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Mysterious Powers #1
Carry On
Can two war wounded learn how to carry on after life-changing injuries?
No one has told Roland anything useful since he awoke in the Temple of Healing following the battle of Ypres. Muzzy-headed from the potions he's forced to take and with no word from his family or friends, he is entirely alone. He's only allowed out of his room for command performances, talking about his experience of the War to people who refuse to listen to reality.
When Elen is assigned as his new nurse, Roland assumes she will be gone in a week or two like all the others. She's still there in a month, stubbornly insisting on doing everything she can to help him recover. Elen has been sent back from the front after a head injury. She used to know the Temple of Healing well, back during her apprenticeship. Now, nothing works like it used to and she can't figure out what to do about the fact Roland's healer is entirely absent from his care. Except, that is, for baffling directives that are not at all in her patient's best interest.
Together, they must confront Elen's fear of questioning authority and find out why Roland has been isolated from everyone he knows.
Carry On is set during the Great War in Albion, the magical community of England, Wales, and Scotland. First in the Mysterious Power series, it has a happily-ever-after ending full of knitting, compassion, and romance.
No one has told Roland anything useful since he awoke in the Temple of Healing following the battle of Ypres. Muzzy-headed from the potions he's forced to take and with no word from his family or friends, he is entirely alone. He's only allowed out of his room for command performances, talking about his experience of the War to people who refuse to listen to reality.
When Elen is assigned as his new nurse, Roland assumes she will be gone in a week or two like all the others. She's still there in a month, stubbornly insisting on doing everything she can to help him recover. Elen has been sent back from the front after a head injury. She used to know the Temple of Healing well, back during her apprenticeship. Now, nothing works like it used to and she can't figure out what to do about the fact Roland's healer is entirely absent from his care. Except, that is, for baffling directives that are not at all in her patient's best interest.
Together, they must confront Elen's fear of questioning authority and find out why Roland has been isolated from everyone he knows.
Carry On is set during the Great War in Albion, the magical community of England, Wales, and Scotland. First in the Mysterious Power series, it has a happily-ever-after ending full of knitting, compassion, and romance.
348 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2020
14 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Celia Lake
48 books76 followersCelia Lake spends her days as a librarian in the Boston (MA) metro area, and her nights and weekends at home happily writing, reading, and researching.
Born and raised in Massachusetts to British parents, she naturally embraced British spelling, classic mysteries, and the Oxford comma before she learned there were any other options.
Born and raised in Massachusetts to British parents, she naturally embraced British spelling, classic mysteries, and the Oxford comma before she learned there were any other options.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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March 1, 2022The definition of a comfort read! Very low-conflict and gentle in pace, but I found myself nevertheless absorbed by this magical version of Britain 'Albion' and the small details of the worldbuilding.
Carry On is set in a magical rehab hospital during WWI and is about the relationship between a magically-wounded soldier and a magic nurse. The slow recovery of the soldier is satisfying in the same way the convalescence in The Secret Garden is satisfying - lots of the healthful effects of fresh air, being out in the garden, comfort, drinking tea, eating biscuits etc. and slowly rebuilding strength over time.
Carry On is set in a magical rehab hospital during WWI and is about the relationship between a magically-wounded soldier and a magic nurse. The slow recovery of the soldier is satisfying in the same way the convalescence in The Secret Garden is satisfying - lots of the healthful effects of fresh air, being out in the garden, comfort, drinking tea, eating biscuits etc. and slowly rebuilding strength over time.
July 10, 2025
A quiet, thoughtful, slow-paced and comforting novel
4.5 stars originally; after rereading it 5 times(!), I bumped my rating up to 5 stars. Review updated 7/10/2025.
I really love this quiet, thoughtful, slow-paced (but never dull) novel. Technically, it is a historical fantasy romance, but the romance is only one facet of the relationship between the main characters, and only one facet of the plot. There’s also a bit of a mystery threaded throughout, although the book isn’t quite a mystery novel, either. Regardless of labels, I find Celia Lake’s gentle books both soothing and immersive, and Carry On is one of my favorites.
Elen Morris is a Therapeutes (a nurse), send home from the Front after an injury leaves her with debilitating migraines. Her new patient is Major Roland Gospatrick… and that’s about all Elen knows about him. She has been told nothing of his initial injuries or his subsequent treatment; his chart is nowhere to be seen; and his Healer never visits, instead sending junior Healers who ask the same set of uninformative questions and never answer her own. Elen is a good nurse, dedicated to doing her best for her patients, and something feels very wrong about Roland’s treatment and the secrecy surrounding it. As she tries to help him recover, Elen and Roland discover a growing friendship… and hints of a conspiracy within the Temple of Healing.
