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Effingtons #9
A Visit From Sir Nicholas
Everyone knows that an Effington always getsher way ... but this time it's not going to be easy!Lady Elizabeth Effington simply could not suitably feel the joy of the Christmas season. Ten years had passed since she had boldly declared her love for Sir Nicholas Collingsworth. He rebuffed her and set out to seek his fortunes, while Elizabeth was left a woman scorned. Now, she discovers in horror that the inheritance she's managed beautifully was never hers to control. No, power over her finances lay in the hands of the last man she ever wants to see Nicholas!But running Elizabeth's life isn't part of Nick's plans. He's intrigued when he discovers that the frivolous and flighty girl he once knew has turned into a beautiful and capable woman. Nick vows to woo -- and win -- her, and while she seems unmoved by his fervent seduction, he swears he will not rest until she accepts that most precious gift of all -- the gift of love.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2004
64 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Alexander
68 books1,316 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 30, 2012
Puzzling fact: This is the first Christmas romance I've read. This is puzzling because I LOVE Christmas. I'm the type of jolly elf who makes hot cocoa and starts decorating the house the moment Hallmark Channel begins to air their cycle of Christmas movies. I take this shit seriously, is all. Consequently, even though A Visit from Sir Nicholas wasn't exactly gripping fiction, I tore through it like Buddy the Elf hopped up on candy canes. Because CHRISTMAS, you guys!
And the best part of all? Back in good 'ol 2004, Avon included a CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT in the paperback. Yes, I received a gift, and it isn't even Christmas yet. I don't care if Santa Ornament has all the durability of a cheap paper doll. It's still a Christmas gift and therefore awesome.
But let's get to the story. There isn't really much to tell, so this should be quick.
The Plot of A Visit from Sir Nicholas in 15 Words
Widow finally hooks up with guy she should have married ten years ago and CHRISTMAS!!!!
Alexander uses A Christmas Carol to enhance the story. I suppose it worked a little, although none of the characters even remotely resembled Scrooge or any of the other memorable characters. You could argue that Nick's abandonment of Elizabeth at the beginning of the story (one of those "I love you too much to let you be with horrible 'ol me" moves) is reminiscent of Scrooge leaving his sweetheart as a young man, but that's still a bit of a stretch.
Basically, this story revolves around Nicholas and Elizabeth completely failing at feelings (and expressing them) and then desperately trying to get back to each other despite the fact that no hurdles whatsoever encumber their attempts. Ten years ago (Christmas PAST), Nicholas was an ambitious young man who, despite being the heir to a wealthy earldom, wanted to make his own fortune because his dead dad was really bad with the bills or something. Unfortunately, while Nick was preparing to make his journey to America (where apparently ANYONE can get rich if they just BELIEVE enough), he fell in love with family friend Elizabeth, who was all but engaged to his friend Charles. At a Christmas ball, Elizabeth pretty much throws herself at Nicholas, but he's all like, "No! Charles is so much better for you. I'm not worthy." So Elizabeth ... takes him at his word and marries Charles. Ha! These are the kinds of brains we're working with in this story, friends.
Alexander fast-forwards to Christmas PRESENT. Elizabeth is now a widow, and she has two surprisingly not-annoying sons. It turns out that Charles, who ended up being a bit of a cheater, left the control of his fortune and assets for his family to none other than super successful businessman Nicholas. No one ever finds out why Charles did this, by the way. Elizabeth's brother, a marquess, doesn't bother to tell Elizabeth OR Nicholas about this little technicality until three years after Charles's death, at which point Elizabeth throws a hissy fit and Nicholas decides, "Hmmm. I think it's time to bag me the lady I should have married ten years ago."
There's a lot of talk of "grand passion," and Nick and Lizzie make a sweet enough couple. Since this is a romance novel, though, the two of them make something as simple as hooking up with a soulmate more difficult than fitting a square peg through a round hole. This is one of those stories in which nothing much happens aside from the H and h talking with each other about their feelings and two or three secondary characters talking with the H and h about their feelings. The Christmas spirit energized me until the final 1/5 of the book when I just couldn't stand the conversation and forced angst any longer. The plot started to resemble Christmas dinner leftovers after being left in the fridge for a week. Nobody really wants to eat that, but when one is *ahem* desperate enough to keep up the spirit, there's always SOMETHING else that can be prepared from the remaining scraps of turkey.
Overall, A Visit from Sir Nicholas is an average read. Nice characters, some fun Christmas nostalgia, a pleasant yet uninspiring romance. I just wish something more exciting had happened.
And the best part of all? Back in good 'ol 2004, Avon included a CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT in the paperback. Yes, I received a gift, and it isn't even Christmas yet. I don't care if Santa Ornament has all the durability of a cheap paper doll. It's still a Christmas gift and therefore awesome.
But let's get to the story. There isn't really much to tell, so this should be quick.
The Plot of A Visit from Sir Nicholas in 15 Words
Widow finally hooks up with guy she should have married ten years ago and CHRISTMAS!!!!
Alexander uses A Christmas Carol to enhance the story. I suppose it worked a little, although none of the characters even remotely resembled Scrooge or any of the other memorable characters. You could argue that Nick's abandonment of Elizabeth at the beginning of the story (one of those "I love you too much to let you be with horrible 'ol me" moves) is reminiscent of Scrooge leaving his sweetheart as a young man, but that's still a bit of a stretch.
Basically, this story revolves around Nicholas and Elizabeth completely failing at feelings (and expressing them) and then desperately trying to get back to each other despite the fact that no hurdles whatsoever encumber their attempts. Ten years ago (Christmas PAST), Nicholas was an ambitious young man who, despite being the heir to a wealthy earldom, wanted to make his own fortune because his dead dad was really bad with the bills or something. Unfortunately, while Nick was preparing to make his journey to America (where apparently ANYONE can get rich if they just BELIEVE enough), he fell in love with family friend Elizabeth, who was all but engaged to his friend Charles. At a Christmas ball, Elizabeth pretty much throws herself at Nicholas, but he's all like, "No! Charles is so much better for you. I'm not worthy." So Elizabeth ... takes him at his word and marries Charles. Ha! These are the kinds of brains we're working with in this story, friends.
Alexander fast-forwards to Christmas PRESENT. Elizabeth is now a widow, and she has two surprisingly not-annoying sons. It turns out that Charles, who ended up being a bit of a cheater, left the control of his fortune and assets for his family to none other than super successful businessman Nicholas. No one ever finds out why Charles did this, by the way. Elizabeth's brother, a marquess, doesn't bother to tell Elizabeth OR Nicholas about this little technicality until three years after Charles's death, at which point Elizabeth throws a hissy fit and Nicholas decides, "Hmmm. I think it's time to bag me the lady I should have married ten years ago."
There's a lot of talk of "grand passion," and Nick and Lizzie make a sweet enough couple. Since this is a romance novel, though, the two of them make something as simple as hooking up with a soulmate more difficult than fitting a square peg through a round hole. This is one of those stories in which nothing much happens aside from the H and h talking with each other about their feelings and two or three secondary characters talking with the H and h about their feelings. The Christmas spirit energized me until the final 1/5 of the book when I just couldn't stand the conversation and forced angst any longer. The plot started to resemble Christmas dinner leftovers after being left in the fridge for a week. Nobody really wants to eat that, but when one is *ahem* desperate enough to keep up the spirit, there's always SOMETHING else that can be prepared from the remaining scraps of turkey.
Overall, A Visit from Sir Nicholas is an average read. Nice characters, some fun Christmas nostalgia, a pleasant yet uninspiring romance. I just wish something more exciting had happened.
August 19, 2022
This Eddington installment was quite a step up since trying to finish this series. Nicely written with likeable characters.
July 17, 2016
Simply dreadful. Nicholas loves Elizabeth. Elizabeth is with Charles but falls big time for Nicholas. Nicholas decides he knows better than anyone how things should be, so he leaves for America to prove himself and allow Elizabeth to be with Charles whom Nicholas has decided is whom she should be with. Ten years later, Charles has died leaving Elizabeth a widow with two sons. Nicholas has been left control of the estate and returns to England whereupon he decides he has always loved Elizabeth and must have her.
Things I hated:
It's bad enough that the hero rejected her, but then the author does something I absolutely hate. She sticks the knife in just a little deeper and has Elizabeth discover that Charles was unfaithful during their marriage.
Another thing I hate is anachronistic actions, words, thoughts, etc. Nicholas has somehow managed to convince himself and Elizabeth, that they are equally responsible for them not getting together ten years earlier in spite of the fact that she approached him and told him that she loved him and begged him to take her with him when he left for America. He blames her for not following him. She feels guilty for not following him although she does point out that she was rather young to be globe trotting after a guy. Wtf??!!! Did I mention that it was early Victorian England? Yes, two members of the ton thought it was responsible for a 19 year old girl to "follow" the guy that gave her the heave ho to America. Yep. Sure.
Elizabeth has a moment when she suddenly is saddened by the thought that her husband who was cheating on her may have found his true love but was not able to tell Elizabeth about it. She muses that they might have separated or even divorced and then been able to find true happiness. Wtf???!!!! Did I mention that this was early Victorian England?
Things I hated:
It's bad enough that the hero rejected her, but then the author does something I absolutely hate. She sticks the knife in just a little deeper and has Elizabeth discover that Charles was unfaithful during their marriage.
Another thing I hate is anachronistic actions, words, thoughts, etc. Nicholas has somehow managed to convince himself and Elizabeth, that they are equally responsible for them not getting together ten years earlier in spite of the fact that she approached him and told him that she loved him and begged him to take her with him when he left for America. He blames her for not following him. She feels guilty for not following him although she does point out that she was rather young to be globe trotting after a guy. Wtf??!!! Did I mention that it was early Victorian England? Yes, two members of the ton thought it was responsible for a 19 year old girl to "follow" the guy that gave her the heave ho to America. Yep. Sure.
Elizabeth has a moment when she suddenly is saddened by the thought that her husband who was cheating on her may have found his true love but was not able to tell Elizabeth about it. She muses that they might have separated or even divorced and then been able to find true happiness. Wtf???!!!! Did I mention that this was early Victorian England?
November 29, 2018
That was a slog to get through. Love how everyone blamed the heroine for acting dumb causing her husband to think she was dumb. Well, when every person calls you frivolous and silly you'd eventually stop trying to show those around your actual depth. The hero is a freaking fool, and her marriage to the wrong guy is his fault and he tries to toss some blame onto her! 'You should have fought me on it' Fought you? When you practially called her stupid after she told you she wanted to be with you?! Yeah sorry, the girl just wanted to get the heck away from your mood-swinging ass. Alot of characters trotted in at the end which didn't add anything. Her sister was unhelpful 'I learned from ALL your mistakes and am now super happy!'....thanks. The other woman being revealed and the hero knowing wasn't necessary but was just there to drag out the story. And the children were in 2 whole scenes! Drop them or give them roles in the story not just as little cute furniture pieces. Not enough Christmas either.
December 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. I thought it was a sweet romance between two people who were fated to be with one another. This book is the embodiment of giving up someone who you love for their happiness.
I thought Nick was fabulous. His character was funny, playful and charming. I thought Elizabeth was a strong, opinionated, and well rounded character. I did think that Elizabeth was a little immature to be 29, but to each is their own.
Overall, I really enjoyed this hopeful Christmas romance. I found myself laughing at specific scenes, and I was rooting for the characters, big time!
I thought Nick was fabulous. His character was funny, playful and charming. I thought Elizabeth was a strong, opinionated, and well rounded character. I did think that Elizabeth was a little immature to be 29, but to each is their own.
Overall, I really enjoyed this hopeful Christmas romance. I found myself laughing at specific scenes, and I was rooting for the characters, big time!
April 21, 2020
Poveste de dragoste drăguță, nu zic nu, dar cartea (ca un total) mi s-a părut dezastruoasă. Mi-a dat senzația că este scuzată infidelitatea, lucru care pe mine mă dezgustă total. Nici măcar nu a fost un motiv cât de cât serios, ci o prostie.
În general îmi plac cărțile de genul, sunt plăcerile mele vinovate, dar cu asta nu m-am împăcat deloc.
În general îmi plac cărțile de genul, sunt plăcerile mele vinovate, dar cu asta nu m-am împăcat deloc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Good Christmas read.
January 1, 2023
This book made me laugh, cry and cheer for the MCs. Love a good, well-written second chance romance.
January 26, 2020
Cea mai frumoasa carte din intreaga serie.
August 29, 2011
This story seemed a little different then the others as it takes place 10 years after we first meet the characters. Also it is quite a few years after the other books and Elizabeth, Jules and Jonathan are the grown children of Thomas & Marianne Effington. Thomas is now the Duke.
Jonathan is friends with Charles and Nicholas. Since they were very young it was expected that Charles and Elizabeth would one day marry. Nicholas had come to live with his Uncle at around age 10, after his parents died. He also was intrigued with Elizabeth but never said anything as he knew of the love between her and Charles.
On the night of the Effington Christmas Eve Ball Nicholas meets with Lizzie in the library. He is leaving the following day for America to find his own fortune rather then depend on the title and money he will one day inherit from his Uncle. He also is leaving as he knows Charles is about to ask to marry Lizzie. He says terrible things so that he knows if she thought she felt anything for him she would change her mind and run into Charles arms. And she did.
Ten years later he has made his fortune and got everything in life he wanted, except her.
*sexual situations
Jonathan is friends with Charles and Nicholas. Since they were very young it was expected that Charles and Elizabeth would one day marry. Nicholas had come to live with his Uncle at around age 10, after his parents died. He also was intrigued with Elizabeth but never said anything as he knew of the love between her and Charles.
On the night of the Effington Christmas Eve Ball Nicholas meets with Lizzie in the library. He is leaving the following day for America to find his own fortune rather then depend on the title and money he will one day inherit from his Uncle. He also is leaving as he knows Charles is about to ask to marry Lizzie. He says terrible things so that he knows if she thought she felt anything for him she would change her mind and run into Charles arms. And she did.
Ten years later he has made his fortune and got everything in life he wanted, except her.
*sexual situations
February 19, 2012
The story was fast paced. Once you meet Elizabeth, you have to like her. Her tendency to want to hide the fact that she's smart rings true even today. I loved Lizzie's sister, Jules. She was a fun character. There were parts of the story that had me laughing e.g. "The Pirate King and the Lusty Wench". If you've read the story, you'll remember what I'm talking about. If not, trust me it was a fun part to read.
I liked how the author had Nicholas interact with Lizzie's two sons. So often children are little more than backdrops. Christopher and Adam had some time in the spotlight. I'm a softy for kids so I guess that's why their parts resonated with me.
If you haven't read this book, you've got to give it a go. It's not a long story but is very enjoyable.
I liked how the author had Nicholas interact with Lizzie's two sons. So often children are little more than backdrops. Christopher and Adam had some time in the spotlight. I'm a softy for kids so I guess that's why their parts resonated with me.
If you haven't read this book, you've got to give it a go. It's not a long story but is very enjoyable.
February 26, 2022
A book of second chances. Nicholas turned down Elizabeth’s Christmas advances years ago bc he felt she belonged with his best friend. After being married to the best friend for 7 years and having 2 sons, Elizabeth is left a widow and also learns her husband had a mistress for more than half their marriage. Elizabeth wonders if she ever really loved her husband or if she has always loved Nick. She also has many unanswered questions about her dead husband. Nick sees her again after 10 years and decides to go after what he should have never denied. My favorite scenes are when he secretly invites the sons over to play pirate king and when Elizabeth meets her husband’s mistress. She realizes that he had found his grand passion but was too trapped and loved her too much to act on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2008
Took me a little longer to get into this one- but once I did it was well worth it!
November 22, 2010
Very romantic Christmas story with a fun "A Christmas Carol" spin to the tale.
January 20, 2023
LOVE a book that makes me laugh out loud! What a cool character Nicholas is! I think I fell in love with him a bit myself!
March 30, 2017
Read on the trip home from my visit to family in New York, I finished it while sitting beside the Christmas tree -- a holiday treat in itself.
December 31, 2024
Even though this book took me a little minute to complete and finish, I did enjoy this one.
Ten years ago, Elizabeth and Nicholas met at the family's library to talk as usual, but Elizabeth was there to give him a copy of A Christmas Carol. When they speak, Nicholas tells her that he's leaving for America, and Elizabeth is heartbroken, because she wants him to stay and to tell him how she feels about him. But going to America shocked her to her core, so the two argued, she gave him the book and they parted with the wrong words and things unsaid about each other, so one went to America to make money and the other one married the man she was supposed to get married, and they never spoke again...
Until....ten years later.
Elizabeth is a widow with two boys, and she's living her best life, managing her house and her money without any help, even harboring some hate for the woman her now deceased husband had his "grand passion" with, making her doubt herself and her whole marriage. When she comes to her brother's house to talk about it, she runs into Nicholas, now a knight, and her feelings are stirred up again...until she hears that her late husband put in his will that Sir Nicholas has to look over her finances...in which she was not happy about.
They argued about it until Sir Nicholas pulled her into his arms when she said that "his kisses made her toes curl" and they did kiss...and it did make her forget about her husband and focus all on Nicholas, but then some remembered something or he said something, he left and she threw a very expensive vase at the door.
It does look like throughout the book that Sir Nicholas still has feelings for Elizabeth, because each time they talk or are in a room together, the brother lays down the rizz as hard as he can and even turns into a stress ball like Jinshi when she tried to seduce him and he fell back in the chair, which was funny and oh so cute. To me, Nicholas reminds me or is a mashup of Jinshi from The Apothecary Diaries when he turns into a ball of stress and Nanami Kento when he gets all business. Elizabeth I can't quite put my finger on it, but she's fun too, and yes, they do get together and after it...
Sir Nicholas: I want to marry you.
Elizabeth, nicely: No.
Sir Nicholas: Okay, cool, so I'm gonna look over your finances and you can't do anything about it.
Elizabeth: Alright, bet, lemme go to Victorian Target and Walmart and spend a lot of money and you can't do anything about it.
Sir Nicholas: Hahahahahaha okay Elizabeth, lemme close all your accounts everywhere, see how you feel then
Elizabeth: YOU CAN'T DO THAT *grabs very expensive Ming Dynasty vase*
Sir Nicholas: Heh heh heh watch me
(I'm paraphrasing but that's what happened basically). I did like the fact that her sister Juliana was there to talk to her and see where her brain is before giving her advice, and then telling her to marry Nicholas. Elizabeth agrees and she goes over to Nicholas's house and tells him that she'll marry him, not even knowing that he was planning on making her change her mind by inviting her children over to play Pirates, she was so mad at him that at the family Christmas tea, nearly every woman gave her advice about what to do with Nicholas, even after she gave him some kind of ultimatum to come by around five.
Sir Nicholas does, and thanks to a friend, he goes to Fortum and Mason and gets everything the ladies need for their tea to be a smashing hit, and then at the Christmas party, they get together. After Elizabeth's brother Jonathan lied about Nicholas getting on a train to America.
This book did crack me up and it does slow down sometimes but I enjoyed this book.
Ten years ago, Elizabeth and Nicholas met at the family's library to talk as usual, but Elizabeth was there to give him a copy of A Christmas Carol. When they speak, Nicholas tells her that he's leaving for America, and Elizabeth is heartbroken, because she wants him to stay and to tell him how she feels about him. But going to America shocked her to her core, so the two argued, she gave him the book and they parted with the wrong words and things unsaid about each other, so one went to America to make money and the other one married the man she was supposed to get married, and they never spoke again...
Until....ten years later.
Elizabeth is a widow with two boys, and she's living her best life, managing her house and her money without any help, even harboring some hate for the woman her now deceased husband had his "grand passion" with, making her doubt herself and her whole marriage. When she comes to her brother's house to talk about it, she runs into Nicholas, now a knight, and her feelings are stirred up again...until she hears that her late husband put in his will that Sir Nicholas has to look over her finances...in which she was not happy about.
They argued about it until Sir Nicholas pulled her into his arms when she said that "his kisses made her toes curl" and they did kiss...and it did make her forget about her husband and focus all on Nicholas, but then some remembered something or he said something, he left and she threw a very expensive vase at the door.
It does look like throughout the book that Sir Nicholas still has feelings for Elizabeth, because each time they talk or are in a room together, the brother lays down the rizz as hard as he can and even turns into a stress ball like Jinshi when she tried to seduce him and he fell back in the chair, which was funny and oh so cute. To me, Nicholas reminds me or is a mashup of Jinshi from The Apothecary Diaries when he turns into a ball of stress and Nanami Kento when he gets all business. Elizabeth I can't quite put my finger on it, but she's fun too, and yes, they do get together and after it...
Sir Nicholas: I want to marry you.
Elizabeth, nicely: No.
Sir Nicholas: Okay, cool, so I'm gonna look over your finances and you can't do anything about it.
Elizabeth: Alright, bet, lemme go to Victorian Target and Walmart and spend a lot of money and you can't do anything about it.
