What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cash Countess
Rapunzel meets "Downton Abbey" in this sweet Gilded Age romance!
Miss Cordelia Jones is an American Princess, but her story is no fairytale.
Eighteen-year-old Cordelia Jones is locked in her tower until she promises to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham. Cordelia doesn’t want to leave her American home or Stuyvesant Bradley, whom she has loved since childhood. But Stuyvesant leaves on a trip and Cordelia is pressured by her overbearing mother to marry a stranger.
Coerced into a loveless marriage, Cordelia finds herself an alien in a decaying English country house where customs and manners are so different from home. Worst yet, accidents seem to befall her at every corner. The more she begins to care for her husband, the more perilous her life becomes. Is she unlucky, or is someone trying to kill the newest cash countess?
Praise for Samantha
Secret of the Sonnets "will keep readers turning pages" -
Miss Cordelia Jones is an American Princess, but her story is no fairytale.
Eighteen-year-old Cordelia Jones is locked in her tower until she promises to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham. Cordelia doesn’t want to leave her American home or Stuyvesant Bradley, whom she has loved since childhood. But Stuyvesant leaves on a trip and Cordelia is pressured by her overbearing mother to marry a stranger.
Coerced into a loveless marriage, Cordelia finds herself an alien in a decaying English country house where customs and manners are so different from home. Worst yet, accidents seem to befall her at every corner. The more she begins to care for her husband, the more perilous her life becomes. Is she unlucky, or is someone trying to kill the newest cash countess?
Praise for Samantha
Secret of the Sonnets "will keep readers turning pages" -
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
17 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hastings
59 books291 followersSamantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 2, 2023
I love when an author can take a little piece of history or a seemingly small event or occurrence and turn it into a brilliant and beautifully written story.
Hastings captured a vivid snippet of young American women being married off for money to titled gentlemen in England in the guilded age, basing her story off of a couple of true happenings. I loved the Rapunzel (Tangled) mashup and was completely captivated from the very first page.
Cordelia, although very wealthy, is a down-to-earth, sweet girl and I loved her ingenuity and spunk. When forced to marry, she does so with such grace and a good attitude, determined to make the best of her situation as she trades one prison for another. Thomas was also a great character, as he sets aside the desires of his heart for a match made of convenience. I loved watching this couple navigate their abnormal situation and grow into the people they were meant to be.
With bits of mystery, a house party gone wrong, and delicious romance throughout, this tale is utterly charming and beloved to my heart!
Content: unfeeling parent; mild romance; mild moments of danger/peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Hastings captured a vivid snippet of young American women being married off for money to titled gentlemen in England in the guilded age, basing her story off of a couple of true happenings. I loved the Rapunzel (Tangled) mashup and was completely captivated from the very first page.
Cordelia, although very wealthy, is a down-to-earth, sweet girl and I loved her ingenuity and spunk. When forced to marry, she does so with such grace and a good attitude, determined to make the best of her situation as she trades one prison for another. Thomas was also a great character, as he sets aside the desires of his heart for a match made of convenience. I loved watching this couple navigate their abnormal situation and grow into the people they were meant to be.
With bits of mystery, a house party gone wrong, and delicious romance throughout, this tale is utterly charming and beloved to my heart!
Content: unfeeling parent; mild romance; mild moments of danger/peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
June 15, 2023
First off I just have to mention that gorgeous cover!!!! Isn't it just so eye catching? I saw it and couldn't wait to read the synopsis and then dive into the story. It hooked me. So it is definitely doing its job of drawing attention to the book. And the story inside captivated me just as much as the cover did!
I loved the tie-ins to Rapunzel. Even though Cordelia Jones is only 18 years old, she is no shrinking violet. She finds herself locked in her tower room in their 5th Avenue home because she is not giving in to her mother's demands. But try as she might to escape, none of her plans come to fruition and unbeknownst to her, finds herself engaged and the wedding planned and happening before she can blink.
I found the historical aspects of the book so fascinating. I knew about the cash countesses or cash heiresses but it's always fun to learn more about different aspects of history. The author gave great notes from her research on this topic and were very interesting to read.
Even with her spunk and fortitude, Cordelia realizes she has no choice but to enter into this marriage with Lord Thomas Ashby. I watched her going into this marriage with hope in my mind because I was able to see the backstory of both her and Lord Thomas. They are both great characters. They both are needing to figure out their place in life and how they can help others and find joy. But they also need to learn how to navigate their hearts and those they love still being in proximity or coming into their lives.
I couldn't imagine the men and women who actually went through this in history. I can only hope that they came to find joy in their lives and hopefully love as well. I'm going to just keep romanticizing it in my mind and go with they found love, just as Cordelia and Lord Thomas eventually do. They were pretty adorable together, even in the moments that they were unsure and trying hard.
And again, Cordelia is definitely a force to be reckoned with and just dove right into her new life, finding ways to better it and those around her and finding her joy!
Content: Clean. Some kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I loved the tie-ins to Rapunzel. Even though Cordelia Jones is only 18 years old, she is no shrinking violet. She finds herself locked in her tower room in their 5th Avenue home because she is not giving in to her mother's demands. But try as she might to escape, none of her plans come to fruition and unbeknownst to her, finds herself engaged and the wedding planned and happening before she can blink.
I found the historical aspects of the book so fascinating. I knew about the cash countesses or cash heiresses but it's always fun to learn more about different aspects of history. The author gave great notes from her research on this topic and were very interesting to read.
Even with her spunk and fortitude, Cordelia realizes she has no choice but to enter into this marriage with Lord Thomas Ashby. I watched her going into this marriage with hope in my mind because I was able to see the backstory of both her and Lord Thomas. They are both great characters. They both are needing to figure out their place in life and how they can help others and find joy. But they also need to learn how to navigate their hearts and those they love still being in proximity or coming into their lives.
I couldn't imagine the men and women who actually went through this in history. I can only hope that they came to find joy in their lives and hopefully love as well. I'm going to just keep romanticizing it in my mind and go with they found love, just as Cordelia and Lord Thomas eventually do. They were pretty adorable together, even in the moments that they were unsure and trying hard.
And again, Cordelia is definitely a force to be reckoned with and just dove right into her new life, finding ways to better it and those around her and finding her joy!
Content: Clean. Some kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
June 8, 2023
I love, love, loved this book!!! First, let me talk about how amazing the descriptions are in this story. From the dresses, to the houses, to the people and places, I felt like I was there watching the story unfold. Hastings does a superb job of bringing the reader into Cordelia’s life. I was immediately drawn to her and her unusual and somewhat charmed life. But it was not so charmed after all. With riches and prestige comes expectations and chains that hold you prisoner. This was such a surprisingly emotional journey and I loved every step of it. The added mystery was another layer that made this story one I will not soon forget. I found myself so caught up in Cordelia and Thomas’ world and I never wanted to leave. When the story was over I eagerly read the author’s note at the end. This story is fabulous and is one that every historical fiction fan needs to read! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 11, 2023
I was immediately in love with this book when I first saw the amazing cover, and the story inside is just as beautiful! Samantha Hasting was new to me this year, but has become one of my favorite historical romance authors.
Tangled is one of my favorite fairy tales so I quickly fell in love with Cordelia. She is 18 years old, wealthy and living in New York. Her parents are divorced which is looked down upon in the society she lives in. Due to this, Cordelia finds that people no longer want to associate with her and her family. When Cordelia thinks she is in love with a man of her choosing, her mother locks her inside her bedroom and arranges a marriage to Lord Thomas Ashby, who Cordelia has never met so they can reenter society.
I loved that Cordelia was spunky but also very kind. She is strong and tries various tactics to escape and not give in to her mother. She even escapes once only to be caught. One thing Samantha excels at is creating strong female heroines that you fall in love with right away and Cordelia is no different. Her strength combined with her kindness makes her so endearing. I love how she tries to help the poor village and felt it was her duty as countess to do so even though she wasn’t born into a society with titles in America.
Thomas was also easy to love. I felt for her right from the beginning and the burden and struggles that were put upon his shoulders after his fathers death. He is desperately in need of money to restore his property and pay the people who work for him. When his cousin suggests he go to America to find a rich wife he sees no other way to get help and agrees.
One thing I really enjoyed about this story was how the relationship between Thomas and Cordelia grew. They were both in love with other people at the time of their marriage, but saw no other way out. Cordelia went from despising Thomas at the beginning to building a friendship with him and eventually falling in love. I love how they called each other partners and were on equal footing with every decision listening to each other's opinions. It showed a great example of marriage. They were so adorable together!
Besides from the journey of Thomas and Cordelia’s relationship there is a mystery woven in that added to the intrigue of the book without overtaking the sweet romance. It is definitely one historical romance lovers will not want to miss. Such an enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tangled is one of my favorite fairy tales so I quickly fell in love with Cordelia. She is 18 years old, wealthy and living in New York. Her parents are divorced which is looked down upon in the society she lives in. Due to this, Cordelia finds that people no longer want to associate with her and her family. When Cordelia thinks she is in love with a man of her choosing, her mother locks her inside her bedroom and arranges a marriage to Lord Thomas Ashby, who Cordelia has never met so they can reenter society.
I loved that Cordelia was spunky but also very kind. She is strong and tries various tactics to escape and not give in to her mother. She even escapes once only to be caught. One thing Samantha excels at is creating strong female heroines that you fall in love with right away and Cordelia is no different. Her strength combined with her kindness makes her so endearing. I love how she tries to help the poor village and felt it was her duty as countess to do so even though she wasn’t born into a society with titles in America.
Thomas was also easy to love. I felt for her right from the beginning and the burden and struggles that were put upon his shoulders after his fathers death. He is desperately in need of money to restore his property and pay the people who work for him. When his cousin suggests he go to America to find a rich wife he sees no other way to get help and agrees.
One thing I really enjoyed about this story was how the relationship between Thomas and Cordelia grew. They were both in love with other people at the time of their marriage, but saw no other way out. Cordelia went from despising Thomas at the beginning to building a friendship with him and eventually falling in love. I love how they called each other partners and were on equal footing with every decision listening to each other's opinions. It showed a great example of marriage. They were so adorable together!
Besides from the journey of Thomas and Cordelia’s relationship there is a mystery woven in that added to the intrigue of the book without overtaking the sweet romance. It is definitely one historical romance lovers will not want to miss. Such an enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2023
The Cash countess is another wonderful book from Samantha Hastings. I instantly adored Thomas. His kindness was enduring. I loved how Thomas went to talk to Cordelia after their wedding and the pact they made. (I loved his demeanor even more when additional details were given to Cordelia about their wedding later on). I enjoyed their growing friendship. And wow! Cordelia came alive in England. I loved her forceful yet kind manner with the staff, addressing what she wanted with the renovations and the wonderful way she took care of the village and those in need. It frustrated me how some of them treated Cordelia, as she only wanted to help others. I loved how Thomas stuck up for her. I also enjoyed the mystery too, as someone was trying to injure Cordelia. The dual point of view between Cordelia and Thomas was instrumental to help the reader get to know them even better and the Author’s Note at the end was also appreciated.
I received an eARC from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
I received an eARC from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
June 26, 2023
This is a well researched, profound book. At its heart, it is a love story with an HEA, but in charting the forced marriage of an American millionaire to an English Lord, it weaves an interesting tale. The lead character, Cordelia is great. She undergoes a transformation from a privileged, spoilt rich girl to a considerate wife who exhibits strength of character and humanitarian spirit. Most importantly, it weaves together a couple of actual heiresses who were married by landed gentry for their money. The gentry were able to fund their lifestyle, the family of the heiress got the prestige that would allow them into the top reaches of society. And the girls were the victim of their machinations. This book makes a pointed note that many successful marriages are a partnership, based on mutual affection. Quite right too!
June 23, 2023
Oh what a crazy fantastic book! I loved it! I was intrigued by the first chapter! What a wonderful premise! Rapunzel meets Downton Abbey! It was delightful at every turn! The characters were so interesting and I fell in love with all of them!
Read
July 4, 2023REVIEW OF The Cash Countess by Samantha Hastings
SYNOPSIS (from Amazon)
"Rapunzel meets 'Downton Abbey' in this sweet Gilded Age romance!
"Miss Cordelia Jones is an American Princess, but her story is no fairytale.
"Eighteen-year-old Cordelia Jones is locked in her tower until she promises to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham. Cordelia doesn’t want to leave her American home or Stuyvesant Bradley, whom she has loved since childhood. But Stuyvesant leaves on a trip and Cordelia is pressured by her overbearing mother to marry a stranger.
"Coerced into a loveless marriage, Cordelia finds herself an alien in a decaying English country house where customs and manners are so different from home. Worst yet, accidents seem to befall her at every corner. The more she begins to care for her husband, the more perilous her life becomes. Is she unlucky, or is someone trying to kill the newest cash countess?"
BRIEF REVIEW
First off, I love that this story was based on real women. I had never heard of "dollar princesses" before, and the author's note explains more about them. I liked some of the mystery and felt it was a necessary element to round out the story.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the characters. I thought the writing and plot felt choppy and rushed at times. I also would have liked more of a nod to the tale of Rapunzel.
But just because it wasn't my cup of tea does not mean it's not yours! You may enjoy this book if you like stories featuring marriage of convenience, culture shock, vivid descriptions (such as expensive dresses), and the Gilded Age. And just look at that gorgeous cover!
BRIEF CONTENT GUIDE
😘Mild
🙊N/A
🍷Mild
🤕Mild-moderate
TW: Suicide (prevalent theme)
BOTTOM LINE
You may enjoy this one if you like a character-driven story based on real people from a lesser-known phenomena in history (the "dollar princesses"), with a bit of mystery.
FULL REVIEW AND CONTENT GUIDE on blog betterbookbureau.weebly.com
#contentguide #gildedage #bookstagram
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
SYNOPSIS (from Amazon)
"Rapunzel meets 'Downton Abbey' in this sweet Gilded Age romance!
"Miss Cordelia Jones is an American Princess, but her story is no fairytale.
"Eighteen-year-old Cordelia Jones is locked in her tower until she promises to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham. Cordelia doesn’t want to leave her American home or Stuyvesant Bradley, whom she has loved since childhood. But Stuyvesant leaves on a trip and Cordelia is pressured by her overbearing mother to marry a stranger.
"Coerced into a loveless marriage, Cordelia finds herself an alien in a decaying English country house where customs and manners are so different from home. Worst yet, accidents seem to befall her at every corner. The more she begins to care for her husband, the more perilous her life becomes. Is she unlucky, or is someone trying to kill the newest cash countess?"
BRIEF REVIEW
First off, I love that this story was based on real women. I had never heard of "dollar princesses" before, and the author's note explains more about them. I liked some of the mystery and felt it was a necessary element to round out the story.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the characters. I thought the writing and plot felt choppy and rushed at times. I also would have liked more of a nod to the tale of Rapunzel.
But just because it wasn't my cup of tea does not mean it's not yours! You may enjoy this book if you like stories featuring marriage of convenience, culture shock, vivid descriptions (such as expensive dresses), and the Gilded Age. And just look at that gorgeous cover!
BRIEF CONTENT GUIDE
😘Mild
🙊N/A
🍷Mild
🤕Mild-moderate
TW: Suicide (prevalent theme)
BOTTOM LINE
You may enjoy this one if you like a character-driven story based on real people from a lesser-known phenomena in history (the "dollar princesses"), with a bit of mystery.
FULL REVIEW AND CONTENT GUIDE on blog betterbookbureau.weebly.com
#contentguide #gildedage #bookstagram
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
July 1, 2023
The Cash Countess was a delightfully fun read!
I love how Hastings drew on real “cash countesses” and their lives to create Cordelia, her family, Thomas, and Thomas’ family. The bits she pulled from history made Cordelia feel so real and authentic. Cordelia’s decisions and motivations for those decisions make her a character you want to side with right from the beginning. The conflict of wanting to choose her own marriage vs providing an easier life for her baby sister is so very relatable! Thomas’ decisions regarding the marriage make so much sense as well - his obligations and responsibilities to those depending on his estate leave him with few options and I loved reading about his noble intentions to make the best of his circumstances for everyone.
I love fairy tale retellings, so the description of this book as Rapunzel meets Downton Abbey immediately intrigued me. It was a very apt description- there were many nods to the fairytale, but set in England around the turn of the century (1800s to 1900s). The setting is absolutely fascinating- the history of this era and all the changes happening is so nuanced and feels so foreign, even being only a hundred years ish ago. The dissonance of tradition colliding with innovation and change sets such an interesting stage for Cordelia and Thomas’ story. There are so many very real conflicts and the way Hastings incorporates them into the story shows that her research gave her a solid understanding of the era.
The side plot of the threats to Cordelia was interesting, but certainly a very light part of the book. It added some additional depth to the plot, but without overtaking the romance.
I love Samantha Hastings’ writing style and it was enjoyable experiencing it via a slightly different genre!
Highly enjoyable read! I received an ARC copy; all opinions are my own.
I love how Hastings drew on real “cash countesses” and their lives to create Cordelia, her family, Thomas, and Thomas’ family. The bits she pulled from history made Cordelia feel so real and authentic. Cordelia’s decisions and motivations for those decisions make her a character you want to side with right from the beginning. The conflict of wanting to choose her own marriage vs providing an easier life for her baby sister is so very relatable! Thomas’ decisions regarding the marriage make so much sense as well - his obligations and responsibilities to those depending on his estate leave him with few options and I loved reading about his noble intentions to make the best of his circumstances for everyone.
I love fairy tale retellings, so the description of this book as Rapunzel meets Downton Abbey immediately intrigued me. It was a very apt description- there were many nods to the fairytale, but set in England around the turn of the century (1800s to 1900s). The setting is absolutely fascinating- the history of this era and all the changes happening is so nuanced and feels so foreign, even being only a hundred years ish ago. The dissonance of tradition colliding with innovation and change sets such an interesting stage for Cordelia and Thomas’ story. There are so many very real conflicts and the way Hastings incorporates them into the story shows that her research gave her a solid understanding of the era.
The side plot of the threats to Cordelia was interesting, but certainly a very light part of the book. It added some additional depth to the plot, but without overtaking the romance.
I love Samantha Hastings’ writing style and it was enjoyable experiencing it via a slightly different genre!
Highly enjoyable read! I received an ARC copy; all opinions are my own.
July 20, 2023
I was very excited to read a fiction story with a real-life premise. It is described as Rapunzel meets "Downton Abbey" and it definitely hits the mark. The first time I picked up the book I read it for three hours straight, so I can clearly say that I was hooked from the beginning.
The main characters come from two different countries. Cordelia is a spoiled American Heiress and Thomas is a Lord in England with a run-down home and out of money. Cordelia is "forced" to marry Thomas and she becomes a Cash Countess. Now you would think that the spoiled princess and the high classed Englishman would at first have no chemistry but this wasn't true. I can tell you that they both went from being cordial, to working as partners, and then to true husband and wife.
There is a lot of angst as the English servants cause problems for Cordelia. There is a love triangle that is annoying for Cordelia. She has a problem fitting in with her American ways. There is also a mystery when attempts are made on Cordelia's life. In the meantime, Thomas and his bride start having real feelings for one another but are scared to admit it.
There are so many other things that I can't tell you about because I hate spoilers. The beauty of reading a story is finding out things for yourself. Just know that I loved this story, the characters, and how the slow-burn romance played out. There is an exciting ending that finishes the book perfectly. Any romance reader will be charmed by this new story written by the wonderful Samantha Hastings.
The main characters come from two different countries. Cordelia is a spoiled American Heiress and Thomas is a Lord in England with a run-down home and out of money. Cordelia is "forced" to marry Thomas and she becomes a Cash Countess. Now you would think that the spoiled princess and the high classed Englishman would at first have no chemistry but this wasn't true. I can tell you that they both went from being cordial, to working as partners, and then to true husband and wife.
There is a lot of angst as the English servants cause problems for Cordelia. There is a love triangle that is annoying for Cordelia. She has a problem fitting in with her American ways. There is also a mystery when attempts are made on Cordelia's life. In the meantime, Thomas and his bride start having real feelings for one another but are scared to admit it.
There are so many other things that I can't tell you about because I hate spoilers. The beauty of reading a story is finding out things for yourself. Just know that I loved this story, the characters, and how the slow-burn romance played out. There is an exciting ending that finishes the book perfectly. Any romance reader will be charmed by this new story written by the wonderful Samantha Hastings.
July 14, 2023
I just love marriage of convenience with two people who are lovely characters! Yes, they each had some growing to do but that came so naturally in the story and gave it even more depth. Cordelia thinks she knows what love is but she is about to learn that it's more than just sweet words. And Thomas was a wonderful leading man with honest care for those within his home. I loved that he fell first but didn't push Cordelia into something more until she was ready. The side characters kept things interesting, too, and I loved Lois and Oliver. They mad for some great conversation and excellent encouragement for Thomas and Cordelia. And the mystery threaded throughout the story was also well done - keeping me guessing until the end. Plus, the romance was a delightfully swoony slow burn that I certainly enjoyed. Definitely recommend this story for your TBR this summer, its a fantastic read.
I received an ARC of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I received an ARC of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
July 8, 2023
A fun fairy tale themed read. Cordelia is a Rapunzel character if there ever was one! Her mother drove me NUTS-I really felt for Cordelia having such awful parents. I liked the romance element to the book as it didn’t feel forced and seemed to develop as naturally as it could given the circumstances Cordelia and Thomas found themselves in. The mystery element was good and the end of the book was satisfying. My only complaint with the book was that I felt too much was done to Cordelia between her parents and then how she is treated once her and Thomas arrive at the Abbey. My heart broke for her and while I realize all this was necessary for the story it was just too much for me and detracted a bit from my overall enjoyment. Still a good read though!
April 23, 2024
Author Samantha Hastings has written an absolutely endearing mash up of an American heiress meets fairytale; or in other words, Downton Abbey meets Rapunzel. From the stunning purple cover to the turn of the first few pages, readers will enjoy this sweet and charming romance with bits of mystery woven in to keep readers on edge. This story has engaging characters and a magical storyline that will keep readers enthralled throughout. A fun, light hearted, and easy read that is perfect for the romance and fairytale lover!
Genre: historical, fairytale retelling, romance
Publisher: Scribbling Pens
Publication date: July 1, 2023
Number of pages: 289
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, fairytale retelling, romance
Publisher: Scribbling Pens
Publication date: July 1, 2023
Number of pages: 289
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Read
August 1, 2023DNF on page 78
I just couldn’t get into this one. I really wanted to because I liked the premise. But the writing is not clicking with me and I do not like the main girl at all. 😳
I just couldn’t get into this one. I really wanted to because I liked the premise. But the writing is not clicking with me and I do not like the main girl at all. 😳
July 2, 2023
Oh. My. Word. Samantha Hastings does it again! Rapunzel is one of my absolute favorite fairytales and princesses and The Cash Countess does her justice! This Gilded Age retelling is spot on and weaves in lovable characters, redeeming values, and self-discovery. The witty Rapunzel references added icing to the cake!
Cordelia Jones, the American Heiress, is one of THOSE Jones’s: the ones you have to keep up with. At an early age she fell in love with her neighbor, Stuyvesant. They had already given their hearts to one another when her mother proclaimed that Cordelia would be locked in her room, appropriately named The Tower, until she redeemed the family by marrying a member of the English Nobility of her mother’s choosing. Being the strong-willed American that she was, Cordelia adamantly refused.
Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham, had more debt than blades of grass on his estate. His father had so many proverbial holes in his pockets that even the family’s ward had lost her inheritance. He needed to marry a wealthy heiress or lose his beloved home. So many we counting on him for their livelihoods.
And so it was that Rapunzel and Prince Charming met. At the altar.
“She tried to breathe in, but there was no air in her lungs. Her corset was so tight. Dropping her bouquet of orchids as her knees buckled, she started to fall. Her last thought was that she hoped her exquisite dress wouldn’t get dirty when her body hit the floor.”
Read this book if you like:
💰 Rapunzel Retellings
💰 A Dash of Mystery
💰 Independent Women
💰 Old World Meets New World
💰 England and America
💰 Personal, Emotional, and Technological Progress
💰 Compassionate Heroines
💰 Loving Heroes
💰 Working with a Partner
💰 Spunky Characters
💰 Witty Jests
💰 A Book that Makes You Look at the World with New Eyes
Thank you to the author of the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cordelia Jones, the American Heiress, is one of THOSE Jones’s: the ones you have to keep up with. At an early age she fell in love with her neighbor, Stuyvesant. They had already given their hearts to one another when her mother proclaimed that Cordelia would be locked in her room, appropriately named The Tower, until she redeemed the family by marrying a member of the English Nobility of her mother’s choosing. Being the strong-willed American that she was, Cordelia adamantly refused.
Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham, had more debt than blades of grass on his estate. His father had so many proverbial holes in his pockets that even the family’s ward had lost her inheritance. He needed to marry a wealthy heiress or lose his beloved home. So many we counting on him for their livelihoods.
And so it was that Rapunzel and Prince Charming met. At the altar.
“She tried to breathe in, but there was no air in her lungs. Her corset was so tight. Dropping her bouquet of orchids as her knees buckled, she started to fall. Her last thought was that she hoped her exquisite dress wouldn’t get dirty when her body hit the floor.”
Read this book if you like:
💰 Rapunzel Retellings
💰 A Dash of Mystery
💰 Independent Women
💰 Old World Meets New World
💰 England and America
💰 Personal, Emotional, and Technological Progress
💰 Compassionate Heroines
💰 Loving Heroes
💰 Working with a Partner
💰 Spunky Characters
💰 Witty Jests
💰 A Book that Makes You Look at the World with New Eyes
Thank you to the author of the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 17, 2023
This was one of my favorite reads this summer!! First of all the cover is gorgeous and the descriptions of the clothes and everything made it so real in my mind as I devoured this story. I also liked the Rapunzel inspiration, the historical element of cash countesses (they were a thing), and the dual POV (it's a favorite element of mine).
Cordelia Jones is 18 years old, extremely wealthy and seems to lead a charmed life. But all is not as it seems. Her parents are getting a divorce so her friends no longer want to associate with her, and while the man she thinks she loves is away, her mother arranges for her to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, a man she's never met, just so "they can re-enter society"!!
Thomas is in dire need of funds to restore his property after his father leaves mounds of debts upon his death. When his cousin suggests going to America to find a rich bride he reluctantly agrees.
I loved Cordelia! She was spunky, and didn't give in easily but she was also kind to others. After she eventually agrees to marry Thomas and moves to England, I loved how she took over renovating the property. She truly blossomed once she was away from her controlling mother. Thomas was a great character too. He and Cordelia both wanted to make their marriage of convenience work and I appreciated how they worked together to accomplish that. One of my favorite parts was when Thomas stood up for Cordelia and demanded his staff treat her with respect. Being a lover of mysteries, I enjoyed the mystery element of who was out to harm Cordelia.
This is an interesting period of time when financially strapped Englishmen would marry American heiresses for the money to keep their estates running. Samantha Hastings is quickly becoming a favorite historical romance author. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Cordelia Jones is 18 years old, extremely wealthy and seems to lead a charmed life. But all is not as it seems. Her parents are getting a divorce so her friends no longer want to associate with her, and while the man she thinks she loves is away, her mother arranges for her to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, a man she's never met, just so "they can re-enter society"!!
Thomas is in dire need of funds to restore his property after his father leaves mounds of debts upon his death. When his cousin suggests going to America to find a rich bride he reluctantly agrees.
I loved Cordelia! She was spunky, and didn't give in easily but she was also kind to others. After she eventually agrees to marry Thomas and moves to England, I loved how she took over renovating the property. She truly blossomed once she was away from her controlling mother. Thomas was a great character too. He and Cordelia both wanted to make their marriage of convenience work and I appreciated how they worked together to accomplish that. One of my favorite parts was when Thomas stood up for Cordelia and demanded his staff treat her with respect. Being a lover of mysteries, I enjoyed the mystery element of who was out to harm Cordelia.
This is an interesting period of time when financially strapped Englishmen would marry American heiresses for the money to keep their estates running. Samantha Hastings is quickly becoming a favorite historical romance author. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 30, 2023
I thought this was a very intriguing book. I was hooked from the very beginning. I have always been a fan of the story of Rapunzel, to tie it in to the Gilded Age, and to European aristocrats, made for a great storyline. The characters were well defined, and I thought the story flowed effortlessly,. I thought the characters were wonderfully written, and the definition made the words come to life. There was a little bit of angst, and a lot of witty jesting. Cordelia is a young woman. that had been raised to respect her parents, but had enough spite or spunk to try to get out of a bad situation. I adored Thomas, he is an all-around good guy that was placed between a rock and a hard spot. This book is a clean, wholesome romance with a little bit of mystery. I wish the conclusion of the mystery had not been so abrupt. Other than that, I truly loved everything about this book. maybe an epilogue would have been nice. I really appreciate the authors notes at the end. As much as I’d love reading historical novels, I was surprised I had not heard the phrase, “Cash Countesses” before. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 25, 2023
Cash-strapped Lord Thomas Ashby is desperate to save his family’s estate and the only way he sees that coming about is to marry Miss Cordelia Jones, an extremely wealthy American heiress. Cordy, against her wishes, is practically dragged to the altar by her greedy and social ladder-climbing mother. How will these two strangers that fate has thrown together make their marriage work?
Seeing Cordelia and Thomas work on their marriage while dealing with both of their past love relationships made for some very rough times. At first, I felt sorry for Stuyvesant Bradley, and what happened with his relationship to Cordelia. But, later I felt he was not the man for her. Watching her grow up, get involved in the villager’s lives, and seeing how the crofters lived, made her a much more caring and compassionate person.
If you enjoy the story of Rapunzel and what might have happened after her rescue, you will enjoy this story. I was given a copy of the story. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Seeing Cordelia and Thomas work on their marriage while dealing with both of their past love relationships made for some very rough times. At first, I felt sorry for Stuyvesant Bradley, and what happened with his relationship to Cordelia. But, later I felt he was not the man for her. Watching her grow up, get involved in the villager’s lives, and seeing how the crofters lived, made her a much more caring and compassionate person.
If you enjoy the story of Rapunzel and what might have happened after her rescue, you will enjoy this story. I was given a copy of the story. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2023
Step into a world where American charm collides with English nobility in the enchanting tale of "The Cash Countess" by Samantha Hastings! Prepare to be whisked away on a delightful adventure that is truly an entertaining read!
Miss Cordelia Jones's journey is far from your typical fairy tale, and that's what makes it so captivating. Locked in her tower until she agrees to marry, Cordelia's heart is torn between her childhood love, Stuyvesant Bradley, and being forced to fulfill her overbearing mother's wishes or marrying a man with a title. Forced into a loveless marriage to Lord Farnham and the move to a new country, she embarks on quite the adventure as she navigates the customs of a decaying English country house and faces mysterious accidents at every turn. Will she find peace and possibly love, or will she find hate and danger, as she uncovers a dark plot against her life? You won't be able to resist cheering for Cordelia as she discovers her destiny in this sweet and suspenseful Gilded Age romance!
Miss Cordelia Jones's journey is far from your typical fairy tale, and that's what makes it so captivating. Locked in her tower until she agrees to marry, Cordelia's heart is torn between her childhood love, Stuyvesant Bradley, and being forced to fulfill her overbearing mother's wishes or marrying a man with a title. Forced into a loveless marriage to Lord Farnham and the move to a new country, she embarks on quite the adventure as she navigates the customs of a decaying English country house and faces mysterious accidents at every turn. Will she find peace and possibly love, or will she find hate and danger, as she uncovers a dark plot against her life? You won't be able to resist cheering for Cordelia as she discovers her destiny in this sweet and suspenseful Gilded Age romance!
March 19, 2026
The Cash Countess
In the rolling hills of the English countryside, an impoverished Duke finds himself at a crossroads, his ancestral estate teetering on the brink of financial ruin. Fate intervenes when a vivacious and wealthy American heiress enters his life, bringing with her not just a substantial dowry but a spark of hope and unexpected romance. Their initial encounters are fraught with tension and unspoken secrets, hinting at a deeper connection that slowly unravels. As they navigate the complex social landscape of late 19th-century aristocracy, whispers of an enigmatic past begin to surface, adding intrigue to their burgeoning relationship. What starts as a seemingly pragmatic arrangement gradually transforms into a tender love story, filled with moments of passion, vulnerability, and ultimately, redemption. The narrative weaves together elements of historical romance, social commentary, and a subtle mystery that keeps readers eagerly turning pages until the heartwarming and satisfying conclusion
In the rolling hills of the English countryside, an impoverished Duke finds himself at a crossroads, his ancestral estate teetering on the brink of financial ruin. Fate intervenes when a vivacious and wealthy American heiress enters his life, bringing with her not just a substantial dowry but a spark of hope and unexpected romance. Their initial encounters are fraught with tension and unspoken secrets, hinting at a deeper connection that slowly unravels. As they navigate the complex social landscape of late 19th-century aristocracy, whispers of an enigmatic past begin to surface, adding intrigue to their burgeoning relationship. What starts as a seemingly pragmatic arrangement gradually transforms into a tender love story, filled with moments of passion, vulnerability, and ultimately, redemption. The narrative weaves together elements of historical romance, social commentary, and a subtle mystery that keeps readers eagerly turning pages until the heartwarming and satisfying conclusion
January 25, 2024
Cordelia and Thomas were matched by Cordelia mother!
Cordelia is young only 18 but she is rich and treated like a princess until her mother divorced her philandering father!
The stigma from the 400 was unbearable the only was redemption was Cordelia to marry an English Title! For her sisters sake and the fact her mother locked her up for 6 months!
Her best friend and neighbor with Stuyvesant was supposed to rescue her but he arrived too late! He tracked her down later but it was too late!
Thomas is deeply indebted and only the few loyals remain and have not been paid in months!
Shortly after Cordelia forced marriage and arrival at the Abbey strange attacks on her life happen!
Cordelia is open loving and trying her best to restore dignity to the Abbey and tenants!
Thomas was way too easy going and allowing Penelope to not be put in her place! Her adolescent crush was just that!
I didn’t really like Thomas until the end! Bravo definitely will read more from the author!
Cordelia is young only 18 but she is rich and treated like a princess until her mother divorced her philandering father!
The stigma from the 400 was unbearable the only was redemption was Cordelia to marry an English Title! For her sisters sake and the fact her mother locked her up for 6 months!
Her best friend and neighbor with Stuyvesant was supposed to rescue her but he arrived too late! He tracked her down later but it was too late!
Thomas is deeply indebted and only the few loyals remain and have not been paid in months!
Shortly after Cordelia forced marriage and arrival at the Abbey strange attacks on her life happen!
Cordelia is open loving and trying her best to restore dignity to the Abbey and tenants!
Thomas was way too easy going and allowing Penelope to not be put in her place! Her adolescent crush was just that!
I didn’t really like Thomas until the end! Bravo definitely will read more from the author!
July 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book by Samantha Hastings. I liked that it was a Rapunzel story. I loved how both Cordelia and Thomas didn’t want to marry each other but did it out of love for those they cared for. I loved how as Thomas and Cordelia got to know each other and became partners in restoring the Abbey they come to love each other and realize that love is more then just an initial attraction but is based on trust and friendship. I enjoyed the characters and thought the story was very well told. I thought Samantha did a great job of sharing a story about a time in history that maybe most people don’t know about. I thought this was a very enjoyable read and would recommend it.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
June 4, 2024
3.5
Marriage of convenience? Count me in!
I will say that I enjoyed reading this and didn’t really want to put it down. It is an easy read and great for getting me back into reading.
However, to me personally, the development of the romance and the ending felt a bit lacking to me. The beginning of the book did a marvelous job of helping you realize the hopelessness of both Cordelia and Thomas’ situation. They are both between a rock and a hard place and try to help their families. They then develop a camaraderie but as stated before, I felt that the romance could have been a bit more. Though I like my marriage of convenience stories to be a bit more angsty.
This is a clean book with no swearing, no spice and no graphic violence. There is a mystery but it’s not the main storyline. If you like historical romances, you’ll probably like this.
Marriage of convenience? Count me in!
I will say that I enjoyed reading this and didn’t really want to put it down. It is an easy read and great for getting me back into reading.
However, to me personally, the development of the romance and the ending felt a bit lacking to me. The beginning of the book did a marvelous job of helping you realize the hopelessness of both Cordelia and Thomas’ situation. They are both between a rock and a hard place and try to help their families. They then develop a camaraderie but as stated before, I felt that the romance could have been a bit more. Though I like my marriage of convenience stories to be a bit more angsty.
This is a clean book with no swearing, no spice and no graphic violence. There is a mystery but it’s not the main storyline. If you like historical romances, you’ll probably like this.
February 17, 2026
I’m so glad this book found its way into my library. What an enjoyable read. At first I wasn’t sure I liked the fairytale aspect of the book, I mean, a mother keeping her daughter locked up in her bedroom for five months? Forcing her to marry? Little did I know that wasn’t fairytale material but actually happened during the Gilded Age. Samantha Hastings gives us a wonderful love/mystery story that sheds light on the Cash Countesses of the time. The writing was smooth, witty, and comfortable. One question this obviously unknowledgeable reader of that time period has is this, when a couple was married, were they pronounced man and wife or husband and wife? When did that change? Great story Samantha. I look forward to reading more from you.
July 11, 2023
What a sweet book! I loved taking the emotional journey of Cordelia and Thomas. Author Samantha Hastings did a wonderful job with describing life in the 1890’s both in America and England. Social standings, modern conveniences, traditions, customs, buildings, jewelry, dresses were all so descriptive and I genuinely could see it for myself. The slow burn was worth the happy ending for these two. Even throwing in a mystery twist, kept me reading all day! Thank you Samantha for an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
May 8, 2024
The story was sweet but not as intricate, complex, or fast moving as many other HF books I enjoy. Probably the biggest negative though was the virtual voice in the audiobook version - it was beyond awful!! While the tone and accent of the fake narrator were nice, there was absolutely ZERO inflection! So every single word was read with the same emphasis: oh.no.it.sounds.simply.dreadful = it.was.raining.again = he.whispered.i.love.you. For the love of all that’s good, PLEASE use the many wonderful *living & breathing* narrators!! The computer version is NO substitute and it simply ruins a book!
September 1, 2023
nice and sweet read with intrigue
Cordelia has a rough time after her mother divorced her father and the family was being shunned by New York society. Through a series of her mother’s cold manipulations she finds herself wed to Thomas, a destitute lord and upon arriving in England faces further challenges. In the end the villain is revealed and Cordelia finds happiness in her marriage to Thomas
Cordelia has a rough time after her mother divorced her father and the family was being shunned by New York society. Through a series of her mother’s cold manipulations she finds herself wed to Thomas, a destitute lord and upon arriving in England faces further challenges. In the end the villain is revealed and Cordelia finds happiness in her marriage to Thomas
April 11, 2025
Rapunzel meets Downton Abbey. Just from those words I knew I needed to read this book! Cordelia is forced by her mother into a marriage. Lord Thomas Ashby wasn’t planning on getting an American wife to help save his estate but then he finds her to be an enjoyable partner. And maybe more! Then mysterious accidents start happening! Really enjoyed it! I found it hard to put down because I wanted to know what was going to happen!
January 17, 2024
The cover is gorgeous. This book was well written and the gilded age was a nice change from the regencies I usually read. I liked reading about the ‘cash for coronets’ society. Remind me a lot of Downton Abbey, just a little before it.
The only things that didn’t make it 5 stars is that it wasn’t very swoony and it ended a bit more abruptly than I would have liked.
The only things that didn’t make it 5 stars is that it wasn’t very swoony and it ended a bit more abruptly than I would have liked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews