Lord John's Dilemma

Grenville Chronicles Book 2

By: G.G. Vandagriff

Narrated by: Joel Froomkin

Length: 4 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Lord John returns from the Battle of Waterloo nursing a serious wound and a case of melancholia, he is hopeful of beginning a happier phase in his life. Living with a wife and family in his native Lincolnshire would soothe his soul. His sights are set on the lovely Miss Lindsay, his country neighbor's daughter. But to his mystification, he keeps getting distracted by her family's governess - a little dab of a thing who is not at all what she seems. What is her secret?

His determination to solve the mystery of Miss Haverley begins to seriously undermine his interest in Miss Lindsay, who is confident he is about to offer for her. In the face of this, how can he pursue his interest in the family governess? Not only must he solve this dilemma, but he must discover what the petite woman is hiding.

When Miss Haverley begs him to resist satisfying his curiosity because such a course could bring her harm, his dilemma doubles. His enchantment turns to worry. He is more determined than ever to rescue her from whatever demons she is trying to escape, for Miss Haverley alone seems to have the power to stir him to passion and hope for a new life.

©2015 G.G. Vandagriff (P)2015 CL Oakwood

Clean, Charming and Cozy

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one and I thought the narration was wonderful. His voice is warm and wry and I thought the performance was really engaging and nuanced. You don’t need to read the first to enjoy this… but they certainly enhance each other. I loved Lord Grenville’s Choice, and this book creates an entirely fresh and engaging romance narrative while still weaving together characters from the previous book. Vandagriff has created an endearing heroine in Delia – a kind of British Anne of Green Gables spirit who is on the run from an abusive guardian uncle. Lord John is a great lead character – and Vandagriff has written him struggling severely from the trauma of the war and his place in society – it gives depth to the obstacles between to the two characters. The author does a really nice job of spinning a cozy yarn with a kind of serial feel. You feel sure that things will turn out all right in the end, but the journey there is a delightful romp. If you are looking for a sweet and charming romance filled with Regency charm without any bodice-ripping, you’re sure to enjoy.

A novel you can fall in love with . . .

Who was your favorite character and why?

Delia. I liked her strong-will and spunky personality.

Which scene was your favorite?

Honestly, my favorite scene was right in the beginning when Sir John led Delia on his horse to his estate. Right away, you got a glimpse into their personalities.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself laughing several times throughout.

Any additional comments?

In true GG Vandagriff fashion, this fun Regency romance did not disappoint. From the very beginning, I was hooked. Delia is a character after my own heart. I really liked her spunky personality and quirky charms. Sir John, with his dark and brooding disposition, was just the type of character you could fall in love with. I thought the plot kept a fantastic pace, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this novel. Vandagriff has quickly become one of my favorite Regency authors to date. Her characters are always fun and extremely memorable. They stay with you long after you finish the last page.

Light and Lovely Regency Romp.

I really enjoyed this sweet, charming and clean romance. Vandagriff has a lovely flair for the period… Her stories are gentle, warm and have that true Jane Austin-style winsome quality. Delia was a lovely heroine – a runaway noblewoman who chooses her independence over a cruel arranged marriage by a controlling uncle. Under a false name she takes a position as a governess and crosses path with Lord John Lambeth, just returned from Waterloo. This novel works as a stand-alone but certainly would make you want to learn more about Felicity and John’s brother, Lord Grenville. The narration is excellent… the characterizations are clear and lively and I think his style has relaxed from the first book from being less theatrical to more cozy for this style of romance.

Captivating

I enjoyed the intrigue and romance in this novel. The reader was very captivating as was the storyline! It's a great book and I didn't want to stop reading it.

Another Good Book By G. G . Vandagriff

What did you love best about Lord John's Dilemma?

The interactions between Major John Grenville and Miss Haverley his neighbor's, the Lindsays, governess. While contemplating offering for the eldest daughter of the Lindsays Lord John becomes intrigued by Miss Haverley. She is not what she seems and he is determined to find out who she is, and why she is employed as a governess, suspecting she is a Lady.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Miss Waverley.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Lord John happens upon Miss Haverley and her charges dancing among the daisies.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Hidden secrets of the governess.

Any additional comments?

This is my second book by G. G. Vandagriff narrated by Joel Froomkin and both did a wonderful job. Very entertaining. Highly recommended.

It ain't easy being a little brother

If you could sum up Lord John's Dilemma in three words, what would they be?

War Is Hell

Would you recommend Lord John's Dilemma to your friends? Why or why not?

yes

What does Joel Froomkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I pay closer attention and I get a kind of feel for the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to it in one sitting. I was expecting it to be as good as Lord Grenville Choice, but alas it wasn't. Not saying that the story was bad because it wasn't.

Any additional comments?

Lord John didn't really have a dilemma. He was a soldier with PTSD trying to figure out the rest of his life. The second son of an Earl. Military is supposed to be his profession. He can't soldier anymore. The sons of aristocracy don't work for a living. The Napoleonic War and the battle of Waterloo has forced John to realize that there really isn't much the landless, penniless second son of an Earl can do to earn his daily bread and remain a part of the aristocracy. The idea of marrying for money leaves him cold but what choice does he have?

Lord John suffers from depression - please help

Lord John comes home to his brother's house from the battle of Waterloo, wounded in the shoulder and suffering from depression. Near his home he meets a red headed petite woman. The carriage taking her to her job a governess has broken down. Lord John renders aid and can't seem to forget the little governess, who is working in the home of the young lady Lord John is expected to marry.

Lord John sees the governess often over the next few weeks and she lifts his depression whenever he sees her. She is a mystery to him because she does not seem to be who she says she is, so John wants to solve the mystery. The governess, called Delia, is completely smitten by John and is miserable working for the horrible Mrs. Lindsay and her two youngest daughters. She is much better than her employer in every way and it is sad to hear the abuse she receives from Mrs. Lindsay.

The book is just the right length for the story. It does not drag but has enough suspense to keep it interesting. The narrator is good except for his female voices, which sound effected.