbroken and she shows Britannia a letter in dutch that Jake has written to her and insists on translating it for Britannia, and it says to his darling that he misses her and wants to be with her and doesnt know how he could even have thought that he was a little bit in love with another woman etc. The OW says Jake is already regretting his engagement because he is realising it was a mere infatuation for Britannia and that she and Jake share a real and deep and abiding love and that she belongs with jake and when he comes to realise it, he will regret his marriage to Britannia and will feel trapped. And that he is planning to call it off.
Britannia confronts Jake about this after the OW leaves and he is furious. Instantly icy. doesnt want to hear her talk tor to offer any explanations. He is furious that Britannia believed the OW and has accused him of double dealing etc. HE is in a towering silent rage. at this point the story improved for me again because Britannia tries really hard to talk to him about it and he just wont talk. He is rude and unkind about it, which i loved because of the angst. she says maybe she better go home and he says yes she should. that she has half an hour to pack and he is going to take her back. She is shocked - just half an hour! he barely gives her a chance to say goodbye to his mom. He drives her all the way home, keeping up a load of impersonal talk the whole way and not letting her get a word in edgeways. He leaves her at her parents' house and says something cruel that implies she will never see him again. oh the sweet sweet angst.
Britannia goes back to work at the hospital, running herself ragged and miserable. some days later he suddenly turns up at her job, proceeds to tell her patients that she is his girl and that he loves her, and that he plans to say it loud and proud to everyone until Britannia gets the message that he loves her and is going to marry her. His rage has clearly subsided and he is determinedly calmer. He takes her to dinner, says he will get on his knees for her in public if he has too (even though he never actually apologises with words for his behaviour). he says he had demanded an explanation from the OW to find out what she did. he gives her the letter to read. the love letter turns out to have been written to Britannia, not the OW. he tells her again that he loves her and wants to marry her. he already has a special licence and has sorted things out so she can leave her job and already talked to her parents. He really is quite desperate in his high handedness so it can be forgiven. She agrees of course. Kisses. The end.
Despite my frustrations with the middle section of this book, the angst at the end made up for it. i liked that the tables turned and it was Britannia trying to act sensible and it was him who lost his head and then had to come to find her and 'grovel'. The book itself also had a decent pace, varied and interesting events and mostly kept my attention. It lacked a little in some of the depth of plot that my fave betty books have but it didnt seem to matter. I think mainly the hero being so moody, plus the way the ending played out redeemed this from an average Betty book into one of the better betty books for me. Not near my top faves in terms of emotion and angst and coziness, but definitely a good read with loads of chemistry between the couple.
4.2 stars. I enjoyed this book a lot because I love an icy and moody H and Jake was all of that. However in the middle of the book, the h Britannia behaved in a way I found utterly stupid and insipid and that spoiled some of the book for me. The angsty ending and Britannia being more sensible even while heartbroken kind of redeemed it.
h Britannia is a big, tall, beauty and a hospital nurse. This time she has a loving family, no impoverishment. H Jake is an RDD based in holland. They meet when she is in the hospital sluice room comforting a newbie nurse who was blamed for someone else's mistake, and when Jake turns up she doesnt know he is the all important consultant that they are rushing to tidy everything up for and she tells him, kindly, to go all the way back downstairs etc and that he will have to wait until the important inspection is over before he can visit whoever he has come to see. Jake is aloof and does as she asks. (Probably sees they all ned a bit more time so he decides to go along with her suggestion. That was nice of him!) But when he then turns up again shortly afterwards and she realises he is the important visiting consultant she is mortified and miffed with him for not telling her. Ooh, sparks at the meetcute are always a good sign.
Even so, Britannia has her moment of realisation very quickly and not only becomes aware she has fallen in love at first sight but also resolves that she intends to marry this man. That was interesting, and usually it would put me off to see a h making such a potentially arrogant and overreaching presumption, but Betty knows how to make these things work so that they arent too annoying.
H is a moody and high handed sort which i actually find quite sexy. He asks Britannia out for a meal and we know he is interested in her because he asks her if she is intending to marry anyone or if she is in love. Being honest to a fault, she says that yes, she is in love. She means with HIM but she doesn't say that of course. He goes from being aloof but intense, to being icy and terse. She doesn't really pick up on it, but obviously he is miffed that the girl he likes seems to be in love with someone else. He says goodbye and shortly leaves for holland, and she is sad, thinking she wont see him again.
But then a fellow nurse friend of hers is going on a 2 week trip to holland to see her godmother and she has invited Britannia along for company and Britannia decides to go, hoping fate might let her meet Jake again. It's interesting that Britannia even tells her parents that she has met the man she wants to marry but that he doesnt seem to like her very much.
To her surprise she and Jake meet again in holland when she is on a bike and he nearly runs her over. she had stopped to rescue and injured bird. he is furious with her and very rude. He doesnt offer her a lift, doesn't help her fix her damaged tyre and, in fact, quite rudely tells her she can darn well fix it herself and he drives off in a huff (with the bird). it takes 20 mins for him to drive back, by which time she has accepted help from a stranger, and she tells him she doesnt need a lift, and he drives off in a huff again. lol. I gotta say that i love such a moody volatile hero and he is the most volatile betty hero so far!
SPOILERS
Despite his initial shock and annoyance at her presence, he cant help but come and seek her out and though he is often aloof and chilly, he takes her for bike rides and drives and to see his lovely house and meet his mom etc. Britannia is pleased of course, but not sure if he likes her as he is still acting all unpredictable and high handed and aloof. At his house, Britannia meets the OTHER WOMAN, a skinny beautiful sophisticate who has clearly known him and his family for years and who is clearly intent on marrying Jake.
When Jake drops Britannia off at the house she is staying at, she asks him if he is planning to marry the other woman. she expects he will explode at the impertinence of her question. To her shock, he huffily says no. perhaps he was at one point considering it but that he absolutely will not and the reason is Britannia herself. that he loves her and cant live without her and he plans on marrying Britannia! This was actually really wonderful and unexpected to read at this point in the story.
this is where the SUPER ANNOYING thing happens. Brittania, who was so determined to marry Jake from the start, suddenly changes her mind. She becomes all self sacrificing. She says she cant possibly marry him because she never knew he was so rich with such a big house and lived in a way she wouldnt fit in with, and that she must self sacrifice herself because the Other woman is clearly a better choice as a wife for him. He says dont tell me what is good for me, but she wont hear it. It was so incredibly just pathetic to see a woman humble herself stupidly and for no good reason. It just didn't make sense that a woman confident enough to decide she is going to marry a man who doesn't even seem to like her would suddenly behave in such a pathetic way. WTH. i HATED it.
Then, even though Jake continues to spend time with her, she continues to not change her mind, even though he declares often that she is the one he wants and he intends to change her mind. Then comes the day she is going to leave and return home from her holiday and he takes her out one last time and she is miffed that he doesnt seem sad when she says goodbye and yet she still doesnt change her mind. And then fate intervenes and she has a bad crash on her bike near his home and hurts her ankle and her head. She is missing for some time, unconscious and cold and unable to move, and when he is alerted she is missing, he rushes to find her. He is gentle and competent when he rescues her but remains distant and she finds it upsetting. He takes her back to his house, which is nearby, and tends to her injuries. She has to remain there for some days in bed. she begins to feel like a burden as they are having a winter family celebration, Sinterklaas, and she is being treated as a mere guest stuck in her room and not as part of the family and not part of everything. Worse, the other woman is invited to join the family.
To her surprise, on the day of Sinterklaas, jake insists she participates and takes her downstairs. The other woman is cold to her and Britannia decides the OW doesnt deserve him because she doesnt care for him enough, which the whole family have already also said to Britannia. Jake is solicitous of Britannia's needs and makes sure she is cherished, and then takes her to a private room and asks her again to marry him. He bulldozes her a bit but this time she agrees to marry him but asks him to keep it quiet for a while and not talk about it. Even so, the whole family pretty much guess and they are very pleased.
