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Three Graces
Carys Miller doesn’t believe in the aristocracy nor does she believe in the supernatural. So, when she finds herself married to Richard Bretton, 12th Duke of Cuthland, and living in his haunted house, she wonders if she’s going mad.
As the new mistress of Amberley Court, Carys discovers she’s now in charge of a house the size of a small village. And, as if that isn’t enough to be getting on with, she finds herself in the most unpopular of roles: a stepmother to young Cecily and Evie.
Carys desperately needs help but she doesn’t expect it to come from an eighteenth-century duchess who simply refuses to leave Amberley.
Three Graces is a romantic fantasy about mothers, daughters, lovers and ghosts, and how the past always manages to find its way into the present.
As the new mistress of Amberley Court, Carys discovers she’s now in charge of a house the size of a small village. And, as if that isn’t enough to be getting on with, she finds herself in the most unpopular of roles: a stepmother to young Cecily and Evie.
Carys desperately needs help but she doesn’t expect it to come from an eighteenth-century duchess who simply refuses to leave Amberley.
Three Graces is a romantic fantasy about mothers, daughters, lovers and ghosts, and how the past always manages to find its way into the present.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
189 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Connelly
67 books510 followersVictoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 20, 2017
Cary Miller hat eine tiefsitzende Abneigung gegen den Adel. Ironischerweise verliebt sie sich ausgerechnet in einen Herzog, und wird mit der Heirat, Herrin über Amberley, dazu gibt es noch einen Geist und zwei Stiefkinder. Ob Cary sich in ihre Rolle als Herzogin einleben kann?
Die frischgebackene Herzogin ist sehr sympathisch, gerade weil sie sich nicht in den Mittelpunkt drängelt und sie ungewollt in der Presse landet. Ein wenig Spuk, Eheprobleme und ganz viel herrschaftliche Landsitz-Romantik.
Die frischgebackene Herzogin ist sehr sympathisch, gerade weil sie sich nicht in den Mittelpunkt drängelt und sie ungewollt in der Presse landet. Ein wenig Spuk, Eheprobleme und ganz viel herrschaftliche Landsitz-Romantik.
October 13, 2017
A nice light read with a likeable heroine, a surprising ghost and beautiful setting. Easy to read and follow, though not perfect. I found several typos, which makes me question the professionalism of the editing or proofreading? And the main male character was very likeable at first but started acting like an ogre for no apparent reason except he was overworked. Nothing had changed in his life to account for his behavior so that bothered me. But the heroine was great and optimistic and the book was worth reading for her sake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2018
I have only given this story three stars because I couldn't believe in the characters. They all changed far too much and too easily. The two protagonists fell in love and got married, having never met each other before, within a chapter or two. The only character I really liked was Aunt Violet (oh, and the ghost!).
August 10, 2021
Interesting nice idea, a bit vague
So I did like Carys, and great name too. I also liked the speed of action at the beginning which I didn’t think I would but it was appropriate. But there was not as much chemistry between Carys and Richard that their beginning promised. I liked the warm to cold relationships as that felt real; although the cold to warm one was a bit off.
So I did like Carys, and great name too. I also liked the speed of action at the beginning which I didn’t think I would but it was appropriate. But there was not as much chemistry between Carys and Richard that their beginning promised. I liked the warm to cold relationships as that felt real; although the cold to warm one was a bit off.
February 8, 2022
Funny, Sad and Beautiful
I absolutely loved this book.
Take an anti royalist, a duke and an old and marvellous house shake them up, and see what happens. It shouldn't work but, it blooming well does!
Victoria Connelly paints beautiful stories, that will appeal to real women, with the highs and lows of life.
I have this review 5 ***** because this book deserves it.
I absolutely loved this book.
Take an anti royalist, a duke and an old and marvellous house shake them up, and see what happens. It shouldn't work but, it blooming well does!
Victoria Connelly paints beautiful stories, that will appeal to real women, with the highs and lows of life.
I have this review 5 ***** because this book deserves it.
December 5, 2018
Utter rubbish
I tried to read this ,got a third through .It is so bad . No depth .Hurried and then backtracked because things have been missed out .Jumps around .Continuity is terrible .Don't waste your time .
I tried to read this ,got a third through .It is so bad . No depth .Hurried and then backtracked because things have been missed out .Jumps around .Continuity is terrible .Don't waste your time .
June 21, 2020
Very well written
The challenges that are faced when an ordinary person becomes a member of the aristocracy.
Making her mark on her husbands world is the challenge that Carys faces.
She rises to it with a great deal of uncertainty but also with a determination.
Another great read by Victoria.
The challenges that are faced when an ordinary person becomes a member of the aristocracy.
Making her mark on her husbands world is the challenge that Carys faces.
She rises to it with a great deal of uncertainty but also with a determination.
Another great read by Victoria.
May 29, 2021
Good Times
This isn't*t one of the books to set the world on fire, but it is a pleasant read for when the days are growing short and the sun only shines nine hours a day. It*s fun and it moves.
This isn't*t one of the books to set the world on fire, but it is a pleasant read for when the days are growing short and the sun only shines nine hours a day. It*s fun and it moves.
December 29, 2023
Not one of Victoria’s best I’m afraid. It certainly showed how difficult and time-consuming running a stately home is, but the relationships weren’t really believable - would the main character Carys really want to marry someone she’d literally just met? So it was ok but not great.
September 3, 2018
Light summer reading for couple of hours, with the predictable ending for romance. I enjoyed it because it's well written and not graphic.
March 8, 2021
Wonderful read!
I fell in love with this family. I will miss them. Read and enjoy them as I did. Feel good book!
I fell in love with this family. I will miss them. Read and enjoy them as I did. Feel good book!
July 8, 2013
This is a lovely, gentle, easy read which is, as one other reviewer has written, exactly what it says on the front "A Magical Romantic Comedy". There's nothing taxing in here, but it is very well-written, has strong likeable characters who were easy to get absorbed in, and a good setting. I loved Carys - she was so normal and approachable as a character. I similarly liked Richard even though he doesn't really get much of an outing (he's always too busy working). However, when he does come out, and when he's not in a terrible mood due to the fatigue of overwork, it is quite easy to see why Carys might have been tempted to agree to marry him after just a couple of meetings.
The addition of the ghost, "Georgiana" is a lovely, magical touch to the story. The house itself, Amberley, is a fantastic setting and has clearly been created by an historical house enthusiast (being one myself, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the house).
There's a couple of things wrong with the book - the biggest one being that Carys has a somewhat elderly viewpoint - she almost seems mature beyond her years in places (anyone who favours Last of the Summer Wine over any programme is going to be slightly suspect in my opinion.) The second is that there are some typos in the book which shouldn't be there, including a misspelling of the "beech" (as in tree) as "beach". By this stage, the book should be as polished as it is possible to be and there's really no excuse for those typos.
However, these are minor points. This is an easy read - read during a night shift when I didn't have the energy to concentrate on anything too arduous. At £1.49 on Kindle it's an absolute bargain and will pass a few hours very pleasantly indeed.
The addition of the ghost, "Georgiana" is a lovely, magical touch to the story. The house itself, Amberley, is a fantastic setting and has clearly been created by an historical house enthusiast (being one myself, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the house).
There's a couple of things wrong with the book - the biggest one being that Carys has a somewhat elderly viewpoint - she almost seems mature beyond her years in places (anyone who favours Last of the Summer Wine over any programme is going to be slightly suspect in my opinion.) The second is that there are some typos in the book which shouldn't be there, including a misspelling of the "beech" (as in tree) as "beach". By this stage, the book should be as polished as it is possible to be and there's really no excuse for those typos.
However, these are minor points. This is an easy read - read during a night shift when I didn't have the energy to concentrate on anything too arduous. At £1.49 on Kindle it's an absolute bargain and will pass a few hours very pleasantly indeed.
September 16, 2016
I gave up on this one about 50 pages in. The editing is choppy and some scenes don't make much sense in the flow of the story. I just had trouble getting into the flow of things.
December 18, 2014
Fun contemporary read from a fave British author. Victoria Connelly has a wonderfully lite writing touch that makes reading a pleasure. This enovella is just one more example.
A perfect interlude to the often heavier reads required for review. Contemporary settings for the story, our MC, Carys, begins her fairy tale life when she's dragged to a party by her roommate. She unknowingly meets her prince at the party and we're onto the romantic journey that begins her new life. Yes, he may be the 12th Duke of Cuthland, but how will they maintain the castle?!
Authentic characters and issues of the day, Carys faces mother in law issues, step mothering, relationship concerns in every direction, media paparazzi, finances, and the unexpected addition of friendly advice of a resident advisor!
A fast, fun read with surprise twists and personal troubles to keep us cheering our heroine on to the satisfying conclusion. Thanks, Victoria, for another addition to your growing library of good reads!
A perfect interlude to the often heavier reads required for review. Contemporary settings for the story, our MC, Carys, begins her fairy tale life when she's dragged to a party by her roommate. She unknowingly meets her prince at the party and we're onto the romantic journey that begins her new life. Yes, he may be the 12th Duke of Cuthland, but how will they maintain the castle?!
Authentic characters and issues of the day, Carys faces mother in law issues, step mothering, relationship concerns in every direction, media paparazzi, finances, and the unexpected addition of friendly advice of a resident advisor!
A fast, fun read with surprise twists and personal troubles to keep us cheering our heroine on to the satisfying conclusion. Thanks, Victoria, for another addition to your growing library of good reads!
August 24, 2014
Tja..also eigentlich bin ich enttäuscht.Die Geschichte ist total weit hergeholt.Carys trifft ein Mann, beim zweiten Treffen fragt er sie ob Sie ihn heiraten will, sie sagt ja, tada ist Sie in der Welt der Adligen.
Der Mann hat keine Zeit und sie hört Stimmen und irgendwann kommt dann mal der Geist zum vorschein...
Alles passt nicht zusammen, ich habe mich von der Kurzinfo anstecken lassen und dachte nimm es mit hört sich ja witzig an mit dem Geist , ja nur der war Mangelwahre irgenwann taucht Sie auf dann isse wieder weg , ab ca 220 Seite ist Sie dann wirklich in der Geschichte zu finden.
Alle Ideen von dem Geist Georginia hätte Carys auch selber sich denken können, fand den Geist total fehl am Platz irgendwie.
Der Mann hat keine Zeit und sie hört Stimmen und irgendwann kommt dann mal der Geist zum vorschein...
Alles passt nicht zusammen, ich habe mich von der Kurzinfo anstecken lassen und dachte nimm es mit hört sich ja witzig an mit dem Geist , ja nur der war Mangelwahre irgenwann taucht Sie auf dann isse wieder weg , ab ca 220 Seite ist Sie dann wirklich in der Geschichte zu finden.
Alle Ideen von dem Geist Georginia hätte Carys auch selber sich denken können, fand den Geist total fehl am Platz irgendwie.
February 4, 2015
Tja..also eigentlich bin ich entt��uscht.Die Geschichte ist total weit hergeholt.Carys trifft ein Mann, beim zweiten Treffen fragt er sie ob Sie ihn heiraten will, sie sagt ja, tada ist Sie in der Welt der Adligen.
Der Mann hat keine Zeit und sie h��rt Stimmen und irgendwann kommt dann mal der Geist zum vorschein...
Alles passt nicht zusammen, ich habe mich von der Kurzinfo anstecken lassen und dachte nimm es mit h��rt sich ja witzig an mit dem Geist , ja nur der war Mangelwahre irgenwann taucht Sie auf dann isse wieder weg , ab ca 220 Seite ist Sie dann wirklich in der Geschichte zu finden.
Alle Ideen von dem Geist Georginia h��tte Carys auch selber sich denken k��nnen, fand den Geist total fehl am Platz irgendwie.
Der Mann hat keine Zeit und sie h��rt Stimmen und irgendwann kommt dann mal der Geist zum vorschein...
Alles passt nicht zusammen, ich habe mich von der Kurzinfo anstecken lassen und dachte nimm es mit h��rt sich ja witzig an mit dem Geist , ja nur der war Mangelwahre irgenwann taucht Sie auf dann isse wieder weg , ab ca 220 Seite ist Sie dann wirklich in der Geschichte zu finden.
Alle Ideen von dem Geist Georginia h��tte Carys auch selber sich denken k��nnen, fand den Geist total fehl am Platz irgendwie.
October 12, 2011
That is a fine book. I read it in about three days and took a good time. The characters are not complicated, and the story flows in a good way. I see only two questions: why "three graces"? Didn't get it. And I think the duke had a change too quick. But it was a good entertainment.
January 16, 2012
A good little read! I did at times feels things had moved on very quickly in such a small space of time, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the book, now I'd like to see a follow up to see how much has changed.
July 14, 2013
(notes for self) why three graces? flowed well, but not much development of main male. the issues which took up the majority of the book were suddenly resolved with not much mention of what happened next. okay, but not great.
January 30, 2014
The premise of this book is a good one, however, it felt like it was missing a lot background and description. I would have liked more details and background of each character.... I liked her Austen series better.
June 10, 2016
a wonderful story written in a way that places you right in Amberley. as I read this I felt like I was there walking round with the characters. The story is quiet fast paced for the first couple of chapters but it does settle in to a more realistic pace. great read
November 26, 2014
Unfortunately a really fluffy vapid book with insipid characters and a lacklustre unoriginal plot. Give it a miss is my advice.
Read
January 16, 2015I can't read this. It's like following a brainless castles in the air bimbo around.
September 19, 2016
Fun read
I loved the writing style, unexpected twists, and the personalities. Thank you for a fun story that brightened my day.
I loved the writing style, unexpected twists, and the personalities. Thank you for a fun story that brightened my day.
March 16, 2019
DNF Plot holes plus a strange change in male character. Unusual for Victoria books
March 28, 2017
Three Graces
A different love story with a ghost a thrown in. A quick fun read. I like the authors way of writing.
A different love story with a ghost a thrown in. A quick fun read. I like the authors way of writing.
May 30, 2017
Love at first sight truly happens.
Who would have believed a mere conversation with someone she never met before, would lead to marriage and ghostly encounters.
Who would have believed a mere conversation with someone she never met before, would lead to marriage and ghostly encounters.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews