This book is such a sweet story. It’s full of loss, but also full of beauty as two friends, who have both known deep wounds and who are of very different personalities, explore how to open themselves to allow their wounded hearts to find connection and hope.

The companionship of The Gents (the theme of this series) is an engaging pull into the story. Who wouldn’t want such a band of brothers in their lives? Julia’s character is a complex mix of thick walls of self protection and deep longing to belong. Lucas made a vow at his sibling’s deaths to live life to the fullest, but it is entirely possible that he has no idea what a truly full life looks like.

I enjoyed this story and will be looking for the next book in the series.

I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed reading about Julia and Lucas. I ached for Julia evertime she was left behind. I loved Lucas's friends as well (and Lucas once he got his head on straight). It was fun to see where some of the Jonquil brothers' quirks came from. I hope to get to know these characters better!

Phew! Finally getting around to posting about @sarah_m_eden’s newest release #forgetmenot. This sweet book is the first in a new series from her, The Gents, which is exciting because we finally get to hear the story of the Jonquil parents! I felt the story was slowly evolving but in a nice way, and I really look forward to rereading it as the series is released. (One of my favorite things to do with Sarah’s books is read them individually and then again all at once when all the books are out.)

Have you read any of Sarah’s books and series? Have you read this one!? Do you love the Jonquils? Which one is your favorite? (I love Adam...the big meanie who isn’t a meanie at all!)
#bookstagrammer #bookstagram #sarahmeden #regencyromance #georgianfiction #fallbooks #thegents

As you all know, I am a big Sarah Eden fan and I was thrilled that she is doing a story on the Jonquil parents. And Forget Me Not knocked it out of the park!

Julia Cummings starts out the story as a young, headstrong girl who knows what she wants out of life. But a series of huge losses changes her. Lucas Jonquil is sure nothing could ever be the same when his best friend and two siblings pass away. He vows he'll live the life they never got to---but that means leaving his childhood home and his friend Julia behind. He doesn't look back for many years and when he finally returns home, Julia has changed. She's definitely not happy to see him. But an unexpected betrothal and marriage between the two of them makes everything worse. Lucas is faced with a decision that will have long-lasting consequences. He must find some common ground with his new wife or live a life of misery. But can he win Julia's love or has the battle been lost before it's begun?

I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this love story. Julia has been dealt a harsh hand and her heart is wounded. Lucas unknowingly was part of that wounding and has much to make up for. He's woefully bad at trying to woo his wife and calls on his friends, the "Gents" for help. It was such a sweet group of men who seemed so different, but would do anything for each other. And the "help" Lucas received from them was pretty funny at times. I thought the book had some quite realistic emotional ups and downs, some tender moments that keep the reader hoping, and a sweet ending that will make you sigh with happiness. Hopefully this is a start to a new series with all the Gent stories in them. If so, I am eagerly awaiting the next book!

Sarah Eden is one of my favorite authors. She always writes about characters that are less than perfect. Making them more relatable to the reader. My favorite part of this book was the relationships between the Gents. Lucas's group of friends. It reminds me of my own group of friends and the adventures we've had together. The characters are all very witty and the duologue was so fun to read. Can't wait to read more books from Sarah!

**I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. My responses and opinions are my own.**

I love books about the Jonquil family and I am glad the wot and kindness will continue with this new series. I was startled by the complication added to the relationship early in the book. Maybe I didn’t read the promos very well? Possibly.

Julia was a fiery character full of mischief and joy but good glory can she hold and nurse a hurt. Lucas is likewise likable for his joviality and concern for others but is often oblivious. I’ve know similar characteristics in real people and myself so it made the journey to the conclusion interesting.

I wanted to lecture several characters at several points but other characters did that very well. I wish Julia would have a female to confide in earlier as good female friendships help ease many burdens. No wonder she struggled for so many years.

I continue to enjoy “how did we meet” stories and this was another. It was livened and lightened by Lucas’ friends, all of whose stories I am eager to read. Keep writing, Sarah M. Eden; keep the Gents’ stories coming.

I loved this book! It was so much fun to see what the wonderful Mater was like as a young woman. Her story was raw, real and such a delight to read. I can’t wait for the rest of this series and to get to know The Gents even more.