ENDING SPOILERS
some days later, Britannia overhears Jake on phone with the OW arranging to meet her. He doesnt tell Britannia about this and Britannia is a bit worried. Afterwards the OW comes to see Britannia and she looks untidy and sad and heartbroken and she shows Britannia a letter in dutch that Jake has written to her and insists on translating it for Britannia, and it says to his darling that he misses her and wants to be with her and doesnt know how he could even have thought that he was a little bit in love with another woman etc. The OW says Jake is already regretting his engagement because he is realising it was a mere infatuation for Britannia and that she and Jake share a real and deep and abiding love and that she belongs with jake and when he comes to realise it, he will regret his marriage to Britannia and will feel trapped. And that he is planning to call it off.
Britannia confronts Jake about this after the OW leaves and he is furious. Instantly icy. doesnt want to hear her talk tor to offer any explanations. He is furious that Britannia believed the OW and has accused him of double dealing etc. HE is in a towering silent rage. at this point the story improved for me again because Britannia tries really hard to talk to him about it and he just wont talk. He is rude and unkind about it, which i loved because of the angst. she says maybe she better go home and he says yes she should. that she has half an hour to pack and he is going to take her back. She is shocked - just half an hour! he barely gives her a chance to say goodbye to his mom. He drives her all the way home, keeping up a load of impersonal talk the whole way and not letting her get a word in edgeways. He leaves her at her parents' house and says something cruel that implies she will never see him again. oh the sweet sweet angst.
Britannia goes back to work at the hospital, running herself ragged and miserable. some days later he suddenly turns up at her job, proceeds to tell her patients that she is his girl and that he loves her, and that he plans to say it loud and proud to everyone until Britannia gets the message that he loves her and is going to marry her. His rage has clearly subsided and he is determinedly calmer. He takes her to dinner, says he will get on his knees for her in public if he has too (even though he never actually apologises with words for his behaviour). he says he had demanded an explanation from the OW to find out what she did. he gives her the letter to read. the love letter turns out to have been written to Britannia, not the OW. he tells her again that he loves her and wants to marry her. he already has a special licence and has sorted things out so she can leave her job and already talked to her parents. He really is quite desperate in his high handedness so it can be forgiven. She agrees of course. Kisses. The end.
Despite my frustrations with the middle section of this book, the angst at the end made up for it. i liked that the tables turned and it was Britannia trying to act sensible and it was him who lost his head and then had to come to find her and 'grovel'. The book itself also had a decent pace, varied and interesting events and mostly kept my attention. It lacked a little in some of the depth of plot that my fave betty books have but it didnt seem to matter. I think mainly the hero being so moody, plus the way the ending played out redeemed this from an average Betty book into one of the better betty books for me. Not near my top faves in terms of emotion and angst and coziness, but definitely a good read with loads of chemistry between the couple.
May 14, 2018
1978, 3.75*
Britannia, so named because with a name like Smith, her parents felt they had to er "compensate" LOL! Jake the RDD had the nastiest temper in a BN hero! He was so unfriendly and cold in the beginning, so imagine my shock when at 50% they BOTH expressed mutual liking! Britannia fell in love right at third sight (first sight was in the sluice room, she sent him back down to come up the main stairs haha, second sight was when he entered the ward via the main entrance now, third was he invaded her space in the tiny linen closet, where she refused to share her coffee with him to pay him back for his rudeness!)
It was too cute, how she announced to her parents she'd met the man she'd marry, and was going to Holland with her colleague Joan and hope to see the doctor, all without knowing his full name, let along address or hometown LOL. But because it's romance land, he just lived down the lane from her hosts' house haha!
It was a weird courtship but the way Jake declared himself was funny and so good...so different from the usual hero who kept mum and played cool! He had a bad temper, but also could say the nicest things! And he mounted a search and rescue for Britannia on his horse, in his suit because he had no time to change! Then we had the not quite accepted proposal everybody knew about, without a ring because a ring "makes it binding". The fly in the ointment was this Madeleine...Britannia got it into her head that SHE was perfect for Jake, and Britannia would never be the perfect hostess Jake needed.
She made it so easy for Madeleine to make mischief, in spite of KNOWING Madeleine was doing. She did give Jake the chance to explain but the big proud man finally let us see his bad tempered self and refused to discuss the matter. He literally packed Britannia home immediately but still tenderly seeing her home to her parents 's home.
Britannia was an idiot!
After a few days for her to cool down and Jake investigated what actually did Madeleine do...by asking Madeleine (WTH?!) he, with the help of Mr Smith, arranged for a special license so they could have a few days alone after Christmas before the clan descended on NYE! Lovely family Jake had, the grand house tour of love was half conducted by Jake's mother who tried convincing Britannia to accept his proposal! She made it clear it was no love lost on any side with Madeleine...but Britannia was such an idiot, did I mention? Ooh the ultimate condemnation of Madeleine: even the DOGS avoided her! LOL
But I still like Britannia and Jake very much. Oh we revisit Reilof and Laura (The Hasty Marriage) who had twins - a boy and girl! Love!
Overall a lovely read!
Britannia, so named because with a name like Smith, her parents felt they had to er "compensate" LOL! Jake the RDD had the nastiest temper in a BN hero! He was so unfriendly and cold in the beginning, so imagine my shock when at 50% they BOTH expressed mutual liking! Britannia fell in love right at third sight (first sight was in the sluice room, she sent him back down to come up the main stairs haha, second sight was when he entered the ward via the main entrance now, third was he invaded her space in the tiny linen closet, where she refused to share her coffee with him to pay him back for his rudeness!)
It was too cute, how she announced to her parents she'd met the man she'd marry, and was going to Holland with her colleague Joan and hope to see the doctor, all without knowing his full name, let along address or hometown LOL. But because it's romance land, he just lived down the lane from her hosts' house haha!
It was a weird courtship but the way Jake declared himself was funny and so good...so different from the usual hero who kept mum and played cool! He had a bad temper, but also could say the nicest things! And he mounted a search and rescue for Britannia on his horse, in his suit because he had no time to change! Then we had the not quite accepted proposal everybody knew about, without a ring because a ring "makes it binding". The fly in the ointment was this Madeleine...Britannia got it into her head that SHE was perfect for Jake, and Britannia would never be the perfect hostess Jake needed.
She made it so easy for Madeleine to make mischief, in spite of KNOWING Madeleine was doing. She did give Jake the chance to explain but the big proud man finally let us see his bad tempered self and refused to discuss the matter. He literally packed Britannia home immediately but still tenderly seeing her home to her parents 's home.
Britannia was an idiot!
After a few days for her to cool down and Jake investigated what actually did Madeleine do...by asking Madeleine (WTH?!) he, with the help of Mr Smith, arranged for a special license so they could have a few days alone after Christmas before the clan descended on NYE! Lovely family Jake had, the grand house tour of love was half conducted by Jake's mother who tried convincing Britannia to accept his proposal! She made it clear it was no love lost on any side with Madeleine...but Britannia was such an idiot, did I mention? Ooh the ultimate condemnation of Madeleine: even the DOGS avoided her! LOL
But I still like Britannia and Jake very much. Oh we revisit Reilof and Laura (The Hasty Marriage) who had twins - a boy and girl! Love!
Overall a lovely read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
I think I’ve got the hang of Betty Neal’s books, her heroines are plucky, cheerful, unassuming souls who are called plain by themselves or others throughout the book but then are described in a way where it’s clear they’re nothing of the sort. There’s usually an evil other woman lurking in the corner, a shrewd astute, usually Dutch hero and a slow burn romance. Then the big misunderstanding or misinformation ensues and the heroine invariably runs back home. The hero obligingly follows immediately or after a few weeks and happy every after ensues. In this one, the hero goes into a silent white rage, and takes the heroine back himself. Personally I should have kicked him in the family jewels after the hideous 24 hours he put her through and then the several days he took his leisure to put things to right. The heroine was of a much more practical spirit. Still the whole business of the letter the other woman had taken hold of and pretended was meant for herself, was stupid, because if our educated doctor who’s fluent in English had meant to write anything to the h, he’d write it in English especially since he knew better than anyone else that she couldn’t read any Dutch. So that’s the hole in this one’s plot that stopped me from enjoying it. The extra star is for the heroine whom I really liked.
November 15, 2022
I have read this book many, many times, but when I look at it a few years later, I don't remember it. Now I know why it's so forgettable. The book starts out with so much promise. Such a cute first encounter (and second), but mid-way thru the book, the cuteness stops and the annoyance begins. Britannia finds so many stupid, silly reasons why Jake shouldn't marry her. When the excuses run out, she'll imagine ones to prevent herself from having a happily ever after. All unhappiness in the story is strictly of her own accord. Betty has written better books.
September 15, 2017
This book had a strong meet-cute and several passages of stronger-than-usual dialogue between the two leads. However, multiple key plot points involved rather improbable developments. I also continue to struggle with Neels' early-declaration plots. For me, these never have as strong or convincing a conflict, and I tend to lose interest much earlier than usual.
May 3, 2019
4 or 5 stars, not sure. I liked all her sassiness and their fussing with each other. I laughed out often. I enjoyed how he was written, with enough peeks to know what he must have been thinking and feeling. And mercy, Betty, there was quite a bit of smooching compared to other Betty books I've read so far.
March 15, 2018
Nice
I 💗ed the Hero and Heroine this a nice old fashioned romance by Betty I am currently on a mission to purchase all of Mrs Betty Neels books she is a great writer she uses the same formula for most of her books but each is special due to her good wtiting
I 💗ed the Hero and Heroine this a nice old fashioned romance by Betty I am currently on a mission to purchase all of Mrs Betty Neels books she is a great writer she uses the same formula for most of her books but each is special due to her good wtiting
October 4, 2021
Could not finish. She falls in love with him at first sight. He is very rude. She sort of chases after him by going to Holland (something I hate) and does in fact see him there. He tells her he loves her and she tells him she isn’t suitable to be his wife. Drivel.
August 6, 2018
Lovely
If you enjoy your romances light, clean, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels
If you enjoy your romances light, clean, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels
May 19, 2019
Strong Tea
Again, a light English-Dutch romance in Neel’s patented style. Medical personnel, misunderstanding between lovers, a villainess, and love at last
Again, a light English-Dutch romance in Neel’s patented style. Medical personnel, misunderstanding between lovers, a villainess, and love at last
April 28, 2020
The pacing of this one is super weird. The hero confesses his love to the heroine like halfway through and she comes up with increasingly stupid reasons why Their Love Can Never Be. Come on.
September 26, 2020
Good author to read if you're looking for a sweet, short story with a happy ending.
March 31, 2021
This maybe a favourite!
September 28, 2021
Very nice, light and true to form.
January 6, 2022
Really annoying h!!!!
August 17, 2022
A favourite Betty!
My blog review:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
My blog review:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
March 24, 2023
probably my favorite Betty title so far - I mean the actual title, Britannia All at Sea. the book itself was great, except for the Big Misunderstanding at the end. that was awful.
May 15, 2023
*2023 Popsugar Reading Challenge*
Advanced Prompt #7: A book about a holiday that's not Christmas
Advanced Prompt #7: A book about a holiday that's not Christmas
December 6, 2024
Departure for Neels: heroine immediately knows she wants to marry hero; he's irascible (but occasionally tender) and becomes quite determined (and open and demonstrative!) in his pursuit.
April 6, 2025
I almost always enjoy Betty Neels books, but this one made me so annoyed at the MMC. He's just a jerk most of the time, and he doesn't appologize! And Brittania just accepts this and never asks for an apology. So irritating
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