Customer Reviews

One Good Turn (Signet Regency Romance)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

After the events chronicled in "Libby's London Merchant" you just knew that it would take a very special lady to make Benedict Nesbitt, the Duke of Knareborough forget Libby Ames. And indeed the heroine of "One Good Turn" is a truly a very extraordinary lady.

The Duke of Knaresborough is trying (but not really succeeding) very hard to come to terms with the fact that Libby Ames has not only rejected him, but has found happiness with her splendid but ordinary husband, Dr. Cook. In an effort to take his mind of Libby and his current unhappiness, the duke has agreed to take his young neice to his country estate so that she will not contract chickenpox form her infant brother. However while on the road, the duke discovers to his horror that his niece has contracted chickenpox after all, and he's not sure if he can cope with a sick, fractious child. Fortunately for the duke, Miss Liria Valencia and her young five year old son appear on the scene. And although he takes Liria to be no more than a Spanish camp follower, who had given birth out of wedlock, her ability to deal with the crisis at hand and her calm manner impresses the duke no end, and impulsively he offers her a job as his housekeeper. The more contact he has with Liria, the more he is intrigued by her. Who is this mysterious Spanish woman who seems more than able to run a duke's household and who possesses the dignity and demeanor of one far above her station? What brought to England? And why does she refuse to return to Spain? Ever curious, the duke sets out to discover the secrets that Liria harbors in order to help a lady who is becoming of increasing importance to him.

I know that I've said this about quite a few Regency romance novels lately, but this time it's really true: this is a romance novel that is out of the ordinary! After a steady diet of flirty heroines and rakish heroes, this book was a novel experience. Liria is certainly unlike most heroines that one would expect from a Signet Regency romance novel: she's a heroine that has had a truly hard and horrendous past (her war experiences do not make for easy reading), but who because of her inner strength and indomitable spirit, managed to survive. Some readers may find this novel a little disappointing, because romance-wise, not much happens until the last two chapters. The bulk of the book deals with the duke coming to terms with himself -- his strengths, his weaknesses, his inner demons, and how he wants to go on; as well as the mystery that surrounds Liria. It's a sobering book, as well as a cathartic one -- it runs the gamut from pain and horror to tears and joy. This is definitely a romance novel for readers who need some substance to their 'cream cake' romance diet.

Personally, I loved this novel, and will be holding on to it for some time.

One Good Turn has been a long awaited book for those of us who greatly admire Carla Kelly so, first of all, a simple and heartfelt thank you to the author for this book - one I thought she might never write.

It's been interesting to read the comments about it. I won't go into the plot because it has been well summed up elsewhere. I would, however, like to make a few brief comments about other matters.

First of all, yes, as a "reader from Europe" says, there are a few inaccuracies and "Americanisms" in this book. This is something I myself am often critical of as an American living in England for it really annoys me when authors make what appear to me as very obvious blunders. However, I have to say I didn't see the errors here as particularly significant as when Edith Layton has made similar. Kelly, like Layton, creates characters who are so strong and believable that you just don't care because they shine through any mistakes.

This is a book about growing up, in essence. We met Benedict Nesbitt, Duke of Knare, in Libby's London Merchant. Again, this was a book which has a flaw in research but which Kelly magnificently owned up to in the recent reissue. In LLM, Nez did not get his lady; she instead gave herself to a man who had fully matured, was comfortable in his own skin and knew where he was going. In LLM, and at the beginning of OGT, Nez was still looking for a life path.

The reader who said that the historical setting seemed unreal perhaps is not familiar with the history of the Peninsular War. Those who are will know that Badajoz was a turning point in the struggle against Napoleon. By 1812, the British troops were hardened from a long and hard campaign, the seige of the city was grim and losses on the allied side incredibly high. I have been to Badajoz and Cuidad Rodrigo (site of another difficult seige) and have seen the places the British Army fought. Descriptions I have read of the fight before the glacis are horrible; layers of still warm bodies as others climbed over them to get ladders to the walls and bastions. It was, as Wellington himself admitted, unforgiveable what the troops on entering the city did but it does not compare with some of the things the French did. And, Kelly describes it and the feelings it left in some of those involved so well. I have read memoires from survivors and she has truly let us have an informed look at the whole event. So, hats off for this; she has done a wonderful job.

Nez grows up in this book. He looks at his relationships with his fellow Army officers and his troops, with his father, mother and sister, his former love, Libby and her wonderful husband Dr Tony Cook. What he does is learn to accept the past knowing that he cannot change it and then to look forward by giving love and support to another victim of the past, Liria and her little son Juan. The relationship between Nez and his wonderful butler, Luster, is very well drawn; rather like the wonderful servants in Gayle Wilson's historical books. Who can help but fall in love with Nez, a man who finally learns his self worth and is capable of offering so much.

All in all, this is a wonderful, superior read. When I compare it with some of the other regency fiction around, it truly transcends some of it. Carla Kelly creates high tension, adult relationships, strong characterisations and draws settings which for the most part are believable and accurate. I love the way she often tells her stories from the male perspective, letting us share their thoughts and emotions. Please, please, Carla Kelly, keep writing. Please, please, please.

It has been a bad year for me for finding good romance novels. Typically, I make it 100 pages into one and find the book so unbelievable that I pack it in. Kelly's book delivers all the way though. If possible, she tops herself, and renders a solid A or A+ romance novel. "One Good Turn," contains not a single cliché and that is a rarity indeed in romance publishing 2001. Jane Austen would certainly be glad to see Kelly carrying on her legacy. I suspect that she might be horrified to see some of the products which emerged in 2001 from her kicking off things with P&P, however. I know I am. Although Kelly typically does not write about dukes and earls, she does so in this novel. Nez is a duke who fought during the Napoleonic Wars in Spain. Although he has his own problems recovering from those battles and decisions, his woe is nothing compared to a woman and her son that he meets one night when a carriage breaks down. This is Liria and she is a survivor of a Spanish town that the English looted, pillaged and rapined after finally bringing the French partisan town down. Nez was one of the officers in that siege. Kelly's publisher also brought out two earlier books of hers, "Libby's London Merchant" and "Miss Chartley's Guided Tour." Those novels have been selling for $10-$20 apiece in online auctions used before this reissue, the demand for Kelly's work was so high. My advice is to snap up all 3 of these books at once. I think many readers may enjoy reading the books back to back. Of the 3 Kelly books available right now, I'd recommend reading them in this order: "Libby's London Merchant," "One Good Turn," and "Miss Chartley's Guided Tour." I think the readerholic could have a heck of a reading weekend with this trio of books. I was not planning on voting in the All About Romance website romance novel poll this year but Kelly's book changed my mind, if only because I must vote for her book in a number of key categories. I sure hope she wins.

If you're looking for a lighthearted romance and the typical heroine with nothing more to worry about than which dress to wear to Almack's, look elsewhere. This book with its flawed hero and resilient heroine shows us the other side of the Regency era: the poverty that welcomed the common soldiers as they returned home after their sufferings on the Continent, the psychological scars that lingered in the minds of every man, woman, or child who lived through the horrors of war, regardless of rank. And frankly, this is the first I've ever heard of the atrocities committed by BRITISH troops at Badajoz. The British are always the GOOD guys in these stories, after all. How easy it is to forget that war is, by definition, an ugly thing!

Having only recently been introduced to the hero in "Libby's London Merchant," I must admit that I was disappointed to discover that his heroine was a Spanish camp follower with a son--certainly a far cry from Libby, whose marriage to another man had left him broken-hearted in the previous story. But I had to find out what happened to Nez because--I admit it--I fell in love with him myself and wanted to make sure he was well taken care of!

As I finished the book--through a veil of tears--I can truthfully say that Liria and Nez complete each other in a way that Libby and Nez could never have done if they had married. This is more than a romance; it is a meeting of souls who have survived deep pain and become stronger because of it. I'd give it TEN stars if I could, in spite of the numerous errors in Spanish grammar that I noticed.

Brava, Ms. Kelly! Let's have more like this one!

I have read every Carla Kelly book published, and this one does not disappoint. But be prepared: This is not your standard regency -- a comedy of manners, the marriage mart or the foibles of the "ton" -- this is a real example of the other side of the period, one we read so little about. The fine thing about Ms. Kelly is that her characters are so human you want to invite them to dinner. I wish I knew a Nez or a Liria, or even a Luster or Gussie, people who come alive in the pages of this really fine book. I used to read Regencies all the time but got a bit tired of the 17-year-old, bubble-headed heroines and they ceased to be interesting to read about because the plots were all the same. This book will make you think, bring you a different perspective of the period and give you a glimpse of people with depth. I cannot recommend this book any higher -- out of a five-star choice, this book is a 10. Ms. Kelly, I could read one of your books every week all year and never get tired of them. Please continue giving us moments of pleasure....

If you read Regencies for escapism only, skip this! If you like a well crafted book, with an excellent story, THIS IS FOR YOU! The story has depth and substance. These are real people, who have been to hell and back. Any one who knows any history, knows that Badajoz and Waterloo left terrible marks on those who were there.
There is, however, nothing depressing about the story. There is some sadness, but a great deal of hope. The people tie themnselves to you so that it is a hard book to put down. There are also two charming children to bring joy to the lighter moments.
This is definately a well written book and one to savor. I can not tell, how much I enjoyed it. I hope Mz Kelly has a non-Regency in her future! A real book that will make the Times Best Seller list!

While I enjoy the works of a variety of authors, only two authors (so far) are on my auto-buy list, and for slightly different reasons - Carla Kelly, and Madeline Hunter. Let me explain why Kelly is an auto-buy (that means I buy her new, immediately). She is one of the few authors willing to write about the darker side of Regency life consistently, without being explicit. That does not mean her characters do not feel passion or desire (or any of the other emotions). Such emotions are part of their backstory (their past history). But Kelly's books are almost PG in their content. The only reason they would be rated PG-13 is that terrible things have happened in the past (or will happen in the course of the story) to the hero or heroine.

One such book, which I strongly recommended in the past, is MISS MILTON SPEAKS HER MIND. Another is THE LADY'S COMPANION. Both books are warmly appreciated by Kelly's fans, although the former is a very dark book at times. And now, Kelly comes back to the Regency fans with a sequel (long-awaited) to LIBBY'S LONDON MERCHANT, a book still in print as I speak, in one of Signet's new double titles. What a wonderful build-up to her latest novel!

The story has been beautifully described by another reviewer. To say more would be to give so much away. Run, don't walk, to your bookstore or order this from Amazon. [I love the fact that Kelly's title is at 1,000-something in sales, well above Julia Quinn's and the others - as much as I respect them. Who says traditional Regency fans don't buy books? Note to myself - buy a couple more copies to send to friends I have newly converted to really good Regencies, along with LLM].

Among the titles I have liked and loved over the past few months, this will stand high. It is not an easy read. Kelly is not a light amusing read (usually); she explores darker (but not necessarily deviant) sides of human action and inaction. In this book, she completes the partial redemption of a man who was incapable of appreciating the true worth of another good woman, and how! Liria's story will bring tears to your eyes. [Fans of Georgette Heyer's THE SPANISH BRIDE, beginning with a scene in Badajoz, will appreciate this all the more].

I do hope that Kelly - and the editors out there - are encouraged to continue publishing good traditional Regencies. Recently I have been trying a variety of new authors, and have only found a few promising gems. While I came late to Kelly (after discovering Balogh), I was quickly converted. For the record, most of her books are out-of-print and very hard-to-find. Look up her back titles in your public library, try to buy them through Amazon and other sources, or badger the publisher to print more double titles.

ONE GOOD TURN is absolutely the best regency I've read this year. In fact, it's the best book I've read this year. It may be the best book I've read in several years. Not only is it a rivetting read, it's ennobling. When very, very bad things happen to good people, how do they survive? How do they pick themselves up and go on? How do they refuse to carry the evil forward? How do they retain kindliness of spirit? The strength of hope and human compassion shines in this book. It's so much more than just some here this month, gone the next paperback romance. And yet it doesn't hit you over the head with "message". It has been a long, long time since I read something so moving. I couldn't put it down.

The heck with the terms hero and heroine! This was a REAL MAN and a REAL WOMAN pitted against one of the most horrific battles of our time; even though that was mostly backstory, it was sooo important. This was just an amazing, heartbreaking story with a most poignant ending. I was also impressed at how Ms. Kelly was able to insert just enough appropriate humor without belittling the characters OR the storyline. The emotion of the characters overrode any inconsistencies in the story for me. I was so deeply involved in the happenings between the key characters, I didn't notice much of anything else.

I would certainly read Ms. Kelly's work, again!

This was the first book of this author that I have read and I liked it so much (although I did wonder how Liria could end up as such a together person after what she had been through - though I am glad that she did) that I am now collecting the rest of Ms. Kelly's books (and have read several more, of which The Lady's Companion was especially a "keeper" for me). The characters were very vivid and the writing was quite enjoyable and interesting. Hopefully Ms. Kelly will, indeed, write more of these very appealing regencies (one of Nez's friends, perhaps, so we can hear how he and his new bride are doing)!