Oh, I loved this book! I was excited to read about Mater and the Patriarch of the Jonquil family, and I found myself getting very emotional throughout the story. I need to reread EVERYTHING now because I definitely see everything in a different light now. What a difficult beginning they had!! It makes their love even that much more special. Wait, I'm getting emotional again!!

Sarah Eden has done it again. I was very excited to read this book and she did not disappoint. I laughed and I cried. It was so fun to meet Julia and Lucas Jonquil and hear their story. Lucas's bumbling ways are reminiscent of his sons (or maybe they are reminiscent of him?) It was fun to meet his friends, the Gents, and see namesakes and mentors of the Jonquil boys. It was an interesting perspective to see how Julia dealt with an arranged marriage and how the two eventually overcame their struggles.

As this is a prequel to the Jonquil series, you can read this story without reading the others. If you do so, read this book again after you read the Jonquil books. You'll have fun seeing elements of the boys personalities in their parents.

Forget Me Not by Sarah Eden

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Sarah Eden's newest story is the beginning of what is sure to be a wonderful series. I loved getting to know Julia and Lucas as well as the other "Gents". Each character was given a distinctive voice and it was easy to picture their mannerisms in my imagination as they spoke. The story was well crafted with plenty of tension and problems to be solved and each solution was given plenty of page time to play out. I could easily identify with Julia about feeling left behind by everyone she loved and how further hurt she was by the marriage her father and Lucas' parents arranged for them. Being forced to face Lucas daily was hard for her but it did give both of them a chance to learn more about each other. They had already decided how each other ought to act and speak but found out that what they thought was expected was not at all true. I loved to see them take two steps forward and one step back as they navigated their new situation. They each needed to understand that people don't always respond in the way we think they should nor do they say everything they think and feel. We have to express interest in one another if we truly want to get to know someone well. I will certainly be recommending this story to others as a wonderful read that they are to both enjoy and be challenged by.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Covenant Communications via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Forget Me Not
The Gents, #1
by Sarah Eden
Covenant Communications
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 07 Sep 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Forget Me Not through Covenant Communications and Netgalley:






This book transports us to Nottinghamshire , in the year 1785, where we meet Julia Cummings. Julia has become all to familiar with loss, she has lost her Mother her brother, her sister, her friend. They all died to soon. The loss that had pushed her grief to the limit as a young girl, was the loss of her best friend, Lucas Jonquil, who abandoned her without looking back. Eight years later, Lucas has returned to Lampton Park, and Julia has steeled herself—she will never be able to forgive the man who broke her heart.





Lucas too has lost to many friends and family to death, and has made a vow to himself that he would live life to the fullest. And now that he has traversed the world he has returned from his adventures to find his family and home much as he left them—except for Julia.





Julia is no longer the little girl he left behind, she has become a captivating young woman. A young woman who has made it clear she despises Lucas. But the former friends, who have little hope of reconciliation are blindsided when their parents make a shocking announcement.





Lucas and Julia have been betrothed by their parents, without their knowledge, and are to be married immediately. Lucas must rely on the help of his closest friend are blindsided when their parents make a shocking announcement, but a lady he is growing to love more everyday.



I give Forget Me Not five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

This book was very enjoyable. I loved reading the story of Lucas and Julia. I loved the Gents in the story. Very well done! Would def recommend.

Julia Cummings has lost many members of her family: her mother, her twin sister, and her brother. When her best friend, Lucas Jonquil, also leaves, she steels herself to always being alone. Lucas is determined to live life to the fullest and is surprised by the change he finds in his young friend who has now grown up. Both are shocked when their betrothal is announced. Will this pair learn to love each other in spite of the hurt they have both endured?

I am always eager to read anything from this author, but this wasn't an instant favorite for me. While I found Julia and Lucas charming characters on their own, I wasn't won over with their relationship. Julia was reserved, content to be at home. Lucas loves to travel, eager to spend months abroad. Two such different outlooks was difficult to reconcile and I had the feeling their parents didn't really know their children at all. Forgiveness was easily won and it didn't feel right.

It appears as though the series will continue with Lucas' friends, who call themselves The Gents. Each one was unique and charming, but I will admit their nicknames for each other (The General, The King, Puppy, Grumpy Uncle, etc) were silly.

As usual, the story was well written and the plot moved at a good pace. I'll no doubt pick up the next book it if comes my way.

This is an unusual love story, with two longtime friends who have grown apart forced together by both sets of parents — they are sure their children belong together and surprise them with a betrothal. From there it does not get easier in the early days of this marriage as Julia has to show Lucas that despite his best efforts, he has not been true to his promises. Both the H/h have faced great loss -- their siblings, to disease or war -- and they deal with that hurt in different ways. He seeks adventure and society; she is happier at home. Forced into a marriage, they are unsure if their friendship can survive. His friends, the Gents, come visit to help Lucas see his way to discovery. He is well-meaning but does not understand that his failure to write, visit or otherwise remain in touch with a childhood friend left her bruised. He is used to making decisions without having to consult anyone else, and by doing so, fails once more to keep his promises. Julia, unlike many of her contemporaries, refuses to accept the situation. She is a heroine of her times but one determined to live as an equal partner, not as someone forgotten at home. Watching Lucas understand what unknowing selfishness has done is wonderful character development, an Eden trademark. She creates very human characters, builds a world around them and we watch their struggles and successes. It is a lovely story, where we meet the parents of the characters in the Jonquil series. A wonderful book. (This is my opinion; I received an ARC from NetGalley.)

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I love this author and she did not disappoint with this new novel for a new series. Julia and Lucas' story was one of tender friendship that blossomed into romance. Theirs was an arranged marriage and although they were childhood friends, they didn't want to be married. Lucas has several friends from school, each helping to show julia how much lucas does love her. I loved the glimpses into other characters, the Duke of kielder as a boy. I can't wait for each novel about the other gents, Digby in particular!!!! Well done and 5 stars!!!

Absolutely loved it! I can't express how excited I am that this is also the beginning of a new series. I knew I would love Lucas and Julia's story, since I've loved them throughout all the Jonquil brothers' stories. It was so much fun to learn Julia's fiery side and see all the character traits of Lucas' sons in him. And I have already fallen in love with all the Gents. That sort of friendship crossing the line into brotherhood is beautiful and rare. Definitely worth the read (not to mention, I've already recommended it to family and gifted it to someone) :)

Rated G
--clean, sweet romance
--no violence
--no language

I was provided this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A story of love, loss, and reclamation. Julia and Lucas are well acquainted with grief and loss, and although they were the best of friends, they managed coping in very different styles. Julia remained close to home, guarding her heart very carefully. Lucas chose to live life to fullest knowing life is short and desiring to experience as many things as possible. Once they are thrust together by well-meaning parents, what should have been a happy reunion, is a painful reminder of all their differences. Enter the Gents. Oh, my goodness! I absolutely love The Gents and what they bring to this rocky, tender relationship. There are so many facets of personalities that draw out Julia and show Lucas what an idiot he can be. Together, the Gents are a force to be reckoned with and Julia and Lucas don’t stand a chance against their antics to see true love realized and embraced. I highly recommend this clean romance novel am hopeful there will be more stories coming forth for each of the Gents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

Anyone familiar with the Jonquil family will know the best thing in the world would be an unending supply of Jonquil Brother stories. But the next best thing, if that isn't possible, is to get the backstory for Mater and her oft-praised but dearly-departed husband. This book is an absolute joy to read.

Julia Cummings possesses a seemingly insurmountable serving of loathing for her former friend, Lucas Jonquil. Lucas filled her childhood with love and promises .. well, the love of a brother and promises that never amounted to anything. He vows to never leave her side, and then he abandons her. Over and over. Just like nearly every other person in Julia's life. Julia vows to protect her heart by never trusting him. Ever. Again. She hides her pain and insecurities behind a wall of indifference -- but the reader can see how much she's hurting, and oh ... it's heartbreaking.

Lucas Jonquil adores Julia. He treasures her and considers her one of his closest friends. He's perplexed when he returns after a long time away, only to find her looking at him with wary, distrustful eyes. Even more odd, she speaks in riddles and ... derision? Lucas retreats behind his own mask of joviality and humor, but we get insight into his turmoil and uncertainty as well.

