Because it is incredible! The plot is surprising, there is a murder involved, and it was a great mystery and romance story rolled into one. Feb 27, Lisa at Farm Fresh Adventures rated it it was amazing. An old romantic favorite Oct 23, Kaysie rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: This is a mystery as well as romance, but not the "out there" impossible romantic fantasy. It's a "down to earth" romance and very good!!! Jul 06, Jeanne rated it really liked it Shelves: I went on to purchase and read every Emilie Loring romance written and available in paperback, not knowing that she had died before I was even born.
I loved these books, but read them when I was between about 12 and 18 years old. I was a young reader - do keep that in mind! Jul 04, Rita rated it liked it. Jamieguo28 rated it did not like it Feb 11, Dawn rated it really liked it Aug 25, Jane rated it really liked it Jul 14, Julie Pullman rated it really liked it Apr 20, Jessie Anne rated it it was amazing Nov 19, Kacy rated it it was amazing Apr 07, Margaret Schultz rated it liked it Mar 22, Karen rated it it was ok Mar 18, Janet Perry rated it really liked it Oct 07, Joanna Dortignac rated it did not like it Mar 01, Jackie rated it liked it Sep 11, Sherry J Tatman rated it it was amazing May 02, Retha rated it really liked it Apr 02, Tiffany rated it it was amazing Oct 19, DS rated it really liked it Aug 23, Carolyn Cox rated it it was amazing Jan 27, However, I really enjoyed the first chapters.
I loved Titus and Arabella was quietly competent and not above trying to sneak a puppy past her employers. I'd say it was from chapter 7 on that I got confused and thought for sure I'd read this before. From the OW to the "waiting for the right moment to talk it out" to the falling in the gulley, I swear I'd read it Rolls, Jaguar and mention of a Mini.
From the OW to the "waiting for the right moment to talk it out" to the falling in the gulley, I swear I'd read it before. I even checked my elibraries thinking I'd borrowed it and then somehow bought it. Which does make sense because I know I'd have remembered the first few chapters.
So a solid 4 stars for the first half and an average 3 for the second. Not the best but not the worst. I'm sure that if I hadn't read something so similar, I'd have rated it higher. Jan 28, Mudpie rated it really liked it. I have always found her endings too abrupt and dissatisfying because it leaves you wanting. Silly Arabelle, bringing on angst for herself. That woman was too full of herself and delusions without any humility I couldn't stand them not having their talk before Christmas.
It did cast unnecessary shadows over the festivities 3. It did cast unnecessary shadows over the festivities. But overall their relationship was really sweet and it was kind of fun to see Cressida and Aldrik so lovey dovey because we didn't get that in their own book!
Book Three of the connected story features Dr. Titus Taverner and Arabella Lorimer. Titus is a school mate of Aldrik van der Linus. When he and Arabella enter into a marriage of convenience, they eventually travel to Holland for a medical conference and stay with his school friend and his lovely wife Cressida.
Cressida is now the mother of twins and observes that Titus and Arabella are peculiarly adjusting to marriage. The quirks of getting to know each other and learning to live together are th Book Three of the connected story features Dr. The quirks of getting to know each other and learning to live together are there and Cressida and Aldrik will do their part to help the couple. Dearest Love is the Betty Neels book that actutally has an epilogue. Just look at the book cover. Apr 25, MissKitty rated it really liked it. Another heroine named Arabella, but a sweet story by Betty Neels.
Lovely If you enjoy your romances clean, light, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels. Jan 29, Monique E. Liked it An other wonderful story by Betty Neels. I enjoyed it tremendously, just like most of her stories. I'm really in the mood to esape to a simpler time. I have a lot of her books on my shelf that I've picked up thru the years.
My Dearest Love (Longing for Home #) by Sarah M. Eden
Dec 12, Teri-K rated it liked it Shelves: As far as Neels books go this one is quite standard. The heroine gets a job as a live-in caretaker for a doctor's office and of course one of the doctor's "adopts" her, eventually convincing her to marry him. She's not soppy and he's actually pretty nice, so that's good.
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However, as I read this I just kept thinking that there wasn't anything special about it - nothing to set it apart from the pack. If you want a book that will grab your imagination and make you fall in love with the characters, As far as Neels books go this one is quite standard. If you want a book that will grab your imagination and make you fall in love with the characters, or if you want to laugh or be surprised or outraged, this isn't it.
If you're content to spend an hour or two in typical Neels fashion, this story should work just fine. Lise rated it it was amazing Feb 06, There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Betty Neels was born on September 15, in Devon to a family with firm roots in the civil service. She said she had a blissfully happy childhood and teenage years. This stood her in good stead later for the tribulations to come with the Second World War.
This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in , all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne.
But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium.
They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things. When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland.
As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist. Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in , and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed books.
It is so cute! I loved the way he stood up for her and wanted to help her and protect her. Biddy has a beautiful spirit! She has been through so much. I loved seeing her find a place to belong. I fell in love with This is a prequel to the Longing for Home books. I fell in love with them even more. They are such an accepting and loving family. I loved learning the circumstances that brought them to Hope Springs. It made me want to read the Longing for Home books again. That usually happens when I read a book by Sarah Eden — I end up rereading the rest of the series.
The books are that good! I received a copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion. Jul 02, Ballet in AK rated it it was amazing. My Dearest Love by Sarah M. Eden 5 stars It is rare when I give 5 stars, but a few authors seem to consistently earn them and Sarah M.
What a talented writer she is! I would have adored a whole novel, but I'll take what I can get ;- The novella is well-developed, well-edited and well-written. The characters are believable and the back stories are interesting. The historical facts about The Hunger in Ireland, that she includes as part of the characters' backgrounds, is really interesting.
The fun part is that when you read the Hope Springs series, you'll revisit Ian and Biddy and get peeks into their relationship as it develops. I highly recommend My Dearest Love for a short, lovely read. Jul 24, Susan K rated it really liked it Shelves: Romance, novella, clean This was a lovely read and portrait of life in the tenements in NYC. The working conditions, the family, the things that happened, it was all so realistically portrayed.
You felt the desperation, the hope for the family to escape and make something better for themselves. The back story that came out over the course of the novel was equally compelling. If anything, my only complaint was it seemed to tie up too quickly. I just wanted more! It has been a Romance, novella, clean This was a lovely read and portrait of life in the tenements in NYC. It has been a while since I read the other books in this series.
Will have to go back and re-read to get the rest of the story again! Writing a novel la where you care about the characters as a reader, and get caught up in their hopes, fears, dreams, and lives is a talent and gift. Sarah Eden has well crafted this one, and definitely a worthwhile read. Dec 03, Maria Thomas rated it really liked it Shelves: I think I liked the prequel better than the first two of the full length books in the series I've read so far. It was sweet and not drawn out since it is a novella yet I still felt like I knew the characters well enough and even though at least for Ian it was pretty much love at first site I didn't feel like it was an insta-love romance.
Plus I'm a little bit of a sucker for a hero that is shy and awkward. I thought I had Biddy's father's situation figured out early on and I turned out to be so I think I liked the prequel better than the first two of the full length books in the series I've read so far.
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I thought I had Biddy's father's situation figured out early on and I turned out to be so wrong! Nice to have a little surprise in there. My heart ached for Biddy and her loss of family. I felt relieved that she would have a family to love and love her. No sex, violence or language. Jun 20, Liz rated it really liked it.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was glad to finally go back and read Ian and Biddy's story. I was sad that the story revolved around an injury to Biddy, but glad it brought them together. It was interesting to read about Patrick and a little bittersweet to read about Finbarr knowing what would happen to him later in life. It mostly reminded me how much I truly had missed the O'Connor family and inspired me to go back and re-read Tavish and Cecily's story. Tavish remains to this day one of my all-time favorite fictional chara I was glad to finally go back and read Ian and Biddy's story.
Tavish remains to this day one of my all-time favorite fictional characters. Jun 24, Nari rated it it was amazing. I really enjoyed reading this novella. I was familiar with the O Conner family from the Hope Springs books. I loved reading about the friendship and love the O Conner family had and especially Patrick and Ian's relationship since Patrick and Grady are not in the Hope Springs books. I also reading about Biddy and seeing her before she developed into the wife and mother you see in Hope Springs.
Baby and Christenings
The love story is very sweet and heartwarming. My favorite quote is when Grady states that his home is w I really enjoyed reading this novella. My favorite quote is when Grady states that his home is wherever his wife is. Jul 07, Adrienne rated it it was amazing Shelves: When Ian O'Connor glimpses an angel at work, he's determined to find her again. And he does--but he's not entirely sure how to talk to her. Although his family teases him, they also encourage him to let her know how he feels.
Biddy Dillon is alone in the world and still hurting from her past. When gentle, kind Ian enters her life, she starts to hope there could be more for her than just surviving from day to day. I love Biddy and Ian and the whole O'Connor clan. I was so excited to be able to get When Ian O'Connor glimpses an angel at work, he's determined to find her again.
I was so excited to be able to get the backstory on Ian and Biddy and how they met and fell in love. I also loved seeing how the O'Connor clan teased them along the way. Sarah Eden's books always make me laugh but also touch my heart, and this was no different. Can't wait for more from Sarah Eden! I received a free copy of the ebook. All opinions are my own. Jul 15, Cheryl rated it it was amazing. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and Sarah Eden does an amazing job of bringing it to life for me.
I have read books 1 and 2 in this series several years ago, but I do not remember many details. That did not matter at all while reading this story. Ian and Biddy are strong characters who have overcome much in a very difficult world. The richness of family life is emphasised, even when resources are scarce.
I loved the tender feelings between these characters and I'm now excit Loved this!!! I loved the tender feelings between these characters and I'm now excited to read other books available in this series. Jul 20, Rachelle rated it really liked it. I loved this lead in book to the Hope Springs series. It was nice to read of how Biddy and Ian came together especially because they play a big role in the rest of the Hope Springs books.
I also loved reading about the O'Connor's journey to Hope Springs. My biggest complaint with this book is the front cover. The book mentions that Ian is a ginger. The man on the front cover does not even closely resemble a ginger. I was hoping the front cover would somewhat resemble the characters from the stor I loved this lead in book to the Hope Springs series. I was hoping the front cover would somewhat resemble the characters from the story.
Jul 07, Susan rated it really liked it.
Translation
While walking through the factory halls, Ian sees a woman who changes his heart. But before he can pursue this woman, he needs to find her again.
My Dearest Love is another tender story by Sarah M. Eden that will draw you in and touch your heart. Eden for my candid review. Love the Irish American family saga This group of books has charming characters and strong women and some interesting details about the early feuds of different countries' citizens as they all gathered in the American melting pot.
It was definitely very very hard.