What do you think?
Rate this book
Siddons Sisters #1
A Rumored Engagement
Her Once And Future Fiancé
It was a bold plan—become engaged to one man to avoid marrying another. Three years ago, Susannah Siddons had little choice. But with no communication since, she considers her alliance with Daniel Hale entirely ended—and her heart well and truly bruised. Until new gossip jeopardizes the Siddons sisters' millinery shop, and Daniel proposes once more.
To court one's own fiancée…how does a man even begin? Daniel owes it to Susannah—and to the shambles he has made of his responsibilities so far—to start again. In truth, marrying Susannah would be far more than just a duty; it's his dearest wish. If he can only persuade her to say "yes" a second time.
It was a bold plan—become engaged to one man to avoid marrying another. Three years ago, Susannah Siddons had little choice. But with no communication since, she considers her alliance with Daniel Hale entirely ended—and her heart well and truly bruised. Until new gossip jeopardizes the Siddons sisters' millinery shop, and Daniel proposes once more.
To court one's own fiancée…how does a man even begin? Daniel owes it to Susannah—and to the shambles he has made of his responsibilities so far—to start again. In truth, marrying Susannah would be far more than just a duty; it's his dearest wish. If he can only persuade her to say "yes" a second time.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
11 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 21, 2014
I have discovered that no matter who wrote it or what the plot is, the Regency selection of these "Love Inspired Historical" books never fail to captivate me and make me laugh!
A Rumored Engagement is a sweet story of sacrifice, commitment, trust, and family. It has a nice semi-unique plot (I'm sure there are other novels with similar plots, but Lily George was able to bring a fresh and new style to it) that flows steadily -there really were absolutely no slow or boring parts. The characters were very realistic and not all "dolled-up" to be more appealing. The heroine has uncooperative hair and bitterness issues, and the hero starts out as an irresponsible drunk! :P Their gradual transformations through the story were also realistic and inspiring to witness.
Susannahs' sisters were sweet characters with a fun relationship, and -once again- the hero has an epic butler.
I felt myself waiting towards the end for some type of catastrophe to break out and cause confusion that leads to your proverbial heart-to-heart-conversation scene right in the last chapters, (NOT that that is a bad thing; I'm sure if more books did not have those that more books would be boring, however...it can get a bit old and loses the intrigue because you come to anticipate it after a while.) but I was pleasantly surprised! The story went through and ended with no earth-shattering break-ups and was really sweet and unique in it's non-eventful-ness. :)
Overall this story was sweet, inspiring, clean, and a regency must-read.
The only thing that I found questionable in this book was that in the beginning of the story the hero obviously has no spiritual life, and then near the end he suddenly does... It was almost more as if he just realized he'd "had God all along" and just hadn't been willing to recognize His presence in his life or further his relationship with Him until this time. There was no admission of sins or apparent change of heart. And it was pretty sudden too- almost like he was doing it for the heroine's sake. This was not a huge part of the book, so but for this part I still enjoyed the story - but we are given the gift of salvation and a relationship with Christ by believing that He died for our sins on the cross (and admitting to and repenting of those sins in our lives). This is also a small book, so perhaps the author just didn't take the time to explain it in detail. Just don't want any confusion. ;)
Happy reading!
A Rumored Engagement is a sweet story of sacrifice, commitment, trust, and family. It has a nice semi-unique plot (I'm sure there are other novels with similar plots, but Lily George was able to bring a fresh and new style to it) that flows steadily -there really were absolutely no slow or boring parts. The characters were very realistic and not all "dolled-up" to be more appealing. The heroine has uncooperative hair and bitterness issues, and the hero starts out as an irresponsible drunk! :P Their gradual transformations through the story were also realistic and inspiring to witness.
Susannahs' sisters were sweet characters with a fun relationship, and -once again- the hero has an epic butler.
I felt myself waiting towards the end for some type of catastrophe to break out and cause confusion that leads to your proverbial heart-to-heart-conversation scene right in the last chapters, (NOT that that is a bad thing; I'm sure if more books did not have those that more books would be boring, however...it can get a bit old and loses the intrigue because you come to anticipate it after a while.) but I was pleasantly surprised! The story went through and ended with no earth-shattering break-ups and was really sweet and unique in it's non-eventful-ness. :)
Overall this story was sweet, inspiring, clean, and a regency must-read.
The only thing that I found questionable in this book was that in the beginning of the story the hero obviously has no spiritual life, and then near the end he suddenly does... It was almost more as if he just realized he'd "had God all along" and just hadn't been willing to recognize His presence in his life or further his relationship with Him until this time. There was no admission of sins or apparent change of heart. And it was pretty sudden too- almost like he was doing it for the heroine's sake. This was not a huge part of the book, so but for this part I still enjoyed the story - but we are given the gift of salvation and a relationship with Christ by believing that He died for our sins on the cross (and admitting to and repenting of those sins in our lives). This is also a small book, so perhaps the author just didn't take the time to explain it in detail. Just don't want any confusion. ;)
Happy reading!
March 24, 2015
I enjoyed this story. Two almost children make a pact for a future marriage to help the young lady escape a planned marriage by an uncle who wants to rid himself of parent-less daughters. Only the young man is afraid of marriage and commitment after growing up in a home full of sorrow and anger. He sails off to a lonely future, only to come back home to an ill brother and dead parents. The young woman, Susannah, moved away and he never received any letters from her. One afternoon while taking a walk, he spies a lovely lady downtown and he goes to assist her with a locked door on a building she has purchased. She has been hurt and he is not sure where he fits in with her live, but senses something still between them. It will take some time of dancing around the facts before they claim a truce. Good writing and story lines. A fun read.
June 21, 2017
B- at AAR, so 3.5 stars I’m a sucker for second-chance-at-love stories. I have autobuy authors I love and certain settings catch my eye, but when I’m taking a chance on a new author, favorite plotlines will often call my name. And second chance stories are definitely near the top of my list, with friends-to-lovers being a close second. For favorite tropes month on the TBR Challenge, I read A Rumored Engagement, a 2014 historical from Lily George. Though published as part of the Love Inspired Historical line, I suspect fans of Regency trads might like this one as well.
As the story opens, Susannah Siddons and her sisters prepare to open a millinery shop in the village of Tansley. Upon arrival, they run into a mishap with their door and when a man from the past comes to their rescue, we quickly learn about Susannah’s long-forgotten engagement to Daniel Hale of Goodwin Hall. The two had become engaged in part to help Susannah escape the plotting of the tyrannical uncle who was her guardian. However, Daniel took off to sea before any wedding could take place. Now, a few years later, Susannah and her sisters find themselves quite alone in the world. While gently born, their guardian spent all their inheritance and they now must work to earn a living.
It is obvious from the start that Susannah feels deeply responsible for her two younger sisters. She’s not the perfect, sweet martyr heroine, though. When she learns that Daniel Hale is not only back from his voyages but is now the master of Goodwin Hall, readers see her mixed emotions. Attraction, apprehension, and definitely some bitterness at her fate all creep through. In a way, I found it refreshing because this all shows Susannah to be quite human.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/june-tbr-...
As the story opens, Susannah Siddons and her sisters prepare to open a millinery shop in the village of Tansley. Upon arrival, they run into a mishap with their door and when a man from the past comes to their rescue, we quickly learn about Susannah’s long-forgotten engagement to Daniel Hale of Goodwin Hall. The two had become engaged in part to help Susannah escape the plotting of the tyrannical uncle who was her guardian. However, Daniel took off to sea before any wedding could take place. Now, a few years later, Susannah and her sisters find themselves quite alone in the world. While gently born, their guardian spent all their inheritance and they now must work to earn a living.
It is obvious from the start that Susannah feels deeply responsible for her two younger sisters. She’s not the perfect, sweet martyr heroine, though. When she learns that Daniel Hale is not only back from his voyages but is now the master of Goodwin Hall, readers see her mixed emotions. Attraction, apprehension, and definitely some bitterness at her fate all creep through. In a way, I found it refreshing because this all shows Susannah to be quite human.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/june-tbr-...
August 11, 2014
I am not a fan of the romance genre, but when a friend asked me to read and review Lily George’s Christian historical fiction romance, A Rumored Engagement, I agreed as a favor. I found it, much to my surprise and pleasure, a delightful read which engaged me from start to finish!
Ironically, Susannah and Daniel became engaged to ensure their freedom: her from a tyrannical uncle and his from his family duties. Three years has passed with no communication between the two, and now situations have changed. Susannah, who is prideful, loyal and full of spunk, has moved on with her life with her wounded heart stuffed deep inside her. Daniel, faced with the death of his brother, knows he must step up to the expected duties at Goodwin Hall, but he’d rather not and drowns himself in drink to avoid thinking about it. As circumstances bring the two together, each must confront their feelings, make sacrifices, and learn to trust again.
Lisa George’s writing is descriptive and takes the reader to a distant period of time and way of life. Her characters, filled with flaws, are realistic and engaging. The plot, although somewhat predictable, had enough twists and turns along the way to keep me intrigued. I would recommend this novel to others, even if romance is not their favored genre.
Ironically, Susannah and Daniel became engaged to ensure their freedom: her from a tyrannical uncle and his from his family duties. Three years has passed with no communication between the two, and now situations have changed. Susannah, who is prideful, loyal and full of spunk, has moved on with her life with her wounded heart stuffed deep inside her. Daniel, faced with the death of his brother, knows he must step up to the expected duties at Goodwin Hall, but he’d rather not and drowns himself in drink to avoid thinking about it. As circumstances bring the two together, each must confront their feelings, make sacrifices, and learn to trust again.
Lisa George’s writing is descriptive and takes the reader to a distant period of time and way of life. Her characters, filled with flaws, are realistic and engaging. The plot, although somewhat predictable, had enough twists and turns along the way to keep me intrigued. I would recommend this novel to others, even if romance is not their favored genre.
April 11, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The book arrived from the author with a beautiful photo of Tansley Village where the story was set. I enjoyed the story and was drawn into it very quickly. There were many details about the beautiful scenery of Tansley. The story was interesting throughout and overall a very enjoyable read. The story plot was interesting and the book was very well written. The characters were believable which I enjoyed. This book combined hope, compassion, and unselfishness. It was great to see how people adjust to what life brings them. Love the main characters Susannah & Daniel. I definitely enjoyed reading this sweet book and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance novels. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 24, 2014
I never thought I'd rate a romance boring. But by the fifth or sixth time the heroine thinks about the hero's betrayal (got into a fake engagement, then he left to join navy or sth, and never wrote back), with the hero and his buddy drinking all the time, the story was plodding about predictably. There was just no depth to the characters or the story. Now, usually, I don't mind that. It's just romance. For the genre, one can be forgiving. But this novel takes itself too seriously. Also, I'd rather not be preached at, thank you very much.
July 23, 2014
This was a Christian regency romance, a sub-genre I had never even contemplated.
I liked the hero, but was unsympathetic toward the heroine. I also found the scenes dealing with faith and religion to be anachronistic. I am pretty sure that early 19th century Anglicans did not talk about spirituality like 21st century Protestants.
I liked the hero, but was unsympathetic toward the heroine. I also found the scenes dealing with faith and religion to be anachronistic. I am pretty sure that early 19th century Anglicans did not talk about spirituality like 21st century Protestants.
January 27, 2021
I did not find the attitude/behavior fitting for the time period (kind, benevolent gentry all too willing to support female owned businesses despite scandalous rumors, men willing to bend over backwards to win the affections of women significantly lowered in station, etc). But I appreciated the challenges, the spiritual growth, etc.
December 27, 2025
Too a break from my favorite book Authors. Love the end , love the story and enjoy the end .
December 21, 2014
The last time I read a Harlequin romance that opened with a biblical quote, I rated it one star, but I didn't feel as if the writer preached at me. Unfortunately, I can't say the same of Lily George. More than half of A Rumoured Engagement read like a sermon on the evils of drink and the need for religious faith. If the author had spent as much time on character development as she did on religion, then perhaps I could believe that Daniel would turn to God for anything. His conversion struck me as inauthentic because Daniel didn't see any use for religion when his life was at risk. Aside from the random urge to pray, he doesn't feel any connection to Christianity at all until Reverend Kirk tells him that God can fill the void in his soul and make him more deserving of Susannah than he feels. It wouldn't have been as jarring if I'd had greater access to Daniel's thought process and/or if he'd been less insistent about his atheism at the beginning of the novel.
That aside, I found it hard to care for Daniel, either drunk or sober. Charm is his only positive quality because thoughtless (and in the case of his initial engagement to Susannah, short-lived) generosity doesn't much impress me. Susannah is more sympathetic and more interesting, but she's mired in a plodding story and she loses some of her confidence as her relationship with Daniel progresses. In fact, I was so bored halfway through that I would've closed the book if not for the shop (and her adorable sisters). While I knew Susannah would have to give up the millinery at some point, I hoped she could enjoy some triumph first. The scene with Miss Glaspell fell far short of my expectations, though it made for a nice break and I was very fond of Nan and Becky.
Despite my frustration with A Rumoured Engagement, Lily George writes well. She could stand to use "'twas," "'tis," "'twould," etc. a lot less frequently, but I otherwise enjoyed her style. If she could handle the religious theme with a little more subtlety, I think I would've enjoyed the novel more. I empathized a lot with Susannah and initially, I looked forward to the moment when she could reconcile her need for independence with the entirely human need to lean on someone else. I might've been disappointed, but obviously, A Rumoured Engagement has worked for many other people and I can see why it would.
That aside, I found it hard to care for Daniel, either drunk or sober. Charm is his only positive quality because thoughtless (and in the case of his initial engagement to Susannah, short-lived) generosity doesn't much impress me. Susannah is more sympathetic and more interesting, but she's mired in a plodding story and she loses some of her confidence as her relationship with Daniel progresses. In fact, I was so bored halfway through that I would've closed the book if not for the shop (and her adorable sisters). While I knew Susannah would have to give up the millinery at some point, I hoped she could enjoy some triumph first. The scene with Miss Glaspell fell far short of my expectations, though it made for a nice break and I was very fond of Nan and Becky.
Despite my frustration with A Rumoured Engagement, Lily George writes well. She could stand to use "'twas," "'tis," "'twould," etc. a lot less frequently, but I otherwise enjoyed her style. If she could handle the religious theme with a little more subtlety, I think I would've enjoyed the novel more. I empathized a lot with Susannah and initially, I looked forward to the moment when she could reconcile her need for independence with the entirely human need to lean on someone else. I might've been disappointed, but obviously, A Rumoured Engagement has worked for many other people and I can see why it would.
June 15, 2014
A Rumored Engagment is the first book I've read by author Lily George, a relatively new Love Inspired Historical author.
I am a real fan of Regency romance, having cut my teeth on Georgette Heyer's Regencies as a teen.
I enjoyed Ms. George's sweet tale. Her heroine Susannah Siddons was sympathetic, which means I liked her and wanted to read about her. And I found the situation a bit different from other Marriage of Convenience stories in that the hero left for the sea after the sham engagement.
I had some trouble warming up to her hero Daniel Hale. He seemed so immature compared to Susannah, but that was exactly the problem between them. Daniel had to face growing up.
A coming of age tale for the hero is unusual.
I also was intrigued with how Ms. George kept the story moving with just mundane village happenings. That's not easy. However, the use of "'twas" was a really problem. It kept pulling me out of the story like a flat note. So I hope Ms. George will remove that from her "dictionary" before her next book.
So would I recommend this read? Yes, if you enjoy Regency romance and a lively heroine.
I am a real fan of Regency romance, having cut my teeth on Georgette Heyer's Regencies as a teen.
I enjoyed Ms. George's sweet tale. Her heroine Susannah Siddons was sympathetic, which means I liked her and wanted to read about her. And I found the situation a bit different from other Marriage of Convenience stories in that the hero left for the sea after the sham engagement.
I had some trouble warming up to her hero Daniel Hale. He seemed so immature compared to Susannah, but that was exactly the problem between them. Daniel had to face growing up.
A coming of age tale for the hero is unusual.
I also was intrigued with how Ms. George kept the story moving with just mundane village happenings. That's not easy. However, the use of "'twas" was a really problem. It kept pulling me out of the story like a flat note. So I hope Ms. George will remove that from her "dictionary" before her next book.
So would I recommend this read? Yes, if you enjoy Regency romance and a lively heroine.
August 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. If you enjoy historical romances I recommend this book.
Susannah became engaged to Daniel to avoided marrying another man that her uncle wanted her to marry. Daniel then leaves for the sea and they don't meet up again until Susannah and her sister move back to the town where they lived while their parents were alive and open up a millinery shop. Gossip starts when people find out that Susannah and Daniel were once engaged and the when girl's millinery shop's future is in jeopardy Daniel once again proposes to Susannah again. I don't want to give away any more of the story line, so you will have to read the book for yourself if you want to find out what happens.
Susannah became engaged to Daniel to avoided marrying another man that her uncle wanted her to marry. Daniel then leaves for the sea and they don't meet up again until Susannah and her sister move back to the town where they lived while their parents were alive and open up a millinery shop. Gossip starts when people find out that Susannah and Daniel were once engaged and the when girl's millinery shop's future is in jeopardy Daniel once again proposes to Susannah again. I don't want to give away any more of the story line, so you will have to read the book for yourself if you want to find out what happens.
April 14, 2014
I love books that have some history attached to them. Either in the form of actual events or customs, etc. This book has that in spades!! I loved the detail to language and descriptions of clothing. I also loved that she described the town and the surrounding country side in such detail that I could visualize it.
I recommend this book to anyone that loves Jane Austen. This feels as though it was written in the time of JA!
Susannah and Daniel are a couple you can really rally behind. I admired her spunk and I came to care about him.
Wonderful read. Could not put it down!!! This is the first book I have read by this author and now I am on the hunt for her previous books!!!!
I recommend this book to anyone that loves Jane Austen. This feels as though it was written in the time of JA!
Susannah and Daniel are a couple you can really rally behind. I admired her spunk and I came to care about him.
Wonderful read. Could not put it down!!! This is the first book I have read by this author and now I am on the hunt for her previous books!!!!
May 28, 2014
I received this as a first reads giveaway from the author. Thank you for the chance to read and review this lovely book.
As always Lily George does a wonderful job with details. The countryside comes to life and you can almost see the pretty little chapel. The characters grow together nicely and even though they are at odd ends for a bit they are never rude or sarcastic towards one another. The story flows well and keeps a good pace without hurrying to the end. Christian but not overly preachy either. A lovely little read. 3 1/2 stars.
Again, thank you for this first reads giveaway. I'll be sure to pass this one along!
As always Lily George does a wonderful job with details. The countryside comes to life and you can almost see the pretty little chapel. The characters grow together nicely and even though they are at odd ends for a bit they are never rude or sarcastic towards one another. The story flows well and keeps a good pace without hurrying to the end. Christian but not overly preachy either. A lovely little read. 3 1/2 stars.
Again, thank you for this first reads giveaway. I'll be sure to pass this one along!
November 29, 2014
Susannah has to take care of her sisters after her parents and then an aunt and uncle all pass away. Her uncle spent their inheritance so they are starting over with next to nothing.
When they return to Tansley she is surprised to run into Daniel who has also recently returned. They have a little known past between them. Now they mist face the truth of why it turned out the way it did and discover that they both still have feelings for each other. And when their secret becomes general knowledge, everything changes.
A great new series by a talented author!
When they return to Tansley she is surprised to run into Daniel who has also recently returned. They have a little known past between them. Now they mist face the truth of why it turned out the way it did and discover that they both still have feelings for each other. And when their secret becomes general knowledge, everything changes.
A great new series by a talented author!
Read
May 29, 2014I received this book as a FirstReads book and unfortunately I have not enjoyed it at all. I have struggled to keep reading as I found the way it was written very 'clangy'. I found that there was an overuse of the term "'twas" that did not fit at all with the way the rest of the book was written. As such, every time it appeared (which is frequently) it really stood out and distracted me from the story.
July 2, 2014
Lilly George doesn't disappoint with her newest Christian Romance, "A Rumored Engagement." Though I personally don't like romance novels, I love all of Lily's. Her style of writing and subject matter draw me in every time. If you're a fan of the Classic women novelists, you'll adore and appreciate this book!
May 10, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads first reads.
Even not being my first choice of reading, the author descriptions and her art of storytelling made me fall in love with the characters.
Even not being my first choice of reading, the author descriptions and her art of storytelling made me fall in love with the characters.
April 14, 2014
Love this one by Lily George.
Read
January 12, 2016received 4 1/2 stars @ RT Book Reviews
August 20, 2014
3 1/2 stars. Historical, regency romance, Christian. I enjoyed it. At times I felt like the author was repeating herself, but overall it was a very pleasant read.
October 10, 2014
3.5 Stars, more like 4. Really good book, recommended read!
October 15, 2016
Simple, beautiful and very well written..
Loved it!
Loved it!
April 13, 2017
Decent inspirational book with flawed characters who find strength in each other.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews