What do you think?
Rate this book
Wetherholt #2
Wondering: A Sequel: A Clean Victorian Romance
Escape into the rich and wonderful Victorian era…. Follow along with the Dairton sisters as they navigate the challenges of life and the complexities of love in this riveting sequel.
Three years after Orrin Elwood left Wetherholt to make his fortune in St. Louis, he abruptly breaks off his understanding with Nett Dairton, telling her to stop waiting for him. Confused and hurt, Nett is still reeling from his rejection when her former fiancé Nathaniel Jackson comes striding back into her life. Nett finds herself falling all over again for the very charming and attentive Nathaniel, who seems to have matured from the boy he was.
Nett's younger sister Lissie is not convinced Nathaniel is as reformed as he appears, and she sends letter after letter to Nett, urging her to be cautious. But Lissie can only do so much; she and Darius have their hands full raising their twins and attempting to repair their own severed relationship with Orrin. He’s such a different man now, and Darius has become worried for his brother—especially when he discovers Orrin has been keeping secrets....
Questions and mysteries abound as the captivating story unfolds exclusively through written letters. At the heart of this diverting Victorian tale are enduring families, charming humor, and selfless forgiveness.
Experience Wondering ’s joy, humor, and tears akin to your favorite classic novels by authors such as Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott.
Three years after Orrin Elwood left Wetherholt to make his fortune in St. Louis, he abruptly breaks off his understanding with Nett Dairton, telling her to stop waiting for him. Confused and hurt, Nett is still reeling from his rejection when her former fiancé Nathaniel Jackson comes striding back into her life. Nett finds herself falling all over again for the very charming and attentive Nathaniel, who seems to have matured from the boy he was.
Nett's younger sister Lissie is not convinced Nathaniel is as reformed as he appears, and she sends letter after letter to Nett, urging her to be cautious. But Lissie can only do so much; she and Darius have their hands full raising their twins and attempting to repair their own severed relationship with Orrin. He’s such a different man now, and Darius has become worried for his brother—especially when he discovers Orrin has been keeping secrets....
Questions and mysteries abound as the captivating story unfolds exclusively through written letters. At the heart of this diverting Victorian tale are enduring families, charming humor, and selfless forgiveness.
Experience Wondering ’s joy, humor, and tears akin to your favorite classic novels by authors such as Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
279 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2022
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 5, 2024
4 stars. I was very happy to hear there was a sequel to Wetherholt and this was the perfect wrap-up! This book is set about 2 or 3 years after but picks up right where it left off in plot and feel, minus L & D being married and having a pair of adorable twins.
Once again, I was drawn into the epistolary style of the book—it’s so well done! I enjoyed the sweet, family-centred, slice of life feel of the book (well, for most of it) and all the gentle comedy. Brooks was always a hoot, but Mary makes him a hoot and a half, and Alice adds another half! Darius is just as fun as before (although there were a couple letters where I just wanted to *strangle* him, or at least shake him thoroughly) and Lissie was nicely herself—I had a quiet chuckle at her expense when she started lecturing and let her imagination run away with her like in the first book. As for Orrin—I didn’t love him in book one, but I liked him well enough. In this book, my toleration for him went down very low and never really climbed back up. I could not fathom how he managed to do what he did. But Nett I liked as much as ever—she’s such a lovely girl. And all the side characters—Waverly, Jane, the servants & apprentices, Mr. + Mrs. Dairton, Evelyn, and Uncle Rush—were well done and interesting. Mr. J. threw me for a loop and I tried so hard to like him before I began to despise him heartily.
The plot was such a rollercoaster as I have seldom read. The angst and the terrible question of WHAT WAS HAPPENING that endured for so long—at least, I felt like it was a long time—was really draining and frustrating to me. The situation hit me in a very vulnerable place and made me feel very uneasy/unsafe, so I personally struggled with that aspect of the plot. However, I did enjoy the mystery aspect that kept me reading to figure it all out; and when I think of the book, my overall feeling is one of enjoyment and cozy slice-of-life feels. And I just have to point out how GORGEOUS that cover is and how much I love it! I totally need this series in paperback.
Content: wondering if someone has an illegitimate child; hints that a man wants to spend a night with a girl.
~ quotes to come upon reread ~
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Once again, I was drawn into the epistolary style of the book—it’s so well done! I enjoyed the sweet, family-centred, slice of life feel of the book (well, for most of it) and all the gentle comedy. Brooks was always a hoot, but Mary makes him a hoot and a half, and Alice adds another half! Darius is just as fun as before (although there were a couple letters where I just wanted to *strangle* him, or at least shake him thoroughly) and Lissie was nicely herself—I had a quiet chuckle at her expense when she started lecturing and let her imagination run away with her like in the first book. As for Orrin—I didn’t love him in book one, but I liked him well enough. In this book, my toleration for him went down very low and never really climbed back up. I could not fathom how he managed to do what he did. But Nett I liked as much as ever—she’s such a lovely girl. And all the side characters—Waverly, Jane, the servants & apprentices, Mr. + Mrs. Dairton, Evelyn, and Uncle Rush—were well done and interesting. Mr. J. threw me for a loop and I tried so hard to like him before I began to despise him heartily.
The plot was such a rollercoaster as I have seldom read. The angst and the terrible question of WHAT WAS HAPPENING that endured for so long—at least, I felt like it was a long time—was really draining and frustrating to me. The situation hit me in a very vulnerable place and made me feel very uneasy/unsafe, so I personally struggled with that aspect of the plot. However, I did enjoy the mystery aspect that kept me reading to figure it all out; and when I think of the book, my overall feeling is one of enjoyment and cozy slice-of-life feels. And I just have to point out how GORGEOUS that cover is and how much I love it! I totally need this series in paperback.
Content: wondering if someone has an illegitimate child; hints that a man wants to spend a night with a girl.
~ quotes to come upon reread ~
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
October 13, 2022
Another fantastic and delightfully written epistolary novel!
Adams’ writing style is so easy and enjoyable to read, and while I don’t read a ton of epistolary literature, I have found hers to be splendidly well done.
This sequel definitely had a lot more stress happening throughout the story. I still loved most of the characters, but I sometimes found Nett or Lizzie or Darius or Orrin sometimes confusing in their actions. I think Brooks and Mary are still my favorite characters. And the children were also a delightful addition. Adams did a great job of writing realistic adorable children which I really appreciated.
Like I said some of the characters, while I still loved them, made me slightly confused with their actions. It almost was as if they stepped out of character for a season of their life. And that made me a good bit annoyed with them some of the time. I also didn’t know how to feel after I found out what Orrin had done. I still actually don’t know how to feel about him. In fact, part of me feels kind of like he has come down in my esteem for him, but at the same time I still really like him, and I still really want to like him. I guess I am just a tad bit frustrated with him though for being so stupid. But also Nett was kind of stupid too some of the time which exasperated me and made me want to shake some sense into her.
I loved Lizzie and Nett’s dad though. He had some very sage advice that I agreed with and glad he said it too.
I will say that sometimes I think a lot less mistakes and misconceptions would happen if people just talked to each other more. Especially husbands and wives (looking at Lizzie and Darius here), but also those courting each other, such as Orrin and Nett.
Anyway, this was another wonderful book by Marissa Adams. It was so fun to finally read the sequel to Wetherholt. If you enjoy epistolary literature, then I highly recommend Marissa Adams books.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.
Adams’ writing style is so easy and enjoyable to read, and while I don’t read a ton of epistolary literature, I have found hers to be splendidly well done.
This sequel definitely had a lot more stress happening throughout the story. I still loved most of the characters, but I sometimes found Nett or Lizzie or Darius or Orrin sometimes confusing in their actions. I think Brooks and Mary are still my favorite characters. And the children were also a delightful addition. Adams did a great job of writing realistic adorable children which I really appreciated.
Like I said some of the characters, while I still loved them, made me slightly confused with their actions. It almost was as if they stepped out of character for a season of their life. And that made me a good bit annoyed with them some of the time. I also didn’t know how to feel after I found out what Orrin had done. I still actually don’t know how to feel about him. In fact, part of me feels kind of like he has come down in my esteem for him, but at the same time I still really like him, and I still really want to like him. I guess I am just a tad bit frustrated with him though for being so stupid. But also Nett was kind of stupid too some of the time which exasperated me and made me want to shake some sense into her.
I loved Lizzie and Nett’s dad though. He had some very sage advice that I agreed with and glad he said it too.
I will say that sometimes I think a lot less mistakes and misconceptions would happen if people just talked to each other more. Especially husbands and wives (looking at Lizzie and Darius here), but also those courting each other, such as Orrin and Nett.
Anyway, this was another wonderful book by Marissa Adams. It was so fun to finally read the sequel to Wetherholt. If you enjoy epistolary literature, then I highly recommend Marissa Adams books.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.
October 15, 2022
I will admit that this story surprised me. After reading Wetherholt, I never expected *this* from Orrin—he was too sensible and level. But alas, people are never as clear cut as they appear.
Lissie and Darius are great, and I loved seeing them as parents.
Brooks and Mary are the best, and I would happily read of book of all of Brooks’s antics with Mary running interference. 😂
I do love Nett, though at times I thought she came across as acting a little young for 27. Her love triangle wasn’t my cup of tea, and the angst was real in this story. 😉
When it comes to Mr. Nathaniel Jackson, I have a few choice words for him and am first in line to volunteer to give him a smack upside the head with a frying pan. (I am only partly kidding. Seriously, this man needs to take the hint!)
The mystery with Orrin was interesting and kept me reading till the end. Did things wrap up pretty tidily? Yes, but by that point, I was grateful for the resolution!
While not as light hearted as Wetherholt, this cute sequel is still sweet with some fantastic humour woven in!
AND THE COVER!!! 😍
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Lissie and Darius are great, and I loved seeing them as parents.
Brooks and Mary are the best, and I would happily read of book of all of Brooks’s antics with Mary running interference. 😂
I do love Nett, though at times I thought she came across as acting a little young for 27. Her love triangle wasn’t my cup of tea, and the angst was real in this story. 😉
When it comes to Mr. Nathaniel Jackson, I have a few choice words for him and am first in line to volunteer to give him a smack upside the head with a frying pan. (I am only partly kidding. Seriously, this man needs to take the hint!)
The mystery with Orrin was interesting and kept me reading till the end. Did things wrap up pretty tidily? Yes, but by that point, I was grateful for the resolution!
While not as light hearted as Wetherholt, this cute sequel is still sweet with some fantastic humour woven in!
AND THE COVER!!! 😍
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 23, 2022
I received an ARC for this book, but all opinions and thoughts are purely my own.
Wondering is the perfect sequel and ending to Wetherholt.
Like its precedessor, Wondering is a light, quick, clean, funny, charming and romantic read which will leave you giggling and squealing at, much to the amusement and of the ones so unfortunate to find themselves near you while you're reading these books.
As I received a digital copy, I could not underline my favourite parts, but I promise that there are great passages, from witty one-liners to deep messages woven into this story.
I was so happy to step into the lives of Lissie, Nett, Darius and Orrin again, it felt like catching up with some old friends you haven't see in years. I also loved reading about Brooks, Janie and Waverly, Jack and Albert, Mr. and Mrs. Dairton and all the side characters that brought life to the story. I particulary felt like I could relate to Nett while reading Wondering, even if I remember relating to Lissie more when reading Wetherholt!
I also loved how Wondering somewhat provided a nice analysis on human behaviour: how the same person and their actions can cast different perceptions on different people around them and how there are always at least two different sides to every story, so we should always search for them instead of considering our subjective opinions the truth.
I'll also add that the author did a fantastic job at getting me, the reader, attached to her characters, because I will admit that I did tear up at the ending. It was so beautiful reading how the characters had grown and how their life was, after all those years...I always love to know how my beloved characters are doing at the end of the book, and this epilogue was perfect.
In conclusion: this book is perfect for anyone who wishes Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott were still alive and writing books. Truly a charming and highly recommended read!
Wondering is the perfect sequel and ending to Wetherholt.
Like its precedessor, Wondering is a light, quick, clean, funny, charming and romantic read which will leave you giggling and squealing at, much to the amusement and of the ones so unfortunate to find themselves near you while you're reading these books.
As I received a digital copy, I could not underline my favourite parts, but I promise that there are great passages, from witty one-liners to deep messages woven into this story.
I was so happy to step into the lives of Lissie, Nett, Darius and Orrin again, it felt like catching up with some old friends you haven't see in years. I also loved reading about Brooks, Janie and Waverly, Jack and Albert, Mr. and Mrs. Dairton and all the side characters that brought life to the story. I particulary felt like I could relate to Nett while reading Wondering, even if I remember relating to Lissie more when reading Wetherholt!
I also loved how Wondering somewhat provided a nice analysis on human behaviour: how the same person and their actions can cast different perceptions on different people around them and how there are always at least two different sides to every story, so we should always search for them instead of considering our subjective opinions the truth.
I'll also add that the author did a fantastic job at getting me, the reader, attached to her characters, because I will admit that I did tear up at the ending. It was so beautiful reading how the characters had grown and how their life was, after all those years...I always love to know how my beloved characters are doing at the end of the book, and this epilogue was perfect.
In conclusion: this book is perfect for anyone who wishes Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott were still alive and writing books. Truly a charming and highly recommended read!
October 31, 2022
Once again, Marissa Adams knocked it out of the park. I’m a busy college student- I definitely don’t have time for recreational reading. But there I was, on my bed for hours at a time reading this adorable book. I finished it in two days.
I won’t spoil the book for those who haven’t read it but it answers all our burning questions from Wetherholt and resolves some issues left open in the prequel. It also adds a mystery that I absolutely loved! It brought a lot of interest to the book that a pure drama wouldn’t have given.
The character development was extremely well done. We see flaws that we hadn’t seen before in Wetherholt as well as growth from previous flaws. I really enjoyed seeing Nett growing through the trials of this book.
I did receive a free copy of the book before release in exchange for my honest review, but all these thoughts are purely my own. :)
I won’t spoil the book for those who haven’t read it but it answers all our burning questions from Wetherholt and resolves some issues left open in the prequel. It also adds a mystery that I absolutely loved! It brought a lot of interest to the book that a pure drama wouldn’t have given.
The character development was extremely well done. We see flaws that we hadn’t seen before in Wetherholt as well as growth from previous flaws. I really enjoyed seeing Nett growing through the trials of this book.
I did receive a free copy of the book before release in exchange for my honest review, but all these thoughts are purely my own. :)
October 31, 2022
Another beautiful book from Marissa Adams. Her beautiful style of writing continues to stand on its own, making quite the unique read. She walks the balance wonderfully of writing relatable and realistic characters that you can love and want to shake some sense into simultaneously. It's definitely worth the read for the witty writing, charming characters, and twisting story that keeps you saying to yourself 'one more letter, one more letter'. I received a free ARC and am not required to leave a positive review.
July 22, 2023
I believe this is my first introduction into historical fiction, especially done in this very unique and intriguing style of letters. It makes a great deal of sense for that period of time when letters was the main means of communicating across the miles. I started this read yesterday when I was feeling a little down for life’s reasons but then these letters picked me up and I literally couldn’t even stop! I give it five stars as the story line was impeccably done so well! Now I have to start the other one!! Great read! Chris Daniel
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews