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Roses & Shadows
Ever since the night he lost his beloved wife eight years before, Henry Blackmore has withdrawn from society, devastated, blaming himself for her death.
Late one night, the young Eleanor Grey stumbles across his path, fleeing from an unwanted betrothal. Henry agrees to aid her in her escape and, in so doing, he begins to hope once more. Perhaps he can find some purpose in life and reclaim the man that he used to be.
But pushing away the ghosts of his past could be harder than he ever imagined. In reaching for happiness, could Henry be risking everything – even though he once believed he had nothing left to lose?
Late one night, the young Eleanor Grey stumbles across his path, fleeing from an unwanted betrothal. Henry agrees to aid her in her escape and, in so doing, he begins to hope once more. Perhaps he can find some purpose in life and reclaim the man that he used to be.
But pushing away the ghosts of his past could be harder than he ever imagined. In reaching for happiness, could Henry be risking everything – even though he once believed he had nothing left to lose?
275 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2020
38 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca May
1 book50 followersRebecca May was born and raised in New Zealand, before moving to England when she was 19, to study Historical Archaeology at the University of York. She wrote her debut Regency romance novel while in her second year of university, combining her passion for history with her love of telling stories. She's loved reading ever since she was small - she read "Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone" when she was six years old, and there was no looking back after that!
When she isn't writing or working, Rebecca loves reading, mostly fantasy and historical romance - her favourite books include "North & South", by Elizabeth Gaskell, "Northanger Abbey" & "Sense & Sensibility" by Jane Austen, "Friday's Child" by Georgette Heyer, and "Fire" by Kristin Cashore. Aside from reading, she loves watching films, going for long walks (when it's sunny!), cross-stitching, singing, and listening to music (with a particular soft spot for Queen)... and she's lucky enough to work in a museum!
When she isn't writing or working, Rebecca loves reading, mostly fantasy and historical romance - her favourite books include "North & South", by Elizabeth Gaskell, "Northanger Abbey" & "Sense & Sensibility" by Jane Austen, "Friday's Child" by Georgette Heyer, and "Fire" by Kristin Cashore. Aside from reading, she loves watching films, going for long walks (when it's sunny!), cross-stitching, singing, and listening to music (with a particular soft spot for Queen)... and she's lucky enough to work in a museum!
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 21, 2020
This was a wonderful debut novel that has landed a place of choice on my Regency-romance shelf for its unique plot and entrancing atmosphere.
Beginning in York, Roses and Shadows follows Lord Blackmore, who rescues young damsel-in-distress Eleanor Grey by posing as her brother while escorting her to France where she is supposed to rejoin her aunt. Haunted by the death of his wife eight years previously, Henry Blackmore suffers a form of what is now recognized as PTSD, and it is soon evident that he is rather the one in distress.
Their adventure takes them to Paris, where, amidst glittering ballrooms and blooming gardens, they make new friends and encounter old enemies as a tender love between them intensifies. Their romance is not so much breathtaking and passionate, but rather it's just... one of the sweetest you'll ever read. It's the kind that makes you dramatically place a hand upon your chest while sighing "awwwwww this is so cuuuuuute!". The brooding and serious Henry and the innocent and sunny-tempered Eleanor were an adorable pair who had many heartwarming moments, and I enjoyed the overall simplicity of their relationship. It was like it was effortless for them to love each other, and that was refreshing. The epilogue was just icing on the cake, and one of the cutest ones I'd ever read.
But counterbalancing this sweet romance is a much darker plot in a slightly Gothic setting, and this blend worked to perfection. I absolutely loved the atmosphere of this book, and all the lovely imagery and beautiful descriptions. There are starlit church staples and nightly walks, promenades in the Champs-Élysées and dramatic carriage rides, as well as outings to the opera and sparkling soirées among Paris's Beau Monde. It's glittering and exciting, and follows a plot as unpredictable as it is unique.
Rebecca May has achieved something here that is not easily accomplished: writing a Regency romance without recycling any of your usual tropes and clichés. I'll admit that I'm a fan of the Redeemed Rake or the Marriage of Convenience romance as much as the next Regency fan, and I do love stories of débutantes balls and tea parties, but there was something so much more exciting here! There is adventure. Murder. Kidnapping. Mistaken identities. Countless plot twists. Lies. So many lies. Oh, it's good.
I've never read anything like it before, and I'll be honest, the true crowning glory of this book is the villain. My, but what a character. Deviously cunning and enchantingly beautiful, yet so very human and interesting. She was incredibly well-developed, and her motives, while pretty extreme, were in keeping with the rest of the plot elements. I'd definitely never read anything like it before, and I loved it.
Roses and Shadows is definitely highly recommended, it's one of the best debut novels I've ever read, and a refreshing new take on Regency romance. The prologue just plunges you right in, and the adventure doesn't stop until the last chapter. The story is as enthralling as it is memorable, and it makes for a perfect read on a stormy day.
Beginning in York, Roses and Shadows follows Lord Blackmore, who rescues young damsel-in-distress Eleanor Grey by posing as her brother while escorting her to France where she is supposed to rejoin her aunt. Haunted by the death of his wife eight years previously, Henry Blackmore suffers a form of what is now recognized as PTSD, and it is soon evident that he is rather the one in distress.
Their adventure takes them to Paris, where, amidst glittering ballrooms and blooming gardens, they make new friends and encounter old enemies as a tender love between them intensifies. Their romance is not so much breathtaking and passionate, but rather it's just... one of the sweetest you'll ever read. It's the kind that makes you dramatically place a hand upon your chest while sighing "awwwwww this is so cuuuuuute!". The brooding and serious Henry and the innocent and sunny-tempered Eleanor were an adorable pair who had many heartwarming moments, and I enjoyed the overall simplicity of their relationship. It was like it was effortless for them to love each other, and that was refreshing. The epilogue was just icing on the cake, and one of the cutest ones I'd ever read.
But counterbalancing this sweet romance is a much darker plot in a slightly Gothic setting, and this blend worked to perfection. I absolutely loved the atmosphere of this book, and all the lovely imagery and beautiful descriptions. There are starlit church staples and nightly walks, promenades in the Champs-Élysées and dramatic carriage rides, as well as outings to the opera and sparkling soirées among Paris's Beau Monde. It's glittering and exciting, and follows a plot as unpredictable as it is unique.
Rebecca May has achieved something here that is not easily accomplished: writing a Regency romance without recycling any of your usual tropes and clichés. I'll admit that I'm a fan of the Redeemed Rake or the Marriage of Convenience romance as much as the next Regency fan, and I do love stories of débutantes balls and tea parties, but there was something so much more exciting here! There is adventure. Murder. Kidnapping. Mistaken identities. Countless plot twists. Lies. So many lies. Oh, it's good.
I've never read anything like it before, and I'll be honest, the true crowning glory of this book is the villain. My, but what a character. Deviously cunning and enchantingly beautiful, yet so very human and interesting. She was incredibly well-developed, and her motives, while pretty extreme, were in keeping with the rest of the plot elements. I'd definitely never read anything like it before, and I loved it.
Roses and Shadows is definitely highly recommended, it's one of the best debut novels I've ever read, and a refreshing new take on Regency romance. The prologue just plunges you right in, and the adventure doesn't stop until the last chapter. The story is as enthralling as it is memorable, and it makes for a perfect read on a stormy day.
March 8, 2020
Possessing all the warmth and charm typical of a Regency romance, this novel begins with a young Eleanor Grey bursting into the grim existence of Henry Blackmore. The early chapters feature a sweetly-developed romance between the two, and when a twist is revealed the story really leaps into its stride.
Eleanor is kind, compassionate, optimistic, and determined to lighten Henry’s grief. Though without real tragedy in her own past, she’s quick to perceive and empathise with the suffering of others. By contrast, Henry lost both his wife and his boyhood friend in one terrible night. Since then, in his grief Henry has pushed away anyone else dear to him, and is living a shell of an existence. When we meet him, he’s walking the nighttime streets of York, a pastime that’s become a habit. It’s this habit which places him, literally, in Eleanor’s path.
Eleanor is young and romantic, but with a steadiness about her which many young heroines lack (naming no names, but there are some very famous examples!) That’s not to say she can’t act precipitately; she can and does, but when she does so it’s generally for the welfare of others. Henry is drawn to her because of these qualities. He recognises in her the perfect antidote to his sorrowful past, but when this catches up with him in a ballroom in Paris, unanticipated dangers await the pair.
The author’s lovely, descriptive prose places this novel squarely in the Regency era. But with engaging characters, memorable scenes and a well-crafted story there’s enough here to give it a wider appeal. I certainly hope to see more from this author.
Eleanor is kind, compassionate, optimistic, and determined to lighten Henry’s grief. Though without real tragedy in her own past, she’s quick to perceive and empathise with the suffering of others. By contrast, Henry lost both his wife and his boyhood friend in one terrible night. Since then, in his grief Henry has pushed away anyone else dear to him, and is living a shell of an existence. When we meet him, he’s walking the nighttime streets of York, a pastime that’s become a habit. It’s this habit which places him, literally, in Eleanor’s path.
Eleanor is young and romantic, but with a steadiness about her which many young heroines lack (naming no names, but there are some very famous examples!) That’s not to say she can’t act precipitately; she can and does, but when she does so it’s generally for the welfare of others. Henry is drawn to her because of these qualities. He recognises in her the perfect antidote to his sorrowful past, but when this catches up with him in a ballroom in Paris, unanticipated dangers await the pair.
The author’s lovely, descriptive prose places this novel squarely in the Regency era. But with engaging characters, memorable scenes and a well-crafted story there’s enough here to give it a wider appeal. I certainly hope to see more from this author.
October 23, 2020
A Riveting Regency Romance
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
Lord Henry Blackmore is a tormented man. Eight years ago his wife and his best friend died in the most tragic of ways, and he is haunted by his nightmares, by his inability to prevent their deaths, and by all the tiny decisions that led to them being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Henry has all but secluded himself away from society and believes no happiness in his life can ever exists again. Aside from eschewing society, Henry spends his evenings walking in the solitude and darkness of the night.
With her stepmother forcing her into an arranged marriage and her father unable to prevent it, Eleanor Grey’s situation at home is untenable. And so she has devised a plan to run away to her aunt who lives in Paris. The only thing is, Eleanor is a little bit of an unworldly ingenue, who didn’t realize that her going anywhere alone is not at all a practical or safe plan. On the very night Eleanor takes her precipitate flight, she finds herself needing to be rescued…badly. And whose path does she cross but none other than Lord Blackmore’s! What happens when Henry Blackmore takes a concern in Eleanor and her plight? Will their fortuitous encounter be as beneficial for him as it is for her?
What a spectacular debut novel!! These characters immediately captivated me with their heart-wrenching pasts, their endearing natures, and the drama that unfolds in their path! With her enthusiasm for adventure, charming naiveté, and positive attitude, Eleanor reminded me a little of Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey. In addition, I really loved that she was an empath and could easily sense Henry’s pain. Her intuitive detection of his moods and her earnest desire to bring him happiness and relief easily won my approbation and admiration. In addition, Henry makes a fantastic brooding and tortured hero. He has more reasons than most for his despondency and dwelling on the past. I continuously admired Henry’s selfless and protective care of Eleanor, but what I really loved was observing all the ways she brought light into life and encouraged him to once again feel something.
In order to avoid spoilers, I must be vague about the action and the surprising series of events that Eleanor and Henry experience together. However, I will say that there is travel, unexpected developments, a shocking encounter, and a most remarkable villain who creates confusion, havoc, and suffering every chance they get. I commend Rebecca May for creating a villain that readers will both abhor yet feel sympathetic towards at the same time. That takes some special skill and craft!
I thoroughly enjoyed how this story progressed. Ms. May does an excellent job of keeping readers in suspense, building up the tension, and surprising them with unexpected reveals! I loved the fast-paced action and eventfulness of this story, and the perilous drama in the third act felt very akin to Georgette Heyer’s style of writing – which I adore. My only quibble would be that I wouldn’t have minded a little more dynamic and depth to Eleanor’s character, she was very much a quintessential good girl needing to be rescued.
Roses and Shadows is a compelling and touching story about reclaiming your life and selflessly caring for others. Readers who enjoy the romantic suspense of Julie Klassen’s novels, the heart-stirring moments between Julianne Donaldson’s characters, and Georgette Heyer’s flair for exhilarating drama will love this splendid debut! I cannot wait to read more from Rebecca May!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
Lord Henry Blackmore is a tormented man. Eight years ago his wife and his best friend died in the most tragic of ways, and he is haunted by his nightmares, by his inability to prevent their deaths, and by all the tiny decisions that led to them being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Henry has all but secluded himself away from society and believes no happiness in his life can ever exists again. Aside from eschewing society, Henry spends his evenings walking in the solitude and darkness of the night.
With her stepmother forcing her into an arranged marriage and her father unable to prevent it, Eleanor Grey’s situation at home is untenable. And so she has devised a plan to run away to her aunt who lives in Paris. The only thing is, Eleanor is a little bit of an unworldly ingenue, who didn’t realize that her going anywhere alone is not at all a practical or safe plan. On the very night Eleanor takes her precipitate flight, she finds herself needing to be rescued…badly. And whose path does she cross but none other than Lord Blackmore’s! What happens when Henry Blackmore takes a concern in Eleanor and her plight? Will their fortuitous encounter be as beneficial for him as it is for her?
What a spectacular debut novel!! These characters immediately captivated me with their heart-wrenching pasts, their endearing natures, and the drama that unfolds in their path! With her enthusiasm for adventure, charming naiveté, and positive attitude, Eleanor reminded me a little of Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey. In addition, I really loved that she was an empath and could easily sense Henry’s pain. Her intuitive detection of his moods and her earnest desire to bring him happiness and relief easily won my approbation and admiration. In addition, Henry makes a fantastic brooding and tortured hero. He has more reasons than most for his despondency and dwelling on the past. I continuously admired Henry’s selfless and protective care of Eleanor, but what I really loved was observing all the ways she brought light into life and encouraged him to once again feel something.
In order to avoid spoilers, I must be vague about the action and the surprising series of events that Eleanor and Henry experience together. However, I will say that there is travel, unexpected developments, a shocking encounter, and a most remarkable villain who creates confusion, havoc, and suffering every chance they get. I commend Rebecca May for creating a villain that readers will both abhor yet feel sympathetic towards at the same time. That takes some special skill and craft!
I thoroughly enjoyed how this story progressed. Ms. May does an excellent job of keeping readers in suspense, building up the tension, and surprising them with unexpected reveals! I loved the fast-paced action and eventfulness of this story, and the perilous drama in the third act felt very akin to Georgette Heyer’s style of writing – which I adore. My only quibble would be that I wouldn’t have minded a little more dynamic and depth to Eleanor’s character, she was very much a quintessential good girl needing to be rescued.
Roses and Shadows is a compelling and touching story about reclaiming your life and selflessly caring for others. Readers who enjoy the romantic suspense of Julie Klassen’s novels, the heart-stirring moments between Julianne Donaldson’s characters, and Georgette Heyer’s flair for exhilarating drama will love this splendid debut! I cannot wait to read more from Rebecca May!
Austenesque Reviews
March 27, 2020
Escaping an unwanted betrothal Eleanor Grey meets the broken Henry Blackmore who is still mourning his late wife. Agreeing to help her escape to Paris and the safety of her aunt's protection, the two agree to pretend to be siblings. However, by a twist of fate a dark secret is revealed and the two have to navigate romance, blackmail and a secret that could ruin reputations.
I spent the past few days in lockdown reading this book and I am immensely glad I did. It is a historical romance and reminded me of Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart and Mary Elizabeth Braddon all mixed together - a mix of historical romance, mystery and drama. The writing style is expressive and the pace of writing keeps in line with the plot - as it nears the climax, the writing becomes more urgent and the reader is carried along with the action. The characters are well fleshed out and are in keeping with the historical period. There is nothing that irks me more in historical fiction than characters that seem completely out of place.
A solid first novel and I look forward to reading more by the author.
I spent the past few days in lockdown reading this book and I am immensely glad I did. It is a historical romance and reminded me of Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart and Mary Elizabeth Braddon all mixed together - a mix of historical romance, mystery and drama. The writing style is expressive and the pace of writing keeps in line with the plot - as it nears the climax, the writing becomes more urgent and the reader is carried along with the action. The characters are well fleshed out and are in keeping with the historical period. There is nothing that irks me more in historical fiction than characters that seem completely out of place.
A solid first novel and I look forward to reading more by the author.
August 14, 2020
Roses & Shadows has easily become one of my favourite books! It's brilliantly written with some unexpected plot twists that make you want to read the book in one go,which you might have to do as it just draws you in so much. I may have shed some tears, both happy and sad, whilst reading because it's so vividly described what the characters go through. Definitely a must read and would recommend it to everyone!
July 9, 2021
I read Roses and Shadows in essentially one sitting, because I could not put it down. There is drama, love, family, and a sprinkle of comedy. It is the perfect novel for first time regency romance readers, like myself.
One of my favourite things about the book is the imagery, through the way that the author describes every minute detail to perfection from the landscape to the clothing of the characters, magically transporting the reader.
Thoroughly recommend this debut novel by Rebecca May.
One of my favourite things about the book is the imagery, through the way that the author describes every minute detail to perfection from the landscape to the clothing of the characters, magically transporting the reader.
Thoroughly recommend this debut novel by Rebecca May.
March 5, 2020
I haven’t delved into the historical romance genre for sometime, however I very much enjoyed reading this novel. I liked how the author developed the plot with some intriguing twists which served a dual purpose; giving added depth to the story by moving the narrative forward and ‘backfilling’ the history of the main protagonists. A very enjoyable novel that I recommend and I look forward to reading more from Rebecca May.
July 20, 2020
I recommend Roses and Shadows to all fans of historical romance, and strongly suspect that it might convert others to the genre. The love story was beautifully executed and tightly plotted. The writing was also wonderfully evocative and did a fantastic job of conveying the setting. I can't wait to read another work by the author.
May 11, 2022
Oh, my goodness. Stupid people doing stupid things for stupid reasons. Save yourself!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews