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The Spinster Chronicles #8
Not Quite a Spinster
Close, but no Spinster...
Lieutenant Edward Henshaw has been in love from the moment he set eyes on the most beautiful woman in creation. He has been cautious, he has been attentive, and he has been patient, and now... Now... Well, now he's made a wager with the heiress Charlotte Wright as to who will marry first, and he will be no match for her determination. So his waiting must end, and he must court his heart's Miss Kitty Morton.
Kitty is as shy as shy can be, which has never seemed to bother Edward. When plans are made for her to start entertaining the attentions of bachelors, there is no one she wants by her side except him and the comfort his presence provides. What she does not expect is how very uncomfortable she starts to feel around him, and how very much she enjoys it.
Lieutenant Edward Henshaw has been in love from the moment he set eyes on the most beautiful woman in creation. He has been cautious, he has been attentive, and he has been patient, and now... Now... Well, now he's made a wager with the heiress Charlotte Wright as to who will marry first, and he will be no match for her determination. So his waiting must end, and he must court his heart's Miss Kitty Morton.
Kitty is as shy as shy can be, which has never seemed to bother Edward. When plans are made for her to start entertaining the attentions of bachelors, there is no one she wants by her side except him and the comfort his presence provides. What she does not expect is how very uncomfortable she starts to feel around him, and how very much she enjoys it.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
64 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
93 books1,280 followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 19, 2023
I've loved this entire Spinster series and so happy that Kitty finally gets her happily ever after. I liked that Henshaw was the one in love first because usually it's the woman who's secretly in love with the guy. I liked how Kitty wanted Henshaw there to give her courage and then she had to process the feelings she started to have towards him. Such a sweet ending to this wonderful series.
April 11, 2022
Very sweet novella:} I enjoyed Kitty and Hensha's story. I have loved this whole series and this story is a nice addition. Lots of sweet moments in this one:} Sweet with a kiss or two.
February 7, 2025
Love
This is a very clever and fun book about a love match long overdue between a very shy girl and a gentleman who loved Kitty for a very long time! It took so long because Edward and Kitty were such great friends for a long time, and Edward wanted to propose marriage when he was sure Kitty loved him. It took awhile for her to realize that she loved him, but wasn’t sure how to tell him. So she writes an article in the Spinster Chronicles to tell him! Very ingenious, and so romantic!!
This is a very clever and fun book about a love match long overdue between a very shy girl and a gentleman who loved Kitty for a very long time! It took so long because Edward and Kitty were such great friends for a long time, and Edward wanted to propose marriage when he was sure Kitty loved him. It took awhile for her to realize that she loved him, but wasn’t sure how to tell him. So she writes an article in the Spinster Chronicles to tell him! Very ingenious, and so romantic!!
May 11, 2025
Very intriguing , and fun story about a crush that has taken to long when our hero is put into the friend Carey, or is he ? Our heroine has feelings as well, and has almost given up. Then he finically makes some progress, but has wagered on the outcome due to his pride. Now he wonders if all will be lost if she learns the truth. A quick sit down with him showing regret and honesty is the best answer, but every time he tries something gets in the way. You will have to read it to see what happens.
April 26, 2022
I. Loved. This. Book.
I have come to realize, friends to lovers is not one of my favourite tropes…EXCEPT in novellas! Because the slow unrequited love, pining for someone they think they’ll never have part is completely skipped. The novellas jump right into the action plan, how they’re going to get them instead!
Because of that, this book was perfection! I wouldn’t want it to be more or less. It was just right. And Edward, he may be one of my new favs. He is one of those rare people that doesn’t take himself seriously, can laugh at his own expense, is kind hearted and generous and always willing to help. And he is madly in love with his best friends sister. And she doesn’t see him…umm HOW?!
But then Edward decides it’s time for him to actually Try!
And wooweee, when he tries! Good luck to Kitty, she was doomed from the start to fall for him. Just you wait, the dance scene, wow wow wow. That was exceptionally well done. You are not going to want to miss this little book, it is sooo much fun, and like all of this authors books, a total must read!
Content: clean
Romance: kissing
Violence: none.
Language: none.
I have come to realize, friends to lovers is not one of my favourite tropes…EXCEPT in novellas! Because the slow unrequited love, pining for someone they think they’ll never have part is completely skipped. The novellas jump right into the action plan, how they’re going to get them instead!
Because of that, this book was perfection! I wouldn’t want it to be more or less. It was just right. And Edward, he may be one of my new favs. He is one of those rare people that doesn’t take himself seriously, can laugh at his own expense, is kind hearted and generous and always willing to help. And he is madly in love with his best friends sister. And she doesn’t see him…umm HOW?!
But then Edward decides it’s time for him to actually Try!
And wooweee, when he tries! Good luck to Kitty, she was doomed from the start to fall for him. Just you wait, the dance scene, wow wow wow. That was exceptionally well done. You are not going to want to miss this little book, it is sooo much fun, and like all of this authors books, a total must read!
Content: clean
Romance: kissing
Violence: none.
Language: none.
May 3, 2022
I really thought we weren't going to see the Spinsters again which made me incredibly sad. I love this group of characters. I was thrilled that Henshaw and Kitty got a story, and I love them together!
Henshaw has always been a friend to Kitty and he is afraid that she will never see him any other way. After a wager with Charlotte, he is finally pushing himself to step up his courting game.
I had a feeling with the mentioning of Henshaw's many sisters we might see them in a future series. The epilogue seems to confirm it. I hope that is the case!
There were so many little moments in this book I loved. This was such a sweet story of two friends falling in love.
Henshaw has always been a friend to Kitty and he is afraid that she will never see him any other way. After a wager with Charlotte, he is finally pushing himself to step up his courting game.
I had a feeling with the mentioning of Henshaw's many sisters we might see them in a future series. The epilogue seems to confirm it. I hope that is the case!
There were so many little moments in this book I loved. This was such a sweet story of two friends falling in love.
July 1, 2022
What an adorable book! And I love the twist from the usual- girl crushing on the boy. I love reading dual- POV books because you get to know both sides, and this story, Hensh, was just the cutest. I loved how he brought out a hidden confidence in Kitty as they spent more time together, that they bettered one another. I will certainly be looking to read other stories by this author, especially this series!
September 7, 2023
Two bland characters wring their hands incessantly
Neither character piqued my interest. As an introvert, I hoped I could relate to these characters. But the relentless descriptions of their worries and a serious lack of interesting dialog dragged the book down. After 60+pages I realized I didn’t care what happened to either of them. I put the book down and won’t be picking it up again.
Neither character piqued my interest. As an introvert, I hoped I could relate to these characters. But the relentless descriptions of their worries and a serious lack of interesting dialog dragged the book down. After 60+pages I realized I didn’t care what happened to either of them. I put the book down and won’t be picking it up again.
April 6, 2022
I enjoyed reading Kitty's story. I've enjoyed the whole series really. I've decided that I really want to go back and reread the whole thing. I think my favorite thing with this story was the friends' reaction to Edward and Kitty. And Edward's reaction to their reaction. The story is sweet, a quick read and fun to read.
No sex, language or violence
No sex, language or violence
April 3, 2022
I have been dying to read Henshaw and Kitty’s story, and it was everything I had hoped it would be! I’ve read this series many times, and it is just so good. Rebecca is the master of proper regency romances.
August 22, 2022
I loved how these two characters found each other after watching and waiting while their friends found their own story.
I highly recommend this book and series, they are written well…funny, sweet and so romantic.
I hope for both of Miranda’s matchmaking ideas!
I highly recommend this book and series, they are written well…funny, sweet and so romantic.
I hope for both of Miranda’s matchmaking ideas!
July 18, 2022
Super sweet and lots of meandering conversations between two queasy people.
August 5, 2022
A shy Miss and a long time silent want to be suitor and friend of her brother’s. He makes a wager with a friend and that inspires him to go about pursuing her to their hea
May 8, 2023
A Matchless Couple reacts to an Extraordinary Waltz
Edward has been in love with his best friend’s sister for a very long time. Since Kitty is shy, he avoids asserting his feelings. He wants her to discover her own first. As she participates in activities, Edward senses her anxiety. So he offers to be her social ally. He tells her he will be available to calm her whenever she feels uncomfortable . She is a gentle, kind person who does benefit from having a charming, compassionate guide like Edward. Each of them feels the other is “matchless.” When her sister-in-law includes her in a group of opinionated women, she uses her writing skills to contribute to the Chronicle newsletter they publish. To make sure her brother knows his intentions are honorable toward Kitty, Edward gains permission to court her. However, he doesn’t tell Kitty because he wants to wait until she chooses a relationship with him. Finally an emotional, romantic waltz together awakens strong feelings in both of them. Their hearts and bodies move with the music. This is the most extraordinary description of dancing the waltz this reader has ever read !! Kitty discovers she must be in love with Edward. Her writing skill enables her to publish an article for the Chronicle about making decisions. Both her brother and Edward know she must be the writer when they read it. When she describes how frustrating it is that a woman must wait for the man to speak of love before a woman is able, Edward knows this is the day he will ask her to marry. Reading the waltz description, the Spinster Chronicle, and the proposal during a dance are just three of the ways in which I was very impressed by the verbal descriptions in this book. The tender tale touched me deeply.
Edward has been in love with his best friend’s sister for a very long time. Since Kitty is shy, he avoids asserting his feelings. He wants her to discover her own first. As she participates in activities, Edward senses her anxiety. So he offers to be her social ally. He tells her he will be available to calm her whenever she feels uncomfortable . She is a gentle, kind person who does benefit from having a charming, compassionate guide like Edward. Each of them feels the other is “matchless.” When her sister-in-law includes her in a group of opinionated women, she uses her writing skills to contribute to the Chronicle newsletter they publish. To make sure her brother knows his intentions are honorable toward Kitty, Edward gains permission to court her. However, he doesn’t tell Kitty because he wants to wait until she chooses a relationship with him. Finally an emotional, romantic waltz together awakens strong feelings in both of them. Their hearts and bodies move with the music. This is the most extraordinary description of dancing the waltz this reader has ever read !! Kitty discovers she must be in love with Edward. Her writing skill enables her to publish an article for the Chronicle about making decisions. Both her brother and Edward know she must be the writer when they read it. When she describes how frustrating it is that a woman must wait for the man to speak of love before a woman is able, Edward knows this is the day he will ask her to marry. Reading the waltz description, the Spinster Chronicle, and the proposal during a dance are just three of the ways in which I was very impressed by the verbal descriptions in this book. The tender tale touched me deeply.
June 5, 2024
love, love, love
I’m so very sad that the Spinsters are all happily wedded as it means that this delightful series has been finally put to bed. But as the Chronicles so astutely reminds us in the final epigraph, every ending is a chance for a new beginning. I can truly not wait to see what else Ms. Connolly has in store.
I’m so very sad that the Spinsters are all happily wedded as it means that this delightful series has been finally put to bed. But as the Chronicles so astutely reminds us in the final epigraph, every ending is a chance for a new beginning. I can truly not wait to see what else Ms. Connolly has in store.
August 6, 2024
Edward and Kitty
I enjoyed seeing Henshaw and Kitty navigate society as they became aware of their feelings for each other. I liked their friends and how they supported the couple. It was great to reconnect with characters from some of the previous books in the series. You should read this book.
I enjoyed seeing Henshaw and Kitty navigate society as they became aware of their feelings for each other. I liked their friends and how they supported the couple. It was great to reconnect with characters from some of the previous books in the series. You should read this book.
July 2, 2023
Written with such understanding of shyness and of realizing ones feelings
I had read all the other Spinster series, and was delighted to wrap up this relationship story at last. Very romantic waltz and proposal !
I had read all the other Spinster series, and was delighted to wrap up this relationship story at last. Very romantic waltz and proposal !
July 26, 2023
Not Quite a Spinster by Rebecca Connolly is the sweetest regency I've ever read. I enjoyed the descriptions of surroundings and characters and the way everyone was supportive and encouraging. If you like regencies without conflict, I recommend this book.
July 1, 2025
spinsters
The whole spinsters Chronicle issues of books was very well coordinated and easy to read and very fun to follow event wise. It doesn’t have to be done in order, but it certainly helps.
The whole spinsters Chronicle issues of books was very well coordinated and easy to read and very fun to follow event wise. It doesn’t have to be done in order, but it certainly helps.
August 14, 2025
Swoon worthy
Sooo sweet! I love how darling Edward was in his sweet pursuit of Kitty. He was mindful of her, gentle, a safe place. The perfect gentleman. He gave her the space she needed to find what she truly wanted…even if it was so scary at first. Read it! You’ll love it!
Sooo sweet! I love how darling Edward was in his sweet pursuit of Kitty. He was mindful of her, gentle, a safe place. The perfect gentleman. He gave her the space she needed to find what she truly wanted…even if it was so scary at first. Read it! You’ll love it!
July 31, 2023
Loved this really romantic romance!
Rebecca Connolly dies it again and with such, almost poetic, flights of fancy. I read straight thru. Thank you, Rebecca!
Rebecca Connolly dies it again and with such, almost poetic, flights of fancy. I read straight thru. Thank you, Rebecca!
January 3, 2024
My little heart 🥹 a short, incredibly sweet romance. I loved how earnest the hero was in his love for the heroine and her innocense in how he felt.
May 20, 2024
3.75 stars
October 10, 2024
As with everything Connolly writes, this is lovely.
January 29, 2025
A very quick read and sweet.
December 3, 2025
My favorite of the series even though I knew the ending from the last book it was fun to see this angle!
February 16, 2026
Sweet romance, very low stakes, no plot
June 17, 2022
Edward and Kitty are in love with each other and neither one knows it.
Lieutenant Edward Henshaw has been in love from the moment he set eyes on the most beautiful woman in creation. He has been cautious, he has been attentive, and he has been patient, and now… Now… Well, now he’s made a wager with the heiress Charlotte Wright as to who will marry first, and he will be no match for her determination. So his waiting must end, and he must court his heart’s desire: Miss Kitty Morton.
Kitty is as shy as shy can be, which has never seemed to bother Edward. When plans are made for her to start entertaining the attentions of bachelors, there is no one she wants by her side except him and the comfort his presence provides. What she does not expect is how very uncomfortable she starts to feel around him, and how very much she enjoys it.
This is a sweet novella. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Lieutenant Edward Henshaw has been in love from the moment he set eyes on the most beautiful woman in creation. He has been cautious, he has been attentive, and he has been patient, and now… Now… Well, now he’s made a wager with the heiress Charlotte Wright as to who will marry first, and he will be no match for her determination. So his waiting must end, and he must court his heart’s desire: Miss Kitty Morton.
Kitty is as shy as shy can be, which has never seemed to bother Edward. When plans are made for her to start entertaining the attentions of bachelors, there is no one she wants by her side except him and the comfort his presence provides. What she does not expect is how very uncomfortable she starts to feel around him, and how very much she enjoys it.
This is a sweet novella. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 18, 2022
Two reasons why this book is five stars:
1. One of the most, if not the most, romantic waltzing scenes in a regency story. Ever! Oh my goodness my toes were curling and I was sighing like a lovesick fool.
2. The cutest and most swoon worthy “moment.” You know that moment in romance books where both the hero and heroine realize they love each other and have that first moment of contact after the earth-shattering realization of never-ending love and happiness? That moment of eye contact and nerves and hope? Yup, this scene tops the cake in that regard. I literally squealed like a little girl (or stuck pig….however you want to look at it) when this moment happened.
Such a sweet regency romance and the perfect short read. Rebecca Connolly is a master writer and I can’t wait to get my hands on more of her books.
1. One of the most, if not the most, romantic waltzing scenes in a regency story. Ever! Oh my goodness my toes were curling and I was sighing like a lovesick fool.
2. The cutest and most swoon worthy “moment.” You know that moment in romance books where both the hero and heroine realize they love each other and have that first moment of contact after the earth-shattering realization of never-ending love and happiness? That moment of eye contact and nerves and hope? Yup, this scene tops the cake in that regard. I literally squealed like a little girl (or stuck pig….however you want to look at it) when this moment happened.
Such a sweet regency romance and the perfect short read. Rebecca Connolly is a master writer and I can’t wait to get my hands on more of her books.
April 8, 2023
A story of finding what you want right in front of you
He loved her since they met. She couldn’t see him. Lieutenant Edward Henshaw had an immediate attraction for Catherine “Kitty” Morton. But she was timid and shy so he became her supporter in all things scary to her making sure she knew he was there and she would be safe. Now that she wants to marry, she doesn’t even think of him as more than a friend. He rallies his friends for help but they aren’t much use. Then Miranda sterling, a self-styled matchmaker, decides to enter the picture by introducing Kitty to a set of hand-picked bachelors and Edward begins to see his chances slipping away. How can you get someone to finally really see you for who you are? A wonderful read.
He loved her since they met. She couldn’t see him. Lieutenant Edward Henshaw had an immediate attraction for Catherine “Kitty” Morton. But she was timid and shy so he became her supporter in all things scary to her making sure she knew he was there and she would be safe. Now that she wants to marry, she doesn’t even think of him as more than a friend. He rallies his friends for help but they aren’t much use. Then Miranda sterling, a self-styled matchmaker, decides to enter the picture by introducing Kitty to a set of hand-picked bachelors and Edward begins to see his chances slipping away. How can you get someone to finally really see you for who you are? A wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews