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Glimmer of Hope
Stunning Miranda Harford once had the world at her feet. She was young, carefree, and desperately in love. But when her new husband left for London without her, her world fell apart. Devastated by his abandonment, Miranda fled their home, taking residence at her husband’s rarely visited countryside estate. For three years, she lived alone. But now, as the holidays draw near, an unexpected visitor arrives . . .
Carter Alexander Harford, Seventh Viscount Devereaux, is a man driven to succeed. His work is his life, and the position of Prime Minister of England is within reach. But in truth, Carter is a man haunted by lost love. Estranged from his beautiful wife, Carter is shocked to find Miranda—the woman he’d loved and who he believes has left him—in residence at his country home.
As plans for a holiday party move forward, the uneasy couple realizes that to avoid further scandal, they must keep up appearances in a charade of marital happiness. Thrust together by fate, it quickly becomes clear that they have both been living beneath a conspired cloud of misunderstanding. As family, career, and social pressures threaten to keep them apart, can love have even a glimmer of hope?
Carter Alexander Harford, Seventh Viscount Devereaux, is a man driven to succeed. His work is his life, and the position of Prime Minister of England is within reach. But in truth, Carter is a man haunted by lost love. Estranged from his beautiful wife, Carter is shocked to find Miranda—the woman he’d loved and who he believes has left him—in residence at his country home.
As plans for a holiday party move forward, the uneasy couple realizes that to avoid further scandal, they must keep up appearances in a charade of marital happiness. Thrust together by fate, it quickly becomes clear that they have both been living beneath a conspired cloud of misunderstanding. As family, career, and social pressures threaten to keep them apart, can love have even a glimmer of hope?
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 783 reviews
October 18, 2016
Sadness.
So.
Much.
Sadness.
For a Regency romance, Glimmer of Hope is just one big bundle of gloominess and woe. The main couple are married but have been separated for three years as the story begins, and the question is whether they can get past hard feelings and huge misunderstandings (major trope alert!) and find happiness together again. Just about anything that can go wrong with a married couple does in this book: lack of communication, . It could only get worse if the husband or wife actually died ... which, frankly, might have been a relief for everyone involved. In fact, Glimmer of Hope is the perfect title, because any happiness for this couple.
This "wallowing in misery" type of book is just not my cuppa tea. When I read a Regency romance I have a certain set of expectations (i.e., lots of witty repartee, charming hero, fairly light-hearted tone, and good romance) and I tend to get a little testy when they're not met. I'm not looking for catharsis or exorcising my internal demons. If you are, you might enjoy this book, but everyone in our Goodreads reading group had very mixed feelings about it, if not outright disappointment.
Do not read if you are looking for a light, fun read. If you enjoy immersing yourself in fictional characters' angst and misery for a few hours, have at it. Personally I'd like my $10 back.
So.
Much.
Sadness.
For a Regency romance, Glimmer of Hope is just one big bundle of gloominess and woe. The main couple are married but have been separated for three years as the story begins, and the question is whether they can get past hard feelings and huge misunderstandings (major trope alert!) and find happiness together again. Just about anything that can go wrong with a married couple does in this book: lack of communication, . It could only get worse if the husband or wife actually died ... which, frankly, might have been a relief for everyone involved. In fact, Glimmer of Hope is the perfect title, because any happiness for this couple.
This "wallowing in misery" type of book is just not my cuppa tea. When I read a Regency romance I have a certain set of expectations (i.e., lots of witty repartee, charming hero, fairly light-hearted tone, and good romance) and I tend to get a little testy when they're not met. I'm not looking for catharsis or exorcising my internal demons. If you are, you might enjoy this book, but everyone in our Goodreads reading group had very mixed feelings about it, if not outright disappointment.
Do not read if you are looking for a light, fun read. If you enjoy immersing yourself in fictional characters' angst and misery for a few hours, have at it. Personally I'd like my $10 back.
May 13, 2024
I read this book after reading a slew of regency novels and let just say…this one was not my fav. While Miranda’s story is heartbreaking- the entire plot line is based off of two spouses literally never talking to each other! A few words and this whole book could have been summed up in three pages.
June 29, 2023
'No Glimmer of Hope'... would be a more apt title
I look at the title and wonder what was going on in the author's head-- Sarcasm, Irony or eternal optimism?
*With spoilers* For me, the book is divided in two halves - pre and post the big reveal.
The first part is a very engrossing read while the second is shocking and disappointing.
The first half is angsty, emotional and so hurtful because of the H's supercilious and one-sided judgmentalism. He lets his parents'/mother's disdainful attitude towards the quiet h, color his own. The h is quiet, shy and physically weak/drained. One wonders at her physical exhaustion and I thought it to be clinical depression, perhaps.
