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The Golden Chronicles #1
Practice to Deceive
After the loss of her father and brother in the Battle of Culloden in 1746, Penelope Montgomery finds herself a virtual prisoner in her own home, at the mercy of her cruel uncle and his vile wife. When her uncle announces her betrothal to his crony, the odious Roland Otton, she is very upset. Then she finds a chance for rescue from an unexpected source when she stumbles upon her uncle and Otton torturing a fugitive Jacobite--who Penelope realizes is her childhood friend Quentin Chandler. Desperate to save both Quentin and herself from the evil pair, she plans an escape that leads to a breathtaking journey across England.
343 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
11 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Veryan
75 books100 followersPatricia Valeria Bannister was born in London. After World War II, she married Allan Louis Berg and moved to the United States; she lived on the West Coast and was the author of many historical novels from 1978 until 2002, using the pen names Patricia Veryan and Gwyneth Moore.
At the time of her death, she was living in Bellevue, Washington, USA.
At the time of her death, she was living in Bellevue, Washington, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 22, 2016
Like one of Georgette Heyer's Georgians, but without the wit -- which is unfortunate, as Veryan is clearly trying to be funny. There are amusing moments, but most of the attempted humor was artificial and heavy-handed. In a way this made sense, because the characters didn't seem to bright themselves. But whereas Heyer can write less intelligent characters in a sympathetic way and use the narrative prose for humor value, Veryan only succeeded in making me think that I would be more amusing than any of the people in her book, as well as better at espionage. Seriously, if Jacobite rebels were truly this idiotic, than it is no wonder they lost. Penelope and Quentin only survived because of the constant help of their inexplicably devoted servants, which especially bothered me because of how classist the narrative is.
Other people seemed to have liked this more. I may not have been in the right frame of mind -- I was kind of in a "critical reading" mode still from To the Lighthouse, which is both very demanding of attention and very rewarding, and Practice to Deceive is quite the opposite. This book really requires that rose-tinted glasses approach where you don't think about things like the oppression of women and servants.
Other people seemed to have liked this more. I may not have been in the right frame of mind -- I was kind of in a "critical reading" mode still from To the Lighthouse, which is both very demanding of attention and very rewarding, and Practice to Deceive is quite the opposite. This book really requires that rose-tinted glasses approach where you don't think about things like the oppression of women and servants.
February 5, 2017
This book is the first in a series that begins after the battle at Culloden, and is centered around a cypher in parts that when all are matched up as a whole reveal where a fortune is gold raised for the support of Bonnie Prince Charlie along with the names of the donors. The hero in this story is one of those entrusted to deliver a piece of the cypher into the proper (safe) hands. There's lots of ups and downs, secret staircases, mistaken identities, a return from the dead, a dashing hero and plenty of derring do. Good fun, but be warned this goes fast and furious and it's hard to keep track of it all if you're mind's not on the topic. Also, the coincidental meetings of so many characters again and again stretches credulity a tad (I know it's an island and all, but still...).
March 8, 2014
This author was recommended by a friend as a read-alike to Georgette Heyer, and I can see that, though I think Heyer's writing is more sparkling. I can also see how Veryan might have influenced writers like Stephanie Laurens.
The writing is light and fast-paced, the setting was fun in some ways (secret passages, yay!) and scary in others (the government's post-war hunt for Jacobites), and I enjoyed the secondary characters. It did have a Scooby Doo tone throughout much of the story though, so be warned if that's not your cuppa. Also, it starts with one of the villains threatening to sexual assault the heroine, and I would have stopped at that point if I had less faith in the person who recommended this.
I didn't quite fall in love with Penelope and Quentin as a couple -- I mean, they were entertaining at times, but I prefer heroes who are less likely to say "it would be a pity to let it all go to waste" (p. 139) right before falling into the bosom of the villain's wife, while the heroine is left waiting for his return, anxious that he might expose or further injure himself. Actually spent good chunks of the book wishing Penelope would switch her affections to Gordon or Tiele, as most of the trouble they encountered was because of Quentin's poor judgment and recklessness.
Still, enjoyed it enough that I'm planning to read more in the series. I'm hoping the sequel bait heroes that showed up in this story show more sense, though.
The writing is light and fast-paced, the setting was fun in some ways (secret passages, yay!) and scary in others (the government's post-war hunt for Jacobites), and I enjoyed the secondary characters. It did have a Scooby Doo tone throughout much of the story though, so be warned if that's not your cuppa. Also, it starts with one of the villains threatening to sexual assault the heroine, and I would have stopped at that point if I had less faith in the person who recommended this.
