Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents’ New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks–but when Violet’s own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance–Vance Everstone. As she prepares for … she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU.
With danger stalking her and a new fiancé who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust–and who to leave behind.
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A leopard may not be able to change his spots, but God can change the heart of any man who earnestly seeks him—Vance Everstone is that man. I was astounded by the metamorphosis which took place in the profligate whom I met in The Bound Heart. In turning to the Lord, Vance resolved to leave his Casanova ways in the past in order to secure a future with Violet. Crandall’s focus on purity—over pinning or passions—paid huge dividends in my respect and admiration for Vance. Furthermore, I believe it opens the door to an audience of high school and college aged readers. Believe it or not, the chasteness of the characters cranks up the reader’s anticipation of a “happily ever after” for the couple.
I enjoy this author’s writing. With each book her writing has grown tighter, her plots more complex, and she’s taken more risks with the human fallibility of her characters. In this story, readers get a period romance mixed with a bit of a mystery, and a dash of scandal in perfect measure. Having read all four books Dawn Crandall has published to date, The Cautious Maiden is my favorite—hands down!
I received this book from the author for my honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Violet Hawthorne has always been cautious around men. Tragically, her honorable reputation dramatically shifts when she becomes the victim of a humiliating act and is comforted by a man whom she has long tried to avoid. Unknown to Violet, her brother has recklessly gambled away her future during a poker game, while an anonymous benefactor valiantly, but unsuccessfully, attempted to pay off her debt.
Vance Everstone regrets his sordid past, a recent conversion to Christ has transformed his life; melting his heart of stone, for “Jesus Paid it All”. Fascinated by the lovely Violet Hawthorne, Vance longs to protect her from evil forces far stronger than she can imagine. When the unlikely couple is forced into a hasty betrothal, both wonder if their marriage can survive undeclared love amidst such suffocating circumstances. Fortunately, attraction has bloomed, but will it be enough, for this fragile relationship may tragically disintegrate, before it even gets started.
Readers of the “Everstone Chronicles” will truly enjoy this outstanding addition to the series, for “The Cautious Maiden” displays author Dawn Crandall at her finest!
I am grateful to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Picking up Dawn Crandall’s latest release, I was assured of a breathtaking romance. I have enjoyed her characters and setting in previous novels as well as her unique first person narration, but it is really the intense and still God-honoring romances that keep me coming back for more.
In this novel, however, I found myself questioning my own heart and how I would respond in similar situations to the ones Violet faces and I must concede that I did not like the judgemental attitude I found hiding in the dark corners of my own heart. Violet’s capacity to forgive has both convicted and inspired me to see others as God looks at them. She is only able to do that because she is a multifaceted character that has her own flaws; I know she is fictional, but on the page she comes across as a flesh and blood woman whom I would very much like to know.
Because we read the entirety of the novel from Violet’s perspective, the insights into both her mind and heart are extensive. Her doubts, fears, failures in thought as well as deed, her joys and triumphs are all detailed; misperceptions persist because she is unable to view the elite world of the Everstone family from a vantage point other than her own, more modest, one. We join her as she comes to love the reformed bad boy and wrestles with the nagging doubts that he may not be as changed as she wants to believe.
Faith is central to the novel, especially since it is what has brought about the transformation in Vance’s character. We learn Violet still has much growth to experience, too, though; I really enjoyed reading about their faith journey as they strive to become more Christlike in their thoughts and actions, even as they deal with those who are unashamed to do whatever necessary to achieve their own desired end.
Crandall’s outstanding ability to produce relatable characters and do so from her unique and well-executed first person narration make her a singular voice in Christian historical romance. While this isn’t my favorite of her work (the second book still holds that spot!), it is another wonderful installment in the Everstone Chronicles. I hope there will be more to come in the series!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher but no compensation for this review. I was not required to write a favorable one and the opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
The Cautious Maiden #4 the Everstone Chronicles***** by Dawn Crandall
1892..Everston, Northern Maine….Violet Hawthorne is humiliated by her brother, Ezra and is in grave danger—which she is unaware of at the time. I was so glad she had a safe place to live and work away from Ezra. Violet loves Ezra but not his lifestyle. I love her generous heart and courage in the face of all that she has gone through and the danger she will soon experience. Her faith is strong, which is evident in how she lives. Her heart longs for a certain man who she feels is far out of her reach so she keeps her feelings hidden.
Vance Everstone is a far different man than he was in the other book—a changed man since his confession of faith in Jesus. I love this “new” Vance better than the rogue he previously was. His life hasn’t been easy despite his financial status, partly due to his former lifestyle. I love how he is very protective of Violet not realizing how he really feels toward her.
I was not sure what Violet’s new found family was up to when they suddenly stopped visiting her. I was hoping they were not involved with Ezra in any way.
Speaking of Ezra, I don’t see how a brother could treat his own sister the way he does. I did not care much for him, his lifestyle, behavior toward Violet and hoped his eyes and heart would be opened to the path he is on and decide to change his life. There was another man that Ezra had dealings with that made me cringe as he set out to accomplish the evil plans he had.
I was glad that we get to catch up with Vance’s family and love that they step in and offer help in a dangerous situation—as is their norm. The story is filled with rich, true-to-life characters that offer much to the reader: intrigue, scandal, second chances, heartache, joy, danger, redemption, secrets, faith—love the inspirational elements woven throughout the story, romance and love.
The Cautious Maiden is the forth book in the Everstone Chronicles, and is my favorite of the four. It can be read as a stand-alone book, but will be a richer experience reading them in sequence to get to know the characters better.
~I received an ARC from the publisher and a paperback copy from TBCN, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
I didn’t want to put this one down, as I needed to know why Violet’s brother and a stranger would mistreat her and cause her such humiliation. I loved the redemptive story of Vance and how his life was changed. This is a wonderful love story that contains issues of low self worth, hidden feelings, different stations in life, misunderstandings, and Faith. Violet and Vance’s story are the conclusion to the series, but can also be read as a stand alone. Their story reaches across barriers and touches your heart. The characters are believable and leave you thinking of them afterwards.
I received an ARC. The honest review and opinions are own and were not required.
Having read about Vance and Violet in the previous books in this series, I was curious as to how the author would handle them. Particularly Vance who was quite a scoundrel in the previous stories. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised that the author managed to take a man who I didn’t like at all and turn him into someone who I came to respect. And she gave him a love of his own in Violet. Good job. 4 stars – Full review is at my website. I received this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I express here are my own.
It is a rare thing indeed to come across a romance that is as tender yet alluring as the one found in The Cautious Maiden. In a time rife with the social constructs of the Gilded Age, Violet and Vance grapple with both society and the complications of their own hearts. The exquisite tension in their interactions had me glued to the pages, and the realism of their doubts and fears touched me deeply. With superb character development and a passionate romance rivaled only by the strong spiritual message found within its pages, The Cautious Maiden is a wonderful addition to the Everstone Chronicles.
The Cautious Maiden is an engaging story of love, hope and redemption. I found myself pulled into the lives of Violet Hawthorne and Vance Everstone. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one evening. Their story is really sweet. I love a good love story and this one is is really good. It’s has some surprises along the way. I liked how Vance’s character continues to develop throughout this series. I didn’t really like him at first but he soon grew on me. Violet is so sweet and reslient. Dawn Crandell’s character’s are well written and believable. I love how she weaves truth throughout the story without being preachy. This is part of a series so it’s best to read the previous books.
I can’t wait to read more of her books.
I received this book from Whitaker House for my review.
I highly recommend this book to my family and friends.
Once again, author Dawn Crandall has written a captivating, inspiring novel. The Cautious Maiden is the fourth book in the Everstone Chronicles set in the Gilded Age of Boston, MA and Maine. Each novel Dawn has written in this series is unique on its own, but still is heavily intertwined with the rest of the series. You should read them all, preferably in order.
There is so much I love about this book. God’s forgiveness for our past sins and His grace to keep you victorious over sin are major themes in The Cautious Maiden. A suspense thread runs through the novel, but doesn’t detract from the couple getting together. The romance is heart-stopping and breath-taking; the relationships lasting and satisfying. I always leave a Dawn Crandall novel with a smile of delight on my face and a heartfelt sigh of pleasure. This novel was no different.
The characters in this series are like old friends and I love how they all show up from book to book; like a family reunion! Violet Hawthorne, is no stranger to fans of the Everstone Chronicles. I was happy to read that she is the heroine in this novel after her cameo appearance in the previous book. She is an optimistic, good-hearted young lady. I admire her courage in adverse circumstances, as well as, her moral backbone. Violet has a good head on her shoulders, a respect for others’ opinions, and a forgiving sweet spirit. If I had to go through similar circumstances I would hope to have a similar attitude. She seems like a person I would love to hang out with in real life.
Even though I admire Violet, I feel like this is really Vance’s story. Let us stop for a minute….or two…..or three…..and just breathe. Sigh. Vance. What a hero. We’ve waited so long to hear how he has turned out and grieved right with his family over the bad choices he has made in life. He finally deserves his own book. After learning of Vance Everstone in book one, I wasn’t certain what to think of this rake/black sheep. Readers followed the ups and downs of this flirt’s selfish life and wondered if he would ever reform. Dawn Crandall made Vance so magnetic; an attraction even when he was an ungodly ladies’ man. I was rooting for him to be a hero and turn out good (but still a charming gentleman) as the series progressed. Well, I got my wish!
Vance is now a Christian and a truly, worthy hero for Violet. He has matured and is even more appealing as a Christian. His spiritual journey is admirable and genuine. There aren’t many heroes in Christian fiction who will openly read their Bibles and have a visible relationship with God. This one did and that was attractive.
The hero and heroine get together in an uncomfortable, unusual fashion, but manage to weather the storms of adversity that are sent their way. The romance in this novel is breathtakingly beautiful. Each time Vance and Violet are in a scene together the air sizzles with intense, underlying passion. Much of my time reading this novel was spent swooning and waiting with baited breath for the next moment the hero showed up on the scene. 🙂 I love how this couple purposefully got to know one another. They actually talked about their relationship and didn’t spend most of the book running away from each other. Both Vance and Violet wanted this to work and were open and honest.
As always, I love Dawn’s author voice of first person. It’s just perfect and brings the classics to mind. Two other favorite features are as follows: the brilliant use of quotes at the beginning of each chapter from famous authors of literary classics and actually having chapter titles. We don’t see that often in modern literature, so it stands out in these novels.
The Cautious Maiden is a beautiful, well-crafted novel that was a blessing to read from start to finish. I hated to see it end! I did desire an epilogue to give us more Vance and Violet scenes and it is so difficult to say goodbye to these lovely characters.
***I received an Advance Reader Copy of this novel from the author for review purposes. This is a fair and honest expression of my personal opinion.***
Dawn Crandall is definitely making her way in the Regency Romance category. I have read all of her books, The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart, and The Captive Imposter and enjoyed them. I knew what to expect when I read The Cautious Maiden, and Crandall doesn’t disappoint. She creates meek heroines who become strong, redemptive heroes with a hint of mystery. If all possible, I think The
Cautious Maiden is her best book in The Everstone Chronicles.
Writing a novel in first point of view is hard for most writers because we have the tenacity to want to jump into the other character’s point of view. But not with Crandall. She does a good job at staying in Violet’s perspective and staying there. Everything I learn about Vance or the supporting characters, who appeared in the three previous books, I see through Violet’s viewpoint. Because of the story’s perspective, Crandall invites me into Violet’s internal monologue and watched her growing feelings for Vance.
The romance and plot were woven together well. The romance started pretty early on in the story, but their feelings for each other really started in The Captive Imposter, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that their romance was shoved to the forefront of this novel. Crandall handles the sparks and chemistry between Violet and Vance as they fly throughout the whole novel. Boy, do they fly. There are moments of passion that I would be worried about the non-mature audiences reading. As for the plot, it moves along nicely. The story didn’t drag, and I enjoyed being lost in this novel for a couple of hours.
Crandall invited me back with familiar characters and setting. It was nice to see Nathan and Amaryllis, Estella, and Dexter return and welcome Violet with open arms. Violet may not be an Everstone when the story starts, but she fits in quite nicely and is accepted in no time with the rest of the Everstone crew. The last Everstone that I met in The Bound Heart finally becomes the hero. I really enjoyed that Crandall made him a “new creation” where he wanted to do the right thing by Violet and run away from his old personality. My favorite scene of Vance was when Violet walked in on him reading his blue Bible in the library. Made me sigh! As for the setting, I really enjoyed returning to the massive Everstone estate and seeing more parts of the home that I wasn’t familiar with in previous books.
While the story wasn’t original and completely predictable, I do like the suspense aspect that Crandall used to throw Violet and Vance together. It captured my attention and didn’t let go. This novel reminded me a lot of Julie Klassen’s The Painter’s Daughter. If you enjoyed Crandall’s other books in The Everstone Chronicles, then I highly recommend you pick up this book.
Like a Regency novel, Dawn Crandall’s conclusion to her Everstone Chronicles The Cautious Maiden shows a story of a redemptive hero who woos a woman with a less than honorable current existence. The mystery element woven in the romance was a nice touch.
I received a complimentary copy of The Cautious Maiden from Whitaker House and the opinions stated are all my own.
The Cautious Maiden is a wonderful addition to Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles. You’ll find sweet romance, swoon worthy moments, intrigue, a little danger, redemption, hope, and more!
There’s more to Vance Everstone than meets the eye. While he’s still flawed (as we all are), he’s done some soul searching and changing as we get the pleasure of finding in this book. He continues to grow and change throughout the book. It was rewarding to see Vance finding redemption and finally being set free and changed from the past and looking forward to the future. Violet and Vance face a variety of obstacles in their relationship, sometimes from outside sources and sometimes from themselves and we get to go along for the ride through Ms. Crandall’s unique writing style. I would definitely recommend checking out this fourth book of the Everstone Chronicles. And I’m hoping there’s more coming in this series or at least a spin off of the series as there are some characters who haven’t yet gotten their happy ending.
**I received this book free of charge from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions in this review are my own.
This book. I loved it. It’s one I’d like to just hug to myself. ^.^ This was my first Dawn Crandall book, but it won’t be my last. I was so impressed with her writing, and the characters are superb! I fell in love with them immediately. And I really want to read the previous books in the series to get some more background story of them! 🙂
Main character Violet was so sweet. I really liked her. And Vance…oh yes did I like him. I fell for him just like Violet did. 🙂
I was apprehensive after reading the back of the book that something BAD was going to happen, and it had all been so good in the beginning…but I knew IT was coming. It had to be right? Most books I read, the authors like to tear the reader apart, and I can honestly say that’s not my favourite thing….it doesn’t really “keep me reading” as some have said. BUT! The “bad” thing(s) that happened in this book, though bad, were not harmful to my health and did not kill me mercilessly. And I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that. Yes, there was the necessary drama, but it was realistic, and so well written. I want to thank you, Mrs. Crandall, for not drawing it out for the entire half end of the book. The build-up was perfect, and the execution of it so perfect. And the conclusion? Yep, perfect.
I want to read this book again. To me, it was that good.
I would strongly recommend, however, that it be read by no younger than at least 17 for some pretty heavy romance. It wasn’t “nasty” in the least, but there were a lot of physical-attraction going between the characters (nothing immoral though!). And a lot of kisses…and while my personal belief is to keep kisses for the wedding day, I know that is not a all-around shared view, and so I’m certainly not going to hate on this book because of it. 😀
For those of you who aren’t into romance books, maybe this isn’t for you.
But the romance was still super sweet and I loved this book. The faith-strand was quite beautiful too. I think maybe it could’ve been stronger at times, but it still impacted me. And caused me to look up the hymn “Jesus Paid It All” and love it – and I admit that I don’t know a lot of hymns.
So yes, I loved this book. It made my heart happy. 🙂
Thank you for providing the review copy, Mrs.Crandall and Whitaker House Publishing!
The Cautious Maiden was one of those stories that when it was over, I wanted to turn right back to page one and start again! For that matter, I wanted to go back and read the entire series again. I enjoyed these characters so much!
Now I must make a confession…The Cautious Maiden, book four in the Everstone Chronicles, is the story of Vance Everstone and Violet Hawthorne. Here is my confession…I kind of wanted the author to kill off Vance in book two, The Bound Heart! I was so mad at him! But, I am very glad that the the author did, in fact, keep him alive. And not only that, his is a truly wonderful story of redemption! Now he is one of my favorite characters. It was fulfilling to see, in action, all the ways that Vance grew.
Vance and Violet had so much chemistry. I loved the way they interacted with each other and also just the general pace of the story. I felt like I was stepping back into their world again (as I did with the previous three books). The author captured the uncertainty that both Vance and Violet carried about their future, their worth, their attraction, and did a great job of capturing the time period that the novel was set in.
I received a compimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Cautious Maiden was a book full of mystery, passion, and heartbreak. From a first-person narrative, we learn of Violet Hawthorne’s delightfully innocent character, her steadfastness, and her devotion. Her quick change of circumstances were not by her doing, but she adapted well. But we also hear about her insecurities, as she has been swept away from her position and suddenly engaged to a man who would be heir in one of the wealthiest families in Boston. Her fiance, Vance Everstone, until recently had been a cad, but his transformed character becomes Violet’s stronghold during an uncertain time.
There was much to love about this book-depth of characters, well-drawn minor characters, suspense, and passion. Romance lovers will fall in love with this book. Each chapter was titled, and had a quote to complement the text. The book’s cover and design were luxurious. The only drawback was that I have not read books 2 or 3 in the series. This tome would have been even more meaningful if I knew the entire history of the characters.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author/publisher. I have given an honest review.
The 4th book in the Everstone Chronicles, The Cautious Maiden is a delightful page turning journey. The story of Vance & Violet will keep you guessing at what will happen next. Filled with surprising turns and sweet moments. I enjoyed the reminders throughout that no matter how far one might fall away from God, it’s never to late to change.
I was blessed to be chosen as an advanced reader and share my honest review of this book in hopes that you too will pick up this story and enjoy it as I have.
I’ve read all four of the Everstone Cronicles and The Cautious Maiden is by far the best yet! Dawn Crandall has a way of drawing you into the stories so that you feel like you are there. You can taste, feel and see the same things as the characters. Lots of romance, relative interaction, stress, laughter and danger can be found within the pages of this book.
After the death of Violet’s parents, her evil brother takes over their home and turns it into a brothel. Violet flees and finds a job as the desk attendant in the hotel of a wealthy family. After her brother wages her in a poker game and loses, the stakes are high for her very safety. Her brother first has her beautiful long hair cut by an attack, then later puts her and the aristocratic Vance in a compromising position after they are attacked and drugged. There’s nothing left for Vance to do but offer her a proposal of marriage, right after he has declared that he is not ready to get married for many more years.
All of this sets the stage for an interesting story that goes way beyond a simple proposal of marriage. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and a comfortable chair and get ready for an adventure like no other.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review and was not required to write a review.
I loved this book, The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall. She is a fabulous writer. While both H and h have shown up in a couple other books in her Everstone Chronicles, I think these two are the best. They had some personal obstacles to overcome, one being a drunken brother and the other the H’s past misdeeds.
Some personal subjects were included that made this book very real and very suspenseful. Anyone who loves clean romance should read this book. Don’t get me wrong, the love scenes were strong but done tastefully. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
I was given this book free for my honest review. These are my views and no one else’s.