An intriguing start to the series. The premise of this book was great. It did leave me with unanswered questions that will hopefully be resolved with the rest of the series. Overall a unique and enjoyable read.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

After her husband was 'misplaced' years ago, Opal de Petras finds herself finally granted a death certificate, and she can look elsewhere for love as a widow. However, during the event she's hosting to commemorate the occasion, Jasper de Petras turns up, very much not dead, and wanting to be welcomed back with open arms. Jasper left for a very good reason, but didn't take the time to explain that to Opal, or the children, so he has a hard job trying to reconcile and gain forgiveness.

Well, this book was okay. I requested it ages ago, forgot about it, and it was only when I was sent the link for book 3 that I realised I needed to go back and read the start of the series. I'm going to say that this was definitely a good book for setting up the series - which looks to be quite a long one - and it explained some aspects of the de Petras family which were strange to say the least. To start off with, I never really warmed to either of the main characters. Opal was too much for me, and though I really felt for her, and her suffering after Jasper left her with the children, when she was so in love, I still found her annoying. Jasper wasn't as bad. He was in the wrong for leaving, but he definitely made up for it, and had an extremely good reason for leaving. So many plot points were made and left in this book, such as Opal's brother, her niece, why Coral is so obsessed with money, etc., which I haven't seen explored much - or if at all - in the next two books. All in all, an okay book, but nothing to write home about.

A Lost Husband Is Now Found

Opal’s husband disappeared from her life. Seven years later, he showed up out of nowhere. Where was he all those years, and how can she let him into her life after he disappeared without a word? Would Jasper give Opal a good enough reason for his disappearance? If you like second-chance, historical romance, you might enjoy this story. This book left some issues unresolved. I am hoping we get some answers as the series continues. What happened to the letter Jasper wrote to Opal, and why wouldn’t he have talked to her? This was puzzling, indeed. There was more, but I do not want to spoil the plot. I did enjoy the story and would like to continue to read the series.

I haven't read any of author Emily E K Murdoch's books till now and this is the first I am trying. I opted to read this book as the summary seemed quite interesting and I wanted to see how the author expanded on the story. But the story just didn't live up to my expectations.

The book begins with Opal de Petras having her husband, Jasper, declared legally dead, after he has disappeared from her life for 7 years. And just the same day his death certificate arrives, her husband walks in to the house she lives with her children, saying that he had a reason for disappearing like that. The story introduces Opal's children to the readers and shows us the journey Jasper and Opal take to get back together. In a way, the story is a second-chance romance with a twist. There are some conflicts and misunderstandings both Jasper and Opal have to navigate and another intrigue to solve before they can do so.

In spite of the promising premise, the story fails to truly engage and live up to it's potential. There is no insight into the hearts and minds of both Jasper and Opal. The whole story seemed very one dimensional and most of the time, I just didn't understand what both the characters are thinking. There is a rift which comes about three-fourth of the book which didn't make sense to me at all. In fact, I felt the whole story depth and insight . This made it quite impossible for me to connect with the characters and root for them.

I got this book for free through Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review; and all the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The afternoon that Opal has her husband declared legally dead he returns. Jasper has been gone for seven years and after she has told her three children he won't be back there he is, right in the middle of her tea party. Opal does not feel she can trust him again. Then she finds out he has left because her life was threatened. Can they find love again, he has never lost it and can their family find happiness.

I received a copy from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This was a very different spin on the second chance at love storyline. The story opens with the heroine, Opal, being declared a widow, after her husband, Jasper, has been missing for 7 years. Jasper just up and disappeared with no notice one day and she never heard from him, had no clue what happened, and why he abandoned his wife and their three children. She suspected the worse, including his death, or his abandonment of her for another woman, and spent the years trying to keep it together for her children. After going through the time and expense of having him declared legally dead, so she could formally become a widow and perhaps find companionship again, or at least go on with her life in society, he suddenly shows back up in her life, wanting to pick up their life again.

But as the vows say, until death do us part... and he was declared dead, so as far as Opal is concerned, he is no longer her husband.

Jasper left 7 years before, after receiving threats against his wife and family, thinking that if he did as the letters said, which was to leave, they would be safe. But then nothing happened, and he receives word that he has been formally declared dead, and decides that he wants to be back with his family, and wants to court his wife and be her husband again.

Generally I like this story because it was a lovely story of second chances, and the sense of Opal's sadness at Jasper's betrayal, and her own sense of loss and lack of self worth, as a maturing woman, single mother, and feeling out of place as a foreigner (she and Jasper met in her native city of Rome) was very poignant. I also enjoyed the portrayal of her strength and warmth as a mother, and the unusual storyline as matriachal family, including the husband taking the wife's name, and the heir being down the female line. Very unusual and quite subversive for that time and society. I felt for Jasper and his sense of loss especially of all those years lost with his children, but I felt that his decision to leave without effective communication with his wife was very thoughtless and rather abrupt on his part. If she is the matriarch and he agreed to that, where was the respect and communication with her.

The threat that Jasper acted on was never truly clearly defined, with some allusions to a sibling rivalry and the revolution in France, and I felt there was not sufficient resolution of it, especially in the "current" timeline, when Jasper returns. He had left her a letter explaining his actions years ago, but she never received it. To me, that gave a sinister hint that perhaps the threat was within their household, and perhaps someone purloined his letter to cause her more distress - but again, that was never satisfactorily explained, or resolved.

Also, what was that frenemies thing with that bitch Lady Romeril - why on earth would Opal want to pursue a relationship with her, knowing she is a snobbish, mean, gossip that is looking to score points on Opal and her family? I do not get that relationship at all.

So while I enjoyed the renewal of Opal and Jasper's love and marriage, as growth as a family, I felt that the tension and threat that lead to the separation really needed more attention in the story.

3 out of 5.

It also helps that there is an old dog in the family too - you know I am always thrilled when there is a pet.
2 likes

This is the first installment of Ms. Murdoch's new series, The De Petras Saga, and I have to say it is off to a brilliant start! Jasper and Opal met in Rome and fell in love and married. After sharing a life together and three children later, Jasper abandons his family and disappears for seven years. Jasper left to protect his family, but Opal did not know this and after so many years gone, she wants to move on with her life. But once Jasper is legally declared dead, he comes back into her life that very same day. He has a lot to explain and account for. Will Opal be willing to listen?
This was an interesting and unique story and I found this to be quite entertaining. The story kept my interest all the way through. The characters were nicely developed and there was no question as to how strong their chemistry was. There were still a few unanswered questions by the end, but I'm guessing those will be answered along the way as the series progresses. It was an enjoyable story and I am happy to have had the opportunity to review. A very well-written story and great start to what looks to be a very entertaining series!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Mrs Opal de Petras was abandoned by her husband and has no idea if he is even still alive. After so many years alone she needs to move on with her life and prepare for her children's future. Our heroine lives with somewhat different expectations than most of English Society, but needs to be accepted by it for the sake of her children.
Mr Jake de Petras had his reasons for what he has done. Hopefully he can return to the life he left behind.
I really did not like this hero at all. I wanted to smack him for not trying harder to find the person responsible all those years before. Definitely not a heroic hero. Although our characters get a conclusion they are satisfied with, I wanted to know who and why started it all.
An unusual historical romance.

On the day Opal de Petras has her husband Jasper, who has been missing for seven years, declared dead and herself a widow, he comes walking through the door. Opal has the same questions the reader has. Why did he leave? Where has he been? Why did he stay gone so long? They are reunited, but can they reconcile? This is a big step not just for Opal and Jasper, but for the whole family. This is an interesting story centered around a Matriarchal family structure. Opal and Jasper love each other, but seem to function separately outside their home. They have three children, each with a unique personality and view of Jasper’s return, who are delightfully entertaining. This is the first book in the de Petra family saga. I look forward to future stories, secrets revealed, and questions answered.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I found this novel bewildering, to say the least. Having read the blurb, I was hopeful that this book would catch my interest. Unfortunately, that was not to be. The plot is somewhat unbelievable and the background to the story is ambiguous. Although the novel does come to a happy conclusion, there were still more questions than answers. However, the cover of the book is very pretty. I received a copy of this romance through NetGalley as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

England late 1700's

A story fill with angst, suspicions, secrets and a love that might not make the test of time.
That is after the abandonment of her husband for seven years.

Love at first sight, they had been a happy couple with their children and then one day he was gone.
What was she to think? She was finally able to declare him dead... Except he appeared on that day.

He had left to keep his family safe. Or did he?

A lot of unanswered questions on this first in a series that looks to be long.. Looking forward to more!

What a twist on a new series by Emily E.K. Murdoch by having the husband take the wife's name. I thought a lot about that aspect as I read this story. I realized there are so many different cultures and customs, even in 1794. I also thought it takes a man who is confident himself to be able to do that.
Since this is the first book in Emily's new series (14 books in all) I realized we were given a lot of information about the de Petras family.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series. I noticed the next book will be Coral's story which will be published in June.

Leaving your wife and children without explanation for seven years is somewhat unexpected storyline that made me want to read this book. But in the end it was not so great as I expected, I had problems connecting with the characters whose greatest problem was, as expected from the plot twist, was communication. Their love was apparently strong enough to survive the lost years and to bring them together.

What is love without trust, and how does one learn to trust those they love? That is the question that creates the powerful heart wrenching drama of The Misplaced Husband. Emily Murdoch has a particular skill for making your heart lurch with angst. From the very first few pages I could feel the heartbreak and anticipate that wrenching anguish. Two people torn apart, a lack of trust at the heart of the separation. Despite a desperate love, these two must learn to trust each other and to lean on one another for support. Knowing that problems do not disappear, nor can they be worked out alone. Knowing there are 14 books planned in this series, I am eager to get to know more of the De Petras’. This is family unique to the ways of English Society. A family led by the Matriach, the women in line of inheritance. This will certainly allow for some intriguing complications in future stories I am sure. As will the mystery of the De Petras’ history, as that certainly is not a chapter closed in this book. Well-written, steadily paced and endearingly romantic. I was so eager for the heart-healing HEA of Opal and Jaspers story, and it did not disappoint.

"Torn apart by lies, fear, confusion… now brought together by the return of affection. And lust. Definitely lust."

I received an advance review copy through Netgalley for an honest review four days ago. Fortunately, this was an engaging read that I could finish quickly even though I had very little reading time. It was released today and is now available for only 99 cents.

This was my second book by the author. She writes both sweet and steamy. The first I read was sweet. This is steamy. I enjoyed both.

This may be a slight spoiler, but this is what I would want to know when reading a review about this book. Even though the H/h husband and wife were living apart for 7 years, they both remained faithful. Neither had sex or emotional intimacy with another.

What I liked:
1) The De Petras are a matriarchal family. All the females require their husbands to take the De Petras name, and the eldest daughter inherits the money and responsibility.
2) The writing style is great. Both stories I've read developed realistic characters and drew me into the story.
3) The story is unique. A story about a married couple, estranged or otherwise, is rare; but this set of circumstances was one of a kind.

What I didn't like:
1) There is a mystery that is not resolved in this book. I have to continue the series.
2) Both Jasper and Opal made foolish decisions. Just TALK to each other about everything and share each others burdens like a married couple in love is supposed to!
3) Opal didn't appreciate Lady Romeril as much as she should. Even though Lady Romeril could be a gossipy busybody, she was the only friend Opal had and let her family live with her; yet Opal didn't like one thing about the Romerils.

Even though my likes and dislikes counts are equal, I really enjoyed the book and recommend it. I only hope I don't have to wait long for the second installment.

I enjoyed the overall plot of this book, but I think it would have been better as a short story or part of an anthology to introduce the characters.

I liked the overall concept of this book with Jasper, Opal's husband being gone for over 7 years. The relationship kindling was nice, but I felt like it took a long time to figure out why Jasper left. I also felt one of the main plots wasn't fully resolved (mystery writer) and that bothered me. If the main points were condensed into a shorter version, I think it would have made more of an impact.

I am hoping subsequent books get more into the plot details, but I did enjoy the book overall.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Ms. Opal de Petra husband went to work 7 years. Off to work he went and never came home. she kept the house, raised the children, and managed to control the finances. Luckily he had a shipping business and it stayed profitable. the morning she declared him dead, he comes walking in the door? Now the real problems become her main concern. He left because theure was troubke he wanted to eep her safe from. The book is interesting and left some entertaining thoughts about his disappearance I do think there was unanswered questions

Jasper de Petras disappeared for seven years, until he found out his wife had him legally declared dead. Opal is the matriarch of the family, according to custom, and Jasper had to take Opal's last name and leave her to manage her own finances when they married. Opal's loneliness has her thinking about taking a lover, but Jasper's sudden appearance changes her mind. She still loves him, but does not trust him. Jasper wants nothing more than to be her husband again and a father to his three children. I kind of felt the answer to Jasper's disappearance was still open. There is no doubt Jasper loves Opal and the children. Interesting epilogue with a strong enticement to read the next book in the series.❤️
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

The Misplaced Husband by Emily E K Murdoch as an amusing story that didn't hold together as well as it might have. It left basic questions that I hope will be answered in subsequent installments. Opal de Petras had fallen in love with her husband the first time she saw him. After she explained her family's eccentricities: the husband took the wife family name and the inheritance passed through the female, and he didn't flinch, she married him. All had gone well: two children and one on the way. Then one day he just . . . disappeared. Now, seven years later, she has had him declared legally dead, and as she is sitting at tea, contemplating which of the handsome men present, she would take as a lover, he shows up. She was aghast. The guests loved it. They were always available for gossip. What was she to do?

She loved him. She had missed him, but she was angry. Where had he been? What had he been doing? The communication link that had always been between them was now broken. The children were unsure. She had just given in and allowed him back in when the woman arrived at the door. She was heartbroken. She had believed him when he said he's been faithful and now here was his mistress. All the hurt came rushing back in and Murdoch made her reader feel every moment of it. The grief was spellbinding. She did what she cold do. She ran.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Misplaced Husband by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #themisplacedhusband #emilyekmurdoch

3 stars

This didn't really work for me and I notice the author has a list of 14 books in the series.

I could inderstand that this book sets up the series and there's obviously an arcing mystery over who wished Opal ill. Opal seemed to vascillitate between being quiet and resuerved at the beginning and then dominat and bossy as soon as Jaspar returned. I didn't really buy the idea that he'd just leave and not try to work out who was blackmailing him.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.