I didn't quite fall in love with Penelope and Quentin as a couple -- I mean, they were entertaining at times, but I prefer heroes who are less likely to say "it would be a pity to let it all go to waste" (p. 139) right before falling into the bosom of the villain's wife, while the heroine is left waiting for his return, anxious that he might expose or further injure himself. Actually spent good chunks of the book wishing Penelope would switch her affections to Gordon or Tiele, as most of the trouble they encountered was because of Quentin's poor judgment and recklessness.
Still, enjoyed it enough that I'm planning to read more in the series. I'm hoping the sequel bait heroes that showed up in this story show more sense, though.
April 27, 2018
Second book in my ongoing re-read of the Golden Chronicles series by Patricia Veryan. I was as spellbound as ever - and am so looking forward to the rest.
Although it is very good, I give it only four stars, because some of the others are even better.
Although it is very good, I give it only four stars, because some of the others are even better.
October 13, 2016
The first of the Golden Chronicles, this is one of Veryan's more adventurous, swashbuckling titles. It is full of derring-do and one of her many picaresque/chase type adventures. There is some humor, but not as much as most of her novels. It is probably too long and could easily been shortened a bit, but it does serve to introduce a number of characters, male and female, which will make a number of appearances in later novels in the series, and even in her later Jeweled Man series. In this way, the more you read her books, the more you are invested in the characters and their fates. She weaves a very complex plot in an enchanting way. Sometimes one just has to pause and read a description or a scene again just for the quality of the writing. I understand how people might be disappointed if they are expecting another Georgette Heyer, because their books have little in common. What they do have in common is how they both create a beguiling world peopled with very well-rounded lovable and hate-able characters. What Veryan has over Heyer is that you meet them or hear about them again and again as your read through the series.
It's 3 stars because her other books are so much better! Although I will say it has one of the most effective and withering scoldings of a hero (by his father) that I can remember. It is so on point and cringe producing that I felt sorry for him even though he deserved every scathing word.
It's 3 stars because her other books are so much better! Although I will say it has one of the most effective and withering scoldings of a hero (by his father) that I can remember. It is so on point and cringe producing that I felt sorry for him even though he deserved every scathing word.
March 30, 2022
4.5 stars - pretty perfect intrigue/adventure romance - lots of interesting characters, skullduggery, swashbuckling, plus some gothic elements - loved it! Can’t wait to read the next one as some of the plot elements are still open ended and feed into the continuing “bigger picture” of the whole series - plus some of the villains have yet to be properly vanquished!
July 20, 2018
Another enjoyable, funny, attention-keeping adventure and romance by Patricia Veryan. I am convinced that Mrs. Veryan isn't capable of disappointing me.
This novel is first of the series and I am thrilled what is before me.
As The Wagered Widow was, first of all, a romance, 'Practice to Deceive' was almost equally an adventure book and a romance. There was a rapid action that kept me reading. I have just turned the page after the page. And 'the love tension' was splendid.
A small complaint: There were too big coincidences, as Misfit wrote with the coincidental meetings and at the end, the plot dragged a little. So, at first I would have given it 5 stars, but now, 'only' 4.
Nonetheless, let me be clear: If you love a really laughable adventure novel with a charming love story don't even think whether you should read it - I tell you: you should!
This novel is first of the series and I am thrilled what is before me.
As The Wagered Widow was, first of all, a romance, 'Practice to Deceive' was almost equally an adventure book and a romance. There was a rapid action that kept me reading. I have just turned the page after the page. And 'the love tension' was splendid.
A small complaint: There were too big coincidences, as Misfit wrote with the coincidental meetings and at the end, the plot dragged a little. So, at first I would have given it 5 stars, but now, 'only' 4.
Nonetheless, let me be clear: If you love a really laughable adventure novel with a charming love story don't even think whether you should read it - I tell you: you should!
June 7, 2010
Except for some risque parts this was a pretty clean, adventerous, somewhat humorous book. It takes place in the late 1700's in England between a girl (who has lost her family and is under her rulefull uncle's and aunt's thumbs) and a boy (who is seeking to fulfill his assignment to get a code safely delivered for the rebels) who were childhood friends, but have not seen each other in years and end up together in the same house. They then escape together and are chased from several directions. I enjoyed reading it.
October 8, 2020
Less bad than boring. Quentin and Penelope are just kind of bland characters, the humor all feels kind of samey, and even the disguises are kind of uninspired. It's quite possible I just wasn't in the right mood for this book. Regardless, I didn't like it.
May 15, 2013
Most of the people who reviewed this book thought that it wasn't very good. I have to whole-heartedly disagree. Ms. Veryan did a wonderful job with this book. I really like Penelope because of her quiet strength and the fact that she will do what she has to do. The book contains several 'funnies' such as the part with the sergeant's hands and the "Death Dew" scene.
One reviewer wrote that the author didn't have enough to do with the 'historical' aspect of it. I disagree. This is a work of fiction. You can tell that the author has done her research, but it isn't full of cold hard facts. (Personally, I find it very annoying when and author throws in so many facts that you lose sight of the story.)Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wwill read it again.
*The only down-side is there is a little bit of language and a couple of scenes where some...uh...not very appropriate things happen. Other than that it is a good book.
One reviewer wrote that the author didn't have enough to do with the 'historical' aspect of it. I disagree. This is a work of fiction. You can tell that the author has done her research, but it isn't full of cold hard facts. (Personally, I find it very annoying when and author throws in so many facts that you lose sight of the story.)Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wwill read it again.
*The only down-side is there is a little bit of language and a couple of scenes where some...uh...not very appropriate things happen. Other than that it is a good book.
June 11, 2008
If you love period pieces with real heroes and heroines and the best (and cleanest) love stories, you have to read this series. This is #1, and it is very hard to find, but is wonderful. All six books carry the same overall plot line of brave men who follow their conscience to restore lost treasures donated by the Scottish followers of Charles II in his bid to regain the throne of England. To do so is high treason. The individual stories deal focus on a particular couple and their part of the continuing story.
January 25, 2010
A fun read--Penelope Montgomery and Quentin Chandler (a former Jacobite) are desperately fleeing across England, with several British army officers nipping at their heels. A cute romance, some funny moments, and pretty good historical accuracy make this enjoyable. This book also briefly introduces many of the characters who will become main characters later in the Golden Chronicles series.
June 26, 2010
So, I started this series a few weeks ago with high expectations but was a little disappointed with the first book. (I'm currently on book 4) Many people have compared this author to Georgette Heyer (who I really like) so I decided to continue with this series. I'm so glad I did!
August 12, 2007
This whole series is wonderful. I've reread all 6 books of the Golden Chronicles several times, whenever I need some serious escapism.
June 7, 2017
4.60 stars - pg13/mild r-lite
September 11, 2015
This is definitely not my favorite book of Veryan's but still a good read.
February 11, 2018
Loved it!
December 14, 2024
The writting is captivating, equal to Austen and Heyer. It would have been 5+ stars if it had not been for sexual scenes, I find it frustrating when a good book can be ruined by loose sex.
June 22, 2025
3rd in my Veryan re-read. Starts June, 1746.
Lots of angsty melodrama and adventure. Evil relatives, lots of jaunting around while being chased by bad guys.
Characters reappearing: Mariner Fotheringay (from Mistress of Willowvale), Captain Holt, Treve De Villars, Viscount Glendenning (from the Wagered Widow) and introduced: Duncan Tiele, the maid Betty (does she show up again later on?), Father Charles Albritton. References to Marbury (from Mistress of Willowvale, friend of Penelope's father) and Thaddeus Briley (name dropped by Penelope's Aunt). Brooks Lambert is also name dropped (he'll show up as a character in the third Golden Chronicles book, The Tyrant).
Lots of angsty melodrama and adventure. Evil relatives, lots of jaunting around while being chased by bad guys.
Characters reappearing: Mariner Fotheringay (from Mistress of Willowvale), Captain Holt, Treve De Villars, Viscount Glendenning (from the Wagered Widow) and introduced: Duncan Tiele, the maid Betty (does she show up again later on?), Father Charles Albritton. References to Marbury (from Mistress of Willowvale, friend of Penelope's father) and Thaddeus Briley (name dropped by Penelope's Aunt). Brooks Lambert is also name dropped (he'll show up as a character in the third Golden Chronicles book, The Tyrant).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2010
Decided to re-read this series. This was a good one. The heroine knows who she loves and is an example of how women left their homes and cleaved to their husbands/loves more than we do now I think.
June 16, 2012
Good romance. Interesting plot twists and some truly funny moments. Maybe a little too long.
April 10, 2013
Great historical series; lots of action & romance.
June 7, 2015
This was not one of my favourites in the series.
It has cheating (at least I see it as cheating) and somehow Quentin just didn't cut it for me.
Still a good read though.
It has cheating (at least I see it as cheating) and somehow Quentin just didn't cut it for me.
Still a good read though.
March 1, 2016
Good read. Lots of nail biting suspense. Recommended.
December 13, 2009
Regency Romance. I liked the story and the authors writing style.
August 14, 2018
My least favorite book of hers, but unfortunately it sets up the series so....*shrug*
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews