A Visit From Sir Nicholas (Effington Family & Friends, 11)

poor service the book never arrived

I don't usually read historical/Victorian romances, but I'm mighty glad I decided to read this one! It was very amusing - the characters were fun and I can't resist enjoying a story about having a second chance with the one great love who got away. I like how this book illustrates the difference between comfortable love and passionate love, the latter being quite fiery but very satisfying. I loved Juliana as a supporting character, and sometimes she acted more like the older sister than the younger one. And, an Effington Christmas Ball or Christmas Lady's Tea sounded so special that I wish I could attend!!! My only criticism of this story was that it was a bit too long - although a lot of fun at first, towards the end, I grew weary from the game Nick and Elizabeth were playing with each other, and just wanted them to get on with the "happily ever after" part.

A visit from Sir Nicholas is part of the Effington series. This story starts Christmas Eve 1852 with Lady Elizabeth Effington trying to decide between Charles or Nicholas - decisions are made and fates are sealed. The story continues 10 years later and Lady Elizabeth Effington has been given a second chance. The characters are strong and very funny ~ enjoy! I would recommend the Effington Series The Wedding Bargain, Husband List, Marriage Lesson, The Prince's Bride, Her Highness, My Wife, Love with the Proper Husband, The Lady in Question, The Pursuit of Marriage, A Visit from Sir Nicholas, When We Meet Again (my favorite and conclusion of the previous earlier stories The Prince's Bride, Her Highness, My Wife sub-plots) and the most recent Let It Be Love.

Well, another "Effington Family" read has been delightfully offered to fans of the historical romance genre. Ms. Alexander's trademark humor, and characters have been combined into another read that is truly a stand alone in a series that is beyond popular with fans the world over. Lizzie has loved Nicholas almost from the moment she was introduced to the young orphaned boy. They have practically grown up together and although there is an "agreement" that she will marry one man...she still can't help but feel the attraction that now lies between Nicholas and herself. She finally decides on the eve of Nicholas' departure to gift him not only with a book, but with her feelings as well. But, this tender hearted young lady is about to be hurt and forced into a relationship that just might not be the best thing for her. Nicholas is not about to let history repeat itself. His father had married his mother despite the fact that his Uncle Fredrick loved her as well. On top of this his father took off to make a fortune and instead ended up in dire straights. He wants to make something of himself instead of having it handed to him. This means leaving England and heading to the new world well, that's what, he's going to have to do. But fate will bring him back to the one and only woman that he will ever love. But, will it be too late and will the once loving Elizabeth be something much different? Nicholas and Lizzie is a product of his or her own making. Still even though they are separated by several years, ignore what they're feeling they managed to get their happy ending. Some things did bother me about the read but they were minor when taken into consideration the entire book. Ms. Alexander has created a wonderful "Regency" family and it's fun to see that she has managed to continue it without becoming too stale or overdone. This is a quick read and one that fans will enjoy and appreciate.

A Visit From Sir Nicholas is an enjoyable read if you can look past the flaws. Elizabeth's reasons for denying what she feels for Nicholas are understandable, but she can get a little annoying. Nicholas and Elizabeth both make decisions that can be frustrating to the reader because the decisions they make that keeps them apart seem completely unneccesary to an outsider. However, Victoria Alexander has provided plenty of explanation concerning WHY the characters do what they do, so the characters actions are consistent with their personality. Once I understood Elizabeth and Nicholas, I enjoyed watching them both overcome their hangups and come together. I especially like how A Christmas Carol was incorporated into the book. I was touched by how Nicholas cherished the book because Elizabeth had given it to him.

In 1843 Lady Elizabeth Effington is confused as much as perhaps Scrooge was when the first two ghosts and Marley visited him. Elizabeth has loved Charles for a long time, but the kisses of Nicholas Collingsworth send her into ecstasy. She tells Nicholas she loves him, but he insists she marry his friend and forget him as he will go to America. Nicholas leaves and Elizabeth marries Charles and has two children with him, but her spouse dies. In 1853 Nick returns to England responsible for Elizabeth's finances as his friend her late husband stipulated he would. To her chagrin Elizabeth still wants Nick, but she refuses to embarrass and humiliate herself again. Nick has always regretted his rejection of his beloved though he did so for noble reasons. Now he wants her in his bed bit not just as a temporary companion, but as his wife. This terrific holiday Victorian Effington romance is a superb tale starring two likable protagonists and the ghost of Charles, beloved by both of them. The outtakes from Dickens' A Christmas Carol add depth by emphasizing the season and in some ways paralleling the main story line. Fans will appreciate this delightful yuletide historical second chance at love tale that emphasizes the belief in late December miracles. Harriet Klausner