The h/H married (three years ago) after a whirlwind courtship without the approval of his parents and they never thought her country ways suitable for their politically upwardly mobile son. Lots is suggested about the reason for their separation few months after their wedding and one gets it right mostly. The H thinks she's gone back to her loving Grandfather but she's actually living on one of his minor estates, and he comes here inadvertently, as he's planned a house party here. So, it's a shock for both of them to see each other. Not knowing what to do, he lets her stay on and be his hostess, much to the horror of his uptight and critical mother.
The mother drives her ragged to make sure that London standards are met with. Even the guests see how she's being treated and slowly the H comes to see his mother for what she is. Of course, all this pans out slowly. The h/H come closer and decide to take another chance on their marriage.
*Major major spoilers* Then the second half happens with the grandfather revealing the truth about her condition
Angst is good but not so much hopeless gloom and doom.
2.75*
I look at the title and wonder what was going on in the author's head-- Sarcasm, Irony or eternal optimism?
*With spoilers* For me, the book is divided in two halves - pre and post the big reveal.
The first part is a very engrossing read while the second is shocking and disappointing.
The first half is angsty, emotional and so hurtful because of the H's supercilious and one-sided judgmentalism. He lets his parents'/mother's disdainful attitude towards the quiet h, color his own. The h is quiet, shy and physically weak/drained. One wonders at her physical exhaustion and I thought it to be clinical depression, perhaps.
The h/H married (three years ago) after a whirlwind courtship without the approval of his parents and they never thought her country ways suitable for their politically upwardly mobile son. Lots is suggested about the reason for their separation few months after their wedding and one gets it right mostly. The H thinks she's gone back to her loving Grandfather but she's actually living on one of his minor estates, and he comes here inadvertently, as he's planned a house party here. So, it's a shock for both of them to see each other. Not knowing what to do, he lets her stay on and be his hostess, much to the horror of his uptight and critical mother.
The mother drives her ragged to make sure that London standards are met with. Even the guests see how she's being treated and slowly the H comes to see his mother for what she is. Of course, all this pans out slowly. The h/H come closer and decide to take another chance on their marriage.
*Major major spoilers* Then the second half happens with the grandfather revealing the truth about her condition
Angst is good but not so much hopeless gloom and doom.
2.75*
June 3, 2013
I can't believe I'm saying this but I did not love this book. :( I know! I think Sarah Eden and myself are at a little bit of an impasse because I didn't love her "ghost" book from last October either.
I thought this story was so promising. Love that is lost through mis-understanding and yet it gets regained. *spoilers ahead!!** But, what I thought and what it turned out to be were two different stories. I really enjoyed the beginning. I felt like both of their feelings were justified for what we knew from the story. Then, I felt like it took a turn and kind of became depressed through the last quarter of the book. I mean (spoiler) it ends up she is dying and his parents betrayed him. Wow! It was so serious. Included in all of that was also that she had a baby who died at birth and Carter never knew about it. Wow again! Then it turns out that his parents hid all of her letters begging him to come and the letters of her Grandfather. Through all of this(and much more that I do not mention)no one decides that they are going to physically go and see what is going on? No one? Carter never decides that he is going to approach Miranda directly and no one that loves Miranda makes the same choice about approaching Carter? Especially with how serious it all turned out to be.
To be honest my heart couldn't handle this story. There was just too much sadness and not enough sweet romance(which is why I pick up these books).
I am sad to also say from now on I don't think I will be buying Sarah Eden books until I read the reviews. Dramatic? Maybe. But when they are $10 each, I guess you can just call me a drama queen. :)
Can't wait to hear what the rest of our bookclubers think about this one!
I thought this story was so promising. Love that is lost through mis-understanding and yet it gets regained. *spoilers ahead!!** But, what I thought and what it turned out to be were two different stories. I really enjoyed the beginning. I felt like both of their feelings were justified for what we knew from the story. Then, I felt like it took a turn and kind of became depressed through the last quarter of the book. I mean (spoiler) it ends up she is dying and his parents betrayed him. Wow! It was so serious. Included in all of that was also that she had a baby who died at birth and Carter never knew about it. Wow again! Then it turns out that his parents hid all of her letters begging him to come and the letters of her Grandfather. Through all of this(and much more that I do not mention)no one decides that they are going to physically go and see what is going on? No one? Carter never decides that he is going to approach Miranda directly and no one that loves Miranda makes the same choice about approaching Carter? Especially with how serious it all turned out to be.
To be honest my heart couldn't handle this story. There was just too much sadness and not enough sweet romance(which is why I pick up these books).
I am sad to also say from now on I don't think I will be buying Sarah Eden books until I read the reviews. Dramatic? Maybe. But when they are $10 each, I guess you can just call me a drama queen. :)
Can't wait to hear what the rest of our bookclubers think about this one!
January 19, 2018
I don’t remember exactly how I came upon Ms. Eden’s books, but it was a few years ago while I was living in San Diego. I read the description on a few of her books and Through All Hopes stood out to me. I love the whole lost-love plot and this one sounded especially good. I went to Amazon and ordered a copy. I waited and waited and after a month or two Amazon emailed me and said they were unable to fulfill the request. As some of you know, Ms. Eden’s earlier books were no longer being published at that time, I believe she was working with a new publisher and had learned that she would eventually be re-releasing them. I was so disappointed; I wanted to read Through All Hopes and was sad I wouldn’t be able to. At least not for a long time. When her books started coming out again I couldn’t wait, after reading Courting Miss Lancaster (I think that was the first one re-published) I knew I was hooked. I was beyond excited when I saw on Ms. Eden’s Facebook page the other day that Glimmer of Hope was coming out and that it was the new version of Through All Hopes.
So, my expectations for this one may have been a little high. While I wasn’t by any means disappointed, I was surprised how the story unfolded. I liked our heroine Miranda, she is easy to like and relate to. The story starts three years after her husband, Carter, abandoned her. I liked that the story picks up right when Miranda and Carter meet again after being separated for three years. You have a lot of questions about what happened to cause the separations, since from each characters POV each thought the other had left. So there is a bit of a mystery about what had kept them apart. There is some great tension between the two and a lot of hurt feelings. I liked that we got to hear from Carter’s POV, I think we actually get more of him than Miranda. I liked seeing the growth and understanding he goes through. I wasn’t too surprised by the reasons for the separation, but it does break your heart to think of all they had missed out on. On top of everything else going on with them reuniting and a sudden house party, there is also a mystery about Miranda. Something is just a little off. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I probably would end up liking it more the second time around. Ms. Eden can’t write fast enough, I love her stories and characters and I’m always sad when I finish her books. Maybe I should read slower?
Content: Squeaky Clean.
*Previously published under title Through All Hopes.
So, my expectations for this one may have been a little high. While I wasn’t by any means disappointed, I was surprised how the story unfolded. I liked our heroine Miranda, she is easy to like and relate to. The story starts three years after her husband, Carter, abandoned her. I liked that the story picks up right when Miranda and Carter meet again after being separated for three years. You have a lot of questions about what happened to cause the separations, since from each characters POV each thought the other had left. So there is a bit of a mystery about what had kept them apart. There is some great tension between the two and a lot of hurt feelings. I liked that we got to hear from Carter’s POV, I think we actually get more of him than Miranda. I liked seeing the growth and understanding he goes through. I wasn’t too surprised by the reasons for the separation, but it does break your heart to think of all they had missed out on. On top of everything else going on with them reuniting and a sudden house party, there is also a mystery about Miranda. Something is just a little off. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I probably would end up liking it more the second time around. Ms. Eden can’t write fast enough, I love her stories and characters and I’m always sad when I finish her books. Maybe I should read slower?
Content: Squeaky Clean.
*Previously published under title Through All Hopes.
July 31, 2013
I LOVE Sarah Eden!! She is a fantastic writer and a darling person. Her books are full of witty dialogue, fun characters, and interesting situations. She is the modern queen of the Regency era--in writing at least. However, this story was a bit on the depressing side. I tried to get a hold of this book before going on vacation, but it wasn't on the shelves yet, so I waited. And then I heard how sad it was, so I decided to listen to it on cd--a little here, a little there. It is quite the sad story, with just the tiniest glimmer of hope. I prefer to read things on the lighter side, but I still liked it.
Because of some pretty hefty misunderstandings, Carter and Miranda, a married couple, have been separated for 3 years and the story picks up right when they first meet up again. I thought Carter was a total jerk at first, but then, as the story unfolded, I realized that he wasn't. Miranda comes across as a meek and accepting woman, one who is likable, yet a bit on the coward side. Yet again, as the story unfolds, she is not as she first appears to be.
I did like it, but was frustrated at the length of time it took to figure things out.
Content: clean.
Because of some pretty hefty misunderstandings, Carter and Miranda, a married couple, have been separated for 3 years and the story picks up right when they first meet up again. I thought Carter was a total jerk at first, but then, as the story unfolded, I realized that he wasn't. Miranda comes across as a meek and accepting woman, one who is likable, yet a bit on the coward side. Yet again, as the story unfolds, she is not as she first appears to be.
I did like it, but was frustrated at the length of time it took to figure things out.
Content: clean.
June 1, 2022
Героите на Сара Идън отново са реалистични, одухатворени и въздействащи! До толкова ми бяха дишащи и близки, че с трепет съпреживявах всичко в книгата с тях.Сякаш можех да усетя отчаянието и безпомощността, което си причиняваха, че чак можех да ударя шамар на една конретна личност. Гневът ми се трупаше с всяка следваща глава.
А пришитият за полата на майка си герой, беше толкова разочароващ в началото! Женен мъж , с титла, с политическа кариера и име в обществото. Семеен мъж , избрал жената до себе си заради любовта и нежността, която са изпитвали един към друг. Усещайки щастието и удовлетворението, което получава от деликатната красавица до себе си, Картър оставя мнението," доброжелателните " съвети и намесата на майка си да убият надеждите му за семейно щастие и да унижават любимата му ежедневно. Беше жалко. Беше отчайващо. И беше тъжно, защото такива неща съществуват и днес. Такива намеси и обгрижвания и сега водят до обида и разногласия.
Сара Идън толкова честно обсъжда и моята любима тема - Какво ще кажат хората!!! Хмммм!!!!Като се сблъскам с този силен аргумент и ми се иска да блъсна нещо. Мнението на хората е постоянно движеща се маса. То тече, променят се спрямо това откъде духа вятъра и може да е доста опустошаващо. Ако му се оставим! Мненията са като задниците - всеки си има свой . Това не означава, че трябва да лъсват навсякъде. Добре е да наддаваме ухо към приказките. Но после се прибираме в нашия дом, при нашите хора, които държат щастието ни и затваряме вратата отвътре. Защото влязат ли мненията вътре ,у нас, нашето щастие ще излети през прозореца. Както се случи с героите на Сара Идън в Gilmmer of Hope.
Много харесах дядото на Миранда! Да гледам как този осемдесет годишен джентълмен страда , гледайки мъката на любимата си внучка, беше покъртително. Когато треска отнася в гроба родителите й , той остава отговорен за отглеждането на оцелялото бебе. Отговорността да бъде не просто дядо , а и майка и баща за Миранда, го е превела през различни емоции и ситуации. А кулминацията на всичко е изчезналата радост от дома й. Затова не пестеше истината на виновните и я казваше в очите им. Любовта дава право да бъдем откровени в исканията си!
А пришитият за полата на майка си герой, беше толкова разочароващ в началото! Женен мъж , с титла, с политическа кариера и име в обществото. Семеен мъж , избрал жената до себе си заради любовта и нежността, която са изпитвали един към друг. Усещайки щастието и удовлетворението, което получава от деликатната красавица до себе си, Картър оставя мнението," доброжелателните " съвети и намесата на майка си да убият надеждите му за семейно щастие и да унижават любимата му ежедневно. Беше жалко. Беше отчайващо. И беше тъжно, защото такива неща съществуват и днес. Такива намеси и обгрижвания и сега водят до обида и разногласия.
Сара Идън толкова честно обсъжда и моята любима тема - Какво ще кажат хората!!! Хмммм!!!!Като се сблъскам с този силен аргумент и ми се иска да блъсна нещо. Мнението на хората е постоянно движеща се маса. То тече, променят се спрямо това откъде духа вятъра и може да е доста опустошаващо. Ако му се оставим! Мненията са като задниците - всеки си има свой . Това не означава, че трябва да лъсват навсякъде. Добре е да наддаваме ухо към приказките. Но после се прибираме в нашия дом, при нашите хора, които държат щастието ни и затваряме вратата отвътре. Защото влязат ли мненията вътре ,у нас, нашето щастие ще излети през прозореца. Както се случи с героите на Сара Идън в Gilmmer of Hope.
Много харесах дядото на Миранда! Да гледам как този осемдесет годишен джентълмен страда , гледайки мъката на любимата си внучка, беше покъртително. Когато треска отнася в гроба родителите й , той остава отговорен за отглеждането на оцелялото бебе. Отговорността да бъде не просто дядо , а и майка и баща за Миранда, го е превела през различни емоции и ситуации. А кулминацията на всичко е изчезналата радост от дома й. Затова не пестеше истината на виновните и я казваше в очите им. Любовта дава право да бъдем откровени в исканията си!
October 28, 2017
OK I wanted to give this book more stars. I had such a difficult time suspending belief that two married people who have been separated for three years, who had apparently loved each other at one time, would reunite and not immediately address the gigantic elephant in the room. Why did they separate in the first place?
It would've gone something like this:
"Why did you leave me?"
"Why did YOU leave ME?"
"I didn't leave you!"
"I didn't leave you either!"
"What?"
"Huh?"
"I sent you letters explaining everything. "
"I never received them. Did you receive my letters?"
"No!"
"But I love you!"
"I love you too!"
"Who could have messed with our lives like this? "
"Could it possibly be your mother who shoots venom at me from her eyeballs and tried to convince you not to marry me?"
"Yes if I had any brains at all I would've put that together! Let me kick her out and we will be happy together forever (or for six months until you die!) even though we are fools for letting three years go by without actually traveling to see why the other person never showed up!"
"The end."
OK so it would've been a paragraph instead of a book.
I love clean Regency, I love clean romance and I especially enjoy plot twists. The premise has got to be a little thicker than this though. When I first started the story and read how he was so cruel to her I thought he had abused her verbally or physically and that she had escaped him. Being a communications major, miscommunication this flagrant is too much for me to take. Will still read all of Sarah's books, but did not love this one quite as much.
It would've gone something like this:
"Why did you leave me?"
"Why did YOU leave ME?"
"I didn't leave you!"
"I didn't leave you either!"
"What?"
"Huh?"
"I sent you letters explaining everything. "
"I never received them. Did you receive my letters?"
"No!"
"But I love you!"
"I love you too!"
"Who could have messed with our lives like this? "
"Could it possibly be your mother who shoots venom at me from her eyeballs and tried to convince you not to marry me?"
"Yes if I had any brains at all I would've put that together! Let me kick her out and we will be happy together forever (or for six months until you die!) even though we are fools for letting three years go by without actually traveling to see why the other person never showed up!"
"The end."
OK so it would've been a paragraph instead of a book.
I love clean Regency, I love clean romance and I especially enjoy plot twists. The premise has got to be a little thicker than this though. When I first started the story and read how he was so cruel to her I thought he had abused her verbally or physically and that she had escaped him. Being a communications major, miscommunication this flagrant is too much for me to take. Will still read all of Sarah's books, but did not love this one quite as much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2013
I enjoyed the story as a whole, but I did have a few issues. The whole story is about how miscommunication between the two characters keeps them apart, but it bothered me that it had been a whole 3 years before they saw each other again! 3 years! I felt that if they truly loved each other, as was implied, than one of them would have hunted the other one down to see what was really going on.
And once they did see each other again it took them forever to talk about the details of what caused their separation. Every time the subject was broached one of them would say, "I don't want to talk about this right now." Why the heck not?! It's been 3 years, I wanna see a fight! :)
It was also mentioned several times that to prevent further scandal while their guests were visiting, they would have to act like a normal married couple. But Carter tells his friend everything as soon as he gets there anyway and everyone already knows about the separation so I don't see the point.
I feel like I just tore this story to shreds. I really did like it, but when I compare it to her other work, it falls slightly short.
And once they did see each other again it took them forever to talk about the details of what caused their separation. Every time the subject was broached one of them would say, "I don't want to talk about this right now." Why the heck not?! It's been 3 years, I wanna see a fight! :)
It was also mentioned several times that to prevent further scandal while their guests were visiting, they would have to act like a normal married couple. But Carter tells his friend everything as soon as he gets there anyway and everyone already knows about the separation so I don't see the point.
I feel like I just tore this story to shreds. I really did like it, but when I compare it to her other work, it falls slightly short.
July 27, 2023
my GOODNESS
hope really does come in very small glimmers in this one, people
hope really does come in very small glimmers in this one, people
June 27, 2016
Recalling after almost a year after reading.
I remember the story as a clear romance with a wise message. I was a little annoyed with misunderstanding between hero and heroine. I thought for some time that it was too absurd but eventually it didn't matter for me.
It isn't a typical clear romance, because of the end. The title of the book is really suitable. Don't read it when you look only for a pleasurable romance. In this story is quite a bit sadness and sorrow. But it is truly a glimmer of hope.
I remember the story as a clear romance with a wise message. I was a little annoyed with misunderstanding between hero and heroine. I thought for some time that it was too absurd but eventually it didn't matter for me.
It isn't a typical clear romance, because of the end. The title of the book is really suitable. Don't read it when you look only for a pleasurable romance. In this story is quite a bit sadness and sorrow. But it is truly a glimmer of hope.
July 4, 2013
Oh I love Sarah Eden! I was a little worried after reading a couple of the other reviews that this would be a disapointment. But I should not have worried! The Characters were amazing and complicated. The story was so heart wrenching! I love a happy ending book and was satisfied with the ending. Ahhh I just loved it! So good. Very clean regency romance with no Christain theme.
March 16, 2016
This was one of the most unusual plots I've ever read. There were many twists and turns, and it was impossible to predict what might happen next. The ending was bittersweet but very satisfying.
Read
June 7, 2020Anyone else waking up uneasy in the middle of the night? I find my sleep these days is interrupted so I try to read myself back to sleep with romance. And while I love the writing in this one and Eden's hallmark gentle touch, I found this one bordered on sentimental. A lot of drastic secrets. A lot of missed opportunities. I applaud Eden for wanting to delve into grief, uncertainty and perceived abandonment in a genre that largely favours more conventional happy ever afters. But the division and one party being too sweet and trusting and the other too far out of the situation made it hard for me to carve out the nuance and complexity of this tradition ( one of my favourites: married couple ripped apart and reunited ).
I love Eden's books but this one might just have been a case of intersecting the wrong reader at the wrong time. That being said, I applaud her delving deep and subverting expectations. Her characterization is always master class.
I love Eden's books but this one might just have been a case of intersecting the wrong reader at the wrong time. That being said, I applaud her delving deep and subverting expectations. Her characterization is always master class.
July 15, 2014
Miranda hasn’t seen her husband in three years, since he rode off for London without her. When he arrives at her home--technically it’s his home--and announces that she will be hosting a house party, she really has no alternative. Nor any idea of what has finally led him to cross her threshold after years of failing to answer her letters.
