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Victorian Soap Opera #2
When Marrying a Scoundrel
A lady must be prepared for anything...when marrying a scoundrel.
Sadie Moon once thought she was in love. Then her dashing husband left her to seek his fortune, and she had no choice but to transform herself from a heartbroken waif into London Society's favorite fortune-teller. But even she could not have foreseen Jack's return—until their paths cross in the last place either would have expected: London's most exclusive house of pleasure.
Now wealthy and successful, Jack Friday has everything he'd ever dreamed of...except Sadie. He swears he will never trust the woman who broke her promise to wait for him, though his passion for her burns as hotly as ever before. But love, like the past, comes back to haunt them— drawing them into a web of intrigue and betrayal that could save or destroy them both.
Sadie Moon once thought she was in love. Then her dashing husband left her to seek his fortune, and she had no choice but to transform herself from a heartbroken waif into London Society's favorite fortune-teller. But even she could not have foreseen Jack's return—until their paths cross in the last place either would have expected: London's most exclusive house of pleasure.
Now wealthy and successful, Jack Friday has everything he'd ever dreamed of...except Sadie. He swears he will never trust the woman who broke her promise to wait for him, though his passion for her burns as hotly as ever before. But love, like the past, comes back to haunt them— drawing them into a web of intrigue and betrayal that could save or destroy them both.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 25, 2010
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584 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 5, 2017
4,5 estrellas.
Una historia sencilla pero a la vez llena de sentimientos encontrados entre ambos protagonistas que han hecho que no pudiera para de leer para saber qué iba a pasar a continuación entre Jack y Sadie.
Sadie es una joven sencilla que se gana la vida leyendo el futuro en los posos de té. En el libro anterior jugó un papel bastante importante a la hora de unir a la pareja y en esta ocasión vemos un poco más lo que es su vida como adivina en la alta sociedad y los sueños e ilusiones que tiene. Así como su pasado, ya que no es lo que aparenta, sino que va mucho más allá; ella es condesa, una condesa de la que nadie sabe nada porque su marido la abandonó 10 años atrás en busca de fortuna y gloria. Y ese marido no es otro que Jack Farringhton.
Jack es un joven que, a los 17 años se casó enamorado de su mejor amiga y durante un tiempo vivieron felices sin mucho más que lo puesto debido a que su abuelo le desheredó al enterarse del enlace. Tras un tiempo viviendo juntos, conoce a Trystan Kane y decide partir en busca de un futuro mejor para él y su mujer, Sadie. Ella le deja marchar y él promete volver…y vuelve 10 años después convertido en Jack Friday y con una fortuna propia a sus espaldas.
La historia comienza cuando ambos se reencuentran después de ese tiempo en el club Saint Row. Al principio ambos actúan como completos desconocidos, pero pronto dejarán de fingir y comenzarán una segunda historia basada en las segundas oportunidades.
Sadie abandonó a Jack por unos motivos poderosos además de por la intervención del abuelo de su marido y Jack piensa que le abandonó porque nunca quiso dejar de lado su lado “farsante”, ya que para él leer las hojas de té lo considera una farsa.
Si algo me ha tenido durante todo el libro con la vena palpitando ha sido la falta de comunicación entre ambos en cuanto a su pasado se refiere. Ambos se casaron jóvenes y sin saber nada del mundo real, pero cuando la vida les da una segunda oportunidad ambos no quieren reconocer sus errores y se obcecan en echarse en cara todo lo que les pasó y lo que son ahora para justificar sus actos.
Es más adelante en la historia cuando empiezas a entender un poco más a los protagonistas y sobre todo a Sadie.
Aún así, esta pareja se complementa muy bien y tienen unos secundarios de lujo para que la historia a mi entender haya sido bastante completa.
Eso no quita que haya habido peros, y algunos cuantos, lo que ha hecho que no le pueda poner 5 estrellas: La trama con Lady Gosling, por ejemplo, fue demasiado corta y no tuvo la repercusión que pensé que tendría. Otra cosa que me dejó un poco fría fue el título del libro, “Cartas de amor” cuando en realidad en toda la historia apenas se mencionan algunas cartas y ni siquiera nos dicen el contenido de las mismas, salvo que eran cartas que ambos se habían escrito cuando se separaron y nunca llegaron a su destino. Y por último, la trama con el abuelo, que es la que sirve para unirles de nuevo y que apenas se profundiza.
Eso sí, las escenas entre ambos durante gran parte de la novela y ese final han hecho que esos errores queden en el olvido debido a la carga sentimental que tenían. Sin lugar a dudas es un final de los que te acongojan.
Estoy deseando leer el siguiente, que es de dos de los personajes que han salido en este libro y que ya tienen historia previa.
Una historia sencilla pero a la vez llena de sentimientos encontrados entre ambos protagonistas que han hecho que no pudiera para de leer para saber qué iba a pasar a continuación entre Jack y Sadie.
Sadie es una joven sencilla que se gana la vida leyendo el futuro en los posos de té. En el libro anterior jugó un papel bastante importante a la hora de unir a la pareja y en esta ocasión vemos un poco más lo que es su vida como adivina en la alta sociedad y los sueños e ilusiones que tiene. Así como su pasado, ya que no es lo que aparenta, sino que va mucho más allá; ella es condesa, una condesa de la que nadie sabe nada porque su marido la abandonó 10 años atrás en busca de fortuna y gloria. Y ese marido no es otro que Jack Farringhton.
Jack es un joven que, a los 17 años se casó enamorado de su mejor amiga y durante un tiempo vivieron felices sin mucho más que lo puesto debido a que su abuelo le desheredó al enterarse del enlace. Tras un tiempo viviendo juntos, conoce a Trystan Kane y decide partir en busca de un futuro mejor para él y su mujer, Sadie. Ella le deja marchar y él promete volver…y vuelve 10 años después convertido en Jack Friday y con una fortuna propia a sus espaldas.
La historia comienza cuando ambos se reencuentran después de ese tiempo en el club Saint Row. Al principio ambos actúan como completos desconocidos, pero pronto dejarán de fingir y comenzarán una segunda historia basada en las segundas oportunidades.
Sadie abandonó a Jack por unos motivos poderosos además de por la intervención del abuelo de su marido y Jack piensa que le abandonó porque nunca quiso dejar de lado su lado “farsante”, ya que para él leer las hojas de té lo considera una farsa.
Si algo me ha tenido durante todo el libro con la vena palpitando ha sido la falta de comunicación entre ambos en cuanto a su pasado se refiere. Ambos se casaron jóvenes y sin saber nada del mundo real, pero cuando la vida les da una segunda oportunidad ambos no quieren reconocer sus errores y se obcecan en echarse en cara todo lo que les pasó y lo que son ahora para justificar sus actos.
Es más adelante en la historia cuando empiezas a entender un poco más a los protagonistas y sobre todo a Sadie.
Aún así, esta pareja se complementa muy bien y tienen unos secundarios de lujo para que la historia a mi entender haya sido bastante completa.
Eso no quita que haya habido peros, y algunos cuantos, lo que ha hecho que no le pueda poner 5 estrellas: La trama con Lady Gosling, por ejemplo, fue demasiado corta y no tuvo la repercusión que pensé que tendría. Otra cosa que me dejó un poco fría fue el título del libro, “Cartas de amor” cuando en realidad en toda la historia apenas se mencionan algunas cartas y ni siquiera nos dicen el contenido de las mismas, salvo que eran cartas que ambos se habían escrito cuando se separaron y nunca llegaron a su destino. Y por último, la trama con el abuelo, que es la que sirve para unirles de nuevo y que apenas se profundiza.
Eso sí, las escenas entre ambos durante gran parte de la novela y ese final han hecho que esos errores queden en el olvido debido a la carga sentimental que tenían. Sin lugar a dudas es un final de los que te acongojan.
Estoy deseando leer el siguiente, que es de dos de los personajes que han salido en este libro y que ya tienen historia previa.
May 28, 2010
This book was a let down, I liked the prequel better. Prior to this, I just read 2 books that were worthy of 4 – 5* by different authors, but the pulse of the problem w/ this 1 wasn’t just the lack of xxxtra oomph in the writing itself, but in the inconsistent characterizations, shaky conflict & strangely, the absence of intense emotions, despite its mouth-watering theme (reunion = 1 of my favs) & hero (self-made / rags to riches = 1 of my favs). Methinks if it were executed by any other author w/ more noticeable talent & sets of skills, the whole package coulda / woulda turned out to be more successful. I thought the H/H were flat & I felt detached throughout the book, as if I was just a spectator. Their personalities & background (both Irish) were not fascinating enuff to engage me emotionally. Their friction-causing dilemma didn’t really seem insurmountable, esp after a certain major event in hero’s life occurred almost @ the end (which shoulda propelled the HEA). The last hurdle seemed like a filler, simply to meet the minimum quota. The ending was not sigh-worthy & the evolving storyline & H/H's relationship were uninspiring. I dunno, mayhap it’s just really bad timing ‘cuz I was more concerned w/ my leaky roof & wondering if / when the holey ceiling’s gonna collapse on me since I haven’t bought my dent-proof headgear.
The big estrangement gap was supposed to work well. I mean, 10 friggin’ years is helluva long time in my book. She made a good point in his face that things have changed & both of ‘em were no longer the same luv-struck peeps. The beginning was intriguing but the ones after, came across as the anti-thesis of a page turner. The family & friends dynamics were not exceptional to make me wanna read the next ones, but I prolly will keep buying, thanx to my OCD. I think they got lost amidst the long family feud, dark clouds of secrecy & big mis that coulda been resolved easily w/ more honesty on heroine’s / grandpa’s part (like he threw the ball @ her, saying it’s not his place to disclose it – what a wimp). It seems like hero’s still played like a yo-yo by fate & all parties (esp grandpa & the other blackmailing chick bent on extortion). Even tho’ hero’s more superior financially now, he still doesn’t have the upper hand in the grand scheme of things. Heroine feels unworthy of him ‘cuz they come from 2 different social strata, but I sooo wanted her self-inflated unworthiness to die a quick death @ some point. I could believe that she’s still distrustful of him & questions if history will repeat itself if she succumbs to his allure again, ‘cuz he doesn’t have a good track record so far. He abandoned her, to earn his own dough after getting disowned by his family, but being MIA for that long ? Damn, dude. No wonder she moved on. Granted, he had no inkling that she went thru’ what she did after he left her, but the weird thing is, w/ so much complications & bad history between ‘em, there’s a general lack of angst (or my sensory failed me). She refuses to be persuaded by him that they belong to each other & deserve a 2nd chance. She feels resentful that he still doesn’t believe in her gift. Tea-leaves reading isn’t just a survival means, she really knows her craft. Then boom ! ta daa… His attitude turns 180, instead of a gradual process of opening his eyes to what she’s capable of. It was glossed over. The heroine unnecessarily drags her feet on the reunion path for way too long. It felt contrived, to keep the conflict going, on top of her refusal to be the tool between hero & the user aka manipulative, scheming grandpa. The revelations of the big secrets were not smoothly done. I’m all for flawed characters, the more flawed, the better, I say. But in this case, their personalities aren’t distinctive enuff to make me feel sympathy for ‘em, despite the forbidden luv thing going on. It didn’t feel too forbidden @ all. Nice but not memorable for me to re-read. Another pet peeve of mine is the hero's name. I wish his name was not Jack. I've read way too many books w/ that name LOL...
The big estrangement gap was supposed to work well. I mean, 10 friggin’ years is helluva long time in my book. She made a good point in his face that things have changed & both of ‘em were no longer the same luv-struck peeps. The beginning was intriguing but the ones after, came across as the anti-thesis of a page turner. The family & friends dynamics were not exceptional to make me wanna read the next ones, but I prolly will keep buying, thanx to my OCD. I think they got lost amidst the long family feud, dark clouds of secrecy & big mis that coulda been resolved easily w/ more honesty on heroine’s / grandpa’s part (like he threw the ball @ her, saying it’s not his place to disclose it – what a wimp). It seems like hero’s still played like a yo-yo by fate & all parties (esp grandpa & the other blackmailing chick bent on extortion). Even tho’ hero’s more superior financially now, he still doesn’t have the upper hand in the grand scheme of things. Heroine feels unworthy of him ‘cuz they come from 2 different social strata, but I sooo wanted her self-inflated unworthiness to die a quick death @ some point. I could believe that she’s still distrustful of him & questions if history will repeat itself if she succumbs to his allure again, ‘cuz he doesn’t have a good track record so far. He abandoned her, to earn his own dough after getting disowned by his family, but being MIA for that long ? Damn, dude. No wonder she moved on. Granted, he had no inkling that she went thru’ what she did after he left her, but the weird thing is, w/ so much complications & bad history between ‘em, there’s a general lack of angst (or my sensory failed me). She refuses to be persuaded by him that they belong to each other & deserve a 2nd chance. She feels resentful that he still doesn’t believe in her gift. Tea-leaves reading isn’t just a survival means, she really knows her craft. Then boom ! ta daa… His attitude turns 180, instead of a gradual process of opening his eyes to what she’s capable of. It was glossed over. The heroine unnecessarily drags her feet on the reunion path for way too long. It felt contrived, to keep the conflict going, on top of her refusal to be the tool between hero & the user aka manipulative, scheming grandpa. The revelations of the big secrets were not smoothly done. I’m all for flawed characters, the more flawed, the better, I say. But in this case, their personalities aren’t distinctive enuff to make me feel sympathy for ‘em, despite the forbidden luv thing going on. It didn’t feel too forbidden @ all. Nice but not memorable for me to re-read. Another pet peeve of mine is the hero's name. I wish his name was not Jack. I've read way too many books w/ that name LOL...
August 18, 2018
Sadie geçimini fal bakarak sağlayan, aristokrat sınıfında olmayan ve bunun ezikliğini her daim yaşayan esas karakterimiz. Bir diğer esas karakterimiz ise Sadie'nin kocası Jack Friday. Jack Sadie'ye daha iyi bir hayat sürebilmek için gider ve 10 yıl boyunca Jack'ten haber alınmaz. Sadie kocasının onu terk ettiğini düşünse de Jack yıllar sonra çıka gelir. Ve asıl olaylar o zaman başlar.
Öncelikle Jack'in büyükbabasını lime lime etmek istiyorum. Jack ve Sadie'nin arasına girip birlikte olmalarına engel olmuş. Halbuki Jack ve Sadie birbirlerine deli gibi aşıklarmış. Ama Sadie alt tabakadan olduğu için büyükbaba tarafından kabul görmemiş.
Jack ve Sadie yıllar sonra karşılaştıklarında cevaplanmaymış sorular, sırlar vardır ve tutku ikisini de yakmak için kalplerinde beklemektedir.
Uzun süredir historical okumayınca Yine Falda Sen Çıktın'ı okumak ilaç gibi geldi. 😍 Jack ve Sadie'nin bütün engellere rağmen birlikte olma çabaları ve aşkları okumaya değerdi. 😍
January 30, 2018
“My dear, all costs are great.
What we have to decide is whether or not they are worth paying.”
December 22, 2018
Fena değildi , yazar sanki historical romance yazmak için yola çıkmış ama bunu tam başaramamış . Günümüzün etkisinde daha fazla kalmış diye düşünüyorum.
September 8, 2016
Yuck! Wrong! Stay away from this book-nothing to see here folks! Long story short, the hero and heroine are married in a pagan ceremony when she was 15 and he was 18, obviously not legal.
Anywhoo, two years into the marriage he leaves to make his fortune. She thinks he has abandoned her and moves on with her life .
