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The Captain's Lady
Captain James Templeton's orders from General Washington are clear. His Lord Bennington, a member of George III's Privy Council. The find Bennington's war plans. The the future of the East Florida Colony, Jamie's life…and his heart. In spite of the dangers of their hopeless situation, he's fallen in love with Lady Marianne Moberly, Lord Bennington's daughter.
Desperate to protect his country, Jamie carries out his orders with a heavy heart. But Marianne's persistence is a challenge he never expected. With love and faith, they must navigate troubled waters to win their future together.
Desperate to protect his country, Jamie carries out his orders with a heavy heart. But Marianne's persistence is a challenge he never expected. With love and faith, they must navigate troubled waters to win their future together.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 20, 2010
Ms. Gouge's books just keep getting better and better. I absolutely adored this latest story of forbidden love. How can a lowly American ship captain ever hope to obtain the hand of a British Earl's daughter, especially when their two countries are at war? Set during the start of the American Revolution, this book has it all. Espionage, intrigue, romance, and adventure both on land and on sea. Complete with a happy ending that will leave you with a satisfied sigh. Louise Gouge's writing is like a fine wine. Elegant, rich, flavorful and warming all over.
October 19, 2019
A good historical read about the revolutionary war and a love story about a American ship captain and a daughter of British aristocracy.
February 22, 2010
You all know how much I love regencies. Look at this cover, can't you just imagine it in any Austen movie?
I finished it and ran to the computer to tell you all how much I loved this book! It is out on Kindle and will be available in print on March 16th. Order now. lol Everything you could ask for in a historical romance is bound up in this one story. A forbidden romance, gripping characters, an interesting story, action and adventure... Maybe they should make it into a movie. :o)
You have your hero ~ Captain James Templeton. He's brave, noble, willing to sacrifice his own desires for a greater cause. He has men who respect him, a sense of humor, honor, is handsome and gives in to his heart just enough that we get a few of those touching moments where stolen kisses show his weakness for our leading lady.
Then there is the lady herself ~ Miss Marianne Moberly. She's pretty, intelligent, and though she operates within the bounds of society ~ she's feisty enough that you know she breaks those rules when she deems it necessary. She also has an extremely strong sense of justice, love for children, does charity work, but is strong willed. This is no fainting wall flower or airhead. Her quick thinking saves the lives of many people.
The author also did a magnificent job with her brother Robert, the lush who reforms after accepting Christ. He becomes a good friend of Jamie's and is encouraged to by him to find a good occupation and then marry the woman he wants, Grace ~ whether or not his father approves. Then there is Marianne's father, Lord Bennington, who never seemed to be able to approve of any of his sons no matter what they accomplished. His severe manner kept everyone in the household on edge except his wife and Jamie. He reminded me a bit of a bear that had been waken before his hibernation cycle was finished.
Many times what God asks us to do is difficult and scary. The author really helps us feel the anguish Jamie goes through as he struggles with whether he is doing the right thing or not. He feels real affection for Marianne's family and doesn't like being deceptive. He also believes 100 percent in the cause of the American colonies.
I could see him in my mind, and Marianne next to him trying to convince him to ask her father for her hand in marriage. He knows her father would never approve, and he doesn't know whether she would last without her fine house and servants, or what she would think of his "rebellious" beliefs. Their struggle was one I imagine could very well have happened in our history. It did happen on these pages quite convincingly.
I finished it and ran to the computer to tell you all how much I loved this book! It is out on Kindle and will be available in print on March 16th. Order now. lol Everything you could ask for in a historical romance is bound up in this one story. A forbidden romance, gripping characters, an interesting story, action and adventure... Maybe they should make it into a movie. :o)
You have your hero ~ Captain James Templeton. He's brave, noble, willing to sacrifice his own desires for a greater cause. He has men who respect him, a sense of humor, honor, is handsome and gives in to his heart just enough that we get a few of those touching moments where stolen kisses show his weakness for our leading lady.
Then there is the lady herself ~ Miss Marianne Moberly. She's pretty, intelligent, and though she operates within the bounds of society ~ she's feisty enough that you know she breaks those rules when she deems it necessary. She also has an extremely strong sense of justice, love for children, does charity work, but is strong willed. This is no fainting wall flower or airhead. Her quick thinking saves the lives of many people.
The author also did a magnificent job with her brother Robert, the lush who reforms after accepting Christ. He becomes a good friend of Jamie's and is encouraged to by him to find a good occupation and then marry the woman he wants, Grace ~ whether or not his father approves. Then there is Marianne's father, Lord Bennington, who never seemed to be able to approve of any of his sons no matter what they accomplished. His severe manner kept everyone in the household on edge except his wife and Jamie. He reminded me a bit of a bear that had been waken before his hibernation cycle was finished.
Many times what God asks us to do is difficult and scary. The author really helps us feel the anguish Jamie goes through as he struggles with whether he is doing the right thing or not. He feels real affection for Marianne's family and doesn't like being deceptive. He also believes 100 percent in the cause of the American colonies.
I could see him in my mind, and Marianne next to him trying to convince him to ask her father for her hand in marriage. He knows her father would never approve, and he doesn't know whether she would last without her fine house and servants, or what she would think of his "rebellious" beliefs. Their struggle was one I imagine could very well have happened in our history. It did happen on these pages quite convincingly.
August 26, 2012
Setting:
1776, London England; Fair Winds, American merchant ship;
Theme:
Love, honor, revolution for what is right, God’s guidance
Character:
Lady Marianne Bennington – loved of her mother and strict father, biddable, charity work, deeper faith after time with Jamie – and she and Jamie shared a kiss and an understanding.
Captain James ‘Jamie’ Templeton – godly, merchant, ex whaler, partner in South Florida company, and has thrown his lot in with the colonist’s, and George Washington has commissioned him to spy on Lord Bennington and try to find some of the British battle plans, and also to use their ship to carry weapons to the colonies. He knows he must cut off any feelings for Marianne – because of the class difference, because of the war with the colonies, and because he is spying on her father and does not want to use her.
Lord and Lady Bennington – Marianne’s parents – father is very strict and overly critical of his sons; he is anti colonial revolution, and is very class conscious; she is more understanding of the role of love.
Aaron Quince / Emma – he is a revolutionist who joined Jamie as his valet/co-spy; she is marianne’s maid, was raised in the orphanage the Bennington’s sponsor… they fall in love, and she goes to America.
Robert Bennington – a disappointment to his father, he has stopped trying… and drinks and gambles too much… Jamie joins him one night, they are attacked outside (set up by one of his friends), and Jamie defends them… and while nursing a cut Robert, shares God’s grace with him, and helps him change his life.
Summary: Jamie is stuck in England 2 months for the repairs of his ship, and stays with the Benningtons… his gentleness and humor help bridge over some tense times in the family… and though he tells Marianne there is no future for them, she stays constant and they share moments over the next weeks… until Marianne, feeling that God wants her to be married to Jamie, decides to sneak on his ship with her maid… but once aboard and discovered a week out she also discovers he is an American revolutionist and refuses to talk with him… though she does stand up for his men (and their new wives) when boarded by British wanting to inscript some of the men – scaring them off. After a stop in Boston (after 7 weeks on the ocean), he leaves the declaration of independence for her to read… and she does, remembering the stories of some of the women on board, and her own observations, and see why Jamie is so passionate, and that she loves him so much… so she throws her lot in with him, and they marry … ahhh
1776, London England; Fair Winds, American merchant ship;
Theme:
Love, honor, revolution for what is right, God’s guidance
Character:
Lady Marianne Bennington – loved of her mother and strict father, biddable, charity work, deeper faith after time with Jamie – and she and Jamie shared a kiss and an understanding.
Captain James ‘Jamie’ Templeton – godly, merchant, ex whaler, partner in South Florida company, and has thrown his lot in with the colonist’s, and George Washington has commissioned him to spy on Lord Bennington and try to find some of the British battle plans, and also to use their ship to carry weapons to the colonies. He knows he must cut off any feelings for Marianne – because of the class difference, because of the war with the colonies, and because he is spying on her father and does not want to use her.
Lord and Lady Bennington – Marianne’s parents – father is very strict and overly critical of his sons; he is anti colonial revolution, and is very class conscious; she is more understanding of the role of love.
Aaron Quince / Emma – he is a revolutionist who joined Jamie as his valet/co-spy; she is marianne’s maid, was raised in the orphanage the Bennington’s sponsor… they fall in love, and she goes to America.
Robert Bennington – a disappointment to his father, he has stopped trying… and drinks and gambles too much… Jamie joins him one night, they are attacked outside (set up by one of his friends), and Jamie defends them… and while nursing a cut Robert, shares God’s grace with him, and helps him change his life.
Summary: Jamie is stuck in England 2 months for the repairs of his ship, and stays with the Benningtons… his gentleness and humor help bridge over some tense times in the family… and though he tells Marianne there is no future for them, she stays constant and they share moments over the next weeks… until Marianne, feeling that God wants her to be married to Jamie, decides to sneak on his ship with her maid… but once aboard and discovered a week out she also discovers he is an American revolutionist and refuses to talk with him… though she does stand up for his men (and their new wives) when boarded by British wanting to inscript some of the men – scaring them off. After a stop in Boston (after 7 weeks on the ocean), he leaves the declaration of independence for her to read… and she does, remembering the stories of some of the women on board, and her own observations, and see why Jamie is so passionate, and that she loves him so much… so she throws her lot in with him, and they marry … ahhh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2010
My first impression upon picking up The Captain’s Lady by Louise M. Gouge was one of elegance. From the sophisticated cover, to the rich time period filled with elegant silks and powdered whigs, to the graceful writing style ringing of merry old England, everything about this novel bespoke culture and refinement. Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historicals are breaking out of the mold of prairie romances and westerns to explore interesting times and places that are sure to please. This book will easily hold its own among the finest historicals being produced today for the CBA market.
The novel opens in the exquisite London home of Lady Marianne Moberly, daughter of Lord Bennington, during the time of the American Revolution. When Captain Jamie Templeton returns from the colonies for a visit, she is sure they will find a way to marry and be together despite their class differences. However, Lady Marianne has no idea that Captain Templeton has actually been sent by revolutionary forces to spy on her father in hopes of gaining government secrets.
The Captain’s Lady offers adventure, romance, and intrigue. Amidst all of that, it is layered with rich subplots and well-rounded minor characters. The book is a spin off from Ms. Gouge’s first Love Inspired Historical, Love Thine Enemy. While it works well as a stand-alone novel, the reader can also feel the depth of understanding for the connections between the many characters, locations, and situations that comes from an author creating an entire world in which a long-running series can take place. Just beneath the surface of this adventurous romance, lies the sense of an ongoing family saga that provides additional power to the story.
The conflicts in this book are organic to the plot. The tension never feels contrived or forced. The plot itself is well paced and resolves beautifully while still leaving possibilities for future spin offs. In addition to all of these merits, the book has a lovely spiritual tone. The hero and heroine are both true heart-felt believers longing to serve God, yet pulled apart by divided loyalties. In the midst of this, they seek God’s plans day by day and find opportunities to reach out and bless others despite their own crises.
This book is not just for Steeple Hill readers. I think any lover of romances or historicals will enjoy it immensely. The quality of this book is unquestionable. I give it a very high recommendation. Louise M. Gouge has found a new fan.
The novel opens in the exquisite London home of Lady Marianne Moberly, daughter of Lord Bennington, during the time of the American Revolution. When Captain Jamie Templeton returns from the colonies for a visit, she is sure they will find a way to marry and be together despite their class differences. However, Lady Marianne has no idea that Captain Templeton has actually been sent by revolutionary forces to spy on her father in hopes of gaining government secrets.
The Captain’s Lady offers adventure, romance, and intrigue. Amidst all of that, it is layered with rich subplots and well-rounded minor characters. The book is a spin off from Ms. Gouge’s first Love Inspired Historical, Love Thine Enemy. While it works well as a stand-alone novel, the reader can also feel the depth of understanding for the connections between the many characters, locations, and situations that comes from an author creating an entire world in which a long-running series can take place. Just beneath the surface of this adventurous romance, lies the sense of an ongoing family saga that provides additional power to the story.
The conflicts in this book are organic to the plot. The tension never feels contrived or forced. The plot itself is well paced and resolves beautifully while still leaving possibilities for future spin offs. In addition to all of these merits, the book has a lovely spiritual tone. The hero and heroine are both true heart-felt believers longing to serve God, yet pulled apart by divided loyalties. In the midst of this, they seek God’s plans day by day and find opportunities to reach out and bless others despite their own crises.
This book is not just for Steeple Hill readers. I think any lover of romances or historicals will enjoy it immensely. The quality of this book is unquestionable. I give it a very high recommendation. Louise M. Gouge has found a new fan.
January 23, 2011
It was very interesting to read this book set in the Georgian period (not Regency, though the same king) that takes place in both England and her rebellious colonies in America in the pivotal year of 1776. The book looks at class and politics and how a person of faith deals with both.
Captain Templeton encourages Lady Marianne to a deeper faith, saves the life of her brother Robert and leads him to the Lord and saves their young nephew from drowning and yet their father, Lord Bennington, himself a man of faith, cannot see past his common and American roots to consider him his equal, but merely a "pet."
Both Captain Templeton and Lady Marianne have ideas of what God wants them to do and I enjoyed seeing the ways they sometimes had to revise their opinions as God showed His own plans. They also both have to struggle with how they view the rebellion in America and I was glad that Marianne stuck to her convictions when she discovered Captain Templeton was working with the rebels but was able to be persuaded as she read the recently passed and published Declaration of Independence and saw all of the things that went into the decision to break away from England. Earlier in the book Captain Templeton struggles with the deception involved in spying and trying to covertly discover information that will be useful to General Washington, and then the bulk of the information very casually drops into his lap at the last moment, without any deception on his part, unless you consider him not saying "Wait. Stop talking. As a supporter of the rebellion, I do not have the security clearance to listen to what you are saying to me."
Anyway, it was a good book, that dealt with an interesting period and covered some of the things I have wondered about with regards to faith and rebellion and how that all plays out in the daily lives of people not just in history books. I do want to read the first book that dealt with Rachel and Frederick and since the subject of Dinah was just left hanging at the end I hope she is the topic of the next book.
By the way, Amazing Grace was written in 1773, but was not published until 1779, so while possible, it is not likely that Captain Templeton would be familiar with it. I know, nitpickiness.
Captain Templeton encourages Lady Marianne to a deeper faith, saves the life of her brother Robert and leads him to the Lord and saves their young nephew from drowning and yet their father, Lord Bennington, himself a man of faith, cannot see past his common and American roots to consider him his equal, but merely a "pet."
Both Captain Templeton and Lady Marianne have ideas of what God wants them to do and I enjoyed seeing the ways they sometimes had to revise their opinions as God showed His own plans. They also both have to struggle with how they view the rebellion in America and I was glad that Marianne stuck to her convictions when she discovered Captain Templeton was working with the rebels but was able to be persuaded as she read the recently passed and published Declaration of Independence and saw all of the things that went into the decision to break away from England. Earlier in the book Captain Templeton struggles with the deception involved in spying and trying to covertly discover information that will be useful to General Washington, and then the bulk of the information very casually drops into his lap at the last moment, without any deception on his part, unless you consider him not saying "Wait. Stop talking. As a supporter of the rebellion, I do not have the security clearance to listen to what you are saying to me."
Anyway, it was a good book, that dealt with an interesting period and covered some of the things I have wondered about with regards to faith and rebellion and how that all plays out in the daily lives of people not just in history books. I do want to read the first book that dealt with Rachel and Frederick and since the subject of Dinah was just left hanging at the end I hope she is the topic of the next book.
By the way, Amazing Grace was written in 1773, but was not published until 1779, so while possible, it is not likely that Captain Templeton would be familiar with it. I know, nitpickiness.
May 13, 2011
The 2nd book in this series.
Jamie's cousin has married Fredrick Moberly. Fredrick runs his father's plantaion in East Florida. Jamie's family is part of the Revolution and he is partnering with Fredrick's father in England. Using his ship to deliver the produce and such from the plantation but also to spy. Lord Bennington is close with the King and any information Jamie can get from him unknowingly will help the Cause.
Jamie fell in love with Marianne Moberly last year but he realizes now there is not hope for their love. She is a Lady in the way the English have their titles, he is considered below her.
Marianne is surprised by the cold shoulder James Templeton is giving her after they had parted last year by declaring their undying love for one another.
Lord B. is very demeaning of his own four sons. He gives all his love and attention to Marianne and he likes Jamie (not enough for him to marry his daughter, not that James would dare ask it of him).
Robert Moberly mostly drinks and carouses his life away. Jamie feels God's leading him to find the right time to share the gospel with Robert.
Another great book in the series. I can't wait to get started on At The Captain's Command. The 3rd book.
I enjoy reading books where I also see the history of our country from a new viewpoint as well.
Jamie's cousin has married Fredrick Moberly. Fredrick runs his father's plantaion in East Florida. Jamie's family is part of the Revolution and he is partnering with Fredrick's father in England. Using his ship to deliver the produce and such from the plantation but also to spy. Lord Bennington is close with the King and any information Jamie can get from him unknowingly will help the Cause.
Jamie fell in love with Marianne Moberly last year but he realizes now there is not hope for their love. She is a Lady in the way the English have their titles, he is considered below her.
Marianne is surprised by the cold shoulder James Templeton is giving her after they had parted last year by declaring their undying love for one another.
Lord B. is very demeaning of his own four sons. He gives all his love and attention to Marianne and he likes Jamie (not enough for him to marry his daughter, not that James would dare ask it of him).
Robert Moberly mostly drinks and carouses his life away. Jamie feels God's leading him to find the right time to share the gospel with Robert.
Another great book in the series. I can't wait to get started on At The Captain's Command. The 3rd book.
I enjoy reading books where I also see the history of our country from a new viewpoint as well.
May 18, 2013
A happy accident--having the winning raffle numbers--brought a trio of Louise's books into my world. I'm not into Christian fiction at all, and was not interested in Florida-based fiction. But what's a girl to do when she's gotta go and there's simply nothing else new to read around the house, save the free books she won? I did what any girl would to and grabbed one, heading for the "reading room". Half an hour later, a knock on the door signaled the arrival of someone else in need of the room; I had to force myself from the book and vacate the room for the next user.
These days, with husband, children, career, a nascent writing career (all right, I'm still in the "trying to conceive" stage), and all of life's insanity, I have very little time to read. It takes weeks to finish an average 250-page novel. I finished all three of the books I won from Louise in just under two weeks; it would have taken me less time had I just managed to get super-sick or injure myself. Next time, I'll plan a little better.
Louise's books are high quality--well-written and well-researched, with characters who come alive on the page and yank you in to their lives and dramas. If you like to read--no matter what genre--I definitely recommend her books.
These days, with husband, children, career, a nascent writing career (all right, I'm still in the "trying to conceive" stage), and all of life's insanity, I have very little time to read. It takes weeks to finish an average 250-page novel. I finished all three of the books I won from Louise in just under two weeks; it would have taken me less time had I just managed to get super-sick or injure myself. Next time, I'll plan a little better.
Louise's books are high quality--well-written and well-researched, with characters who come alive on the page and yank you in to their lives and dramas. If you like to read--no matter what genre--I definitely recommend her books.
February 8, 2010
Author Louise M. Gouge brings the regency era to life in The Captain’s Lady. She mixes historical detail in just the right amount, which makes this read educational as well as entertainment filled. Her attention to the sights and sounds of the late eighteenth century will make you feel as if you’re in jolly old England yourself.
My favorite character was Captain James Templeton. He’s the archetypal hero of strength and integrity…not to mention handsome. It’s no wonder the Lady Marianne falls for him. And he’s quite the accomplished fellow: a whaler, a gentleman, a captain, a spy. He pulls each role off with finesse.
A quick and easy read, The Captain’s Lady is just the thing to snuggle up with on a cold winter night.
My favorite character was Captain James Templeton. He’s the archetypal hero of strength and integrity…not to mention handsome. It’s no wonder the Lady Marianne falls for him. And he’s quite the accomplished fellow: a whaler, a gentleman, a captain, a spy. He pulls each role off with finesse.
A quick and easy read, The Captain’s Lady is just the thing to snuggle up with on a cold winter night.
April 10, 2010
Louise did a great job in writing this book. You can tell she did a lot of research before writing it. Everything was so vivid I could just see it as if it were happening. Her discription of the clothing of that time period was awsome. The book starts out in 1776 in London, England, with Loyalist American, Captian James Templeton, meeting with Lady Marianne's papa. Was Captian Jamie there to proclaim his love for Lady Marianne or as a spy? (You'll have to read and see).It tells of the adventures of travel by ship back to America.
April 9, 2011
I enjoyed this book. It was set in one of my favorite times periods - the revoluntionary war era. I like how the book was mostly set in England with an "American" and then moved to the US at the end. I also liked hearing a Christian's side of how they felt about what they had to do for their country. I also enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters - Jamie and Marianne. Very good book.
April 26, 2010
The American Revolution is one of my favorite time periods, and this was a very enjoyable book. The main characters, Captain James Templeton and Lady Marianne Moberly, must make some important life decisions, and at times those decisions are based on only partial information. Their faith seems to grow as the conflicts increase, just as they might in real life.
July 13, 2010
I was surprised with this book. Most Christian fiction books, portray the woman as a swooning crying short tempered little baby. I was more than happy with this read. It really excelled my expectations.
June 16, 2010
I think it was even better than the first(and that is not easy)
October 21, 2010
I love these kind of romance books. It has Lord's and Lady's in it! Good clean Christian romance.
July 24, 2011
I enjoyed this book, and it even got me feeling a little patriotic! :)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews