A Visit From Sir Nicholas [Mass Market Paperback]

Victoria Alexander (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2004

Everyone knows that an Effington always getsher way ... but this time it's not going to be easy!

Lady Elizabeth Effington simply could not suitably feel the joy of the Christmas season. Ten years had passed since she had boldly declared her love for Sir Nicholas Collingsworth. He rebuffed her and set out to seek his fortunes, while Elizabeth was left a woman scorned. Now, she discovers in horror that the inheritance she's managed beautifully was never hers to control. No, power over her finances lay in the hands of the last man she ever wants to see again: Nicholas!

But running Elizabeth's life isn't part of Nick's plans. He's intrigued when he discovers that the frivolous and flighty girl he once knew has turned into a beautiful and capable woman. Nick vows to woo -- and win -- her, and while she seems unmoved by his fervent seduction, he swears he will not rest until she accepts that most precious gift of all -- the gift of love.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

While Alexander's many fans will snatch up her latest romance featuring the irrepressible Effington family (The Pursuit of Marriage, etc.), newcomers may wonder what all the fuss is about. In this lusterless Victorian-era novel, Nicholas Collingsworth casts away the burgeoning affection of Elizabeth Effington so that she can marry his best friend, then departs to make his fortune abroad. When Nicholas returns to London 10 years later, Elizabeth is a lovely young widow, and he pledges to correct his mistake by winning her heart and hand. With few genuine obstacles to contend with besides Elizabeth's pride and stubbornness, Nicholas's campaign lacks tension. A possible threat to their happiness springs out of nowhere four-fifths of the way through, providing momentary excitement, but it fizzles out before its dramatic potential is explored. Elizabeth's impulsiveness adds some sparks, but when she throws a vase for the third time in a fit of bad temper—this time a priceless Ming aimed directly at Nicholas's head and flung "with all her strength"—readers may wonder if Nicholas should wait 10 more years for the lady to grow up. One shining beacon is Alexander's dialogue, which screenwriters might envy for its rat-a-tat zing. But those seeking surprises should pass up this bland holiday offering.
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About the Author

Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and has never looked back. Victoria grew up traveling the country as an Air Force brat and is now settled in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two teenaged children, and a bearded collie named Sam. She firmly believes housework is a four-letter word, there are no calories in anything eaten standing up, procrastination is an art form, and it's never too soon to panic.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (November 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060517638
• ISBN-13: 978-0060517632
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #221,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.

Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written twenty-four full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife--originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008--hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.

Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON'T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.

During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She's interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor's helicopter. She's covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II's historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter's school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She's never looked back.

Victoria is a former president of the Omaha Press Club and in 2009 was named an OPC Face on the Barroom Floor. A caricature portrait of her joined previous faces including presidents, sports figures and politicians in a tradition that began in 1971.

Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.

Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband, a son in college and a daughter working in film.

Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam, the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie has now taken on the position of loyal companion and is doing a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!

They live in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal--she has to.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars terrific holiday Victorian Effington romance, October 31, 2004

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1843 Lady Elizabeth Effington is confused as much as perhaps Scrooge was when the first two ghosts and Marley visited him. Elizabeth has loved Charles for a long time, but the kisses of Nicholas Collingsworth send her into ecstasy. She tells Nicholas she loves him, but he insists she marry his friend and forget him as he will go to America. Nicholas leaves and Elizabeth marries Charles and has two children with him, but her spouse dies.

In 1853 Nick returns to England responsible for Elizabeth's finances as his friend her late husband stipulated he would. To her chagrin Elizabeth still wants Nick, but she refuses to embarrass and humiliate herself again. Nick has always regretted his rejection of his beloved though he did so for noble reasons. Now he wants her in his bed bit not just as a temporary companion, but as his wife.

This terrific holiday Victorian Effington romance is a superb tale starring two likable protagonists and the ghost of Charles, beloved by both of them. The outtakes from Dickens' A Christmas Carol add depth by emphasizing the season and in some ways paralleling the main story line. Fans will appreciate this delightful yuletide historical second chance at love tale that emphasizes the belief in late December miracles.

Harriet Klausner

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Holiday Effington Read, November 7, 2005

By 

Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Mass Market Paperback)

Well, another "Effington Family" read has been delightfully offered to fans of the historical romance genre. Ms. Alexander's trademark humor, and characters have been combined into another read that is truly a stand alone in a series that is beyond popular with fans the world over.

Lizzie has loved Nicholas almost from the moment she was introduced to the young orphaned boy. They have practically grown up together and although there is an "agreement" that she will marry one man...she still can't help but feel the attraction that now lies between Nicholas and herself. She finally decides on the eve of Nicholas' departure to gift him not only with a book, but with her feelings as well. But, this tender hearted young lady is about to be hurt and forced into a relationship that just might not be the best thing for her.

Nicholas is not about to let history repeat itself. His father had married his mother despite the fact that his Uncle Fredrick loved her as well. On top of this his father took off to make a fortune and instead ended up in dire straights. He wants to make something of himself instead of having it handed to him. This means leaving England and heading to the new world well, that's what, he's going to have to do. But fate will bring him back to the one and only woman that he will ever love. But, will it be too late and will the once loving Elizabeth be something much different?

Nicholas and Lizzie is a product of his or her own making. Still even though they are separated by several years, ignore what they're feeling they managed to get their happy ending. Some things did bother me about the read but they were minor when taken into consideration the entire book. Ms. Alexander has created a wonderful "Regency" family and it's fun to see that she has managed to continue it without becoming too stale or overdone. This is a quick read and one that fans will enjoy and appreciate.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Has flaws, but still enjoyable., January 14, 2005

By 

BB - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Mass Market Paperback)

A Visit From Sir Nicholas is an enjoyable read if you can look past the flaws. Elizabeth's reasons for denying what she feels for Nicholas are understandable, but she can get a little annoying. Nicholas and Elizabeth both make decisions that can be frustrating to the reader because the decisions they make that keeps them apart seem completely unneccesary to an outsider. However, Victoria Alexander has provided plenty of explanation concerning WHY the characters do what they do, so the characters actions are consistent with their personality. Once I understood Elizabeth and Nicholas, I enjoyed watching them both overcome their hangups and come together. I especially like how A Christmas Carol was incorporated into the book. I was touched by how Nicholas cherished the book because Elizabeth had given it to him.