Carter had no idea she was there. His wife? Why would she be at his country estate after leaving him three years before? And after refusing to offer a single word of explanation? Or answer any of his letters.
Clearly, this marriage has a flaw in communication. The question is: Will Miranda and Carter ever find a way to communicate long enough to figure out the source?
Glimmer of Hope is a fast-paced, gentle love story about heartache; mistakes; and, of course, hope. This is my fifth Sarah M. Eden read in roughly three weeks, and they are all fabulous!
Carter had no idea she was there. His wife? Why would she be at his country estate after leaving him three years before? And after refusing to offer a single word of explanation? Or answer any of his letters.
Clearly, this marriage has a flaw in communication. The question is: Will Miranda and Carter ever find a way to communicate long enough to figure out the source?
Glimmer of Hope is a fast-paced, gentle love story about heartache; mistakes; and, of course, hope. This is my fifth Sarah M. Eden read in roughly three weeks, and they are all fabulous!
August 30, 2019
Oh the feels! I can't write a review to do this book justice. Just know you may need some tissue nearby.
January 29, 2014
I loved this book. I know we all read these types of books for an escape when you'd rather your mind was filled with living in the regency era versus watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood for the thousandth time.
I liked this book because of it's departure from all things light as the content was much more serious. And if you think you've got it rough with your mother-in-law, think again.
Our perceptions are distorted by the self-invented looking glass we see the world through. This book is a reminder that the looking glass needs to be tweaked often or cast off altogether.
Philosophy over, back to Daniel Tiger. Grrrrrrrific!
I liked this book because of it's departure from all things light as the content was much more serious. And if you think you've got it rough with your mother-in-law, think again.
Our perceptions are distorted by the self-invented looking glass we see the world through. This book is a reminder that the looking glass needs to be tweaked often or cast off altogether.
Philosophy over, back to Daniel Tiger. Grrrrrrrific!
November 7, 2013
I was enthralled with this book. I have been trying to stay away from "heavy" books lately because of enough real drama in the real world...I like to read to get away from the real world. Anyway I was worried about this one because I had heard it was not a very light hearted book and that is true! But I was captivated from page one. It was very sad...yet hopeful. My heart ached for the main characters, yet I marveled at their strength. Very compelling read!
June 14, 2024
Dorset, England, 1807
Wow! I can honestly say I was uncomfortable in the first half of this book.
Carter and his mother were shocked when they came to one of their homes to find the wife he hasn’t seen for three years.
Amanda was shocked to hear her husbands voice in the garden after she felt he abandoned her.
Wow, was this animosity hard to read. But I’m so glad I stuck with it. This turned out to be such a heart-melting romance.
Sarah Eden does it again.
Wow! I can honestly say I was uncomfortable in the first half of this book.
Carter and his mother were shocked when they came to one of their homes to find the wife he hasn’t seen for three years.
Amanda was shocked to hear her husbands voice in the garden after she felt he abandoned her.
Wow, was this animosity hard to read. But I’m so glad I stuck with it. This turned out to be such a heart-melting romance.
Sarah Eden does it again.
December 6, 2014
3.5 stars.
Other title option: Miscommunication and Connivings(Yeah!!)
A charming book with lots of fun amidst all the tears. It was also really refreshing that the couple was already married, even though we did go through them falling in love (again?), it was still a nice change.
Miranda and Carter are a tiny bit at odds with one another, especially considering that both of them think that the other abandoned them. How is it such a stunning lack of communication possible, you ask? Well, I'm sure Miranda and Carter would also very much like to know. Irregardless, Miranda is fairly happily living her life with her grandfather when, out of the blue, her less than attentive husband shows up, planning a party. Miranda, while not super thrilled by this turn of events, is even more curious as to why her husband has decided to show back up. Even more confusing, he seems to blame her for their marital issues, though the subject is mostly studiously avoided.
Carter is just as confused as Miranda. She left him, didn’t she? Why should she be angry at him and, more importantly, why does his demmed heart keep acting up whenever he’s around her? He has been down that road before and it only ends in heartbreak. Well, it can’t hurt to bring her a coat when she’s cold, can it? And then sooner or later he finds himself trying to make her smile and attempting to spend as much time in her company as he possibly can. But his mother, ugh!
Miranda is not of the ton; in fact, she’s never even been to London!! *cue horrified gasps* Carter’s mother is convinced that Miranda cannot properly host the ongoing party, so even though it is Miranda's right and appearances must be kept, she will not stop running Miranda into the ground with tasks here and lectures there and, gads, will the woman ever stop treating Miranda so horridly? Can’t she see that Miranda is not at all feeling well?
And then some secrets come out; some sorrowful and others terrible, but all with heavy impacts on Miranda and Carter's lives.
Only complaint was that Sarah Eden seems to have a a few plot points/events/scenes that take place in nearly all her books, or at the very least, the ones I've read. They're good stuff, don't get me wrong, but they start to blend together because they are so very nearly the same.
Other title option: Miscommunication and Connivings(Yeah!!)
A charming book with lots of fun amidst all the tears. It was also really refreshing that the couple was already married, even though we did go through them falling in love (again?), it was still a nice change.
Miranda and Carter are a tiny bit at odds with one another, especially considering that both of them think that the other abandoned them. How is it such a stunning lack of communication possible, you ask? Well, I'm sure Miranda and Carter would also very much like to know. Irregardless, Miranda is fairly happily living her life with her grandfather when, out of the blue, her less than attentive husband shows up, planning a party. Miranda, while not super thrilled by this turn of events, is even more curious as to why her husband has decided to show back up. Even more confusing, he seems to blame her for their marital issues, though the subject is mostly studiously avoided.
Carter is just as confused as Miranda. She left him, didn’t she? Why should she be angry at him and, more importantly, why does his demmed heart keep acting up whenever he’s around her? He has been down that road before and it only ends in heartbreak. Well, it can’t hurt to bring her a coat when she’s cold, can it? And then sooner or later he finds himself trying to make her smile and attempting to spend as much time in her company as he possibly can. But his mother, ugh!
Miranda is not of the ton; in fact, she’s never even been to London!! *cue horrified gasps* Carter’s mother is convinced that Miranda cannot properly host the ongoing party, so even though it is Miranda's right and appearances must be kept, she will not stop running Miranda into the ground with tasks here and lectures there and, gads, will the woman ever stop treating Miranda so horridly? Can’t she see that Miranda is not at all feeling well?
And then some secrets come out; some sorrowful and others terrible, but all with heavy impacts on Miranda and Carter's lives.
Only complaint was that Sarah Eden seems to have a a few plot points/events/scenes that take place in nearly all her books, or at the very least, the ones I've read. They're good stuff, don't get me wrong, but they start to blend together because they are so very nearly the same.
March 25, 2014
I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book, even though I'm an avid Sarah Eden fan, because I had heard that it was really depressing. I picked it up, though, and was hooked at the first page.
Our heroine, Miranda Harford, is coming home from a walk when her estranged husband of three years, Viscount Devereaux, appears suddenly. She's under the impression he wanted nothing to do with her and can't imagine what's really going on. The Viscount tells her he's hosting a house party and she better be ready to put their differences aside and act like the hostess she should have always been. He wants to put her in her place, to show her what she walked away from, but has a hard time when he sees how hard she's trying to please him. His mother and guests arrive and there are complications galore. As a reader, I was kept turning pages by the misunderstandings between the couple. Each thought the other had left them, and there were huge gaps in communication that I couldn't wait to see resolved.
It was a tender love story and I won't reveal any spoilers, but I have to admit I was moved to tears several times throughout the book. I didn't find it a depressing book, however, but an emotional one, that shows the human condition and draws you into the intricacies of human relationships. Sarah Eden is a master of romance and I found this novel to be no exception. Just have a tissue handy!
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Our heroine, Miranda Harford, is coming home from a walk when her estranged husband of three years, Viscount Devereaux, appears suddenly. She's under the impression he wanted nothing to do with her and can't imagine what's really going on. The Viscount tells her he's hosting a house party and she better be ready to put their differences aside and act like the hostess she should have always been. He wants to put her in her place, to show her what she walked away from, but has a hard time when he sees how hard she's trying to please him. His mother and guests arrive and there are complications galore. As a reader, I was kept turning pages by the misunderstandings between the couple. Each thought the other had left them, and there were huge gaps in communication that I couldn't wait to see resolved.
It was a tender love story and I won't reveal any spoilers, but I have to admit I was moved to tears several times throughout the book. I didn't find it a depressing book, however, but an emotional one, that shows the human condition and draws you into the intricacies of human relationships. Sarah Eden is a master of romance and I found this novel to be no exception. Just have a tissue handy!
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
April 30, 2020
Abandoned by her husband, Miranda Harford flees to his English country estate where she struggles with health problems and a broken heart for three long years. When her politically successful, wealthy husband, Carter, shows up at the estate to throw a holiday party, he and Miranda are shocked to see each other. To avoid scandal, they pretend to be a happy couple, but they are both suffering from heartache. Carter’s mother plays to perfection the part of evil step-mother as she makes life unbearable for Miranda. As the unhappy couple begin to talk to each other, it soon becomes apparent that someone has been manipulating them, and nothing about the past is as it seems.
This Regency romance was darker than other books written by Sarah M. Eden, but I enjoyed the unfolding story, which showed just how badly things can go when there is a lack of communication, and when others conspire to drive a couple apart. Never fear, there is a happy ending in store for the main characters. Glimmer of Hope is definitely worth reading, and YA and Adult audiences will both enjoy it.
This Regency romance was darker than other books written by Sarah M. Eden, but I enjoyed the unfolding story, which showed just how badly things can go when there is a lack of communication, and when others conspire to drive a couple apart. Never fear, there is a happy ending in store for the main characters. Glimmer of Hope is definitely worth reading, and YA and Adult audiences will both enjoy it.
July 1, 2013
Genre: misunderstood relationships, stubborn men, illness
Summary: Carter and Miranda Harford were once happily married but a slight misunderstanding and familial interference lead to a three year estrangement. When they are forced to spend some time together during the Christmas holidays, they either have to reconcile or be torn apart forever.
Response: I really enjoy Sarah Eden's books. They are sweet and heartfelt. This book wasn't my favorite necessarily. I have little patience for characters that cannot communicate clearly and directly with one another. And I felt as betrayed when I found out the reason for their estrangement, it seemed so cruel without any real explanation why. Also, another thing that bothered me about the book, it seemed like every kind of disaster accompanied their estranged relationship. It wasn't only miscommunication, it was illness and disease and death and a whole bunch of heartache.
(The book is also known as Glimmer of Hope )
Summary: Carter and Miranda Harford were once happily married but a slight misunderstanding and familial interference lead to a three year estrangement. When they are forced to spend some time together during the Christmas holidays, they either have to reconcile or be torn apart forever.
Response: I really enjoy Sarah Eden's books. They are sweet and heartfelt. This book wasn't my favorite necessarily. I have little patience for characters that cannot communicate clearly and directly with one another. And I felt as betrayed when I found out the reason for their estrangement, it seemed so cruel without any real explanation why. Also, another thing that bothered me about the book, it seemed like every kind of disaster accompanied their estranged relationship. It wasn't only miscommunication, it was illness and disease and death and a whole bunch of heartache.
(The book is also known as Glimmer of Hope )
July 19, 2015
This was another of Eden's better ones.
I really liked the main couple and I liked that they were already married, albeit estranged. I found the reason for their separation convoluted (basically family members conspired to keep them apart and misunderstanding and hurt feelings contributed enough that they did not look too closely into the situation), but believable. Frustrating, but all too possible when people get hurt and stubbornly refuse to reach out because of pride.
I very much liked watching them come back together again.
The history of their little child was so sad. Poor Miranda dealing with this all on her own. There is the subplot with Miranda's health condition. Carter's mom is certifiably a villainess. She is so cruel towards Miranda. Ugh.
I have high hopes that with care and healthy living Miranda will be all right! She has to be!
Suffice to say, I cared what happened to Carter and Miranda and for that alone, Eden wins this round.
I really liked the main couple and I liked that they were already married, albeit estranged. I found the reason for their separation convoluted (basically family members conspired to keep them apart and misunderstanding and hurt feelings contributed enough that they did not look too closely into the situation), but believable. Frustrating, but all too possible when people get hurt and stubbornly refuse to reach out because of pride.
I very much liked watching them come back together again.
The history of their little child was so sad. Poor Miranda dealing with this all on her own. There is the subplot with Miranda's health condition. Carter's mom is certifiably a villainess. She is so cruel towards Miranda. Ugh.
I have high hopes that with care and healthy living Miranda will be all right! She has to be!
Suffice to say, I cared what happened to Carter and Miranda and for that alone, Eden wins this round.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2014
I had bittersweet feelings about this book. I really enjoyed it don't get me wrong, but I really enjoy happy endings, and while this was one, it had that "chance" of not being so.
Moral Note: Clean
Moral Note: Clean
December 31, 2013
This book was ok. I really liked the middle and it was interesting to find out who was hiding things from him. I did start skipping some of the self thoughts. It was a little too much for me and I felt like the end of the book was dragged out and very repetitive. Oh and before the house party the girl told Carter that his mom could just do everything but then he was like no you have to do it. Then later he was like just let her do it all.....kinda weird.
March 21, 2014
A deeply emotional and often sad story of a couple thrown together after a heartbreaking separation. The characters were well developed and multi-dimensional and they captured my sympathies. I rooted, even ached for them as they took cautious, tentative steps toward reconciliation. If you're a crier, keep a box of tissues handy. The promised happily ever after comes at a cost but is sure to restore your belief in the power of love.
June 3, 2013
An emotionally charged book! I love that Sarah M. Eden wrote romance about a married couple. After a horrible misunderstanding, Miranda spends three years believing she was abandoned by her husband. When he shows up at the country home she has been living in, and demands that she act the perfect hostess and loving wife for a house party, she doesn't know if she can survive the next two weeks.
June 24, 2013
I adore Sarah Eden' s books. That said, this (Glimmer of Hope) was my least favourite. 3.5 stars. I missed the wit and humor that is normally present alongside the trials and heartache. I still flew through it and recommend it. I can't articulate exactly what was missing from the main characters or storyline but it did not give me the same joy I've found in her other novels.
June 4, 2014
Well this was kind of a silly book. I get kind of aggravated when the whole premise of a book revolves around a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding that could be cleared up with a five minute conversation. Plus I just didn't like the two main characters. It ended better than it started, but not the best book I've ever read.
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