The Making of a Gentleman (Regency Series #5) (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #63) (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Morren combines an unlikely pair of protagonists in this charming reversal of My Fair Lady when a minister's spinster sister attempts to redeem a man condemned to die at the gallows. In Regency England, Florence Hathaway's mission is ministering to those at London's infamous Newgate Prison. As wrongfully convicted Jonah Quinn is about to be executed, a mob rushes the hangman and Florence becomes Jonah's hostage. Florence offers Jonah shelter and decides the only way to hide the fugitive is to transform him into a gentleman. Florence's devotion to her religious faith is carefully contrasted against Jonah's skepticism regarding the sincerity of her motives, and while the sparring between the two hints at sexual tension, their attraction remains mostly hidden. Florence's servants are fascinating secondary characters who gradually lose their commonality with Jonah as he makes his transition. Engaging characters and a smooth, fast-paced story line make this a historical to be savored. (Aug.)
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Product Description

Just moments from the hangman's noose, Jonah Quinn escapes from infamous Newgate Prison. Taking prison volunteer Florence Hathaway hostage is a masterstroke, but Jonah intends to end their acquaintance once he's free. God, however, has other plans.

The caring spinster's mission is to turn Jonah's life around. The burly fugitive scoffs at the notion he can be groomed into respectability, much less win a royal pardon. He knows that donning a waistcoat and cravats does not change a man. But a woman's stubborn faith? That can accomplish miracles. Florence sees right into the depths of his roguish heart, and Jonah finds himself wanting to become that man she sees.…

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Steeple Hill; New Regency series #1 edition (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373786212
• ISBN-13: 978-0373786213
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #71,759 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A new twist , August 2, 2008

By	R. Stoddard (McGuire AFB, NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book proved to be an enjoyable and UNIQUE experience for me. I almost always enjoy Morren's books-- they are well told and, if not always truly original, written in a way different from the norm. Much like this book.

While the idea of turning a rough person into one of culture (ie My Fair Lady) is not a new one, this book turned into something different. Jonah Quinn, an innocent convict is rescued from the hangmans noose... Florence Hathaway is taken as his hostage while he escapes... Feeling Gods call to help this man, she offers to help him-- but can this rough farmer become gentleman enough to earn a royal pardon?

Initially, neither of these characters are particulary endearing. Jonah is gruff and stubborn. Florence is unyielding and holier than thou. I found myself wondering how this romance would ever evolve in a believable way. But Morren pulls it off.

In true Morren style, you are given insight into the individual characters feelings, and even though you find yourself clenching your teeth at their behavior, you eventually end up rooting for them both.

This book was a great read. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. The author does a great job of taking an overused theme and making it into something unique and enjoyable. Keep them coming!!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Making of a Gentleman, September 6, 2008

By	Babette's Books "Babette" (USA) - See all my reviews

I love all Ruth Axtell Morren's books! The Making of a Gentleman, was a surprise to me. Florence doesn't have the compassion that most of Ruth's heroines have, she seems to be running on fear for most of the book. Jonah was more real for a man in his position and background. Florence's redemption was slow in coming. I got a little impatient with her. But over all it was a good book. I wanted to give the book five stars, maybe its just me, but I was very vexed with Florence. It is a good story and well worth a read.

5.0 out of 5 stars So romantic!!, January 28, 2009

By	Shari A. Bradley "Shari nose in a book" (Vista CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What a great story! The books are published in a rather small size making it a bit difficult to hold them, but Steeple Hill books are awesome!