Sir Nicholas: Hahahahahaha okay Elizabeth, lemme close all your accounts everywhere, see how you feel then
Elizabeth: YOU CAN'T DO THAT *grabs very expensive Ming Dynasty vase*
Sir Nicholas: Heh heh heh watch me
(I'm paraphrasing but that's what happened basically). I did like the fact that her sister Juliana was there to talk to her and see where her brain is before giving her advice, and then telling her to marry Nicholas. Elizabeth agrees and she goes over to Nicholas's house and tells him that she'll marry him, not even knowing that he was planning on making her change her mind by inviting her children over to play Pirates, she was so mad at him that at the family Christmas tea, nearly every woman gave her advice about what to do with Nicholas, even after she gave him some kind of ultimatum to come by around five.
Sir Nicholas does, and thanks to a friend, he goes to Fortum and Mason and gets everything the ladies need for their tea to be a smashing hit, and then at the Christmas party, they get together. After Elizabeth's brother Jonathan lied about Nicholas getting on a train to America.
This book did crack me up and it does slow down sometimes but I enjoyed this book.
August 27, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Steam level: Open-door scenes
Thoughts:
A Visit From Sir Nicholas is a historical romance novel that tells Nicholas and Elizabeth’s story of second chances. From their beginning to the end, both characters shared lively, flirtatious encounters, whether they be conversations or steamy scenes.
Victoria Alexander excels at writing longing, playfulness in romance, and directing where the tides go mid-conversation between two main characters. This is especially the case for Nicholas and Elizabeth, who fired each other up so frequently that underneath the veneer of hate was a complex mix of love, missed opportunities, and heartbreak.
Crushed under the weight of past betrayals, the very capable Elizabeth managed her life well despite the terrible situations in which she was placed. She had survived a heartbreak in her early years, learned of a crushing blow in her marriage, became widowed, and now needs to face more confrontation and growth due to her first true love, Nicholas, suddenly returning home. Worse, she’s forced into an arrangement with him due to her late husband’s poor decisions.
Any time Elizabeth and Nicholas were together, their feelings for one another were clear–they loved each other but had zero knowledge on how to deal with their situation. This quality made their book not only a romance but also a journey of reconciliation within themselves. I appreciated the shifts in perspective and show of growth on Elizabeth’s end over the course of the book. The flirting was rather straightforward, their banter was playful, and the way they both longed for one another in both their younger and present years was alluring. The author truly has a talent in showcasing the steady growth in romantic tension between a couple while balancing compelling side characters and an impressive plot.
On another note, I felt that the utilization of the Christmas season and references to The Christmas Carol were intelligently incorporated into the story. The overall magic of the season gave this book an additional undeniably special feeling.
This has become one of my favorite reads of all time. However, I gave this book three stars because Elizabeth deserved more credit for all that she had dealt with. Although Nicholas was valid in his emotions, he lied and continued to make decisions for Elizabeth. After she already discussed her grievances with people who had mismanaged her life in the past, he should have known to behave differently. Additionally, rather than feeling concerned about “paying for the mistakes of another man,” I felt that Nicholas should have focused more on where Elizabeth’s insecurities originated, which relates to the mistakes that he has made in the past. Although Nicholas had demonstrated some compassion and understanding of her struggles, Elizabeth had been through a lot, and she deserved more from him.
Finally, while I appreciate how kindly the author treated Elizabeth's former husband’s mistress, it seemed as though, at times, there was more sympathy for her instead of Elizabeth. This imbalance was frustrating and took the focus away from the main couple. Due to these points, it felt as though Elizabeth was still getting the short end of the stick.
Overall, I would recommend this book for fans of historical romance and second chances. The flirting and banter were excellent, and Nicholas and Elizabeth's growth as a couple was lovely to see. However, there were hang-ups that I could not move past.
Trigger warning: Outdated use of the term “Indian”
Steam level: Open-door scenes
Thoughts:
A Visit From Sir Nicholas is a historical romance novel that tells Nicholas and Elizabeth’s story of second chances. From their beginning to the end, both characters shared lively, flirtatious encounters, whether they be conversations or steamy scenes.
Victoria Alexander excels at writing longing, playfulness in romance, and directing where the tides go mid-conversation between two main characters. This is especially the case for Nicholas and Elizabeth, who fired each other up so frequently that underneath the veneer of hate was a complex mix of love, missed opportunities, and heartbreak.
Crushed under the weight of past betrayals, the very capable Elizabeth managed her life well despite the terrible situations in which she was placed. She had survived a heartbreak in her early years, learned of a crushing blow in her marriage, became widowed, and now needs to face more confrontation and growth due to her first true love, Nicholas, suddenly returning home. Worse, she’s forced into an arrangement with him due to her late husband’s poor decisions.
Any time Elizabeth and Nicholas were together, their feelings for one another were clear–they loved each other but had zero knowledge on how to deal with their situation. This quality made their book not only a romance but also a journey of reconciliation within themselves. I appreciated the shifts in perspective and show of growth on Elizabeth’s end over the course of the book. The flirting was rather straightforward, their banter was playful, and the way they both longed for one another in both their younger and present years was alluring. The author truly has a talent in showcasing the steady growth in romantic tension between a couple while balancing compelling side characters and an impressive plot.
On another note, I felt that the utilization of the Christmas season and references to The Christmas Carol were intelligently incorporated into the story. The overall magic of the season gave this book an additional undeniably special feeling.
This has become one of my favorite reads of all time. However, I gave this book three stars because Elizabeth deserved more credit for all that she had dealt with. Although Nicholas was valid in his emotions, he lied and continued to make decisions for Elizabeth. After she already discussed her grievances with people who had mismanaged her life in the past, he should have known to behave differently. Additionally, rather than feeling concerned about “paying for the mistakes of another man,” I felt that Nicholas should have focused more on where Elizabeth’s insecurities originated, which relates to the mistakes that he has made in the past. Although Nicholas had demonstrated some compassion and understanding of her struggles, Elizabeth had been through a lot, and she deserved more from him.
Finally, while I appreciate how kindly the author treated Elizabeth's former husband’s mistress, it seemed as though, at times, there was more sympathy for her instead of Elizabeth. This imbalance was frustrating and took the focus away from the main couple. Due to these points, it felt as though Elizabeth was still getting the short end of the stick.
Overall, I would recommend this book for fans of historical romance and second chances. The flirting and banter were excellent, and Nicholas and Elizabeth's growth as a couple was lovely to see. However, there were hang-ups that I could not move past.
Trigger warning: Outdated use of the term “Indian”
August 17, 2021
La Visita di Sir Nicholas è il nono volume della serie Effington, nella quale i protagonisti sono i membri dell'omonima famiglia e i loro amici.
Le vicende, raccontate attraverso il punto di vista dei due protagonisti, vede al centro Elizabeth Effington vedova, con due figli finire sotto il controllo di Nicholas, designato dal marito come amministratore del suo patrimonio. Nicholas, dal canto suo, dieci anni prima l'aveva respinta pur amandola. Naturalmente il sentimento che li legava non è sparito...
Questo romanzo mi è piaciuto sin dalle prime pagine: una trama interessante, scorrevole e un'interazione tra i due personaggi piacevole.
Non vi aspettate molta azione perché l'autrice si concentra molto sulla psicologia del personaggi (forse avrei reso la protagonista femminile un po' più ferma).
Simpatica l'idea di ispirarsi in qualche modo A Christmas Carol ma c'è poco o nulla che lo riguardi. Forse avrei osato di più in tal senso.
E' una lettura dolce e romantica che si legge davvero in breve tempo (non è un volume molto corposo).
Per apprezzarlo ancora meglio, Vi consiglio di leggerlo durante il periodo natalizio.
Le vicende, raccontate attraverso il punto di vista dei due protagonisti, vede al centro Elizabeth Effington vedova, con due figli finire sotto il controllo di Nicholas, designato dal marito come amministratore del suo patrimonio. Nicholas, dal canto suo, dieci anni prima l'aveva respinta pur amandola. Naturalmente il sentimento che li legava non è sparito...
Questo romanzo mi è piaciuto sin dalle prime pagine: una trama interessante, scorrevole e un'interazione tra i due personaggi piacevole.
Non vi aspettate molta azione perché l'autrice si concentra molto sulla psicologia del personaggi (forse avrei reso la protagonista femminile un po' più ferma).
Simpatica l'idea di ispirarsi in qualche modo A Christmas Carol ma c'è poco o nulla che lo riguardi. Forse avrei osato di più in tal senso.
E' una lettura dolce e romantica che si legge davvero in breve tempo (non è un volume molto corposo).
Per apprezzarlo ancora meglio, Vi consiglio di leggerlo durante il periodo natalizio.
January 7, 2018
Entertaining Christmas read as it uses the publication of Dickens' A Christmas Carol as a framework for the book, beginning in the year of publication and the bulk forming the Christmas Present 10 yrs. later. This author writes witty banter, believable children, and engaging characters. My main quibble is the heroine, who is well established as needing to trust her man, nonetheless lets the hero get away with a 'noble lie' in the end, when it was just such a noble lie that propelled them apart in the first place. I wanted her to tell him she knew the truth, too, and had come to it in the same way he had, and that the piece of information didn't matter after all. That would have been much more satisfying for their future relationship than allowing him to believe he'd protected her from the truth once more. Hence, the 3 star rating for what otherwise was a 3.5 star book.
January 2, 2019
I normally enjoy this series, but I just could not get invested in this book. It was only 374 pages but it took me almost a month and a half to read. I put it down and did not feel like picking it back up again. That makes it sound like the book was bad, but it wasn't. It was clever and fast paced, I just don't think I was in the mood for a romance when I started it and that clouded my perception of the book. Elizabeth was a strong, independent character, which the book just about beat you over the head with. Nicholas was noble and very hot. They had great chemistry. But, again, the story fell a little flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2019
If I were a fan of "A Christmas Carol" this would have received 5 stars. I wanted a quick, light read in the days before Christmas and this was it. It's a romance based on A Christmas Carol. Alexander does not try to disguise the inspiration for her novel. There are some intimate scenes - one lasting 10 pages! - with specific details. There are plenty of setbacks in the road to love and, unlike many other romance novels I have read, these are actually all understandable and plausible. Even delays are always a bit infuriating, I felt like the characters had a right to their feelings that caused the delay and the delay was not just a tactic to string readers along.
August 19, 2022
A second-chance romance that starts strong, with connections to Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Unfortunately, at least for my taste in romances, the plot relies heavily on there being a right partner and a wrong partner. On the other hand, the wrong man, who cheated on her and then died, is treated much more sympathetically than the usual cheating ex. Spoiling the story, at least for me, was the hero's "You'll marry me whether you want to or not - I always get what I want" attitude for much of the story. That seems dated, but the story is from 2004. It's also ninth in a series, and people who have read through in order likely are looking for variety. Some great action scenes and dialogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2020
I liked the way this was nice and festive, with references to 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. At first the hero had feet of clay and appeared misguided in his actions - actually, both H&H did. Ten years down the track it became different. I haven't read any of the other 'Effington' books - of which this is #9 - but it made absolutely no difference in my enjoyment of this one. A good Christmas romance.
October 20, 2022
Oh my GOSH.
That was a magical, thrilling tale of second chance and love that stretches over a decade. As I am a sucker for angst, I was well-fed - because from what I have read, Victoria Alexander truly does it justice. Her writing is beautiful, all these metaphors hitting you in the feels. She creates such an exquisite atmosphere of love and its pros and cons that reading about it clenches one's heart. It was a spectacular angsty love story, which is perfect for me.
That was a magical, thrilling tale of second chance and love that stretches over a decade. As I am a sucker for angst, I was well-fed - because from what I have read, Victoria Alexander truly does it justice. Her writing is beautiful, all these metaphors hitting you in the feels. She creates such an exquisite atmosphere of love and its pros and cons that reading about it clenches one's heart. It was a spectacular angsty love story, which is perfect for me.
December 7, 2019
Depressingly poor. Hero was a fool who blamed the heroine for his mistake. Heroine was hedged about with people who should have loved and supported her, undermining her ‘for her own good’ . She was competent and intelligent apparently, but kept giving in to Nicholas’s machinations and not making him suffer enough. There was absolutely not enough grovelling, and plot devices were too obvious
December 6, 2017
A Visit from Sir Nicholas was just what I was after in a holiday read. It's the perfect time for love and second chances after all. I really liked that A Christmas Carol was incorporated in the story as well.
February 23, 2020
The book was very very bland. I use this book to put me asleep. This book was written, just be written. There was no excitement, no passion. Nothing to draw me into the world of Nicholas and Elizabeth.
June 13, 2019
Filling in the time with some dependably distracting historical romance.
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