Elizabeth Johns (2)
Author of Duke of Knight
For other authors named Elizabeth Johns, see the disambiguation page.
Series
Works by Elizabeth Johns
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Common Knowledge
- Gender
- female
- Short biography
- Bestselling author Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author's books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen's wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible. [retrieved 11/14/2016 from Amazon.com Author Page]
Members
Reviews
I've been putting off writing this review for a few days so I could think about this story with "fresh eyes." I am so close to giving this book one of my few five stars. These days, I'm saving those for that rare classic that I might read once a year the way one of my friends reads Jane Eyre every spring. Just know that Seeking Redemption came pretty darn close.
I am not a big fan of stories where rakes are reformed when they meet the right women. (I mean, c'mon ladies, how often do we get show more ourselves into trouble believing that fairy tale?) Nathanial is essentially a decent man who makes some horrendous mistakes, ones for which anyone would have a hard time forgiving him. He spends the next several years doing his own form of penance. I found the story poignant, and Nathanial comes across as a man who is worthy of redemption even if he doesn't believe it of himself.
I felt a little cheated with Elinor's seemingly easy forgiveness of the wrong done to her, but my understanding is that she is the heroine of Ms. John's first novel, Surrender the Past. However, I'd recommend starting with Seeking Redemption first. The writing is more polished, and it makes it easier to get into the first story. (Surrender the Past.)
I found it interesting that the author calls this a "traditional regency". I'm not even sure what that means, but I will caution those of you who are used to modern regencies — this is not the light-hearted Cinderella story that so many regencies have become. This novel doesn't shy away from the darker side of humanity. Considering the novel's title, that's as it should be.
I also found the battle scenes a tad more detailed than typical for a genre that is usually considered women's fiction. (Hint: reading those parts fast doesn't take away from the storyline.) At times, the storytelling reminded me of something more akin to Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series — except for Ms. Johns portrays women way more kindly than Cornwell did!
All in all, I loved the story, the romance, and the history of Seeking Redemption. I just wish it had been around before I visited Waterloo as a teenager. Maybe I would have seen it as more than "just a field." show less
I am not a big fan of stories where rakes are reformed when they meet the right women. (I mean, c'mon ladies, how often do we get show more ourselves into trouble believing that fairy tale?) Nathanial is essentially a decent man who makes some horrendous mistakes, ones for which anyone would have a hard time forgiving him. He spends the next several years doing his own form of penance. I found the story poignant, and Nathanial comes across as a man who is worthy of redemption even if he doesn't believe it of himself.
I felt a little cheated with Elinor's seemingly easy forgiveness of the wrong done to her, but my understanding is that she is the heroine of Ms. John's first novel, Surrender the Past. However, I'd recommend starting with Seeking Redemption first. The writing is more polished, and it makes it easier to get into the first story. (Surrender the Past.)
I found it interesting that the author calls this a "traditional regency". I'm not even sure what that means, but I will caution those of you who are used to modern regencies — this is not the light-hearted Cinderella story that so many regencies have become. This novel doesn't shy away from the darker side of humanity. Considering the novel's title, that's as it should be.
I also found the battle scenes a tad more detailed than typical for a genre that is usually considered women's fiction. (Hint: reading those parts fast doesn't take away from the storyline.) At times, the storytelling reminded me of something more akin to Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series — except for Ms. Johns portrays women way more kindly than Cornwell did!
All in all, I loved the story, the romance, and the history of Seeking Redemption. I just wish it had been around before I visited Waterloo as a teenager. Maybe I would have seen it as more than "just a field." show less
Proposals can be such a romantic gestures, but when the sentiment isn't shared by both people it can make for one awkward situation. What would you do if someone sent a messenger to propose to you and the proposal comes from someone that you've never met? I'm sure you'd do something similar to what Beaujolias or "Jolie" did and turn down the proposal in an incredibly insulting way, also through the messenger.
What Jolie doesn't realize is that Benedict, the Duke of Yardley and the man that show more offered the proposal, is headed to her cousin's estate, where she just happens to be staying before she heads to London for the season. After hearing about the proposal, her cousins believe Benedict and Jolie would be perfect for each other and scheme to get these two together without them realizing their actual identities.
Of course there are complications that surround them both, which adds to the drama, and though the attraction between Benedict and Jolie builds throughout the book, there are larger issues that pull everyone to an unimaginable, dark place.
The love/hate relationship between Benedict and Jolie has a Pride and Prejudice vibe, and is even mentioned in the book, which was a really cute touch. The plot kept me interested from start to finish, and if you've read the first book in the series, Through the Fire, you'll love seeing how both stories overlap, though this can be read as a standalone book as well. Melting the Ice has a wonderful flow, is well written, and is a truly charming and enjoyable read. show less
What Jolie doesn't realize is that Benedict, the Duke of Yardley and the man that show more offered the proposal, is headed to her cousin's estate, where she just happens to be staying before she heads to London for the season. After hearing about the proposal, her cousins believe Benedict and Jolie would be perfect for each other and scheme to get these two together without them realizing their actual identities.
Of course there are complications that surround them both, which adds to the drama, and though the attraction between Benedict and Jolie builds throughout the book, there are larger issues that pull everyone to an unimaginable, dark place.
The love/hate relationship between Benedict and Jolie has a Pride and Prejudice vibe, and is even mentioned in the book, which was a really cute touch. The plot kept me interested from start to finish, and if you've read the first book in the series, Through the Fire, you'll love seeing how both stories overlap, though this can be read as a standalone book as well. Melting the Ice has a wonderful flow, is well written, and is a truly charming and enjoyable read. show less
This anthology series is one of my favorite regency anthologies to date. Each story was so immersive and enjoyable that I devoured the entire anthology within hours of getting my hands on it.
The mystery that surrounds a masquerade is intriguing enough, but dressing up in costumes that hide your identity is always a treat, especially as we are currently in Halloween season. The freedom of dressing up like someone or something other than yourself is so fun, especially when your inhibitions show more lower, and things you never thought could be possible suddenly become possible. It’s in this spirit we find three entertaining stories that all surround a masquerade.
The collection starts off with A Double Masquerade by Elizabeth Johns. I was instantly smitten with this story but really fell in love when Phoebe chose her costume, which just so happens to be one of my favorite creatures. The secrecy of the masquerade ball and how obvious fate was in the meeting between Arthur and Phoebe was nothing short of magical. Everything about their relationship is unconventional and I am here for it! A play off of Cinderella, A Double Masquerade is teeming with wit and charm as we see a peacock and a fox play a game of cat and mouse in this utterly charming novella.
Every single moment of this story was my favorite part and I didn’t stop reading for one single second. Can a fox and a peacock find love? You’ll just have to read it and find out!
Next is Their Masked Secret by Jen Geigle Johnson. This novella starts out with a very cute premise and my heart instantly went out to poor Jamie. Who would ever want to marry out of duty when you can marry for love?
Jamie and Merry’s story has a lot more romantic moments that had my swoony heart going pitter-patter. Their first meeting is so sweet and simple yet at the same time holds so much fire and meaning. A very powerful connection binds them to one another, so much so that neither really understand it themselves.
This was such a wonder story that I loved it so, so much!! If I had to choose a favorite of the three I believe this would be it. It truly has it all and I fell so hard that I wish this could’ve been a full-length novel. When it ended I was not ready for the magic to end!
The third and final novella is Masquerade A-la-Mode by Annette Lyon. Sadly, this was my least favorite of the three, though it still was a fairly charming read. In this novella the masquerade doesn’t start out at a ball but in an advertisement for Lonely Hearts, which is an interesting premise, especially for the time period. The author was able to work a masquerade ball later into the story in a very creative way, which I quite enjoyed, and it got better from there.
This novella had more of a sweet and subdued feel to it, which was opposite of what I was expecting, but overall it’s a cute story that I did enjoy.
I must end this review by saying just how much I love this series! It gets better and better with each volume and I am living for it. This is how an anthology is supposed to be written! It is chock full of likable characters, masquerade mix-ups, and love compounded. What more could you want? show less
The mystery that surrounds a masquerade is intriguing enough, but dressing up in costumes that hide your identity is always a treat, especially as we are currently in Halloween season. The freedom of dressing up like someone or something other than yourself is so fun, especially when your inhibitions show more lower, and things you never thought could be possible suddenly become possible. It’s in this spirit we find three entertaining stories that all surround a masquerade.
The collection starts off with A Double Masquerade by Elizabeth Johns. I was instantly smitten with this story but really fell in love when Phoebe chose her costume, which just so happens to be one of my favorite creatures. The secrecy of the masquerade ball and how obvious fate was in the meeting between Arthur and Phoebe was nothing short of magical. Everything about their relationship is unconventional and I am here for it! A play off of Cinderella, A Double Masquerade is teeming with wit and charm as we see a peacock and a fox play a game of cat and mouse in this utterly charming novella.
Every single moment of this story was my favorite part and I didn’t stop reading for one single second. Can a fox and a peacock find love? You’ll just have to read it and find out!
Next is Their Masked Secret by Jen Geigle Johnson. This novella starts out with a very cute premise and my heart instantly went out to poor Jamie. Who would ever want to marry out of duty when you can marry for love?
Jamie and Merry’s story has a lot more romantic moments that had my swoony heart going pitter-patter. Their first meeting is so sweet and simple yet at the same time holds so much fire and meaning. A very powerful connection binds them to one another, so much so that neither really understand it themselves.
This was such a wonder story that I loved it so, so much!! If I had to choose a favorite of the three I believe this would be it. It truly has it all and I fell so hard that I wish this could’ve been a full-length novel. When it ended I was not ready for the magic to end!
The third and final novella is Masquerade A-la-Mode by Annette Lyon. Sadly, this was my least favorite of the three, though it still was a fairly charming read. In this novella the masquerade doesn’t start out at a ball but in an advertisement for Lonely Hearts, which is an interesting premise, especially for the time period. The author was able to work a masquerade ball later into the story in a very creative way, which I quite enjoyed, and it got better from there.
This novella had more of a sweet and subdued feel to it, which was opposite of what I was expecting, but overall it’s a cute story that I did enjoy.
I must end this review by saying just how much I love this series! It gets better and better with each volume and I am living for it. This is how an anthology is supposed to be written! It is chock full of likable characters, masquerade mix-ups, and love compounded. What more could you want? show less
This is how a Regency romance should be written. With a laser focus on emotional content and actual story rather than sexy times and witty banter, this author pulls out all the stops to create a beautifully written historical romance that I’m proud to have read.
I liked that the author’s focus on story and emotions. There actually is no sex in this book and for a very good reason. The author takes the time to explore some very emotional and traumatic issues that affect our characters. show more Elly’s and Adam’s journey towards each other is all the deeper and emotional for overcoming these traumatic events and the various tragedies that occur.
I liked Elly’s and Adam’s characters as well. They’re both very strong personalities who aren't afraid to speak their minds and do what they think is right. I liked that the author stayed away from stereotypes like “the rake” and “the vixen” yet she sort of played with them a bit by laying hints for humor’s sake. Elly and Adam are shown both to have their vulnerabilities and their strengths, enough that they both are very three dimensional and all the more relatable to for it.
This is a beautiful romance, hands down. With a focus on story and emotion every historical romance should achieve, this author has given us an example of how such books should be done. I loved the characters enough to cheer for their eventual match at the end. And I know you’ll be rooting for Elly and Adam as well after reading. Highly recommended for historical romance or Regency romance lovers everywhere. show less
I liked that the author’s focus on story and emotions. There actually is no sex in this book and for a very good reason. The author takes the time to explore some very emotional and traumatic issues that affect our characters. show more Elly’s and Adam’s journey towards each other is all the deeper and emotional for overcoming these traumatic events and the various tragedies that occur.
I liked Elly’s and Adam’s characters as well. They’re both very strong personalities who aren't afraid to speak their minds and do what they think is right. I liked that the author stayed away from stereotypes like “the rake” and “the vixen” yet she sort of played with them a bit by laying hints for humor’s sake. Elly and Adam are shown both to have their vulnerabilities and their strengths, enough that they both are very three dimensional and all the more relatable to for it.
This is a beautiful romance, hands down. With a focus on story and emotion every historical romance should achieve, this author has given us an example of how such books should be done. I loved the characters enough to cheer for their eventual match at the end. And I know you’ll be rooting for Elly and Adam as well after reading. Highly recommended for historical romance or Regency romance lovers everywhere. show less
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Statistics
- Works
- 50
- Members
- 251
- Popularity
- #91,085
- Rating
- 4.0
- Reviews
- 14
- ISBNs
- 75