Do You like book The Jewelled Snuff Box (2015)?
I really liked this book. It's very "old school" and reminds me, to some extent, of novels I've read by Jane Austen. What I mean by that is Ms. Chetwynd Ley keeps the characters conduct and speech very true to the times, thus the characters behave in a rather reserved manner and speak in a rather formal manner. Then there is the fact that the dialect is so authentic that at times I had a hard time deciphering what characters of the "lower orders" were saying. LOL For example when the coachman advised the passengers that they would not be able to carry on due to the weather, but would have to spend the night at a nearby inn, one elderly lady's response to this was, "Me darter's meeting me at Dartford. She'll be rare put about if I bain't there." LOL That one speech is actually pretty clear, but there were times when I found myself saying "WTH?" Luckily I had no such difficulties when the main characters were speaking, thus those instances didn't bother me in the least.For me the story got off to a slightly slow start, as the author took the time to set the scene and describe each of the passengers who were traveling in the coach with Jane. I confess I started to wonder if this was one of those books where I would be inundated with detailed descriptions of everyone and everything in a scene! Luckily that prove not to be the case, as a couple of pages into the book, once Jane comes upon Richard lying unconscious in the snow, the story moved along at a nice lively pace. When Richard awakens the next morning with no memory of who he is, Jane offers to take him to London to see her lawyer, who, hopefully, will be able to help him. A strong rapport quickly develops between Richard and Jane; one so significant that when he suddenly disappears from her life she is despondent from the loss.However, doesn't have the time to wallow in her pain of her loss as her new employer is expecting her at her new position as companion to the Countess of Bordesley. When Jane arrives she is dismayed to discover that the Countess is none other than erstwhile Celia Walbrook, an old school-mate and a most selfish and unpleasant female. During her employment with Celia, Jane once again comes face to face with Richard. When he appears to have no memory of her, she is uncertain as to how to handle the situation...she's not sure whether or not to mention their previous acquaintance, and under the circumstances, she is most reluctant to do so. Despite the fact that all evidence seems to point to the fact that Richard and Celia may be having an affair, Jane cannot make herself believe it. The man she had met for those initial few hours was not the type to dally with another man's wife! Thus the tender feelings she has for Richard, which had taken root during their first encounter, continue to blossom.The story that unfolds is very entertaining, and, I thought, extremely touching. I actually got teary eyed a time or two while reading it. FYI, as you might expect, this is a super squeaky clean romance. My only complaint is that the ending is a bit abrupt. An epilogue depicting Jane in her new life would have been a most welcome addition to the story; especially in light of all the major changes it was about to undergo. Nonetheless, I liked it very much and highly recommend it as a worthwhile read. Happy reading!
—Reading Fanatic