How will they ever reconcile? Well, thankfully this isn't left to fate. Instead, their parents throw a curve-ball that leaves the two reeling -- and, well, married.

All I have to say is the bushel of apples didn't fall far from the tree. Those Jonquil boys learned every terrible method of courting a woman from their father!! I loved watching Julia and Lucas navigate their stormy sea and learn to love again. This is a beautiful, though sometimes heart-wrenching story. It's full of love, loss, and learning to love again.

The Gents themselves are AMAZING. I love to see how the Jonquils reflect the traits of many of the Gents. One of my favorite Easter eggs is learning the origin of the Jonquil sons' names. Keep your eyes open as you enjoy this story! I can't wait to better meet every one of them in their upcoming stories. If their personalities are an indicator, the stories will be brilliant.

While the reader will find the story richer if enjoyed after the Jonquil family series, it is a standalone story that can be read out of order (or on its own). I look forward to re-reading it again at a later date.

I received an advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 Stars. I have friends that are huge fans of the Jonquil series and I was excited to receive a copy of this new series by Sarah Eden. I was first attracted to the book by the cover which is beautiful. The Gent's follows Lucas Jonquil and his best friends, Layton, Digby, Benick, Fortier and Greenberry. It is a Georgian romance but I didn't get much information about the customs of the period other than powdering hair.

Lucas returns home from a year traveling and during his welcome home ball it is announced that he is betrothed to Julia Cummings. Neither has power to stop the parents marriage contract. Julia was my favorite character. She is clever and bright but with a touch of melancholy. Other than her father she has lost everyone she loves; her mother, siblings and childhood friends have died. She lost Lucas to his wanderlust and it has been eight years since she last saw him. Eden writes beautifully of the sense of being left behind and loss and you can understand why Julia turns inward and finds comfort at home with her books. She has been sheltered, never having a season in London as her father was in mourning.

After the marriage the newlyweds head to their estate and of course all is not well. Neither has communication skills or understanding of the other. At this point I was probably at 5 stars and waiting for them to find love. Lucas invites his friends to visit and they see there are problems in the marriage and plot to help. The friends add a sense of humor to the storyline that otherwise was very sad.

Not to give spoilers but I was frustrated with Lucas and the ending. He never realizes on his own what the problems are in his marriage and never takes proactive steps to fix them. (Following her is not enough.) There is no grand gesture and nothing heroic. He can't even profess his love on his own without the Gents help. He is a man-child. Today's equivilent of a man who marries and thinks he gets to hang out with his friends 24-7 and play video games instead of creating a relationship with his wife. He says the right words but without follow thru only adding to her disappointment. At one point Julie says they have both had shortcomings, adding she was often "distrustful". I never saw her character that way. In none of her interactions with the Gents, her father or her in-laws has she been distrustful. It was like giving her a flaw to balance his ineptitude. But he never earned her trust to begin with.

The fact that I was so annoyed with the resolution shows how invested I was in the story. I ended up with a 3.5 rating and rounded up.

I know I can always count on Sarah Eden to write a clean book for language and sex. Thank you to NetGalley, Covenant Communications and the author for the ARC ebook in exchange for a honest review.

Wow! What a fabulous story! I have only read one other book by this author and I really enjoyed it, too. Now, after having read Forget Me Not, I plan to go back and read the other Regency novels she has written. Plus, I plan to purchase a print copy of this book for my bookshelf.

This story was a great introduction to a new series. The plight of Julia and Lucas, as they were thrown together in an arranged marriage, was a perfect set up for all manner of problems.

I felt so sorry for Julia. She had such trust issues and felt that she had been abandoned over and over again by her friend, Lucas, in the past. Now, to be his wife and feel unwanted was almost too much to bear.

As for Lucas…I really liked him, even though it took him a long time to understand what Julia struggled with and how his actions were causing so much angst for her.

I love that the author introduced all of “The Gents” to readers in this book. I can now look forward to each of these men getting their own happily-ever-after stories in this series. Forget Me Not was a wonderful novel, definitely a favorite read of mine this year. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of clean Regency romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.