Elen and Roland are from different classes and backgrounds, although they are both of Albion. Elen comes from a working-class background; the fact that she won a place at Alethorp (the magical school attended by many crafters and healers) and became a skilled nurse rather baffles her family. Roland is from one of the better families of Albion, although not the very highest; he attended Schola, the most prestigious of Albion’s five magical schools. Elen uses magic mostly for small charms that help her patients: warming the sheets, making a bed more comfortable, and so on. Roland’s magic is clearly stronger, although given his condition, we don’t see him use it consciously through most of the book. Yet despite the differences of class and position, they have much in common, particularly a dedication to service. The slow evolution of their relationship, from nurse/patient to a partnership of equals to romantic attraction, seems almost inevitable given who they both are; it unfolds slowly and tentatively, but without conflicts between them. I admire them both as people, and enjoy the quiet blooming of love between them.
Albion is the setting for all of Ms. Lake’s books. It is a magical society existing within and side-by-side with mundane (real-life) Britain, in much the same way that the wizarding world does in the Harry Potter books. Albion was undoubtedly influenced by the wizarding world, but Lake’s worldbuilding and magic systems are more logical and consistent than those in the HP series. Lake’s books and characters are also more diverse and more inclusive than in the HP world; her characters (at least the ones we’re intended to like) are kind, respectful, and supportive of one another, and they are scrupulous about consent. The books are also historical fantasy novels, taking place between the late 1800s and around 1950, with the majority set between WWI and the end of WWII. Lake’s attention to research is evident in the historical details, the settings, and even the details of topics ranging from weaving to gemstones to fashion.
I have read Carry On several times now, and I enjoy it more each time I do. I particularly appreciate the setting, Albion’s main hospital (the Temple of Healing), with its mix of healing traditions and practices, some magical, some familiar to anyone who has read about medical treatment during the Great War. The idea that some of the weapons used in the War were magical in nature, or at least affected the magic of injured soldiers, meshes well with the historical realities of trench warfare and the widespread use of gas, which injured real-world soldiers in ways not seen before—initially to the bafflement of medics, doctors, and nurses.
I’m also intrigued by the religious diversity within Albion explored within this book, and the relative freedom of Albion’s citizens to choose their own faith (or none.) As a society, Albion clearly respects multiple faiths as valid and avoids imposing any particular path on anyone. And the ways in which deities or supernatural beings occasionally interact or intervene with humans in these books—through healing; through minor miracles; through quiet, inner knowing—is similar enough to my own few experiences with the divine, as well as the Quaker respect for other’s beliefs in which I was raised, that I feel both comfortable with and comforted by it.
Other books with these characters: If you enjoy the glimpse of Roland’s parents in this book, you can read about their romance in Forged in CombatForged in Combat. Roland makes a brief appearance in the novella Casting Nasturtiums, found in the collection Winter's CharmsWinter’s Charms.
Challenges: COYER 2025: Out to Lunch
4.5 stars originally; after rereading it 5 times(!), I bumped my rating up to 5 stars. Review updated 7/10/2025.
I really love this quiet, thoughtful, slow-paced (but never dull) novel. Technically, it is a historical fantasy romance, but the romance is only one facet of the relationship between the main characters, and only one facet of the plot. There’s also a bit of a mystery threaded throughout, although the book isn’t quite a mystery novel, either. Regardless of labels, I find Celia Lake’s gentle books both soothing and immersive, and Carry On is one of my favorites.
Elen Morris is a Therapeutes (a nurse), send home from the Front after an injury leaves her with debilitating migraines. Her new patient is Major Roland Gospatrick… and that’s about all Elen knows about him. She has been told nothing of his initial injuries or his subsequent treatment; his chart is nowhere to be seen; and his Healer never visits, instead sending junior Healers who ask the same set of uninformative questions and never answer her own. Elen is a good nurse, dedicated to doing her best for her patients, and something feels very wrong about Roland’s treatment and the secrecy surrounding it. As she tries to help him recover, Elen and Roland discover a growing friendship… and hints of a conspiracy within the Temple of Healing.
Elen and Roland are from different classes and backgrounds, although they are both of Albion. Elen comes from a working-class background; the fact that she won a place at Alethorp (the magical school attended by many crafters and healers) and became a skilled nurse rather baffles her family. Roland is from one of the better families of Albion, although not the very highest; he attended Schola, the most prestigious of Albion’s five magical schools. Elen uses magic mostly for small charms that help her patients: warming the sheets, making a bed more comfortable, and so on. Roland’s magic is clearly stronger, although given his condition, we don’t see him use it consciously through most of the book. Yet despite the differences of class and position, they have much in common, particularly a dedication to service. The slow evolution of their relationship, from nurse/patient to a partnership of equals to romantic attraction, seems almost inevitable given who they both are; it unfolds slowly and tentatively, but without conflicts between them. I admire them both as people, and enjoy the quiet blooming of love between them.
