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Alice Chetwynd Ley
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The Jewelled Snuff Box: Romance and intrigue in Georgian England Kindle Edition

by Alice Chetwynd Ley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 2,188 ratings
A classic, best-selling pre Regency romance! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Jane Aiken Hodge and Jane Austen.

A young girl with a mysterious past finds herself unwittingly caught up in a scandal…


1802, England



Young governess Jane Spencer is travelling to London when stormy weather forces her stagecoach to make a stop.

Battling through the snow to a nearby inn, she discovers a man, seemingly lifeless, by the side of the road. Though he appears to have been set upon by highwayman, they have left next to him in the ditch a clearly valuable jewelled snuff box.

When the man recovers his senses, he is dismayed to find he has completely lost his memory.

Sympathetic to his plight, Jane promises to help him discover his identity. But as soon as they reach London he disappears, leaving Jane with the snuff box…

Who was the enigmatic man? Why did he disappear?

And what secrets are hidden inside the mysterious jewelled snuff box…?



THE JEWELLED SNUFF BOX is the first novel by Alice Chetwynd Ley: a traditional British, pre Regency romance novel with a twist of suspense and mystery, set in Georgian England.

‘a cracking good tale, well paced, well told, with believable characters and plot twists that seem organic rather than arbitrary. I would recommend it for those looking for an old fashioned good read’ - Regency Retro Reads

‘These vintage Regency romances hover somewhere between Jane Austen and the genre as we know it today. I really enjoy them.’ - Sonya’s Stuff
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  1. Print length
    178 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 13, 2018
  4. File size
    1.6 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07D2TT9QC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books (May 13, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 13, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 178 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1533130914
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 2,188 ratings

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Alice Chetwynd Ley

Alice Chetwynd Ley

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
2,188 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the storyline engaging and well-thought-out. They describe the romance as sweet and delightful, with a cozy mystery thrown in. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written, easy to read, and well-edited. They appreciate the well-developed characters and their likability. The book keeps them interested with its suspenseful plot and historical accuracy.

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StorylineRomanceWriting qualityCharacter developmentInterestHistorical accuracyAppealPace
109 customers mention "Storyline"109 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find it engaging, with a good plot and well-developed characters. The book is described as fun, lighthearted, and enjoyable with some mystery elements.

"...I suggest that this is a book for anyone who would like a sweet story about a young woman whose life is blessed after trials and tribulations." Read more

"...The plot is unusual but pleasant. It’s a clean romance and a comfortable way to spend a few enjoyable hours." Read more

"...An amazing message! I also love the twists and turns and surprises in the plot...." Read more

"...After all, this book is 56 years old. But I had a great time reading it...." Read more

62 customers mention "Romance"50 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the sweet love story with no sex or lewd scenes. They describe the book as a delightful historical romance with a well-plotted mystery. The book is described as better than most fake Regency romances, with a happy ending and nice plot twists.

"...The plot is unusual but pleasant. It’s a clean romance and a comfortable way to spend a few enjoyable hours." Read more

"...An amazing message! I also love the twists and turns and surprises in the plot...." Read more

"...Of course, this is the old-fashioned style Regency romance so it won't be to all tastes, especially those who enjoy the sexier recently-written HRs...." Read more

"Another amazing story by Mrs. Ley! And what an interesting one. This book kept me turning pages until the end...." Read more

49 customers mention "Writing quality"45 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it easy to read, well-edited, and a delightful story from an earlier era. The characters are believable and the author is talented. It's a light read with two likable characters progressing through the story.

"So glad I discovered this author! Her books are well written, clean, and engaging...." Read more

"...It was written during a different period in time and in a style that is no longer what readers expect when they read a romance...." Read more

"This is a light read with two likable characters progressing through a romance. The plot is unusual but pleasant...." Read more

"...The writing is good, the characters engaging, and the plots, although predictable, hold my interest...." Read more

32 customers mention "Character development"32 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find the main female character likable and the H and H are helpful people.

"...Her books are well written, clean, and engaging. The heroine is never a stupid, helpless creature making ridiculous decisions, and the plot keeps..." Read more

"...Her character development is outstanding. Her sense of human nature is spot on...." Read more

"I simply loved the main female character...." Read more

"...The writing is good, the characters engaging, and the plots, although predictable, hold my interest...." Read more

17 customers mention "Interest"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging storyline. They find it captivating with a new twist that keeps them hooked. The book offers suspense, mystery, and romance, while remaining suitable for work settings. While some readers appreciate the message, others find the content too profound or salacious.

"...Her books are well written, clean, and engaging...." Read more

"...An amazing message! I also love the twists and turns and surprises in the plot...." Read more

"...the characters engaging, and the plots, although predictable, hold my interest. This one has a bit of a mystery along with the romance...." Read more

"...This story engaged my attention well enough. I even got emotionally touched when the Earl revealed the truth...." Read more

13 customers mention "Historical accuracy"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book. They find the details of the period authentic and the story satisfying for their love of history and English culture.

"A charming, old-fashioned Regency that seems very true to the period. I liked the heroine, Jane, very much...." Read more

"...Bronte, and Heyer - with romance, hints of mystery, and the draw of the period setting to entice readers to dive into this story from the start." Read more

"...An easy and engaging read with well presented characters. A nostalgic read." Read more

"...She has a good grasp of the era, and while her stuff doesn't have the snap and crackle of a Heyer book they're very good." Read more

11 customers mention "Appeal"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book appealing. They describe it as a good example of Regency style, with an ungraphic narrative that makes it more enjoyable. The writing is well-crafted and paints a vivid picture of the era.

"A charming, old-fashioned Regency that seems very true to the period. I liked the heroine, Jane, very much...." Read more

"...No. What it is is good, clean fun! No graphic descriptions, just a light-hearted romance filled with miscommunications, somewhat one-dimensional..." Read more

"Chetwynd paints a wonderful portrait of the era, I enjoyed every moment of reading...." Read more

"...This, to me, was a good example of the Regency style." Read more

10 customers mention "Pace"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it fast-paced and enjoyable, though some feel the ending is abrupt.

"...The pacing and story development is fine, except the ending, which is quite abrupt. To me it missed real closure...." Read more

"...It's a pleasant change of pace." Read more

"...The read was fast and fascinating.. You will enjoy this book. Also the love seemed very real, and I was glad there were no illicit descriptive of sex." Read more

"...Her plot is original and the pacing is superb, each character is fully fleshed out so you are in no doubt of their motives and actions..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Denise Brown
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    So glad I discovered this author! Her books are well written, clean, and engaging. The heroine is never a stupid, helpless creature making ridiculous decisions, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. Can't wait to read more!
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  • Texanne
    4.0 out of 5 stars A SWEET STORY FROM A DIFFERENT TIME AND PLACE
    Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a really sweet story.

    A young woman who has fallen on hard times is mistreated by a mean and jealous woman. And then things fall into place for her and her life becomes better.

    It was written during a different period in time and in a style that is no longer what readers expect when they read a romance.

    Jane helps a stranger who has been injured and falls in love with him. He cannot remember who he is. Jane pays for him to go to London and see her solicitor so he can be helped. But, he disappears and she has no idea where he is or who he is.

    She must take a position as a companion and she finds that the woman who will be her employer, Celia, is a woman she knew from her boarding school. The woman is not a nice person. Celia was a mean spirited girl and she has not changed since she became a woman.

    Jane runs into the man, Richard, who was injured and he Is part of Celia’s life.. Celia is a beautiful woman who has had many affairs and believes she has played her husband for a fool. Her relationships are all based on what she can gain and who she can control.

    The story is interesting but at times I felt it got bogged down.

    This author was a talented writer and I understand why she was successful. Her character development is outstanding. Her sense of human nature is spot on. In short, she was a terrific writer about people from a different time and place.

    I suggest that this is a book for anyone who would like a sweet story about a young woman whose life is blessed after trials and tribulations.
    Helpful
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  • Sue
    3.0 out of 5 stars Sweet romance
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is a light read with two likable characters progressing through a romance. The plot is unusual but pleasant. It’s a clean romance and a comfortable way to spend a few enjoyable hours.
    Helpful
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  • Secret Pearls Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great characters
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I simply loved the main female character. I do not know how rare such a personality is - if it even exists - but I love her desire to see good in everyone. Even in the end as an enemy breaks down, she mourns for what could have been. An amazing message! I also love the twists and turns and surprises in the plot. I definitely wasn't able to guess the plot points correctly for this novel. I do love surprises after getting use to typical romance plot structures.
    Helpful
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  • OLT
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quite the Regency oldie. From 1959.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Oh, the magic of e-books. Out-of-print oldies available for reading again. Of course, this is the old-fashioned style Regency romance so it won't be to all tastes, especially those who enjoy the sexier recently-written HRs. After all, this book is 56 years old. But I had a great time reading it.

    Alice Chetwynd Ley (1913-2004) was a British writer of romance novels. She wrote these romances between 1959 and 1986 and this one is, I believe, her first. Her romances are quite old-school but, for me, they're a warm, comforting read. The writing is good, the characters engaging, and the plots, although predictable, hold my interest.

    This one has a bit of a mystery along with the romance. Heroine Jane is on her way to London to her new place of employment. The coach meets with a snowstorm and, as the passengers walk to a nearby inn, they discover an unconscious man, apparent victim of a robbery. He wakes up with amnesia and is befriended by Jane. They go off to London where he disappears w/o a trace.

    But there's much more to come. Jane goes to her new job as companion to a young countess and the story is off and running. There are lots of coincidences here to make the story go where the author wants it to, probably more than one could expect in real life, and some too-good-to-be-true events in the heroine's life but I liked this a lot and hope to find more of Chetwynd Ley's books available in e-format.
    43 people found this helpful
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  • Cliff Long
    5.0 out of 5 stars Are a man and a snuff box connected to a crime?
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is a well written mystery. It contains enough plot changes to keep the reader trying to guess the ending.

    Jane Spencer and her friends, while traveling to London through a snowstorm find a man being buried in the snow along the side of the road. He is taken to a nearby roadhouse to revive but has no memory of who he is or how came to be in the snow. He has no money or identification on him. A jewelled snuff box is found as the only clue about him. He is revived and transported to London before disappearing.

    Jane attempts to find out about him and so the story goes.
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  • Belle
    4.0 out of 5 stars Light and clean
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I had my doubts when i started reading this and thought it was going to be one of those books i would be skipping parts just to get to the end. I am glad i didn't judge it by its premise. I loved Jane for her spirit and sense of independence. I found Richard agreeable for the most part. Some of his actions would have been really lousy had he not the excuse of a memory loss. Still, i do not understand why he had to undertake that errand for Celia in the first place, as obviously, the manipulating lady was quite capable of setting anything in motion to get what she wants. Anyway, this undertaking provided for much of the suspense or misunderstanding, for that matter. I'll just categorise Richard as foolish yet noble. I am of the opinion that a hero shouldn't be painted as absolute perfection, for no one ever is, and here we have a hero with flaws which makes his character realistic.

    This story engaged my attention well enough. I even got emotionally touched when the Earl revealed the truth. The pacing and story development is fine, except the ending, which is quite abrupt. To me it missed real closure. At least i would have loved to know Celia's reaction upon finding out who Jane really is and what it means to both's circumstances. Overall, the story is light, and the writing style sound truer to the period than many others written by current authors, as this book is apparently around 50 years old. My kindle copy though contains some spelling errors, and i had to wonder if such words exist, until i realised that they were simply misspelled. Readers looking for light and clean reads will really enjoy this one.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in India on January 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Lovely story. I loved reading the book. Full of twists and turns. Loved the way it's written, makes u emotional sometimes. Enjoyed reading it.
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  • Mrs. Susan E. Reid
    5.0 out of 5 stars This lady's writing style is reminiscent of Jane Austen and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
    Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    What a delightful tale. Beautifully written in the Austen style. Filled with historical accuracy and romantic substance in all its best forms. I will buy more of this author's works simply for the joy of escaping into a well written, good book.
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  • LEP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery man
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I thought that this book and The Guinea Stamp were the best books in those I've read so far by this author, and that is because there is a story behind them rather than just a love story. ACL is quite similar to Georgette Heyer in style. One fault she does have is that she uses the aristocrate's family names as their titles. That was not usual, sometimes it happened but not often, in most cases the title would be something else e.g. the Littleton family of Hagley, Worcestershire, title is Viscount Cobham (Lord Cobham).

    In this book, governess Jane Spencer is travelling to London in a sudden snow storm when her stagecoach is forced to stop. Jane finds a seemingly lifeless man in a ditch. Next to him is a valuable jewelled snuff box. When the man recovers, he has lost his memory. Jane promises to help him and takes him to London, where he disappears, leaving her with the snuff box. Who is the man and what mysteries does the snuff box hold? Unlike some of the other books, Jane is not a very young, silly heroine.
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  • Jessie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pleasantly surprised
    Reviewed in France on July 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This was a step outside today's usual Regency romance. There is no great passion shown between the characters, unless you consider one of the women character's bad temper passion. I found the story easy to read and the author was able to conjuror up settings for me.This I realised once I was well and truly into the story. I have only just learned how long ago this book was first published, so I can say that I didn't find it particularly dated, but rather in the style of Georgette Heyer. I can recommend it without hesitation.
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  • Kindle Junkie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Jewelled Snuff Box
    Reviewed in Germany on April 19, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Jane is a kind, sober young woman, who has adjusted well to her reduced circumstances. Her lawyer's reaction when he learns of her new position as a companion to the Countess of Bordesly makes the reader wonder if something will go wrong there. The story held my attention throughout.
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