Collection
Library's review
A fun story with adventure and romance. I really liked Elizabeth and Fletcher's banter and the respect they have for each other, although it seemed a little contrived that Fletcher never realized that M. King was Elizabeth's pseudonym.
Publication
Salt Lake City, Utah : Shadow Mountain, [2019]
Description
Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML:Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls' school and a well-respected author of "silver-fork" novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories�??the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Mr. King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks. Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers�??and his profits. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher's fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the rights of the less-fortunate. Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King's whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered. For the first time, Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the… (more)
Language
Original language
English
User reviews
LibraryThing member Bookworm_Lisa
Oh, man. The book ended. I'm not quite sure I was ready for that. It could have gone on and on, I would have been perfectly content.
In this romance, you get three stories in one. You have the main story of Elizabeth and Fletcher, then there is the "Penny Dreadfuls" - stories that the common folk
The main draw of the book was that both are committed to helping children. Elizabeth runs a school for girls from the middle class and Fletcher removes street urchins from dangerous situations and takes them to a school for the lowest class of people. His work leads to situations that dangerous and tricky. Elizabeth is up to any of the challenges that he throws at her. They are a formidable team.
I can't say that there is anything that I didn't love about this book. It is a different writing style for Sarah Eden, I hope to see more of this in the future. I wouldn't object to some "Penny Dreadfuls" thrown in for good measure.
This book contains kissing and non-graphic violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
In this romance, you get three stories in one. You have the main story of Elizabeth and Fletcher, then there is the "Penny Dreadfuls" - stories that the common folk
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could purchase that wasn't considered proper literature. (I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed them.) Fletcher knows that there is an author competing for the top rung of the publishing ladder, he knows it is Mr. King, he just doesn't know that Mr. King is Elizabeth. It makes for an interesting dynamic. She is aware of who he is, he just doesn't realize who she is.The main draw of the book was that both are committed to helping children. Elizabeth runs a school for girls from the middle class and Fletcher removes street urchins from dangerous situations and takes them to a school for the lowest class of people. His work leads to situations that dangerous and tricky. Elizabeth is up to any of the challenges that he throws at her. They are a formidable team.
I can't say that there is anything that I didn't love about this book. It is a different writing style for Sarah Eden, I hope to see more of this in the future. I wouldn't object to some "Penny Dreadfuls" thrown in for good measure.
This book contains kissing and non-graphic violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member TheQuietReader
Fletcher Walker has pulled himself from the gutter to be a successful writer of penny dreadfuls, but a mysterious Mr. King has knocked him from the top. Elizabeth Black, the headmistress of a girls school, has kept the secret of her nom de plume safe to preserve her reputation. Concern for those
I loved this from start to finish. Not only do we have a lady who conforms to the standards expected of her, bending the rules when she can safely do so, but we also have a hero who has bettered himself and his doing what he can for those who are in the same situation he once was. These two play off each other beautifully, complimenting each other to perfection.
We also have excerpts of their respective “penny dreadfuls” they are writing. We see how real events inspire their writing. The only thing I didn't like was the supernatural aspects of the penny dreadfuls, which I understand was typical of the stories.
The side characters were varied and interesting. I dearly hope the author intends to write more in this world!
I would recommend this to readers looking for a Victorian romance with plenty of adventure and mystery. I received a free copy for reviewing purposes from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
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less fortunate than these two together and then love starts to blossom.I loved this from start to finish. Not only do we have a lady who conforms to the standards expected of her, bending the rules when she can safely do so, but we also have a hero who has bettered himself and his doing what he can for those who are in the same situation he once was. These two play off each other beautifully, complimenting each other to perfection.
We also have excerpts of their respective “penny dreadfuls” they are writing. We see how real events inspire their writing. The only thing I didn't like was the supernatural aspects of the penny dreadfuls, which I understand was typical of the stories.
The side characters were varied and interesting. I dearly hope the author intends to write more in this world!
I would recommend this to readers looking for a Victorian romance with plenty of adventure and mystery. I received a free copy for reviewing purposes from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Victorian romance with gothic overtones!
I enjoyed this story, although aspects seem familiar. Perhaps it's the woman writer with a male nom de plume that had caught me.
Elizabeth Black, respectable headmistress of a gentile girl's school is that and a literary writer by day and the Penny Dreadful
Fletcher Walker is the top Penny Dreadful writer by day and rescuer of downtrodden children and others, generally women, by night. His rescue operations, carried out with assistance from the illusive Penny Dreadful Society, with their own secret calling card, a penny, are funded in part by his successful writings.
The main story of Fletcher's publications being overtaken by King's thus putting in danger the wherewithal for the rescue activities for mistreated women and children of the lowest strata of London life is an inspired basis for the novel. We follow the rescue of Daniel, a chimney sweep and two sisters down from the country who were sold to a notorious Madame, Mrs George. Of course the determined Elizabeth becomes involved here.
I admired Eden's use of the artifice of Elizabeth's current Penny Dreadful and Fletcher's forming part of the tale, giving us somewhat of a commentary on the main story, on King's part at least.
Indeed I found myself hanging on every word of these Penny Dreadfuls
Here's the thing though, it seems that revolving through these three stories took an inordinate amount of time for me. In fact the story spread over four days rather than the couple of hours I normally take. I think that interruption allowed me to wander off to other tasks. Most unusual!
Don't get me wrong. I loved the way the story worked, I loved the gutsiness of our Victorian heroine, Elizabeth Black. Alarmingly however Fletcher sort of petered out for me.
I was disappointed that Alistair Headley, who looked like being a somewhat doubtful character faded into the background without resolution and I was left wondering what his purpose was.There are certainly characters aplenty to give their own story to, and perhaps that's what will happen.
An interesting and refreshingly clean Victorian romance, particularly with the included Penny Dreadfuls.
A Shadow Mountain ARC via NetGalley
I enjoyed this story, although aspects seem familiar. Perhaps it's the woman writer with a male nom de plume that had caught me.
Elizabeth Black, respectable headmistress of a gentile girl's school is that and a literary writer by day and the Penny Dreadful
Show More
writer Charles King by night.Fletcher Walker is the top Penny Dreadful writer by day and rescuer of downtrodden children and others, generally women, by night. His rescue operations, carried out with assistance from the illusive Penny Dreadful Society, with their own secret calling card, a penny, are funded in part by his successful writings.
The main story of Fletcher's publications being overtaken by King's thus putting in danger the wherewithal for the rescue activities for mistreated women and children of the lowest strata of London life is an inspired basis for the novel. We follow the rescue of Daniel, a chimney sweep and two sisters down from the country who were sold to a notorious Madame, Mrs George. Of course the determined Elizabeth becomes involved here.
I admired Eden's use of the artifice of Elizabeth's current Penny Dreadful and Fletcher's forming part of the tale, giving us somewhat of a commentary on the main story, on King's part at least.
Indeed I found myself hanging on every word of these Penny Dreadfuls
Here's the thing though, it seems that revolving through these three stories took an inordinate amount of time for me. In fact the story spread over four days rather than the couple of hours I normally take. I think that interruption allowed me to wander off to other tasks. Most unusual!
Don't get me wrong. I loved the way the story worked, I loved the gutsiness of our Victorian heroine, Elizabeth Black. Alarmingly however Fletcher sort of petered out for me.
I was disappointed that Alistair Headley, who looked like being a somewhat doubtful character faded into the background without resolution and I was left wondering what his purpose was.There are certainly characters aplenty to give their own story to, and perhaps that's what will happen.
An interesting and refreshingly clean Victorian romance, particularly with the included Penny Dreadfuls.
A Shadow Mountain ARC via NetGalley
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
I liked The Highwayman poem better.
LibraryThing member rafram
Grown-up street urchin Fletcher Walker and elusive Mr. King are competing for the extremely profitable penny dreadful market. They both write to fund help for poor children. Mr. King is actually school Principal Elizabeth Black who hides her identity because she is afraid to ruin her reputation.
The Lady and The Higwayman (Proper Romance) is the standalone novel by Sarah M. Eden published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. The setting of the plot is London 1865 when penny dreadful stories where cheap and very profitable serial literature published weekly at just one penny.
The focus is on Fletcher Walker and Elizabeth Black who are passionate about children’s education and are both funding their work by writing penny dreadful stories. While Fletcher is actively rescuing urchins off the streets, Elizabeth is running a very proper upscale middle class girls’ school.
Fletcher Walker has a good heart but undermines himself quite a lot because of his background. It is pleasing to see that he keeps his head held high when moving in up-scale circles and does not hold back from using his colorful language.
Elizabeth Black seems a caring and warm hearted person very careful about her reputation. Her character changes throughout the story and she becomes more assertive and courageous in keeping with the plot and the slightly new company she keeps.
In a story with such superb character building and some seriously unsavory personalities, it feels difficult to decide who my favorite character is, so I just have to say both Elizabeth and Fletcher. They both feel authentic, nice and warm hearted people trying to make a difference for children on the streets of Victorian London. The descriptions of the rescue operations of street urchins were my favorite part of this story.
The Lady and The Higwayman (Proper Romance) by Sarah M. Eden was excellent entertainment and a quick and easy read. The research was impressive and the writing captivating as I felt transferred to Victorian London 1865. The Dickensian vibe I got from this multi layered and complex plot was very enjoyable. The dialogue felt authentic and interesting; particularly the funny bantering. The Lady and The Highwayman had a surprise ending I cannot stop thinking about, as it must have lead to some very interesting consequences.
The relationship between Elizabeth and Fletcher starts off with banter. Behind the banter, mutual feelings are steadily increasing. It’s nice to see they grow closer through the plot and a romance gets room to develop in the midst of all the drama.
The Lady and The Higwayman (Proper Romance) by Sarah M. Eden was excellent entertainment. It was a quick and easy read with impressive research, great dialog and a surprise ending. The plot was new and refreshing and my favorite part was descriptions of street life in London 1865.
Fans of Sarah M. Eden will enjoy The Lady and The Higwayman (Proper Romance), as will readers of historical romance fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Esther Hatch and Anita Stansfield.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Edelweiss for this review ebook which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
My rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: Interesting plot, superb research, excellent crafting of characters, great writing and dialogue
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While drama intensifies Elizabeth and Fletcher have to work together to keep both the children and themselves out of danger.The Lady and The Higwayman (Proper Romance) is the standalone novel by Sarah M. Eden published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. The setting of the plot is London 1865 when penny dreadful stories where cheap and very profitable serial literature published weekly at just one penny.
The focus is on Fletcher Walker and Elizabeth Black who are passionate about children’s education and are both funding their work by writing penny dreadful stories. While Fletcher is actively rescuing urchins off the streets, Elizabeth is running a very proper upscale middle class girls’ school.
Fletcher Walker has a good heart but undermines himself quite a lot because of his background. It is pleasing to see that he keeps his head held high when moving in up-scale circles and does not hold back from using his colorful language.
Elizabeth Black seems a caring and warm hearted person very careful about her reputation. Her character changes throughout the story and she becomes more assertive and courageous in keeping with the plot and the slightly new company she keeps.
In a story with such superb character building and some seriously unsavory personalities, it feels difficult to decide who my favorite character is, so I just have to say both Elizabeth and Fletcher. They both feel authentic, nice and warm hearted people trying to make a difference for children on the streets of Victorian London. The descriptions of the rescue operations of street urchins were my favorite part of this story.
The Lady and The Higwayman (Proper Romance) by Sarah M. Eden was excellent entertainment and a quick and easy read. The research was impressive and the writing captivating as I felt transferred to Victorian London 1865. The Dickensian vibe I got from this multi layered and complex plot was very enjoyable. The dialogue felt authentic and interesting; particularly the funny bantering. The Lady and The Highwayman had a surprise ending I cannot stop thinking about, as it must have lead to some very interesting consequences.
The relationship between Elizabeth and Fletcher starts off with banter. Behind the banter, mutual feelings are steadily increasing. It’s nice to see they grow closer through the plot and a romance gets room to develop in the midst of all the drama.
The Lady and The Higwayman (Proper Romance) by Sarah M. Eden was excellent entertainment. It was a quick and easy read with impressive research, great dialog and a surprise ending. The plot was new and refreshing and my favorite part was descriptions of street life in London 1865.
Fans of Sarah M. Eden will enjoy The Lady and The Higwayman (Proper Romance), as will readers of historical romance fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Esther Hatch and Anita Stansfield.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Edelweiss for this review ebook which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
My rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: Interesting plot, superb research, excellent crafting of characters, great writing and dialogue
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LibraryThing member krau0098
Audiobook Quality (4/5): The narration for this audiobook was well done. I really enjoyed it and have no complaints.
Story (4/5): This story focuses on two different characters; Elizabeth Black and Fletcher Walker. Elizabeth runs an all girls school and writes society stories on the side. However,
This was a fun, light Victorian mystery with some romance. I enjoyed it. It’s well written and makes for a fun, quick read.
Characters (4/5): The story really revolves around Fletcher and Elizabeth. They are both heartfelt and well done characters that I enjoyed. Both make their way through proper society but also have somewhat secret divergent personalities as well. There are a number of street urchin children as side characters and they were well done. In addition to that you get to read both Fletcher’s and Elizabeth’s Penny Dreadful series and meet the characters of those stories.
Setting (4/5): The story was set in London and at Elizabeth’s girls school. I always enjoy a London setting, but it wasn’t really the main point of the story.
Writing Style (4/5): At first I was a bit confused about what was going on here. However, once I figured out what was going on I enjoyed it. The story goes between Fletcher and Elizabeth’s POV, but there are also sections from both Fletcher’s and Elizabeth’s Penny Dreadful series in here. So you would go from Elizabeth to Fletcher to Elizabeth’s novel to Elizabeth to Fletcher to Fletcher’s novel. This was kind of confusing in audiobook format but probably would have been clearer in written format. Aside from that issue I enjoyed Eyre’s writing style, it was easy to listen to and fun. This is a feel good story and things never get too urgent or dire.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun and cute Victorian mystery with some romance in it. I enjoyed it, there's a lot of humor in here and I liked both the characters and the mystery they are trying to solve. While it’s fairly forgettable, it was a fun diversion and a perfect light listen for me.
Story (4/5): This story focuses on two different characters; Elizabeth Black and Fletcher Walker. Elizabeth runs an all girls school and writes society stories on the side. However,
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she also has a secret identity as a male writer of Penny Dreadful novels. Fletcher is a Penny Dreadful writer who lifted himself out of poverty with his writing skills. Unfortunately, sales of a new mysterious Penny Dreadful author are cutting into his profits...profits he uses to help the poor of London. Elizabeth and Fletcher end up mixed up together in a mystery involving missing street urchins and find out they have more in common than they thought.This was a fun, light Victorian mystery with some romance. I enjoyed it. It’s well written and makes for a fun, quick read.
Characters (4/5): The story really revolves around Fletcher and Elizabeth. They are both heartfelt and well done characters that I enjoyed. Both make their way through proper society but also have somewhat secret divergent personalities as well. There are a number of street urchin children as side characters and they were well done. In addition to that you get to read both Fletcher’s and Elizabeth’s Penny Dreadful series and meet the characters of those stories.
Setting (4/5): The story was set in London and at Elizabeth’s girls school. I always enjoy a London setting, but it wasn’t really the main point of the story.
Writing Style (4/5): At first I was a bit confused about what was going on here. However, once I figured out what was going on I enjoyed it. The story goes between Fletcher and Elizabeth’s POV, but there are also sections from both Fletcher’s and Elizabeth’s Penny Dreadful series in here. So you would go from Elizabeth to Fletcher to Elizabeth’s novel to Elizabeth to Fletcher to Fletcher’s novel. This was kind of confusing in audiobook format but probably would have been clearer in written format. Aside from that issue I enjoyed Eyre’s writing style, it was easy to listen to and fun. This is a feel good story and things never get too urgent or dire.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun and cute Victorian mystery with some romance in it. I enjoyed it, there's a lot of humor in here and I liked both the characters and the mystery they are trying to solve. While it’s fairly forgettable, it was a fun diversion and a perfect light listen for me.
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LibraryThing member gpangel
The Lady and the Highwayman by Sarah M. Eden is a 2019 Shadow Mountain publication.
What a delightful romance!!
Elizabeth Black is a proper author, and the headmistress of a girls’ school by day…
But by night, she writes Penny Dreadfuls under the pseudonym of Mr. King, living an adventurous life
Fletcher Walker, former street urchin, and the most profitable of the Penny Dreadful authors, has found himself in serious competition with the mysterious Mr. King.
He and his 'dreadful' writing colleagues are determined to find out who this Mr. King is before he robs them of their profits.
Their secret group isn’t as greedy as they sound, though. They use their fortunes to help the needy, especially the street children.
Fletcher, knowing Elizabeth is a well-respected author, enlists her to help him unmask Mr. King. Elizabeth agrees, hoping her involvement in the crusade to out her as a ‘dreadful’ author will prevent him from uncovering her secret.
Thus, begins a game of intrigue, with the thrill of adventure and danger- but with one small complication- Elizabeth and Fletcher are falling in love…
It has been a good long while since I’ve read a historical romance- and I think I grabbed this book at just the right moment when I needed something light, fun and romantic.
The story is fast paced, with some wonderful dialogue and a cute set up.
It’s clean with a touch of whimsy and the author does a neat trick by incorporating portions of Elizabeth’s Penny Dreadful episodes to parallel and complement the main plot. It was exactly the kind of charming story I needed and reminded me of what a comfort romantic novel can be.
Looking forward to the next chapter in the series!
What a delightful romance!!
Elizabeth Black is a proper author, and the headmistress of a girls’ school by day…
But by night, she writes Penny Dreadfuls under the pseudonym of Mr. King, living an adventurous life
Show More
vicariously through her characters. Fletcher Walker, former street urchin, and the most profitable of the Penny Dreadful authors, has found himself in serious competition with the mysterious Mr. King.
He and his 'dreadful' writing colleagues are determined to find out who this Mr. King is before he robs them of their profits.
Their secret group isn’t as greedy as they sound, though. They use their fortunes to help the needy, especially the street children.
Fletcher, knowing Elizabeth is a well-respected author, enlists her to help him unmask Mr. King. Elizabeth agrees, hoping her involvement in the crusade to out her as a ‘dreadful’ author will prevent him from uncovering her secret.
Thus, begins a game of intrigue, with the thrill of adventure and danger- but with one small complication- Elizabeth and Fletcher are falling in love…
It has been a good long while since I’ve read a historical romance- and I think I grabbed this book at just the right moment when I needed something light, fun and romantic.
The story is fast paced, with some wonderful dialogue and a cute set up.
It’s clean with a touch of whimsy and the author does a neat trick by incorporating portions of Elizabeth’s Penny Dreadful episodes to parallel and complement the main plot. It was exactly the kind of charming story I needed and reminded me of what a comfort romantic novel can be.
Looking forward to the next chapter in the series!
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
Delightful Victorian adventure, with dueling authors uncovering mysteries and uniting in the desire to rescue abused and impoverished children. It's a little over-the-top and melodramatic on purpose, to really hook into the Penny Dreadful style of writing. Loved the slightly unbelievable
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derring-do, the pleasant romance, and the excerpts from the various Penny Dreadful installments. Good fun, doesn't take itself too seriously, and a nice window into a time and place I haven't seen much of before. Gets a little repetitive on the 'save the children!' and the personal unworthiness themes, but altogether worthwhile and highly entertaining. Show Less
LibraryThing member managedbybooks
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school in 1865 Victorian London. She is also a well-respected author of “silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by
Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the social and political causes of their working-class readers. The group knows King could be an asset with his obvious monetary success, or he could be the group’s undoing as King’s readership continues to cut into their profits.
Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered. What neither author anticipated was the instant attraction, even though their social positions dictate the impossibility of a relationship.
For the first time Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.
This was an intriguing mystery with just enough romance for my tastes!
Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school in 1865 Victorian London. She is also a well-respected author of “silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by
Show More
night, she writes very different kinds of stories—the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Mr. King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats, intelligent detectives solving grisly murders, and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the social and political causes of their working-class readers. The group knows King could be an asset with his obvious monetary success, or he could be the group’s undoing as King’s readership continues to cut into their profits.
Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered. What neither author anticipated was the instant attraction, even though their social positions dictate the impossibility of a relationship.
For the first time Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.
This was an intriguing mystery with just enough romance for my tastes!
Show Less