Nightingale (Crimson Romance)

Very enjoyable, it is so hard for me to find the words to explain why I enjoyed this book. The only thing I didn't figure out was why you didn't tie up the mystery. Its kinda like you left it dangling or else I missed something. ?☺

Each time I finish a Sharon Ervin book I think "this is the best one yet." "Nightingale" took over the "best" title yesterday. The characters are well defined, the story interesting, the writing is smooth. I'm Looking forward to the next "best."

The concept if the story was OK but the unbelievable characterization, interactions, setting, etc. were distracting throughout. It was readable and I finished it but the whole time I was bothered by the somewhat juvenile writing style (it just felt unpolished and as if the author could benefit from more practice to find a consistent "voice"). The plot managed to be both entirely predictable and seemingly inconsistent with characters. Most conflicts felt invented because the author needed a conflict to drive the book along and not because it was the logical progression of the story. Ultimately, if I were stuck in a blizzard with this as my only source of entertainment, I'd choose to read it again, but with so many other books in existence, this probably isn't worth your time.

Fans of historical romance will appreciate this most enjoyable novel. This is an entertaining, well-written book. Eloisa James is currently writing a series of historical romances which are her versions of fairy tales. Sharon Ervin gives us a delightful Cinderella story which is also witty and pleasing in its unique way. In 1840 Great Britain, Jessica Blair, apprentice scullery maid, is out one evening caring for her chickens when she hears the thundering of hooves. She finds a frightened horse frothing at the mouth and manages to gentle him. She soon finds the rider lying on the ground with a head wound, blind and defenseless. The man turns out to be Devlin Miracle, Duke of Fornay, master of Gull's Way, who enlists Jessica to return him home. His gratitude is boundless as is that of his mother, the Dowager. Jessica is a girl of immense character and intelligence. There is a good deal of back story as well. She also manages to solve the murder of a young maid and discover why the Duke was attacked and who was responsible. There are some humorous plays on words as well. For example, Jessica calls the Duke's horse Sweetness while he insists the war horse's proper name is Vindicator. Jessica's betrothed is a bully, apply named John Lout. This is a romance about a relationship that develops between two sympathetic, well-developed characters. I strongly recommend this novel to romance readers.

This book was such an enjoyable read to me and I really enjoyed this book! Jessica was such a lovable character in this book! So wise and such a force of life for an 18 year old in the 1800s. She sort of reminds me of Belle from "Beauty and The Beast", she is very loving to all those around her even the ones that aren't nice to her. But she also has the quick wit to put someone in their place if need be. She has a naïveté about her that will touch your heart and just give you an overall happiness to your spirit. Devlin was.....charming in a sense because he was kind but in a selfish and conceited kind of way that he didn't even know about himself. Jessica was able to humble him and allow for him to see that he wasn't doing as much for his people as a Duke as he thought he was. She didn't put up with his angry outburst and put him back into his place for having them to begin with. This was a wonderful book about falling love in the 1800s and I truly and surely enjoyed this book.

First -- I was given a copy of the book in the hope of an honest review. That being said, I'm not a huge reader of historical fiction, so any inaccuracies along those lines would have gone right by me.

I found this an enjoyable book, sort of what if Cinderella had been working for Prince Charming? The heroine was feisty--perhaps a little too outspoken in her dealings with the hero. After all, she was an assistant scullery maid, and he was a Duke. However, putting any concerns aside, the writing was witty, and the book enjoyable, with enough mystery/tension included to keep this mystery reader entertained.

Jessica Blair happened to be in the right place at the right time to rescue Devlin, the 12th Duke of Fornay who was ambushed, robbed and left for dead!! He thought she was a child but she was his savior, his nightingale. His mother Lady Anne knew right away Jessica was special in more ways than one. As Devlin starts to recover from his initial blindness he makes a bargain with Jessica. As Devlin, Lady Anne and all the servants get to know Jessica they all fall under her beautiful spell. Devlin continues to refer to her as a child even though she continuously corrects him that she is a woman fully grown. You will love this book, the banter btwn the two and what she does to make sure Devlin and his family stays safe!!

I enjoyed the good things in this story, although I have some reservations about it, too. The duke was an interesting character but his mood seemed too variable. This could be explained by the injury and the blindness, but why would he be insulting and complimenting by turns to Jessica? She was a very nice young lady, as well as capable and loved by everyone. But if the duke had been less arrogant there wouldn't have been so much drama. I didn't care for the thought that unnecessary drama was deliberately written into the story. To me, it made the story and the characters inconsistent. Despite my irritation about that, I enjoyed the story, and I would try reading another book by this author.

This was a clever look into a devious world of the ton and the high born. Jessica is a low born girl seeking out a meager existence selling eggs and working as a scullery maids assistant. She is almost plowed over by a runaway stallion minus a rider. She uses the horse to locate the rider and finds him gravelly injured by bandits. She takes him to his home and nurses him. He has been stricken blind by the wounds and relies on her for help healing. She discovers he is devlin miracle the duke.
There is much danger that keeps the story at a fever pitch. The chemistry between Devlin and Jessica is so hot you almost combust reading it. All the characters seemed real to life. I enjoyed reading this story. My only complaint was some swift outcomes and a quick ending. Her family situation is never resolved. I would've been happy to read a more detailed account of the ending instead of a paragraph reciting the future. Other than that I was satisfied.

Devlin is frustrating throughout most of the book. The author makes him seen like an oblivious idiot alot of the times. I adored Jessica's character and loved the interactions between the 2 of them. The 2 "love" scenes if you can call them that are weird. Devlin demanding Jessica kisses him ends up with her kissing his chin and neck. And the second scene is a very erotic explicit scene that felt completely out of place in this book. Not once do they actually kiss each other, not even in the end of the book. It was lacking in a few different ways. For far too long into the book he thinks she is only 13yrs old at the oldest, even though she tells him on numerous occasions she is a "grown woman", plus his mother can see for herself that she is and that plays out for too long his denial that she is actually an adult. I wanted a little more romance between the two of them and for him to not be so blind not in the literal sense either.

If you love late regency, if you love horses, and if you love descriptions of English countryside segueing into the sparkle of British upper class society, then this is the book for you! The story includes a wounded hero, a happy ending, and a sweet blooming romance. Ervin is a master (or is that mistress?) of dialogue and description.

A great read when you need relief from reality. A sweet, rewarding romance with plenty of laughs and giggles.

Sometimes you need comfort food, and sometimes you JUST need a comfort read. This book ranks right up there with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and Pride and Prejudice. I found it comforting and enjoyable for me as I dealt with a family tragedy. Unable to read books with a darker plot twist while grieving, this novel was a true comfort. An exciting and happy read!

Give us more Regency, Sharon Ervin!

One of the best novels I have read in a very long time. This is not just another World War 11 book. This shows the twists and turns of two sisters in France during the war. Though quite different, as many siblings are, their separate paths lead both to be participants in the French Resistance. The characters are so real you quickly emerse yourself in them. This is a sad, painful at times to read, book yet shows strenght and hope. There are twists and turns in the book that keep you wondering, yet are so believable. I would recommend this book to all.

The author did and excellent job and it was well worth a full five stars. I enjoy these "feel-good" Historical/Fiction and Romance stories. One more thought; this story could have happened and because of that it is more realistic than most. I cannot go any further as the reader may not want to read it. Many thanks for your attention.

I really enjoyed this Historical romance which is also book nine of the Timeless Passion set of Historical Romances.I enjoyed the heroine and hero and how they drew sparks from each other.It had a steady pace and I didn't want to put it down after I started to read.There is some violence but it is interesting what could ruin a persons repetation. How times have changed.

What a fabulously written book. I loved it. I couldn't put down. When Devlin had been attacked & left. Jessica returns the young duke to his home. Time helping him to recover teaching him the importance of knowing how to treat others and knowing that he is in love. I have enjoyed this book. I would recommend reading it. Very enjoyable

If calls for 5 Stars because it's a tale many girls of yesteryear would've dreamed of. Honesty plays a
big part here which is a rare find. Also, it shows the reader
that no matter the circumstance in life, education is priceless. A great pass on to friends!

I have been a fan of Sharon Ervin's work for years. I think Nightingale is my favorite book of hers. I loved the detail she gives for each of her characters -- it really makes the story come to life. This book was an excellent choice for me, because truthfully, romance novels are not my favorite read. There is enough mystery in the story line to keep you guessing about the outcome. I highly recommend this book!

Nightingale is a compelling read, but it is a little frustrating in that it is repetitive. I got the feeling that the story could be effectively relayed with far fewer pages. That said, however, the story kept me engaged with its romanticism and beautiful narrative.

It was a fast moving story and never seemed to bog down. Characters locked onto each other and knew exactly how they felt. Glad I saw it as an advertised book on the front of my kindle. Good books like this seemed to get lost in the maze, so for me this was a happy accident!!