Issue 1 - slutty hero and heroine
They cross paths 12 years later and despite recognizing her and claiming she was the love of his life he is trying to hit it with every hot twat in the book. i'm talking full on nasty talk with other women, kissing, touching and only not actually doing the deed because of interruptions. And the Heroine also has a dude of her own that she's kissing up on
Issue 2 - modern language
Believe me when I say I'm not a stickler for language being accurate for the period. But this book was fucking ridiculous. It's supposed to be 1877 and this is a quote from the heroine:
"And why did he have to look so bloody fine?"
Seriously?! And here's a quote from another character:
"No, her life wasn’t to be cast aside just because her husband was a prick..."
A prick in 1877?! And then there was this a gem:
“Flirt with Sadie again and I’ll break your effing nose.”
Effing in 1877??!!
Issue 3 + 4 -stubborn/irrational heroine and terrible bad rushed ending
The heroine fought the hero for the entire book even though he made it clear that he wanted to be with her. In fact she didn't change her mind until the very last motherfucking page. Hate that bullshit
Anywhoo, two years into the marriage he leaves to make his fortune. She thinks he has abandoned her and moves on with her life .
Issue 1 - slutty hero and heroine
They cross paths 12 years later and despite recognizing her and claiming she was the love of his life he is trying to hit it with every hot twat in the book. i'm talking full on nasty talk with other women, kissing, touching and only not actually doing the deed because of interruptions. And the Heroine also has a dude of her own that she's kissing up on
Issue 2 - modern language
Believe me when I say I'm not a stickler for language being accurate for the period. But this book was fucking ridiculous. It's supposed to be 1877 and this is a quote from the heroine:
"And why did he have to look so bloody fine?"
Seriously?! And here's a quote from another character:
"No, her life wasn’t to be cast aside just because her husband was a prick..."
A prick in 1877?! And then there was this a gem:
“Flirt with Sadie again and I’ll break your effing nose.”
Effing in 1877??!!
Issue 3 + 4 -stubborn/irrational heroine and terrible bad rushed ending
The heroine fought the hero for the entire book even though he made it clear that he wanted to be with her. In fact she didn't change her mind until the very last motherfucking page. Hate that bullshit
September 14, 2018
Много ми хареса историята, стила на авторката и героите! Буквално за 2 часа изчетох книгата. Няма излишни описания, а действието се развива бързо. Много обичам да чета за двойки, които постоянно се карат и обичат едновременно. Книгата може да се чете самостоятелно, макар че е втора от поредица. Надявам се поне третата да бъде преведена, защото ми стана любопитна историята на Тристан!
April 1, 2013
Sadie Moon once fell in love, and got married, even though it wasn't fully legal, in her heart she committed herself to him, until he abandoned her, and so she decided to move on with her life, never expecting to cross paths with him again. However things never go as expected. Sadie Moon is a fortune teller, and has a real gift that has helped people. Then Jack Friday enters her shop and all her feelings for him, both good and bad come rushing back. However Jack is none too pleased with her either. Jack married Sadie against his grandfather's wishes who wanted him to marry someone from the ton. Jack could have cared less about the title, so he went and left Sadie to earn a fortune so he could give her a life he wanted to give her, but then she left him, and has harbored resentment toward her. Now they are put in each other's paths once more, and the passion they once felt for each other...is very much alive and they will both start to realize that the love that they once have felt for each other...could be the one thing that will save them as betrayals and a danger threatens them....When Marrying A Scoundrel is the second installment in the Victorian Soap Opera series...I just love Kathryn Smith..at least the books that I have read so far. I just fell in love with this story and the characters hard and fast. I just loved loved loved Sadie, she was fresh and spirited, yet hid vulnerabilities when it came to love and especially to Jack. Through the whole story we see these two fall in love all over again despite protests to the contrary, and we also see a mystery unravel. So it was fun and refreshing romance and I just love Kathryn Smith's style of writing. Its like a breath of fresh air....and I just truly loved When Marrying A Scoundrel!! It was EXCELLENT!!!
July 27, 2016
Qué tiempos... cuando Esencia no le había dado la espalda a la novela histórica. Me gustó mucho, la historia de un reencuentro, es muy tierna y picante, y una trama muy amena. Me gustó que los protagonistas fueran valientes, la ambientación un poco oscura y los personajes secundarios. Y la portada es preciosa.
September 1, 2018
Sayın Epsilonun yine serinin ortasından daldığı bir kitap. İlk kitap dük ile düşesimizi anlatıyor. Allahtan kitapta bundan bahsediliyor da merakta kalmadım. Kitap güzeldi. Kadın karakter biraz sinirlerimi bozdu. Ama onun dışında idare ederdi. Son kitap çıkarsa okurum. Çünkü oradaki karakterleri de merak ediyorum.
October 18, 2016
Ay que bonico Jack ❤, que bonica Sadie y que bonico tó. Me ha gustado bastante, el primero me gustó más pero este esta muy bien.
February 25, 2018
Tengo que decir, que este libro me ha gustado más que el primero. Es una historia con un buen argumento y sobre todo, mejor ambientada. Con unos personajes bien perfilados, tanto Sadie como Jack, han hecho que me sumerja en la historia. Una bonita historia de amor fácil de leer y entretenida.
September 8, 2022
Una historia que he disfrutado muchísimo
May 25, 2012
Did i just add this book to my "All Time Favorites" shelf?? You bet i did! Hmm..this book got me so hooked i dunno where to start! haha But i'll still attempt to because this book totally deserves it. Here i go. :p
I was actually expecting Lord Archer's story in the second installment of the Victorian Soap Opera Series, that this series would mainly revolve around the Kane brothers. Furthermore, having such a small role in the first installment, I honestly wasn't expecting Sadie Moon to be part of this series, let alone her very own book! How WRONG was I! Yet I've never been so happy to have been wrong! haha I'm very glad the author deemed her worthy of having her own story! Once again i applaud Kathryn Smith for a book well written!
Everything about this book just drew me in! The plot, the conflict, the romantic interlude, the characters..everything was so just to my taste..that i imagined for a minute the author wrote it just for me. haha. Gosh, i can't believe i'm gonna say this..but Sadie Moon and Jack Friday's story just PERFECTLY fits all my preferences in a book!
The part i love most about this book is that the characters, Sadie Moon and Jack Friday are each others' FIRST LOVE. They grew up together, started as friends and playmates and eventually turned into lovers. How sweet and innocent is that! And by lovers i meant they were each others' FIRST and shared a bed as husband and wife, which added the icing on the cake for me. Unlike lovers in other romance books that ends up sleeping with each other before marriage, it extremely pleased me knowing that the romantic interludes in this book were in the context of marriage although it was only a pagan marriage since the couple couldn't afford a special license that time. Still they were able to live together as a married couple for two blissful years. I dunno why, i just really love that picture! It broke my heart when they got separated. But i'm glad that despite the years that separated them, it did not at all lessen their love for each other. In fact, it only made their affection for one another grow that much stronger.
Sadie Moon is such a brave strong girl. I can't help but admire her. Although i think she should have told Jack that she was expecting before he left but i definitely understood her feelings why she didn't. She didn't want to get in the way of Jack's dream and wants him to stay (or bring her with him) not out of duty but for HER. I also was kinda apprehensive and doubtful about her "talent" but i came to admire it as the story progresses. I found myself enjoying reading about how she was able to get a glimpse of the future by just mere interpretation of tea leaves. I might even find myself reading the leaves in my next cup of tea! haha. One thing i can say about Sadie is that she really is not your average heroine. She is unique and i adore her for it! I'm extremely glad she finally overcame her fear and prejudice towards the aristocracy and was brave enough to finally accept Jack's proposal of marriage again. I really couldn't ask for a better heroine!
Moving on to Jack Friday, he was very easy to love! I admire how he braved losing his wealth and title just to be with the girl he loved. It was truly admirable how he welcomed poverty and hard work just for his dear Sadiemoon. And he didn't even complain at all! He just worked and worked. Coming from a wealthy background, i was surprised and impressed how Jack was able to build his fortune from his own sweat and blood. One would think he was a spoiled rich kid but not once did he act as such. And he was only 18 at that time! Now that's what i call a MAN! despite his young years. I was also extremely pleased how he was a bit possessive of our dear Sadiemoon! Every time he calls Sadie his WIFE and that she rightfully belongs to him giddily leaves tingles on my skin! *melt*
Never have i encountered such characters that rightfully belonged to each other as Sadie and Jack are! I vastly enjoyed their story and will no doubt read it again SOON! Thank you Kathryn Smith for sharing Sadie Moon and Jack Friday with us! Am now excited to read the next sequel of this series! One more good read from Kathryn Smith and she'll be on my list of favorite authors! *fingers crossed* :)
I was actually expecting Lord Archer's story in the second installment of the Victorian Soap Opera Series, that this series would mainly revolve around the Kane brothers. Furthermore, having such a small role in the first installment, I honestly wasn't expecting Sadie Moon to be part of this series, let alone her very own book! How WRONG was I! Yet I've never been so happy to have been wrong! haha I'm very glad the author deemed her worthy of having her own story! Once again i applaud Kathryn Smith for a book well written!
Everything about this book just drew me in! The plot, the conflict, the romantic interlude, the characters..everything was so just to my taste..that i imagined for a minute the author wrote it just for me. haha. Gosh, i can't believe i'm gonna say this..but Sadie Moon and Jack Friday's story just PERFECTLY fits all my preferences in a book!
The part i love most about this book is that the characters, Sadie Moon and Jack Friday are each others' FIRST LOVE. They grew up together, started as friends and playmates and eventually turned into lovers. How sweet and innocent is that! And by lovers i meant they were each others' FIRST and shared a bed as husband and wife, which added the icing on the cake for me. Unlike lovers in other romance books that ends up sleeping with each other before marriage, it extremely pleased me knowing that the romantic interludes in this book were in the context of marriage although it was only a pagan marriage since the couple couldn't afford a special license that time. Still they were able to live together as a married couple for two blissful years. I dunno why, i just really love that picture! It broke my heart when they got separated. But i'm glad that despite the years that separated them, it did not at all lessen their love for each other. In fact, it only made their affection for one another grow that much stronger.
Sadie Moon is such a brave strong girl. I can't help but admire her. Although i think she should have told Jack that she was expecting before he left but i definitely understood her feelings why she didn't. She didn't want to get in the way of Jack's dream and wants him to stay (or bring her with him) not out of duty but for HER. I also was kinda apprehensive and doubtful about her "talent" but i came to admire it as the story progresses. I found myself enjoying reading about how she was able to get a glimpse of the future by just mere interpretation of tea leaves. I might even find myself reading the leaves in my next cup of tea! haha. One thing i can say about Sadie is that she really is not your average heroine. She is unique and i adore her for it! I'm extremely glad she finally overcame her fear and prejudice towards the aristocracy and was brave enough to finally accept Jack's proposal of marriage again. I really couldn't ask for a better heroine!
Moving on to Jack Friday, he was very easy to love! I admire how he braved losing his wealth and title just to be with the girl he loved. It was truly admirable how he welcomed poverty and hard work just for his dear Sadiemoon. And he didn't even complain at all! He just worked and worked. Coming from a wealthy background, i was surprised and impressed how Jack was able to build his fortune from his own sweat and blood. One would think he was a spoiled rich kid but not once did he act as such. And he was only 18 at that time! Now that's what i call a MAN! despite his young years. I was also extremely pleased how he was a bit possessive of our dear Sadiemoon! Every time he calls Sadie his WIFE and that she rightfully belongs to him giddily leaves tingles on my skin! *melt*
Never have i encountered such characters that rightfully belonged to each other as Sadie and Jack are! I vastly enjoyed their story and will no doubt read it again SOON! Thank you Kathryn Smith for sharing Sadie Moon and Jack Friday with us! Am now excited to read the next sequel of this series! One more good read from Kathryn Smith and she'll be on my list of favorite authors! *fingers crossed* :)
February 27, 2010
5 stars – Historical/Victorian Romance
July 28, 2010
Found the author's use of modern slang very weird in a historical novel.
July 8, 2019
3.5 stars-- and simply because I prefer a little more action to add the drama of my romance novels. If I was a person happy with simply character rather than both character and physical action plot it would be solid 4-4.5 stars. The best way to describe this novel would be sweet.
I see a lot of negative on the heroine Sadie reviews that after reading leave me a little confused. Sadie behaves exactly as I would expect a woman in her situation to behave. Both Jack and Sadie began their romance as teenagers and married young against Jack's families wishes (he was titled, she was a village girl). Jack still unable to let go of some part of his entitlement and wanting to show up his grandfather who continues to deny his marriage leaves Sadie to become a self-made man. Jack succeeds in this exceedingly but upon his return finds Sadie long gone. Jack's story is about coming to terms with the fact that despite claiming to having wanted to do better for Saide his leaving her had more to do with him than her and his realizing just how deeply he hurt her, even more so when he learns just what situation he left her in (a village girl living alone in London with no friends or family, and a little something extra that hurts her even more).
Sadie, on the other hand, has to forgive and finally truly deal with the hurt she'd been dealt. It makes sense to me that she would be hesitant to do so. Sadie being younger than Jack and being left alone in a world unfamiliar to her and having to deal with the discovery of a pregnancy, the loss of the child, the near inability to track down Jack in his travels, and the lack of letters being received (courtesy of Jack's grandfather) understandably make her a little bitter. I will agree that while Jack's issues are confronted continuously throughout the novel, or at least seemingly so, Sadie's are not confronted enough. They are often brought up before a distraction appears. The issue of her miscarriage is so important to Sadie and the hurt she felt in that situation seems to be brought up only in the last few pages and used to once again have Jack see the error of his ways-- I don't feel it is very truly dealt with and needed more time to fully flesh this instance in their relationship out.
I really enjoyed the relationship and the interaction as the two rediscovered each other and seemed to heal. My only real issue with them was that so much of their relationship seemed based on the past-- which makes sense in this case, and their rediscovery and learning of their new selves. However, while their current selves are important I would have liked to learn more of their relationship in the past other than the bits and pieces that were given.
I see a lot of negative on the heroine Sadie reviews that after reading leave me a little confused. Sadie behaves exactly as I would expect a woman in her situation to behave. Both Jack and Sadie began their romance as teenagers and married young against Jack's families wishes (he was titled, she was a village girl). Jack still unable to let go of some part of his entitlement and wanting to show up his grandfather who continues to deny his marriage leaves Sadie to become a self-made man. Jack succeeds in this exceedingly but upon his return finds Sadie long gone. Jack's story is about coming to terms with the fact that despite claiming to having wanted to do better for Saide his leaving her had more to do with him than her and his realizing just how deeply he hurt her, even more so when he learns just what situation he left her in (a village girl living alone in London with no friends or family, and a little something extra that hurts her even more).
Sadie, on the other hand, has to forgive and finally truly deal with the hurt she'd been dealt. It makes sense to me that she would be hesitant to do so. Sadie being younger than Jack and being left alone in a world unfamiliar to her and having to deal with the discovery of a pregnancy, the loss of the child, the near inability to track down Jack in his travels, and the lack of letters being received (courtesy of Jack's grandfather) understandably make her a little bitter. I will agree that while Jack's issues are confronted continuously throughout the novel, or at least seemingly so, Sadie's are not confronted enough. They are often brought up before a distraction appears. The issue of her miscarriage is so important to Sadie and the hurt she felt in that situation seems to be brought up only in the last few pages and used to once again have Jack see the error of his ways-- I don't feel it is very truly dealt with and needed more time to fully flesh this instance in their relationship out.
I really enjoyed the relationship and the interaction as the two rediscovered each other and seemed to heal. My only real issue with them was that so much of their relationship seemed based on the past-- which makes sense in this case, and their rediscovery and learning of their new selves. However, while their current selves are important I would have liked to learn more of their relationship in the past other than the bits and pieces that were given.
January 4, 2023
Started a bit slow and I was a bit disappointed cause I was expecting Archer’s story, instead we get Jack and Sadie. It was still well written, a bit slow in the beginning but it picked up. A second chances trope.
May 15, 2025
Epeydir historical romance okumuyordum, iyi oldu aslında. İlk kitaptaki dük ve düşes de var bunda.Bizde sanıyorum basılmadı o kitap.
Bence esas son kitap bomba, Lord Trystan Kane ve La Rieux'ün hikayesi orada.
Bence esas son kitap bomba, Lord Trystan Kane ve La Rieux'ün hikayesi orada.
May 27, 2018
entretenido
January 8, 2021
Aparte de una portada PRECIOSA, tiene otro amor prohibido que llega al corazón 🥺❤️
April 18, 2022
Очакван край, но доста хубава и бързо четяща се книга! 🎉😊
August 4, 2024
4.5 magical little stars.
I normally hate second chance romance but this one got me. Still wanted to bash their heads together a few times though which is why it's not a 5 star.
I normally hate second chance romance but this one got me. Still wanted to bash their heads together a few times though which is why it's not a 5 star.
February 2, 2017
¡5 ESTRELLAS!
Cartas de amor no es una novela que tenga un mensaje profundo que te marque la existencia, ni tampoco es de esas novelas "must read". Más bien es una novela de romance histórico como otra cualquiera pero que ha conseguido enamorarme (tanto de la historia como de sus personajes), me ha tenido atrapada entre sus páginas durante los últimos tres días (aunque debería estar estudiando un examen) y estoy segura que la historia de Jack y Sadie la recordaré durante bastante tiempo.
No quiero hablar mucho de la novela pues no quiero hacer spoiler. Solo destacar que la historia de amor entre Jack y Sadie me ha parecido preciosa, verdadera y real. Lo que ellos comparten es amor del bueno, ese que te acompaña para toda la vida aunque la persona que amas no está cerca, ese tipo de amor que te rompe el corazón en pedacitos tan pequeños que no sabes si conseguirás sobrevivir pero, aún así, repetirías todo por estar con esa persona. En definitiva, amor verdadero.
Y claro, siendo yo una romántica empedernida, cómo no me iba a gustar este libro. Además, Kathryn Smith nos ha presentado a dos personajes que no tienen miedo a expresar sus sentimientos (aunque el principio el orgullo los puede). ¿Lo recomiendo? Absolutamente sí. Si eres una enamoradiza perdida y te gusta el romance histórico... ¿Qué estás haciendo que no estás leyendo este libro?
PD.: ¡Quiero a un Jack en mi vida!
Cartas de amor no es una novela que tenga un mensaje profundo que te marque la existencia, ni tampoco es de esas novelas "must read". Más bien es una novela de romance histórico como otra cualquiera pero que ha conseguido enamorarme (tanto de la historia como de sus personajes), me ha tenido atrapada entre sus páginas durante los últimos tres días (aunque debería estar estudiando un examen) y estoy segura que la historia de Jack y Sadie la recordaré durante bastante tiempo.
No quiero hablar mucho de la novela pues no quiero hacer spoiler. Solo destacar que la historia de amor entre Jack y Sadie me ha parecido preciosa, verdadera y real. Lo que ellos comparten es amor del bueno, ese que te acompaña para toda la vida aunque la persona que amas no está cerca, ese tipo de amor que te rompe el corazón en pedacitos tan pequeños que no sabes si conseguirás sobrevivir pero, aún así, repetirías todo por estar con esa persona. En definitiva, amor verdadero.
Y claro, siendo yo una romántica empedernida, cómo no me iba a gustar este libro. Además, Kathryn Smith nos ha presentado a dos personajes que no tienen miedo a expresar sus sentimientos (aunque el principio el orgullo los puede). ¿Lo recomiendo? Absolutamente sí. Si eres una enamoradiza perdida y te gusta el romance histórico... ¿Qué estás haciendo que no estás leyendo este libro?
PD.: ¡Quiero a un Jack en mi vida!
September 27, 2019
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
March 28, 2013
I read a lot, and I haven't read a good book in a really long time. This book is exactly what I've been waiting for. I absolutely loved it and I'm sure I will love it when I read it again. My favorite type of romance novels are ones where the main characters had a relationship when they were younger and then there's a period of separation and they find each other again. The only part that did bug me was the very beginning when Jack pretended that he didn't know who Sadie was, but then again it had been 10 years. But you don't forget your first love. We were introduced to Sadie in When seducing a duke and I wasn't expecting her to get her own book but I'm really glad that she did. This book gave me chills and I felt the lost years of their separation so deep in my heart. Jack and Sadie were married in a pagan ceremony years ago, because they couldn't even afford a marriage license. Jack's grandfather the Earl disinherited him. I understand them trying to seek solace in others, because we have a tendency to do that. You think that maybe being with someone else is going to make things better but it really doesn't. I do think that Jack was a little bit harsh in the beginning about her tea shop, but eventually he gave in. I like the part when they went to go see the magician. Jack sawed Sadie in half and it was a nice allusion as to what happened to them years ago. Their first romantic scene that we saw in the book was amazing. I felt their love. I felt there desperation. Here you have 2 people that were so in love and were so young and finally found each other again, it is amazing. I think my heart also loves it knowing the fact that they were both virgins the first time they were together. They were each others first now and forever. I did get a little aggravated however when Sadie pushed Jack away so he could feel his obligations and duties as Earl, while secretly hoping he would chase after her. Why do we do that? And the scene where they met each other at the old house was full of such emotion and I really really felt for them. I also especially loved each time Jack referred to Sadie as his wife. She goes behind Jack's back and contacts his grandfather for him, but instead of being angry at her he understands why she did it and that was a good thing. I'm also looking forward to reading Tristan and Vienne's book, that's next on my list. In my opinion this book is a winner and a keeper. I like Katherine Smith, but sometimes her books can fall a little flat so I was definitely pleased with it. I actually couldn't wait to finish so I could come on here and give it a great review. So if your sucker for long lost loves finding their way back to each other again read this. Also, read Elizabeth Boyle's The Bachelor Chronicles. Her story about Pippin and Dash, that spans several books and then culminates in their own, will take your breath away.
June 12, 2023
Sadie Moon, a former heartbroken waif turned renowned fortune-teller, had long moved on from her dashing husband, Jack Friday, who left her to seek his fortune. Unexpectedly, their paths cross again in an unlikely location: London's most exclusive house of pleasure. Jack, now wealthy and successful, realizes he still harbors intense feelings for Sadie, despite the broken promise she made to wait for him.
The book starts off a bit slow and I was initially disappointed because I was expecting Archer's story. However, the book is still well-written and gradually picks up pace. It presents a compelling second-chance romance trope that I loved.
Smith's writing style is enchanting, and her ability to create lovable characters shines through once again. Sadie, the spirited and vulnerable protagonist, quickly wins readers' hearts, while Jack's enduring love for her is both heartwarming and believable. As the story unfolds, the couple's journey to rediscover their love is intertwined with a mysterious plot that keeps the readers engaged.
The reunited lovers plot device is executed effectively, showcasing the emotional struggles and conflicting feelings of both Sadie and Jack. It's evident why each character feels abandoned, and the exploration of their trust issues adds depth to their relationship. Despite some frustrations with the protagonists' actions, the overall enjoyment of the book remains intact, as the rekindled romance takes center stage.
Overall, the story delivers a fun and refreshing romance, demonstrating Kathryn Smith's talent for crafting engaging stories. The book successfully portrays the complexities of love and the power of second chances, making it a delightful read for fans of the genre.
The book starts off a bit slow and I was initially disappointed because I was expecting Archer's story. However, the book is still well-written and gradually picks up pace. It presents a compelling second-chance romance trope that I loved.
Smith's writing style is enchanting, and her ability to create lovable characters shines through once again. Sadie, the spirited and vulnerable protagonist, quickly wins readers' hearts, while Jack's enduring love for her is both heartwarming and believable. As the story unfolds, the couple's journey to rediscover their love is intertwined with a mysterious plot that keeps the readers engaged.
The reunited lovers plot device is executed effectively, showcasing the emotional struggles and conflicting feelings of both Sadie and Jack. It's evident why each character feels abandoned, and the exploration of their trust issues adds depth to their relationship. Despite some frustrations with the protagonists' actions, the overall enjoyment of the book remains intact, as the rekindled romance takes center stage.
Overall, the story delivers a fun and refreshing romance, demonstrating Kathryn Smith's talent for crafting engaging stories. The book successfully portrays the complexities of love and the power of second chances, making it a delightful read for fans of the genre.
June 2, 2010
Kathryn Smith is hit or miss for me.
I really like the "reunited lovers" plot device, and I think Smith did a good job with it here. It was easy to see why both parties felt they were the ones who got abandoned. I really liked that Jack never stopped loving Sadie, and had no problem admitting it. He no longer trusted her, but he still loved her.
Though I had issues with both main protagonists, they weren't enough to detract from my overall enjoyment. Yes, I became frustrated by their actions at times. But more, I was swept up in their rekindled romance, waiting to see when they'd finally realize what we as the reader knew all along - they were meant to be.
I really like the "reunited lovers" plot device, and I think Smith did a good job with it here. It was easy to see why both parties felt they were the ones who got abandoned. I really liked that Jack never stopped loving Sadie, and had no problem admitting it. He no longer trusted her, but he still loved her.
Though I had issues with both main protagonists, they weren't enough to detract from my overall enjoyment. Yes, I became frustrated by their actions at times. But more, I was swept up in their rekindled romance, waiting to see when they'd finally realize what we as the reader knew all along - they were meant to be.
February 15, 2011
I kinda felt that the main characters' main problem was miscommunication and lack of trust. I was kinda expecting a big scandal, but when the moment came it was cut short. It was kinda clever that Sadie told Lady G that her husband was gonna die. I know that sounds bad, but her husband was inhuman and mean. Who the hell bites so hard that they leave marks during sex? And he hits her!!! We don't actually know if he does die suddenly but really? There was like nothing else, but the plot of 2 lost loves meeting again and rekindling their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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