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Jayne Davis
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The Curlew's Call: A Regency Romance Kindle Edition

by Jayne Davis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 680 ratings

After nearly five years of marriage, Ellie is finally with child. There’s just one problem. Her husband is not the father.

Bound for home after a family funeral, Ellie's mood is matched by the stormy weather. Her husband does not desire her, and now there is no chance for her to have a family of her own. She feels valued only for her usefulness to others.
When the stagecoach crashes, Captain Tom Allerby stops to help the passengers to a nearby inn for safety.
Ellie finds it easy to talk to the captain, and also senses something else: a spark of attraction that she has never felt for a man before. And he desires her, as her husband never did.
They share one night together, and do not expect to see each other again. But neither can forget their brief time together.
Especially when Ellie finds she is with child.
Two years later, Tom returns to England to recover from a battle wound. This is his chance to find Ellie, who he has never forgotten.
When the two meet, they realise that the attraction they felt has not faded. But Tom believes that Ellie is out of reach, while Ellie’s hard-won contentment with her life is replaced with yearning for what might have been.
Is there a way for Ellie and Tom to be together?

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  1. Print length
    342 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    September 23, 2022
  5. File size
    1.8 MB
  6. Page Flip
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  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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From the Publisher

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B8F24K63
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Verbena Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 23, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 342 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1913790226
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 680 ratings

About the author

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Jayne Davis

Jayne Davis

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I was born in England, near the Welsh border, and lived in several places while I was growing up, including a spell in Singapore and in Malta. Malta was where I got hooked on historical romances - my parents rented a furnished house, and the owners had left most of their books there, including a whole set of Georgette Heyer novels.

Loving Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I longed to write similar novels myself. I toyed with the idea several times over the years, but real life intervened and I've had several careers, including as a non-fiction author under another name. That wasn’t quite the writing career I had in mind…

So here I am, finally publishing my stories. I hope you enjoy them.

Find out more at: www.jaynedavisromance.co.uk

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
680 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book exceptionally well written and praise its suspenseful plot. Moreover, the characters are realistic and receive positive feedback for their caring portrayal.

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9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as an exceptional and well-written read, with one customer noting that the author doesn't waste words.

"I enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable. Has so much going on with each one. An orphan, an Army Captain that has taken care of him...." Read more

"...Davis is a bright and flexible author so I may go on to another of her books; just not sure." Read more

"An unusual situation and excellent writing and storytelling make this an exceptional read. This may be Davis's best novel...." Read more

"...I'm giving 3 stars because Davis is such a skilled writer, and it is well written." Read more

8 customers mention "Suspense"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful elements of the book, describing it as an exceptional regency romance.

"...pretty much turns out at the end as one would expect, but a lot of good story between the first and last page and a lot of really good characters on..." Read more

"...fully realized characters together in a story with love, grief, suspense, and care...." Read more

"...of the most noteworthy thing about Davis's style is that her stories have a rustic, domestic quality with many homespun details...." Read more

"An unusual situation and excellent writing and storytelling make this an exceptional read. This may be Davis's best novel...." Read more

7 customers mention "Realistic characters"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters in the book realistic and caring.

"I enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable. Has so much going on with each one. An orphan, an Army Captain that has taken care of him...." Read more

"...story between the first and last page and a lot of really good characters on all those pages. I certainly recommend this book." Read more

"As usual, Davis brings fully realized characters together in a story with love, grief, suspense, and care...." Read more

"...It is a sensitive and caring portrayal. I highly recommend it." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • VickiDiane 22
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable. Has so much going on with each one. An orphan, an Army Captain that has taken care of him. An unusual marriage. Murderous relatives. This book is hard to put down.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Laurie
    4.0 out of 5 stars horses and heritages
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2023
    The author has done her research, portraying life for a returning soldier and a troubled farmer's wife around the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Romance is suggested, not explicit. Some hint of gay themes. Fluent dialog and believable psychology. Villain is seen at a distance, and people of all classes are portrayed. No ball-rooms or ball gowns, just hay-making, hunting, and horses.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • SusanCz
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Curlew's Call....
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    ....Had little to do with the story but piqued my interest enough to find a video on YouTube where I could hear the bird's call. Not at all like the seagull sound I was expecting.
    This is a lovely, somewhat bittersweet, story that pretty much turns out at the end as one would expect, but a lot of good story between the first and last page and a lot of really good characters on all those pages. I certainly recommend this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another satisfying and well researched tale
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    As usual, Davis brings fully realized characters together in a story with love, grief, suspense, and care. The ill will of a few characters is beautifully balanced by all the honest and generous ones. How these people helped and cared for each other is inspiring. It truly describes what is meant by family.
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  • Montana Mackay
    3.0 out of 5 stars Unconventional
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is my second Jayne Davis novel and I did enjoy it, although it seemed a little drawn out -- lots of carriage and gig and coach rides hither and yon. The touchy social issues -- adultery and LGBTQ stuff -- were a surprise, and I admire Davis for taking these on. From the 2 books I've read, I feel one of the most noteworthy thing about Davis's style is that her stories have a rustic, domestic quality with many homespun details.

    I confess I read Regency books to get away from controversy and to sink into a pleasant fantasy ("Should I wear the sprigged muslin or the silk moire?"), so this book did not provide me with that relaxing, dreamlike quality I often seek for bedtime reading. While I thought these sensitive topics were well-managed, it did seem odd to read about "verboten" social issues in a book set in the early 1800s. Davis is a bright and flexible author so I may go on to another of her books; just not sure.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting handling of difficult topic
    Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2022
    I always enjoy reading Jayne Davis’s books. This book dealt with some issues that aren’t usually brought up in regency romance books. An attribute I prize highly in Davis’s works is that they are clean and well written. In this book, there is infidelity on both sides of a marriage. Due to the extenuating circumstances, which are central to the plot, and due to the time period the book is set in, I can understand why the infidelity was “necessary,” but I don’t believe adultery is ever excusable. That being said, I felt that Davis handled the situation as well as the time period allowed and there were some really good people in very difficult situations, who didn’t always make the best decisions. That made it feel much more real to me. It was thought provoking, and it argues for kindness, forgiveness, and integrity, all of which I truly appreciate.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Editor in transition
    5.0 out of 5 stars Maybe her best
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    An unusual situation and excellent writing and storytelling make this an exceptional read. This may be Davis's best novel. She keeps the story tight and the suspense high. Will our two lovers ever get together? I couldn't put the book down for needing to know. And Davis doesn't waste words. Nicely done.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Modern woman with a Regency soul
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual and touching!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The Curlew's Call does not follow the usual Regency plotline or play in the aristocratic sandbox. Our heroine is the unloved wife of a farmer, our hero a military man whose family only was able to buy his commission in the army because of a lucky bet on a horse race.
    Moreover, the story starts with a one-night stand and later deals with a main character who is homosexual.
    There is little sexual description and no glorification of these things however. The h and H both regret their affair, which results in her pregnancy, and yearn for one another. They are all, including the homosexual, basically moral human beings having trouble fitting in a highly restrictive society. Neither the h nor the H has any intention of conducting a continuing affair. Life has other ideas. I would be giving spoilers to say much more. It is a sensitive and caring portrayal. I highly recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Indrani Ganguli
    5.0 out of 5 stars The unexpected plot
    Reviewed in India on November 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    To write a story with a gay man when homosexuality was a hanging offence, and yet to do it with such a delicate touch. That's what makes this story special to me. Also the subplot of the evil cousin.
    An interesting tale.
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  • Mimosa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable as always
    Reviewed in Australia on September 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Jayne Davis novels are a must read. She does not limit herself to the haut ton but introduces other classes with most interesting research and information. Of course the romance is always the main reason and is always successfully wrought. This novel is poignant and so very well written.
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  • Anne Mammy
    5.0 out of 5 stars A different regency romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    One can always rely on Jayne Davis to write entertaining novels of the Georgian/Regency period with a different approach. This is what makes her stand out in this crowded Bridgerton alike market. I have loved all her books and this is no exception. It does not take place in London or in Bath but in North Yorkshire close to the moors. Several reviewers claim to have read the book in one sitting, I would have liked to be able to do that too, but unfortunately life's demands precluded it. Still, I read it over 2 days and really enjoyed all the characters...well perhaps not Palmer! From the hilarious Mrs Crabbe to the resilient, determined Finn, the adjective, I think, which best describes the characters is "decent". Whether they are "misfits" or not, whether they have been given a cross to bear or not, they deal with what life brings in a way which reinforces one's belief in the basic decency of humankind. The homosexuality strand is dealt with lightly and is never explicit; in fact, it might have been interesting to get to know the gay pair more closely. The only thing which did not sit well with me was the front cover. Giving a face to a heroine is always a gamble and certainly for me the girl on the cover was too meek to be Ellie. I can now understand why so many covers do not show an actual face on the front cover. Still, I really liked the book and absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes a good 19th century romance which does not revolve around the London season and the hunt for a husband/wife! Thank you Jayne, please don't keep us waiting too long for your next book.
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  • Beatrix Fitze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down.
    Reviewed in Germany on July 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    When Jayne Davis writes stories set in the 18th century she doesn’t (always) write about Dukes and Duchesses, she writes about ordinary people like soldiers, farmers and vicars. It’s refreshing and interesting and the storytelling is superb - I get so involved that I can’t bear to sleep! The Curlew’s Call is about Ellie, the daughter of a self-righteous vicar, who marries a kind man who can give her everything except the love a man ought to have for his wife. In this case however nature has played a card which meant that Martin could not love Ellie in that way although not for lack of trying. Ellie is reasonably content until she meets a man after a coach accident and experiences an attraction she has never known before. How her husband reacts to the news of her pregnancy and how the people around them deal with each other through various situations as time goes by is what makes this story such a page-turner. We know that the knots will all be smoothed out eventually (this is a HEA novel after all) but how that comes about is gripping right to the end. I was sorry when the book ended, but it ends in a highly satisfying manner. I hope I can find another Jayne Davis book that I haven’t read yet, every one so far has been a definite keeper!
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  • La veneziana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Il richiamo del chiurlo
    Reviewed in Italy on April 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Questo di Jayne Davis è davvero un romanzo regency insolito e ben strutturato.
    Lontano dai salotti del bel mondo e della Londra della Stagione, qui siamo in un quieto angolo dello Yorkshire tra persone non titolate e dove l'unica figura poco realistica è quella del "cattivo" che a paragone degli altri personaggi è un pochino troppo sopra le righe.
    Ellie, figlia di un severo vicario, è sposata da qualche anno con Matthew, un prospero allevatore di cavalli e abita in una fattoria in cui lavorano persone che oggi definiremmo "svantaggiate".
    Entrambi i coniugi sono persone per bene che trattano con dignità i loro aiutanti e vengono ripagati da stima e affetto.
    Ellie quindi non può certo lamentarsi e ciò nonostante è un poco amareggiata perché il marito da tempo non la cerca più e in otto anni i figli non sono arrivati; e intanto la vita va avanti sempre uguale.....
    Poi improvvisamente di ritorno da un funerale in famiglia, la diligenza ha un incidente e tutti i passeggeri devono cercare rifugio in una locanda per la notte.
    Il Capitano Tom Allerby non può non notare quella che crede una vedova (dagli abiti da lutto) che, con molta presenza di spirito aiuta gli altri passeggeri e quando cade la notte accetta volentieri di trascorrerla nella sua stanza.
    Il giorno dopo Tom riprende la sua strada per ritornare al suo reggimento e Ellie ritorna alla sua vita di sempre.... in compagnia di un figlio.
    Da qui si dipana una vicenda che ha ben poco di scandaloso o irrealistico, e se si esclude l'antagonista, tutti i personaggi, per quanto poco presenti fra le pagine, risultano persone decenti che fanno del loro meglio per vivere bene e far vivere bene.
    Vi sono alcune tematiche spinose: la disonestà, l'infedeltà e l'omosessualità, ma queste vengono trattate in un modo coerente con la sensibilità dell'epoca e, per fortuna dei lettori l'autrice non ricorre al trucco dei fraintendimenti o del silenzio per creare la tensione. I personaggi parlano fra loro, sia pure con difficoltà e non pochi scrupoli etici e ciò che viene fuori è una vicenda molto interessante.
    Poi c'è anche il lieto fine, e ciò non guasta.
    Bella prova
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