Albion is the setting for all of Ms. Lake’s books. It is a magical society existing within and side-by-side with mundane (real-life) Britain, in much the same way that the wizarding world does in the Harry Potter books. Albion was undoubtedly influenced by the wizarding world, but Lake’s worldbuilding and magic systems are more logical and consistent than those in the HP series. Lake’s books and characters are also more diverse and more inclusive than in the HP world; her characters (at least the ones we’re intended to like) are kind, respectful, and supportive of one another, and they are scrupulous about consent. The books are also historical fantasy novels, taking place between the late 1800s and around 1950, with the majority set between WWI and the end of WWII. Lake’s attention to research is evident in the historical details, the settings, and even the details of topics ranging from weaving to gemstones to fashion.
I have read Carry On several times now, and I enjoy it more each time I do. I particularly appreciate the setting, Albion’s main hospital (the Temple of Healing), with its mix of healing traditions and practices, some magical, some familiar to anyone who has read about medical treatment during the Great War. The idea that some of the weapons used in the War were magical in nature, or at least affected the magic of injured soldiers, meshes well with the historical realities of trench warfare and the widespread use of gas, which injured real-world soldiers in ways not seen before—initially to the bafflement of medics, doctors, and nurses.
I’m also intrigued by the religious diversity within Albion explored within this book, and the relative freedom of Albion’s citizens to choose their own faith (or none.) As a society, Albion clearly respects multiple faiths as valid and avoids imposing any particular path on anyone. And the ways in which deities or supernatural beings occasionally interact or intervene with humans in these books—through healing; through minor miracles; through quiet, inner knowing—is similar enough to my own few experiences with the divine, as well as the Quaker respect for other’s beliefs in which I was raised, that I feel both comfortable with and comforted by it.
Other books with these characters: If you enjoy the glimpse of Roland’s parents in this book, you can read about their romance in Forged in CombatForged in Combat. Roland makes a brief appearance in the novella Casting Nasturtiums, found in the collection Winter's CharmsWinter’s Charms.
Challenges: COYER 2025: Out to Lunch
September 8, 2024
A pretty perfect comfort book. This would be a great book to dive in to Celia Lake if you wanted to see what she was like. Lake consistently offers what I wish Mercedes Lackey’s books would be, when Lackey’s books are in fact often a bit disappointing. Lake’s books always center values of care for others and self. The women have agency over their bodies and lives, and characters consistently think about how to treat others well.
We have a great magic alternate WWI Britain with logistics worked out properly and interesting characters. The (successful) formula often involves overcoming an obscure active evil that is affecting our main characters and they have to think their way through the problem. It’s always fun to root for the protagonists as they find their way through the puzzle they’ve been set to solve, and I always enjoy how they blossom and grow over the course of the story. I also enjoy how she always has afterword to discuss the research that she did for each particular book.
We have a great magic alternate WWI Britain with logistics worked out properly and interesting characters. The (successful) formula often involves overcoming an obscure active evil that is affecting our main characters and they have to think their way through the problem. It’s always fun to root for the protagonists as they find their way through the puzzle they’ve been set to solve, and I always enjoy how they blossom and grow over the course of the story. I also enjoy how she always has afterword to discuss the research that she did for each particular book.
December 31, 2021
This book had no business including so many conversations about knitting and yet it was such a soothing, gentle, understated hurt/comfort romance with a bit of a mystery and elements of magic. 10/10 as a stress relief - just wish there had been less knitting.
December 12, 2022
Although it looks like the start of a series, this takes place in a world that apparently the author’s past series also take place in. So you miss out on world building explaining - although it’s not that hard to figure out because heavily based on WWI Britain, plus a smidgeon of magic.
I get the feeling this author is either to one’s taste or incredibly slow going, plus the lowest heat I’ve ever read outside of actual ace romances.
The plot is minimal and there are no twists. There’s a lot of knitting, tea drinking and talking about the weather. The characters were dull for the most part, particularly the male lead who is about duty and hasn’t changed an iota from being the man his parents raised him as. At least the female lead had a bit of an life arc.
The romance is honestly not believable outside of the closeness of the sick room. And I especially disliked the male lead describing what he liked about the heroine in terms of how she was good for him and made his life better, vs who she is. Hello patriarchy.
I get the feeling this author is either to one’s taste or incredibly slow going, plus the lowest heat I’ve ever read outside of actual ace romances.
The plot is minimal and there are no twists. There’s a lot of knitting, tea drinking and talking about the weather. The characters were dull for the most part, particularly the male lead who is about duty and hasn’t changed an iota from being the man his parents raised him as. At least the female lead had a bit of an life arc.
The romance is honestly not believable outside of the closeness of the sick room. And I especially disliked the male lead describing what he liked about the heroine in terms of how she was good for him and made his life better, vs who she is. Hello patriarchy.
April 15, 2021
Another good Celia Lake that looks at diverse characters and the challenges they face, and how to overcome them.
A bit less satisfying than others, because the mystery is solved off page. This is true for the characters, though: they don't have the institutional power to solve it all the way.
Also looks at the religions of Albion a bit more, which was interesting.
A bit less satisfying than others, because the mystery is solved off page. This is true for the characters, though: they don't have the institutional power to solve it all the way.
Also looks at the religions of Albion a bit more, which was interesting.
April 16, 2021
Delightful magical mystery
Skulduggery at the hospital in an alternate, magical World War One timeline. Well plotted and great world building. I will definitely collect the whole series.
Skulduggery at the hospital in an alternate, magical World War One timeline. Well plotted and great world building. I will definitely collect the whole series.
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July 3, 2022I really enjoyed this gentle romance, which has lots of people being competent and figuring out clever ways to get around the people who are incompetent and causing harm. I re-read it recently and it was just as lovely the second time.
July 17, 2023
The book is a little blurry in my mind because I've read so many other books since, in this universe and various other books. Then again, Reginald's mind was quite blurry much of the time. I liked Elen, though the parts about knitting were lost on me. Reginald, at the times that he was able to think clearly, and once he'd accepted that Elen was acting in his best interests, was likeable enough.
I was happy to see Reginald getting better, and found it terrifying when the Powers-That-Be realized it and did everything they could to send him back to the condition he was in originally, and even have him get worse. That moment where Elen realized that the entire chain of command in charge of Reginald's care was against her was awful.
I didn't know how it could be resolved, and if Reginald would be able to make progress again the way he had under Elen's care. The book is labeled a gentle fantasy romance, but Reginald and Elen's encounters with those in charge of Reginald's health care who actively wished him ill struck me hard.
Yes, there's eventually the happy ending one expects in romance, but events before that were shattering.
I was happy to see Reginald getting better, and found it terrifying when the Powers-That-Be realized it and did everything they could to send him back to the condition he was in originally, and even have him get worse. That moment where Elen realized that the entire chain of command in charge of Reginald's care was against her was awful.
I didn't know how it could be resolved, and if Reginald would be able to make progress again the way he had under Elen's care. The book is labeled a gentle fantasy romance, but Reginald and Elen's encounters with those in charge of Reginald's health care who actively wished him ill struck me hard.
Yes, there's eventually the happy ending one expects in romance, but events before that were shattering.
May 25, 2021
Probably 3.5 stars but I liked this magical historical/mystery/romance quite a bit - interesting complex world but doesn't push those elements, they are allowed to exist and appear as they are needed to tell the story. Similarly, the characters have a level of personal agency and specificity that is unusual in a novel that is also so kind/comforting.
May 26, 2021
It's a lovely story but I was frustrated by two things: first, the heroine is incredibly passive for the first half. (For good reasons, but still, just not the story I wanted to read...) Second, I find nurse-patient romances troubling even when the story is careful to talk about the troubling bits and lay down a clear pathway out of it.
February 19, 2022
Sweet and calm.
April 5, 2022
Absolutely delightful. Competent heroine with believable knitting skills. Solving problems, unraveling mysteries, reading out loud, knitting… what's not to love?
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April 28, 20244/27/2024
March 19, 2022
This is lovely and sweet and undemanding... and I may be the wrong audience for it. The "mystery" is resolved off-stage, and that's a valid style choice, it just didn't work for me.
July 31, 2022
I feel a bit ambivalent about this book. On the one hand, I thought it was well written, but on the other hand, I thought the story was not well developed, and also a bit boring.
It's not that I wanted a suspenseful book, I liked the calmness of the story. But the main character's good character was irritating to me - she was so very obedient-, and too many plot clues in the story were not worked out.
It's not that I wanted a suspenseful book, I liked the calmness of the story. But the main character's good character was irritating to me - she was so very obedient-, and too many plot clues in the story were not worked out.
September 29, 2023
2 members of Albion's magical community, a nurse & an officer both injured in WWI, investigate anomalies in his treatment while falling in love.
August 8, 2021
Carry On was a low key, gentle romance with sympathetic leads. I had a little trouble understanding the world (I believe it is a magical community set within the regular world) but this did not impact my enjoyment of the story. The mystery was well developed, if ultimately a little prosaic, and there were some quite suspenseful scenes. I will read more of Celia Lake's works.
Edited to add: I would definitely partake of one of the healing baths and the scene with the Ordeal was quite well done.
Edited to add: I would definitely partake of one of the healing baths and the scene with the Ordeal was quite well done.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews