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Marriage Mart #2
A Midsummer Bride
One Unconventional American Heiress Can Be Even Wilder Than the Highlands...
Outspoken American heiress Harriet Redgrave is undeniably bad ton. She laughs too much, rides too fast, and tends to start fires pursuing her interest in the new science of chemistry. And despite her grandfather's matchmaking intentions to the contrary, Harriet has no interest in being wooed for her wealth...
Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton, would never marry to repair the family fortunes. Or would he? When he saves Harriet from a science experiment about to go very, very, wrong, all bets are off!
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
26 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Forester
21 books326 followersAmanda Forester holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a Masters degree in theology. As a psychologist, she has worked as a clinical researcher and a university instructor (what they call you when they don’t want to give you tenure). None of which has anything to do with writing romance novels. After trying for many years to stop the internal storylines floating around her head, she finally gave up and wrote one down. Now when she is caught daydreaming and talking to herself she can just say, “I’m plotting a scene for my next novel,” which sounds so much better than, “I’m hallucinating and responding to internal stimuli.”
Amanda lives in the Pacific Northwest with her officer and a gentleman husband and their two remarkably active, naturally brilliant children. They share their home with two fiendishly destructive cats and one lazy dog.
The Highlander’s Series represents Amanda's first venture into writing historical fiction, so she would greatly enjoy hearing from readers.
Amanda lives in the Pacific Northwest with her officer and a gentleman husband and their two remarkably active, naturally brilliant children. They share their home with two fiendishly destructive cats and one lazy dog.
The Highlander’s Series represents Amanda's first venture into writing historical fiction, so she would greatly enjoy hearing from readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 18, 2023
This was my favorite book of the Marriage Mart trilogy.
Miss Harriet Burton is the granddaughter of an earl, but her mother ran off to marry an American sailor and was disowned by her father. The story starts off with Harriet on a ship home to America. A British ship captures and takes everyone on board, including Harriet. She immediately demonstrates herself to be both smart and kind. She and her maid are taken to her grandfather who decides to redeem himself by marrying his granddaughter to a titled gentleman.
Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton, hosts a house party in Scotland. Through no fault of his own, he is about to lose everything; but he refuses to marry for money even to save his estate. Duncan is a hero with good moral character who is a loyal friend. He and Harriet are well matched, and I definitely recommend reading this book.
Miss Harriet Burton is the granddaughter of an earl, but her mother ran off to marry an American sailor and was disowned by her father. The story starts off with Harriet on a ship home to America. A British ship captures and takes everyone on board, including Harriet. She immediately demonstrates herself to be both smart and kind. She and her maid are taken to her grandfather who decides to redeem himself by marrying his granddaughter to a titled gentleman.
Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton, hosts a house party in Scotland. Through no fault of his own, he is about to lose everything; but he refuses to marry for money even to save his estate. Duncan is a hero with good moral character who is a loyal friend. He and Harriet are well matched, and I definitely recommend reading this book.
March 7, 2014
Chemistry without the Spark
A Midsummer Bride is the first book by Amanda Forester that I've read and when I started to read it, I was very excited! Oh boy, I thought, this is going to be good! The story had elements which I enjoy. A smart, quirky heroine, Harriet, who loves chemistry and a supposedly socially awkward hero, Duncan, who is also Scottish and says "ye" a lot. I enjoyed the beginning, but it wasn't long before the story started to drag. I had to force myself to continue, which I did. This almost became a DNF - sigh.
Our main couple, Harriet and Duncan, could have been a great couple if they had been allowed to fully develop; however, every time they were center stage the scene would abruptly change and the focus would be on a different pair, who I can only assume will have their own story. You know, sometimes when a secondary romance is in a book the flow between the two story lines is seamless and they blend together smoothly. However, the change from one couple to another in this book was jarring and eventually I found it irritating.There was even a point when I had to check to make sure which pair was the main one.
The couple quagmire was not the only problem I had with this tale. Harriet was supposed to be a whiz with chemistry, but almost every time she did an experiment she caught something on fire. And, then there was the brash American routine. The honest American who just doesn't fit in with the silly British aristocratic women. The British women for the most part are portrayed as snooty vipers - I grew tired of the cardboard stereotypes and found it hard to believe that the English women would have been quite so loudly vocal in their hatred of Harriet. I was also irritated that Harriet would let these women continue as long as they did without striking back.
For me there didn't seem to be any cohesion in the story. It was all over the place - sailors are pressed, Harriet kidnapped, there are secret matchmakers, guys avoiding matchmakers, spies, mean women, horses, and an odd woman who wears a crown. There's a secret door which leads to horses and a fire that almost ruins a party, but the woman with the crown insists on partying on, even though the house is torched. The story has loose ends and a couple without chemistry. Then there is the hero, who must sell his estate and his secret horses because his mother (the woman with the crown) has gambled them away. He needs money, money, money. Harriet has money - tons of money. They love each other, they admit to each other that they love one another. "I love you Harriet." "I love you Duncan." But Duncan cannot marry Harriet because she's rich, even though he needs the money, he just can't do that to her! Sooooo, let me get this straight Duncan. You love a rich woman, she loves you, but you can't marry her because you don’t want her to think you’re marrying her for her money, but you’ve told her you’re not, that you love her…aaakkkk....there seems to be a ringing in my ears.
In the end I was disappointed in this story. The couple were not fully developed as a romantic couple, there was too much time dedicated to the secondary couple, and not marrying someone you love because they have money was just silly. The story was disjointed, slow, and a struggle to finish. Much to my disappointment, A Midsummer Bride didn't work for me.
KaysBlog
A Midsummer Bride is the first book by Amanda Forester that I've read and when I started to read it, I was very excited! Oh boy, I thought, this is going to be good! The story had elements which I enjoy. A smart, quirky heroine, Harriet, who loves chemistry and a supposedly socially awkward hero, Duncan, who is also Scottish and says "ye" a lot. I enjoyed the beginning, but it wasn't long before the story started to drag. I had to force myself to continue, which I did. This almost became a DNF - sigh.
Our main couple, Harriet and Duncan, could have been a great couple if they had been allowed to fully develop; however, every time they were center stage the scene would abruptly change and the focus would be on a different pair, who I can only assume will have their own story. You know, sometimes when a secondary romance is in a book the flow between the two story lines is seamless and they blend together smoothly. However, the change from one couple to another in this book was jarring and eventually I found it irritating.There was even a point when I had to check to make sure which pair was the main one.
The couple quagmire was not the only problem I had with this tale. Harriet was supposed to be a whiz with chemistry, but almost every time she did an experiment she caught something on fire. And, then there was the brash American routine. The honest American who just doesn't fit in with the silly British aristocratic women. The British women for the most part are portrayed as snooty vipers - I grew tired of the cardboard stereotypes and found it hard to believe that the English women would have been quite so loudly vocal in their hatred of Harriet. I was also irritated that Harriet would let these women continue as long as they did without striking back.
For me there didn't seem to be any cohesion in the story. It was all over the place - sailors are pressed, Harriet kidnapped, there are secret matchmakers, guys avoiding matchmakers, spies, mean women, horses, and an odd woman who wears a crown. There's a secret door which leads to horses and a fire that almost ruins a party, but the woman with the crown insists on partying on, even though the house is torched. The story has loose ends and a couple without chemistry. Then there is the hero, who must sell his estate and his secret horses because his mother (the woman with the crown) has gambled them away. He needs money, money, money. Harriet has money - tons of money. They love each other, they admit to each other that they love one another. "I love you Harriet." "I love you Duncan." But Duncan cannot marry Harriet because she's rich, even though he needs the money, he just can't do that to her! Sooooo, let me get this straight Duncan. You love a rich woman, she loves you, but you can't marry her because you don’t want her to think you’re marrying her for her money, but you’ve told her you’re not, that you love her…aaakkkk....there seems to be a ringing in my ears.
In the end I was disappointed in this story. The couple were not fully developed as a romantic couple, there was too much time dedicated to the secondary couple, and not marrying someone you love because they have money was just silly. The story was disjointed, slow, and a struggle to finish. Much to my disappointment, A Midsummer Bride didn't work for me.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2016
I've given this a B- at AAR, so let's call it 3.5 stars
This is the second book in Ms Forrester’s Marriage Mart series that began with A Wedding in Springtime. It started well; the author has a nice, light touch and I’m never averse to reading a well-written piece of romantic fluff, but somewhere before the half-way point, I was starting to get a bit irritated. By that time, the book was in danger of sinking beneath a surfeit of exposition; there had been so many different plot strands introduced that the whole thing was starting to feel disjointed because of the constant switches from one aspect of the story to another.
To be fair to Ms Forester, however, she did pull everything together quite skilfully towards the end.
The book opens on the high seas. Miss Harriet Redgrave is travelling from Boston to New York when her ship is boarded by an English sea-captain who promptly impresses the American crew into the British Navy – something which, according to the author’s note, isn’t as unlikely as one might think. Being American - and therefore outspoken - Harriet has no qualms about giving the captain a piece of her mind and then, knowing she now has no way of getting home, accepts passage to England aboard his ship. Arrived, she makes her way to her grandfather’s estate. She has never met him because he cut all contact with her mother after she ran away to marry an American naval officer who was of inferior social status. At first, Lord Langley is hostile and refuses to believe Harriet is who she says she is – but the sensible intervention of a friend helps Harriet to prove her identity.
The friend is, in fact, a Scottish earl, Duncan Machlachlan, Lord Thornton, who had been meeting with Langley to discuss a business proposition. He extends Langley and Harriet an invitation to a house party he is holding at his estate, which Langley, seeing an opportunity to find a husband for his granddaughter and therefore keep her in England, accepts with alacrity.
Being American – and therefore unconventional – Harriet is not like the other young ladies of the ton. She’s refreshingly different in that she says what she thinks, and her passion is Chemistry rather than husband-hunting. She is also in possession of a dowry of fifty-thousand pounds, a fact she likes to keep quiet as she has no desire to be trapped into marriage by an unscrupulous fortune hunter.
Needless to say, her breezy, uncomplicated nature does not endear her to the other ladies she meets at the house party, all of whom turn their noses up at her lack of town bronze and her open manner and who take no pains to hide their snide comments. Harriet’s one friend at the party is her host, a man who, by his own admission, isn’t comfortable around women and hasn’t the talent for flirting and flattery displayed by so many of his peers.
But Thornton doesn’t need to flatter and flirt because he’s not looking to marry anytime soon. His estate is deeply in debt and as he has nothing to offer a wife, he has resolved not to find one until he’s turned things around, which, given the state of the family finances, will probably take a good many years. But he can’t help feeling drawn towards Harriet, who he senses is as much of a fish out of water as he is among the superficiality of the tonnish guests. He’s a lovely beta hero – kind, honourable and a bit shy – who is trying to do right by everybody, especially his selfish mother who is making their financial situation even worse by her continual high-stakes gambling. She is in serious debt and insists Thornton marry an heiress to pay off her debts, first of all, and then rescue the estate.
But the one thing Thornton has sworn never to do is marry a woman for her money.
You can see where this is going. It’s rather too big a flaw in the story to ignore because it’s pretty much the entire basis for the element of conflict in the romance, and is flimsy at best.
I don’t find admitting that this sort of conflict-for-no-real-reason annoys me no end. Like the Big Misunderstanding, all it needs is for the people concerned to talk to each other and try to work something out, rather than enduring heartbreak simply because of their own misconceptions. I realise that without such plotlines, there would be many fewer romance novels out there, but it’s a contrivance too far in my book, even when the rest of the novel is as well-written as this one is.
This, however, is where the abundance of side-plots Ms Forester has set up comes in, because there are many other things going on to prevent the reader from getting headaches as the result of too much eye-rolling. The principal sub-plot concerns the Duke of Marchford (one of Thornton’s closest friends) and his work for the government as a spy-catcher. In fact, it’s as his behest that Thornton has held this house-party, as Marchford needed somewhere out of the way for a gathering of military leaders to take place, and the remote Highlands are about as far from the hotbed of London society as it’s possible to get.
There is also rather a nice secondary romance being developed between Marchford and his grandmother’s companion, Penelope (who will be the central couple in the next book), which I actually found more appealing than the main romance at times.
The characterisation of the main characters is strong, although I feel that Harriet, being American – and therefore breezy, unconventional, outspoken and untutored in the ways of polite society – is a little stereotypical, as are the snooty ladies of the ton, with their frequent gibes at Harriet’s colonial ways and her lack of conventional beauty. I did, however admire Harriet’s spirit and really felt for her when she felt homesick and as though she had been abandoned; and I liked the way she refused to be cowed, even when she was at her lowest ebb. The secondary characters of Langley and the dowager duchess are rather delightful, the villain(s) of the piece are suitably smarmy, and Thornton is a dreamy hero.
The writing flows well, there’s plenty of humour and some terrific dialogue; but the pacing in the first half suffers for the reasons I outlined at the beginning – too many different plot points being crowded in at once to the detriment – sometimes – of the characterisation or continuity.
Despite my reservations, I’m giving A Midsummer Bride a qualified recommendation, as Amanda Forester is clearly a talented writer and there is always room in the market for well-written fluff. But the non-existent conflict, pacing problems and the too perfect ending prevent me from rating it more highly.
This is the second book in Ms Forrester’s Marriage Mart series that began with A Wedding in Springtime. It started well; the author has a nice, light touch and I’m never averse to reading a well-written piece of romantic fluff, but somewhere before the half-way point, I was starting to get a bit irritated. By that time, the book was in danger of sinking beneath a surfeit of exposition; there had been so many different plot strands introduced that the whole thing was starting to feel disjointed because of the constant switches from one aspect of the story to another.
To be fair to Ms Forester, however, she did pull everything together quite skilfully towards the end.
The book opens on the high seas. Miss Harriet Redgrave is travelling from Boston to New York when her ship is boarded by an English sea-captain who promptly impresses the American crew into the British Navy – something which, according to the author’s note, isn’t as unlikely as one might think. Being American - and therefore outspoken - Harriet has no qualms about giving the captain a piece of her mind and then, knowing she now has no way of getting home, accepts passage to England aboard his ship. Arrived, she makes her way to her grandfather’s estate. She has never met him because he cut all contact with her mother after she ran away to marry an American naval officer who was of inferior social status. At first, Lord Langley is hostile and refuses to believe Harriet is who she says she is – but the sensible intervention of a friend helps Harriet to prove her identity.
The friend is, in fact, a Scottish earl, Duncan Machlachlan, Lord Thornton, who had been meeting with Langley to discuss a business proposition. He extends Langley and Harriet an invitation to a house party he is holding at his estate, which Langley, seeing an opportunity to find a husband for his granddaughter and therefore keep her in England, accepts with alacrity.
Being American – and therefore unconventional – Harriet is not like the other young ladies of the ton. She’s refreshingly different in that she says what she thinks, and her passion is Chemistry rather than husband-hunting. She is also in possession of a dowry of fifty-thousand pounds, a fact she likes to keep quiet as she has no desire to be trapped into marriage by an unscrupulous fortune hunter.
Needless to say, her breezy, uncomplicated nature does not endear her to the other ladies she meets at the house party, all of whom turn their noses up at her lack of town bronze and her open manner and who take no pains to hide their snide comments. Harriet’s one friend at the party is her host, a man who, by his own admission, isn’t comfortable around women and hasn’t the talent for flirting and flattery displayed by so many of his peers.
But Thornton doesn’t need to flatter and flirt because he’s not looking to marry anytime soon. His estate is deeply in debt and as he has nothing to offer a wife, he has resolved not to find one until he’s turned things around, which, given the state of the family finances, will probably take a good many years. But he can’t help feeling drawn towards Harriet, who he senses is as much of a fish out of water as he is among the superficiality of the tonnish guests. He’s a lovely beta hero – kind, honourable and a bit shy – who is trying to do right by everybody, especially his selfish mother who is making their financial situation even worse by her continual high-stakes gambling. She is in serious debt and insists Thornton marry an heiress to pay off her debts, first of all, and then rescue the estate.
But the one thing Thornton has sworn never to do is marry a woman for her money.
You can see where this is going. It’s rather too big a flaw in the story to ignore because it’s pretty much the entire basis for the element of conflict in the romance, and is flimsy at best.
I don’t find admitting that this sort of conflict-for-no-real-reason annoys me no end. Like the Big Misunderstanding, all it needs is for the people concerned to talk to each other and try to work something out, rather than enduring heartbreak simply because of their own misconceptions. I realise that without such plotlines, there would be many fewer romance novels out there, but it’s a contrivance too far in my book, even when the rest of the novel is as well-written as this one is.
This, however, is where the abundance of side-plots Ms Forester has set up comes in, because there are many other things going on to prevent the reader from getting headaches as the result of too much eye-rolling. The principal sub-plot concerns the Duke of Marchford (one of Thornton’s closest friends) and his work for the government as a spy-catcher. In fact, it’s as his behest that Thornton has held this house-party, as Marchford needed somewhere out of the way for a gathering of military leaders to take place, and the remote Highlands are about as far from the hotbed of London society as it’s possible to get.
There is also rather a nice secondary romance being developed between Marchford and his grandmother’s companion, Penelope (who will be the central couple in the next book), which I actually found more appealing than the main romance at times.
The characterisation of the main characters is strong, although I feel that Harriet, being American – and therefore breezy, unconventional, outspoken and untutored in the ways of polite society – is a little stereotypical, as are the snooty ladies of the ton, with their frequent gibes at Harriet’s colonial ways and her lack of conventional beauty. I did, however admire Harriet’s spirit and really felt for her when she felt homesick and as though she had been abandoned; and I liked the way she refused to be cowed, even when she was at her lowest ebb. The secondary characters of Langley and the dowager duchess are rather delightful, the villain(s) of the piece are suitably smarmy, and Thornton is a dreamy hero.
The writing flows well, there’s plenty of humour and some terrific dialogue; but the pacing in the first half suffers for the reasons I outlined at the beginning – too many different plot points being crowded in at once to the detriment – sometimes – of the characterisation or continuity.
Despite my reservations, I’m giving A Midsummer Bride a qualified recommendation, as Amanda Forester is clearly a talented writer and there is always room in the market for well-written fluff. But the non-existent conflict, pacing problems and the too perfect ending prevent me from rating it more highly.
December 19, 2013
Second book of the "Marriage Mart" Series , this time we have the story of two characters not born in old England.
Duncan is a longtime friend of the Duke of Machford, as well as the character of the previous book, Grant . He is Scottish and his accent is strong - cute.
Even being a noble and having lived a certain luxury all his life, the life story of his parents' marriage was not the happiest. And now, a few years after the death of his father, and how much of the money of the time was his mother - of her dowry, but thanks to a good attorney , most still came under her dominion - now they were totally broke, and his mother pressed him to marry an heiress .
As last promise to his father, on his deathbed, due to the unhappiness of his marriage, Duncan promised to marry only for love , but he had full responsibility on his back for his clan.
To be about to close a big deal with Lord Langley, their meeting is interrupted by the untimely arrival of a young woman and her companion. That was Langley`s granddaughter claimed him to host her there, to stay for a few days until the next ship leave to the United States .
Harriet did not like one bit about having to ask for help from a grandfather who has ever wanted to know her.
When arriving at the home of Lord Langley, she expected to stay there for a few days and return to her family. But when Langley realized that Harriet was his granddaughter, daughter of the daughter he had claimed insanity and placed in a sanatorium, when in fact she had fled to America with a ship captain, wanted keep her with him. He lied to her that the next ship would only leave within a month and contacted the Duchess of Machford, grandmother of the current Duke, to get in touch with famous matchmaker Madame X. He wanted Harriet to stay with him in England, and for that she would have to get married fast.
The scheme to get her a husband starts, when the country party offered by the duke, at the property of his friend Duncan.
The problem was Harriet did not fit the patterns of English women. She was very tall, she liked to talk about experiments that many men even understand. As much as she tried, people fled from her. Except when the duchess left to escape the secret about her dowry, fifty thousand pounds!
While there was an attempt to marriage, the Duke of Machford tried to find a spy - storyline begun in the previous book. And all kind of confusion happens when Harriet is nearby and can hinder or help capture this.
As host, Duncan had to often give attention to Harriet, mainly when realized how poisonous the other girls could be to her. And the more he was close to her, more enchanted, and with little time he realized that that American girl could be an explosion in his life in more ways than one ...
A delight history by many reasons: the dialogue is very well built ;characters are charismatic, the plot is interesting with all its mystery involving the probable spy, the romance is cute , the pace of the story is perfect; and the next book ... wow ! I can not wait.
Duncan with his Scottish accent is a crazy thing. And Harriet with her nutcase is way cute.
Not forgetting the antics of the duchess, putting her companion in trouble.
Next book in 2014, comes with the story of the Duke and the bride that Madame X is tasked to find to him. Who will be the next season bride?
5 STARS .
Duncan is a longtime friend of the Duke of Machford, as well as the character of the previous book, Grant . He is Scottish and his accent is strong - cute.
Even being a noble and having lived a certain luxury all his life, the life story of his parents' marriage was not the happiest. And now, a few years after the death of his father, and how much of the money of the time was his mother - of her dowry, but thanks to a good attorney , most still came under her dominion - now they were totally broke, and his mother pressed him to marry an heiress .
As last promise to his father, on his deathbed, due to the unhappiness of his marriage, Duncan promised to marry only for love , but he had full responsibility on his back for his clan.
To be about to close a big deal with Lord Langley, their meeting is interrupted by the untimely arrival of a young woman and her companion. That was Langley`s granddaughter claimed him to host her there, to stay for a few days until the next ship leave to the United States .
Harriet did not like one bit about having to ask for help from a grandfather who has ever wanted to know her.
When arriving at the home of Lord Langley, she expected to stay there for a few days and return to her family. But when Langley realized that Harriet was his granddaughter, daughter of the daughter he had claimed insanity and placed in a sanatorium, when in fact she had fled to America with a ship captain, wanted keep her with him. He lied to her that the next ship would only leave within a month and contacted the Duchess of Machford, grandmother of the current Duke, to get in touch with famous matchmaker Madame X. He wanted Harriet to stay with him in England, and for that she would have to get married fast.
The scheme to get her a husband starts, when the country party offered by the duke, at the property of his friend Duncan.
The problem was Harriet did not fit the patterns of English women. She was very tall, she liked to talk about experiments that many men even understand. As much as she tried, people fled from her. Except when the duchess left to escape the secret about her dowry, fifty thousand pounds!
While there was an attempt to marriage, the Duke of Machford tried to find a spy - storyline begun in the previous book. And all kind of confusion happens when Harriet is nearby and can hinder or help capture this.
As host, Duncan had to often give attention to Harriet, mainly when realized how poisonous the other girls could be to her. And the more he was close to her, more enchanted, and with little time he realized that that American girl could be an explosion in his life in more ways than one ...
A delight history by many reasons: the dialogue is very well built ;characters are charismatic, the plot is interesting with all its mystery involving the probable spy, the romance is cute , the pace of the story is perfect; and the next book ... wow ! I can not wait.
Duncan with his Scottish accent is a crazy thing. And Harriet with her nutcase is way cute.
Not forgetting the antics of the duchess, putting her companion in trouble.
Next book in 2014, comes with the story of the Duke and the bride that Madame X is tasked to find to him. Who will be the next season bride?
5 STARS .
October 20, 2015
An American is returned to her grandfather only to find he wants to marry her off. Her passion for science makes her an oddity. But Earl Maclachlan finds himself falling for her though he's sworn off marriage.
Plenty of crazy activity, spies and mayhem.
Plenty of crazy activity, spies and mayhem.
December 4, 2013
A highly entertaining read! Actually rated 4.5. Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Heiress Harriet Redgrave, whose parents are an American sea captain and the daughter of an English earl, is on her way home when the ship she is traveling on is attacked. She is taken captive and escorted to England where her estranged grandfather, the Earl of Langley, a man she has never met, lives. Her mother ran away years ago to marry her sea captain and they now reside in America, so the earl has never met any of his grandchildren. Hoping to get paid for her return, her kidnapper takes her to her grandfather’s home. But her grandfather refuses to pay, not even acknowledging Harriet. However, once she proves her identity, her grandfather sends her disgruntled kidnapper on his way and installs her in his home. Wanting nothing more than to get his granddaughter to remain in England, her grandfather sets out to find her an English husband with the help of the Earl of Thornton. However, Harriet’s outspoken ways and her pursuit of the new science of chemistry make her a pariah among the rest of the ton. She is also in no hurry to give up her freedom by getting married.
Duncan MacLachlan, the Earl of Thornton, is in a business partnership with the Earl of Langley and is present at his home when Harriet arrives alongside her kidnapper. Duncan is nearly destitute, thanks to his mother, who has gambled away everything, including the family estate. They only have until the end of the month to vacate the premises. Still, he has vowed never to marry after witnessing his parents’ unhappy marriage, not even for money. However, he finds himself intrigued by Harriet.
When Duncan leaves the earl’s home, announcing he is leaving for a house party, the Earl of Langley decides to attend also with his granddaughter so he can start his search for a husband for her. Thrown into each other’s company, Harriet cannot deny her attraction to Duncan, although she is reluctant to pursue it. Instead, in him, she finds a much needed friend, especially after he saves her from one of her experiments gone awry. Determined to keep his granddaughter in England, the earl hires matchmaker extraordinaire Madame X, not counting on Harriet’s own independent spirit. The last thing she wants is to be courted for her fortune and the only man she can trust to court her for herself is Duncan. Can she convince Duncan, who has sworn off heiresses, to give them a chance at a future together?
An intriguing tale, A MIDSUMMER BRIDE, the second book in author Amanda Forester’s MARRIAGE MART series, is a witty, suspenseful historical romance that will captivate you from the very beginning. The story starts off with a bang as Harriet is aboard a ship that is going down and she is about to be taken captive. From the outset, Duncan and Harriet are ideal together, although they have some issues to work through before they can share a future with each other. Although Duncan is normally awkward with those of the fairer sex, he finds comfort in being with Harriet. In addition, there is a bit of intrigue as a spy is loose in their midst, one who is determined to do whatever it takes to meet his objective. In the meantime, Duncan and Harriet’s romance is not the only one in this story as readers gain more insight into Madame X.
Packed with humor, suspense, danger, scheming, interesting characters, chemistry, passion, Scotland, romance and love, this story is absolutely delightful. It is not necessary to read the first book in the series, A WEDDING IN SPRINGTIME, to understand this story. However, for additional enjoyment and further insight into the series, I advise checking it out. As a fan of Ms. Forester’s work, I am eager to see what she comes up with next. In the meantime, A MIDSUMMER BRIDE is an enjoyable story that I am sure you will enjoy as much as I did! An entertaining novel!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Heiress Harriet Redgrave, whose parents are an American sea captain and the daughter of an English earl, is on her way home when the ship she is traveling on is attacked. She is taken captive and escorted to England where her estranged grandfather, the Earl of Langley, a man she has never met, lives. Her mother ran away years ago to marry her sea captain and they now reside in America, so the earl has never met any of his grandchildren. Hoping to get paid for her return, her kidnapper takes her to her grandfather’s home. But her grandfather refuses to pay, not even acknowledging Harriet. However, once she proves her identity, her grandfather sends her disgruntled kidnapper on his way and installs her in his home. Wanting nothing more than to get his granddaughter to remain in England, her grandfather sets out to find her an English husband with the help of the Earl of Thornton. However, Harriet’s outspoken ways and her pursuit of the new science of chemistry make her a pariah among the rest of the ton. She is also in no hurry to give up her freedom by getting married.
Duncan MacLachlan, the Earl of Thornton, is in a business partnership with the Earl of Langley and is present at his home when Harriet arrives alongside her kidnapper. Duncan is nearly destitute, thanks to his mother, who has gambled away everything, including the family estate. They only have until the end of the month to vacate the premises. Still, he has vowed never to marry after witnessing his parents’ unhappy marriage, not even for money. However, he finds himself intrigued by Harriet.
When Duncan leaves the earl’s home, announcing he is leaving for a house party, the Earl of Langley decides to attend also with his granddaughter so he can start his search for a husband for her. Thrown into each other’s company, Harriet cannot deny her attraction to Duncan, although she is reluctant to pursue it. Instead, in him, she finds a much needed friend, especially after he saves her from one of her experiments gone awry. Determined to keep his granddaughter in England, the earl hires matchmaker extraordinaire Madame X, not counting on Harriet’s own independent spirit. The last thing she wants is to be courted for her fortune and the only man she can trust to court her for herself is Duncan. Can she convince Duncan, who has sworn off heiresses, to give them a chance at a future together?
An intriguing tale, A MIDSUMMER BRIDE, the second book in author Amanda Forester’s MARRIAGE MART series, is a witty, suspenseful historical romance that will captivate you from the very beginning. The story starts off with a bang as Harriet is aboard a ship that is going down and she is about to be taken captive. From the outset, Duncan and Harriet are ideal together, although they have some issues to work through before they can share a future with each other. Although Duncan is normally awkward with those of the fairer sex, he finds comfort in being with Harriet. In addition, there is a bit of intrigue as a spy is loose in their midst, one who is determined to do whatever it takes to meet his objective. In the meantime, Duncan and Harriet’s romance is not the only one in this story as readers gain more insight into Madame X.
Packed with humor, suspense, danger, scheming, interesting characters, chemistry, passion, Scotland, romance and love, this story is absolutely delightful. It is not necessary to read the first book in the series, A WEDDING IN SPRINGTIME, to understand this story. However, for additional enjoyment and further insight into the series, I advise checking it out. As a fan of Ms. Forester’s work, I am eager to see what she comes up with next. In the meantime, A MIDSUMMER BRIDE is an enjoyable story that I am sure you will enjoy as much as I did! An entertaining novel!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
September 17, 2014
4 STARS
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Madam X is back and is to help American Harriet find a titled suitor to fit into high English society. Traveling in the Americas a British ship looking for soldiers takes Harriet back to her estranged grandfather in England in hopes for a reward.
When Harriet's mother was a young girl her father, Lord Langley arranged her marriage to an older man she runs off with ship's captain. Lady Beatrice's father has not contacted or spoken to his daughter since she eloped. When his granddaughter has been dropped off at his door Lord Langley decides that this is his second chance. He looks to his ex-fiance and her companion to broker a match.
Harriet is loud, opinionated and loves chemistry as well as being very tall. Right away she is isolated by her peers and feels homesick. The only people that make an effort is Penelope and Lord Thornton. Penelope finds the American girl a bit odd but a genuine person. Lord Thornton cannot help but be interested in the tall chemist. When Harriet's dowry amount is announced the poor titled men start to hover by her but Lord Thornton starts to keep his distance.
His father married for money to save his estate and it was a disaster and now he watching his father gamble away the estate. No matter what he will not marry for money even if he has an interest in a lady.
As the two debate their feelings for one another Lord Marchford is again on the trail for a traitor. What was supposed to be a small house party has turned into carnival.
I love Antonia and Penelope with their matchmaking. Antonia and Lord Langley's banter is cute as well as Penelope and Marchford's shy flirting. Harriet and Thornton's romance is sweet but at times I found Thornton a bit annoying with his insistence on not marrying a woman with money. Again the novel has several story lines and characters but it is getting more seamless. And I am glad my hunches from the first book turned out true in this book. So ready for the next one.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Madam X is back and is to help American Harriet find a titled suitor to fit into high English society. Traveling in the Americas a British ship looking for soldiers takes Harriet back to her estranged grandfather in England in hopes for a reward.
When Harriet's mother was a young girl her father, Lord Langley arranged her marriage to an older man she runs off with ship's captain. Lady Beatrice's father has not contacted or spoken to his daughter since she eloped. When his granddaughter has been dropped off at his door Lord Langley decides that this is his second chance. He looks to his ex-fiance and her companion to broker a match.
Harriet is loud, opinionated and loves chemistry as well as being very tall. Right away she is isolated by her peers and feels homesick. The only people that make an effort is Penelope and Lord Thornton. Penelope finds the American girl a bit odd but a genuine person. Lord Thornton cannot help but be interested in the tall chemist. When Harriet's dowry amount is announced the poor titled men start to hover by her but Lord Thornton starts to keep his distance.
His father married for money to save his estate and it was a disaster and now he watching his father gamble away the estate. No matter what he will not marry for money even if he has an interest in a lady.
As the two debate their feelings for one another Lord Marchford is again on the trail for a traitor. What was supposed to be a small house party has turned into carnival.
I love Antonia and Penelope with their matchmaking. Antonia and Lord Langley's banter is cute as well as Penelope and Marchford's shy flirting. Harriet and Thornton's romance is sweet but at times I found Thornton a bit annoying with his insistence on not marrying a woman with money. Again the novel has several story lines and characters but it is getting more seamless. And I am glad my hunches from the first book turned out true in this book. So ready for the next one.
November 9, 2013
Amanda Forester has very quickly found her place on my list of authors who continually deliver on the promise of entertaining and romantic reads. The second book in her Marriage Mart series A Midsummer Bride has the same appeal as the first story, with humorous characters, interesting plots and a love story that engages right away.
Miss Harriet Redgrave never thought that a short voyage between Boston and New York would change her life completely. Traveling during a dangerous period, with America’s independence still in its infancy, Harriet learns first hand that England isn’t quite ready to completely leave the colonists alone. Her ship is boarded by an English captain mandated by the Crown to capture able bodied men to serve in the Royal Navy and the lives of her friends are threatened when they defend the new Americans from impressment. Knowing that her estranged grandfather is a man of some importance in London, Harriet tries to bargain for their release and instead finds herself brought aboard the English ship on her own unexpected trip across the Atlantic. Her reunion with her mother’s father, the Earl of Langley, does not go very well and Harriet expects that he will be happy to return her to her family on the next available passage to America. Of course her grandfather has other plans for his newly discovered relation.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
Miss Harriet Redgrave never thought that a short voyage between Boston and New York would change her life completely. Traveling during a dangerous period, with America’s independence still in its infancy, Harriet learns first hand that England isn’t quite ready to completely leave the colonists alone. Her ship is boarded by an English captain mandated by the Crown to capture able bodied men to serve in the Royal Navy and the lives of her friends are threatened when they defend the new Americans from impressment. Knowing that her estranged grandfather is a man of some importance in London, Harriet tries to bargain for their release and instead finds herself brought aboard the English ship on her own unexpected trip across the Atlantic. Her reunion with her mother’s father, the Earl of Langley, does not go very well and Harriet expects that he will be happy to return her to her family on the next available passage to America. Of course her grandfather has other plans for his newly discovered relation.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
February 13, 2014
A Midsummer Bride is part of Forester’s “Marriage Mart” series and I think that there is definitely some benefit to be had in reading them in order. It wasn’t enough to keep me from enjoying this one but there were a lot of things that I didn’t quite understand. Forester does have an effortless and addictive writing style, though, so the idea of having to read more stories has a lot of appeal. I’m definitely adding her stories to my To Be Read pile and I think she could quickly become a historical romance favorite of mine.
The characters, both main and supporting, are well developed and interesting. There is also a decent mystery over who the spy is and I felt that the resolution was very satisfying, with just the right amount of political intrigue without the book becoming too immersed in it.
A well-balanced mix of love and intrigue, A Midsummer Bride is a perfect story about finding that special someone to complete you and daring to take a chance.
Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress...
The characters, both main and supporting, are well developed and interesting. There is also a decent mystery over who the spy is and I felt that the resolution was very satisfying, with just the right amount of political intrigue without the book becoming too immersed in it.
A well-balanced mix of love and intrigue, A Midsummer Bride is a perfect story about finding that special someone to complete you and daring to take a chance.
Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress...
January 23, 2014
For the full review (and others), head to My Written Romance.
A thoroughly fun and enjoyable read - I'd have to say I enjoyed A Wedding in Springtime more, but I definitely liked A Midsummer Bride. I don't need to tell you again how much I'm looking forward to the next in the series...
The romance and chemistry between Harriet and Thornton is very sweet. It is quite easy to see that these two are meant for each other, but the roadblock in the form of Harriet's fortune makes it virtually impossible for them to realise this. It's not heavy on the physical stuff, but the subtle hints, the stolen kisses, they make up the sexy perfectly.
Just one little quibble: On the cover copy and on NetGalley, the heroine's surname is referred to as Burton, however throughout the book, it's Redgrave.
A thoroughly fun and enjoyable read - I'd have to say I enjoyed A Wedding in Springtime more, but I definitely liked A Midsummer Bride. I don't need to tell you again how much I'm looking forward to the next in the series...
The romance and chemistry between Harriet and Thornton is very sweet. It is quite easy to see that these two are meant for each other, but the roadblock in the form of Harriet's fortune makes it virtually impossible for them to realise this. It's not heavy on the physical stuff, but the subtle hints, the stolen kisses, they make up the sexy perfectly.
Just one little quibble: On the cover copy and on NetGalley, the heroine's surname is referred to as Burton, however throughout the book, it's Redgrave.
September 2, 2015
This Marriage Mart series is delightful! I'm really enjoying it. What with the French spies, the unfortunate heroines, the put upon heroes. Even the older people get to have lives. They are a lot of fun. Can't wait for #3.
June 7, 2018
The Duke of Marchford is still chasing spies, but in this story, the romance and the spy mystery are not welded together quite as artistically. At times, the spy story seems to be a second thought, or at least it is on hold.
The story is OK. The romance is nice, but starts to drag before the spy story kicks into full gear. The spy story is not much of a surprise. I figured out the main spy very early on, even when clues seemed to be saying it wasn't that person. The accomplice was telegraphed horribly.
Harriet is a quirky American. It seems she would be a little too much even for American High Society. She quickly gains a reputation for blowing things up, which is a little overboard on the part of the author because good chemists rarely blow things up unintentionally. Harriet is sensible, intelligent and self-confident which is impressive given how much she is criticized, ostracized and ridiculed.
Duncan is a good Highlander hero. He is brave and handsome and very open-minded when it comes to Harriet.
We have a few good secondary characters, who are actually quite in the middle of things, in the Duke and Penelope. Both of these are intelligent. There was a tiny hint in the first book that these two might have potential and the hints get stronger in this one. I can't wait because Penelope is actually my favorite character of the two books so far.
Unfortunately most of the other characters are one-dimensional. The cruelty of many of them is pervasive through most of the book.
The writing is fun with lots of humor. Once in a while there is a unique descriptive phrase.
One of my pet peaves about this genre is the constant lament by lead characters that there is no way it can ever work. In this book, that was worse than in the first book, but not as annoying as most of the writers I know in this genre.
While it doesn't affect my enjoyment, or judgment regarding the book as a whole, I started to question the thouroughness of the research, but it is maybe not as bad as I first thought. One problem I had was how vunerable Harriet appeared to suitors who were only after her money. One of the first things any decent matchmaker should advise would be lengthy contracts limiting a groom's control of her dowry. This was common at the time. Both her grandfather and the Duchess should have been all over this, but no one mentioned it until it didn't matter. Another fact I question, but could be wrong, is the fear over the island of Britain itself being invaded which was repeatedly mentioned. In 1810, Britain was in complete control of the seas. That's part of why she needed, and was so successful at pressing. I've seen it mentioned elsewhere that she was in no danger of invasion, but possibly I have the dates wrong. And regarding the author's note that says that the attack on Harriet's ship is perfectly likely, that is true. But she also notes the case of the Chesapeake that sparked the war of 1812, however, the blatant kidnapping of Harriet, an heiress worth 50,000 pounds just for her dowry, would have stirred far more publicity, especially given how much more fame and influence her father would have had with what he would have been worth.
Mature themes: really nothing to note. Again there is very mildly explicit sex.
The story is OK. The romance is nice, but starts to drag before the spy story kicks into full gear. The spy story is not much of a surprise. I figured out the main spy very early on, even when clues seemed to be saying it wasn't that person. The accomplice was telegraphed horribly.
Harriet is a quirky American. It seems she would be a little too much even for American High Society. She quickly gains a reputation for blowing things up, which is a little overboard on the part of the author because good chemists rarely blow things up unintentionally. Harriet is sensible, intelligent and self-confident which is impressive given how much she is criticized, ostracized and ridiculed.
Duncan is a good Highlander hero. He is brave and handsome and very open-minded when it comes to Harriet.
We have a few good secondary characters, who are actually quite in the middle of things, in the Duke and Penelope. Both of these are intelligent. There was a tiny hint in the first book that these two might have potential and the hints get stronger in this one. I can't wait because Penelope is actually my favorite character of the two books so far.
Unfortunately most of the other characters are one-dimensional. The cruelty of many of them is pervasive through most of the book.
The writing is fun with lots of humor. Once in a while there is a unique descriptive phrase.
One of my pet peaves about this genre is the constant lament by lead characters that there is no way it can ever work. In this book, that was worse than in the first book, but not as annoying as most of the writers I know in this genre.
While it doesn't affect my enjoyment, or judgment regarding the book as a whole, I started to question the thouroughness of the research, but it is maybe not as bad as I first thought. One problem I had was how vunerable Harriet appeared to suitors who were only after her money. One of the first things any decent matchmaker should advise would be lengthy contracts limiting a groom's control of her dowry. This was common at the time. Both her grandfather and the Duchess should have been all over this, but no one mentioned it until it didn't matter. Another fact I question, but could be wrong, is the fear over the island of Britain itself being invaded which was repeatedly mentioned. In 1810, Britain was in complete control of the seas. That's part of why she needed, and was so successful at pressing. I've seen it mentioned elsewhere that she was in no danger of invasion, but possibly I have the dates wrong. And regarding the author's note that says that the attack on Harriet's ship is perfectly likely, that is true. But she also notes the case of the Chesapeake that sparked the war of 1812, however, the blatant kidnapping of Harriet, an heiress worth 50,000 pounds just for her dowry, would have stirred far more publicity, especially given how much more fame and influence her father would have had with what he would have been worth.
Mature themes: really nothing to note. Again there is very mildly explicit sex.
July 9, 2020
First off, this book was way too long. And for the length, it lacked depth. The characters were flat and the plot was predictable. But it did have potential, unfortunately that was mainly towards the end. The last quarter held some gems of potential. Frankly, I'd be more interested reading about the pirate who stole the English woman (Harriet's mother) away to sail to America and make their fortune. The daughter's story was honestly a bit boring. I did like the focus on finding your passion, but Harriet's passion was more superficial than anything else. There's lots of talk about science but very little actual science. It made it feel like it was more of a placeholder than an actual passion - something to write about for the masses who love heroines who are smart and odd.
I did like her attitude towards just smiling and being blunt - but it would've been better if she had followed that through with the people looking down on her and called them out on it. Plus she never even bothers to confront her grandfather. He's planning to marry her off without her input or consent. Without even asking or telling her that's what he's doing. And when she finds out she basically just nods, smiles and moves on. WTF? That was weird as. It was particularly inconsistent with her characterization as a strong outspoken female. She doesn't discuss it with the grandfather at all! Not even to say I know what you're up to. It was just odd. Duncan was reasonably likable - but he was fairly tame and relatively unmemorable. Except for his stupidity concerning their marriage. The romance between them was sweet I guess, but it didn't have me swooning.
I did like how they caught the thief with the glowy stuff Harriet makes. That was clever and an interesting angle but it was also a little too late in the story to redeem it. There's very little actual science in the book - more science descriptions and explanations would've made this work better - but as it is, it felt like the author was just trying to make sure all the buzz words were hit. The same thing happened when she is described as a "tracker" and she literally just follows the obvious trail the horses have made - like what it's hard or something? Plus for all Harriet's interest in chemistry and her forays into experimenting - one, it's never explained what the hell she's doing and two, it pretty much always explodes and starts a fire?! I'd understand if she was doing experimental work or something but it's never commented on and it makes the whole story fall flat.
Although the use of glowy stuff was ingenious to catch the thief - it was fairly obvious who it was. The plot itself was a bit disjointed. There were so many different strands that it made it hard to keep a track. There were spies and saboteurs and matchmakers and fortune hunters and it was just too busy to do any of them justice. Like the horses. To be fair - I haven't read any other books in the series - maybe reading the first one clears up some of the second, but it did seem like a self-contained story, albeit a crammed one.
Overall 3 stars. There were some good parts and it was an enjoyable if not perfect read.
I did like her attitude towards just smiling and being blunt - but it would've been better if she had followed that through with the people looking down on her and called them out on it. Plus she never even bothers to confront her grandfather. He's planning to marry her off without her input or consent. Without even asking or telling her that's what he's doing. And when she finds out she basically just nods, smiles and moves on. WTF? That was weird as. It was particularly inconsistent with her characterization as a strong outspoken female. She doesn't discuss it with the grandfather at all! Not even to say I know what you're up to. It was just odd. Duncan was reasonably likable - but he was fairly tame and relatively unmemorable. Except for his stupidity concerning their marriage. The romance between them was sweet I guess, but it didn't have me swooning.
I did like how they caught the thief with the glowy stuff Harriet makes. That was clever and an interesting angle but it was also a little too late in the story to redeem it. There's very little actual science in the book - more science descriptions and explanations would've made this work better - but as it is, it felt like the author was just trying to make sure all the buzz words were hit. The same thing happened when she is described as a "tracker" and she literally just follows the obvious trail the horses have made - like what it's hard or something? Plus for all Harriet's interest in chemistry and her forays into experimenting - one, it's never explained what the hell she's doing and two, it pretty much always explodes and starts a fire?! I'd understand if she was doing experimental work or something but it's never commented on and it makes the whole story fall flat.
Although the use of glowy stuff was ingenious to catch the thief - it was fairly obvious who it was. The plot itself was a bit disjointed. There were so many different strands that it made it hard to keep a track. There were spies and saboteurs and matchmakers and fortune hunters and it was just too busy to do any of them justice. Like the horses. To be fair - I haven't read any other books in the series - maybe reading the first one clears up some of the second, but it did seem like a self-contained story, albeit a crammed one.
Overall 3 stars. There were some good parts and it was an enjoyable if not perfect read.
June 22, 2023
I can absolutely understand people's complaints about there being too many plotlines and POVs in this book and it detracts away from the romance, but honestly I enjoyed this quite a lot and liked all of the different storylines - I enjoy side romances, plus minor intrigue, as well as I did think we got enough of the main hero and heroine together - I really liked both of their awkwardness and how they found love and acceptance through each other.
I will say that if you are going to read this book, it probably is a good idea to read the first in the series - these are more connected than typical historical romance series.
I will say that if you are going to read this book, it probably is a good idea to read the first in the series - these are more connected than typical historical romance series.
July 23, 2019
This time its Lord Thornton's turn to fall in love. He meets an American heiress who will never be excepted by society, a mother who is deep in debt and spies that keep lurking about from the 1st novel. All this comes together with his friends, Duke of Marchford, Mr. Grant, Penelope and the Dower Duchess of Marchford.
March 6, 2018
I haven’t liked a series of romance novels since I read some of Catherine Coulter’s books back in college. She is heavy on the relationship building which for me is the most satisfying part. The characters are wonderful and believable and at times I actually laughed out loud.
February 14, 2023
This book just wasn't written very well. There was no characterization or details; it was like the author wrote an outline but didn't flush anything out.
It's a mildly steamy Christian romance featuring an American heiress in Scotland during 1810.
It's a mildly steamy Christian romance featuring an American heiress in Scotland during 1810.
October 24, 2017
Well developed and unique characters. The book was written in an easy to read style. I enjoyed the spy story along with the romance. I will definitely read more by the author
January 26, 2020
Very entertaining. I love that Harriet is more interested in science than finding a husband.
September 17, 2020
I could not put this book down after I got to page 100. It was so good. I highly recommend this book. The characters and the romance. ❤️❤️ I just loved the book and can’t wait to read it again.
July 13, 2021
All the pop up sermons are very disconcerting. It's rather like finding vegetables hidden in the cake.
February 10, 2022
Second in series and again, entertaining
July 20, 2022
Brilliant Historical romance especially when it involves a Highlander and a Scottish one at that. A beautiful romance of love, humor and adventure.
March 16, 2023
A bit too much 'she's just not like other girls' in here for my taste. Not as good as they first one.
May 30, 2024
You can't put it down.
Fast paced, intriging characters, soft love scenes. Kept me on the edge. This was a 2 1/2 day read. Looking forward to 3rd book
Fast paced, intriging characters, soft love scenes. Kept me on the edge. This was a 2 1/2 day read. Looking forward to 3rd book
October 16, 2013
Most people who know me, are frighteningly aware of my love for historical romances. And for the most part I'm pretty easy to please, especially since there's certain types of plots that appeal to me. I tend to avoid the those that I'm not a fan of. With A Midsummer Bride, I was sure I had found another book that I would love. It features a quirky, scholarly heroine and a hero that was supposedly awkward with the ladies. Unfortunately, A Midsummer Bride did not live up to my admittedly high standards.
Miss Harriet Burton is an unconventional American heiress that finds herself stuck in England with a grandfather she has never known. Her grandfather is determined not to lose Harriet the way that he lost her mother; naturally the way to avoid this is to marry her off to an peer of the realm and keep her in England. However, Harriet’s unconventional ways make this plan next to impossible. But, the grandfather persists and sets his plan in motion at Duncan Maclachlan, the Earl of Thornton's, house party.
Harriet is very interested in chemistry and she’s used to everyone thinking that this interest is odd. What’s new for her in England is the animosity that her less-than-ladylike ways generates. Harriet feels completely isolated at the house party, but luckily Harriet finds friendship with the handsome Earl of Thornton, who accepts and admires her ways despite his own lack of interest in chemistry. However, the relationship can never be more than friendship as Harriet wants to return home to America and Duncan refuses to ever marry a woman with money (even though he needs it), and Harriet’s got pots of it.
I loved the set-up for A Midsummer Bride. The idea of a chemistry-obsessed heroine was fantastic and I was really excited to read Harriet’s character. Unfortunately, I found Harriet to be too much of a caricature. Harriet was so many stereotypes (ie. the outspoken American heiress, the awkward scientist etc.) that it was hard for me to find her a believable character. In the end, I found myself a little bored with Harriet. But, I didn’t want to give up; we still have the hero to consider after all! Again, I was looking forward to Duncan as a character and I loved the idea of him being awkward and the pair of them having an adorably awkward courtship. From my perspective, I have no idea why Duncan had problems with the ladies, because he certainly didn’t in A Midsummer Bride. If readers hadn’t been told this fact about Duncan, I doubt I would have even realized that. So, I was rather disappointed with Duncan’s character and the fairly vanilla interactions between him and Harriet.
I also found the plot to be overly long; in fact I found the entire book to be too long. There were many interruptions from different characters points of view, which I found distracting and took the novel away from the romance. There was also a intrigue plot that was also going on in the background. I think that the mystery element could have been better had it been more directly related to Harriet and Duncan, rather than some of the side characters that I think will be featured in the next book in the series. That said, A Midsummer Bride might be of more interest to those who aren’t looking for a heavy romance that focuses 100% of the time on the main couple.
Overall, I didn’t think A Midsummer Bride was the worst historical romance I’ve ever read. There were elements to the story that I really liked, and the quirky characters and plot was one of them. In the end, I think my expectations were a little too high and I ended up disappointed because of that.
For similar reads see The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley.
Miss Harriet Burton is an unconventional American heiress that finds herself stuck in England with a grandfather she has never known. Her grandfather is determined not to lose Harriet the way that he lost her mother; naturally the way to avoid this is to marry her off to an peer of the realm and keep her in England. However, Harriet’s unconventional ways make this plan next to impossible. But, the grandfather persists and sets his plan in motion at Duncan Maclachlan, the Earl of Thornton's, house party.
Harriet is very interested in chemistry and she’s used to everyone thinking that this interest is odd. What’s new for her in England is the animosity that her less-than-ladylike ways generates. Harriet feels completely isolated at the house party, but luckily Harriet finds friendship with the handsome Earl of Thornton, who accepts and admires her ways despite his own lack of interest in chemistry. However, the relationship can never be more than friendship as Harriet wants to return home to America and Duncan refuses to ever marry a woman with money (even though he needs it), and Harriet’s got pots of it.
I loved the set-up for A Midsummer Bride. The idea of a chemistry-obsessed heroine was fantastic and I was really excited to read Harriet’s character. Unfortunately, I found Harriet to be too much of a caricature. Harriet was so many stereotypes (ie. the outspoken American heiress, the awkward scientist etc.) that it was hard for me to find her a believable character. In the end, I found myself a little bored with Harriet. But, I didn’t want to give up; we still have the hero to consider after all! Again, I was looking forward to Duncan as a character and I loved the idea of him being awkward and the pair of them having an adorably awkward courtship. From my perspective, I have no idea why Duncan had problems with the ladies, because he certainly didn’t in A Midsummer Bride. If readers hadn’t been told this fact about Duncan, I doubt I would have even realized that. So, I was rather disappointed with Duncan’s character and the fairly vanilla interactions between him and Harriet.
I also found the plot to be overly long; in fact I found the entire book to be too long. There were many interruptions from different characters points of view, which I found distracting and took the novel away from the romance. There was also a intrigue plot that was also going on in the background. I think that the mystery element could have been better had it been more directly related to Harriet and Duncan, rather than some of the side characters that I think will be featured in the next book in the series. That said, A Midsummer Bride might be of more interest to those who aren’t looking for a heavy romance that focuses 100% of the time on the main couple.
Overall, I didn’t think A Midsummer Bride was the worst historical romance I’ve ever read. There were elements to the story that I really liked, and the quirky characters and plot was one of them. In the end, I think my expectations were a little too high and I ended up disappointed because of that.
For similar reads see The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley.
July 4, 2025
This could have been shorter if the author just focuses on the main couple,I know the author tried to lay the foundation for the next book, but honestly I don't care about the 2nd couple.
The ML is a really good person,to the point that I think he is really bland as a character.Despite his unhappy childhood and in debt because of his family, he still has his moral intact.If it's real life? Impressive.But in book?It's boring!!Also, ML mother's sudden change of character at the end feels so unnatural.
The ML is a really good person,to the point that I think he is really bland as a character.Despite his unhappy childhood and in debt because of his family, he still has his moral intact.If it's real life? Impressive.But in book?It's boring!!Also, ML mother's sudden change of character at the end feels so unnatural.
January 16, 2014
REVIEW
4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
An enjoyable historical romance, with a side of mystery and a wack of enjoyable characters, A Midsummer Bride by Amanda Forrester is the second book in her Marriage Mart series. While this book wasn’t as exciting as her first book, it by no means left me feeling unsatisfied. Amanda Forrester uses a real historical background (Napoleon’s War), adds a good mix of characters that keep me chuckling (sometimes cringing) and to top it off, adds a mystery that needs to be solved before our leading characters get their happily ever after.
Our leading lady, Miss Harriet Burton is a force to be reckoned with. She is an outspoken, American woman, who has an obsession with chemistry and experimentation, refuses to be cowed by any man, and really doesn’t care what people think. She is the epitome of an what could be referred to as anti-English. When she finds herself in a position where she is forced to go to England and meet her estranged grandfather (her mama was a bad girl and disinherited), she also meets a Scottish Earl who has left a wee impression on her.
Duncan Maclachlan is this Scottish Earl and he is quite taken with Harriet as well. Who is this strange American woman who breaks all the rules polite society rely upon, and why does she intrigue him so much? What kind of woman plays with chemicals, blows up rooms, barges in on secret meetings of high ranking English gentleman to ensure her opinion is heard? What kind of woman is up at the crack of dawn, knows how to appreciate the land he treasures and seems to be placed in his path at a time when she is needed the most?
Both Harriet and Duncan push and pull throughout this story. They are both set upon living to certain rules, but when those lines become blurred, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, fighting what is right and wrong and trying to decipher the difference. Add a nasty pompous family who relishes in making Harriet uncomfortable, mothers who are uncontrollable, a matchmaker who sees the larger picture, attraction and love brewing and a spy who is weaving one heck of a tangled web, well you then get a great book!
Like her first book in this series, Amanda Forrester has a true knack for introducing a pile of secondary characters (some with side stories) and not taking anything away from the lead story. As you get further into the story, you start to anticipate all these stories blending and when they do and questions are answered, you feel quite content. The only reason I knocked of .5 on my rating as I found it not as exciting as the first one. I will say though, I am eager for her next book, as she has set it up perfectly and I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds!
Love a good ole fashioned historical romance with some mystery, humour and a beautiful couple finding their way to each other? Check this series out. You most certainly will find a bit of this and that!
HAPPY READING! :)
4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
An enjoyable historical romance, with a side of mystery and a wack of enjoyable characters, A Midsummer Bride by Amanda Forrester is the second book in her Marriage Mart series. While this book wasn’t as exciting as her first book, it by no means left me feeling unsatisfied. Amanda Forrester uses a real historical background (Napoleon’s War), adds a good mix of characters that keep me chuckling (sometimes cringing) and to top it off, adds a mystery that needs to be solved before our leading characters get their happily ever after.
Our leading lady, Miss Harriet Burton is a force to be reckoned with. She is an outspoken, American woman, who has an obsession with chemistry and experimentation, refuses to be cowed by any man, and really doesn’t care what people think. She is the epitome of an what could be referred to as anti-English. When she finds herself in a position where she is forced to go to England and meet her estranged grandfather (her mama was a bad girl and disinherited), she also meets a Scottish Earl who has left a wee impression on her.
Duncan Maclachlan is this Scottish Earl and he is quite taken with Harriet as well. Who is this strange American woman who breaks all the rules polite society rely upon, and why does she intrigue him so much? What kind of woman plays with chemicals, blows up rooms, barges in on secret meetings of high ranking English gentleman to ensure her opinion is heard? What kind of woman is up at the crack of dawn, knows how to appreciate the land he treasures and seems to be placed in his path at a time when she is needed the most?
Both Harriet and Duncan push and pull throughout this story. They are both set upon living to certain rules, but when those lines become blurred, they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, fighting what is right and wrong and trying to decipher the difference. Add a nasty pompous family who relishes in making Harriet uncomfortable, mothers who are uncontrollable, a matchmaker who sees the larger picture, attraction and love brewing and a spy who is weaving one heck of a tangled web, well you then get a great book!
Like her first book in this series, Amanda Forrester has a true knack for introducing a pile of secondary characters (some with side stories) and not taking anything away from the lead story. As you get further into the story, you start to anticipate all these stories blending and when they do and questions are answered, you feel quite content. The only reason I knocked of .5 on my rating as I found it not as exciting as the first one. I will say though, I am eager for her next book, as she has set it up perfectly and I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds!
Love a good ole fashioned historical romance with some mystery, humour and a beautiful couple finding their way to each other? Check this series out. You most certainly will find a bit of this and that!
HAPPY READING! :)
August 22, 2015
Historical English romance with an rich American heroine scientist and a poor titled Scotish gentleman that fall in love while there is a political mystery and thefts going on while at a country house party.
Miss Harriet Burton, is an American heiress who gets kidnapped while traveling between Boston to join her family in New York and is sent to England to her titled grandfather. Lots of romance in this story because all the nice characters find romance, including her gruff stuffy stubborn grandfather. The homecoming between Harriet and the Earl will bring tears to even a cold hearted person, like myself which was probably my favorite moment in the whole story. I didn't like how long the house party drags on with too many characters, intrigue, fire/explosions and secrets. Too much going on!
Lord Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton falls in love quick, just like Harriet, but there reasons to stay apart is just too silly and made me take off a star rating.
Stupid reasons to not get married. A real reason would be to hold off until she can be with her brothers and family or at least make a marriage contract where she retains all the wealth. There are so many ways to make their silly reasons moot. I almost stopped reading.
407 pages and borrowed
2 stars
Miss Harriet Burton, is an American heiress who gets kidnapped while traveling between Boston to join her family in New York and is sent to England to her titled grandfather. Lots of romance in this story because all the nice characters find romance, including her gruff stuffy stubborn grandfather. The homecoming between Harriet and the Earl will bring tears to even a cold hearted person, like myself which was probably my favorite moment in the whole story. I didn't like how long the house party drags on with too many characters, intrigue, fire/explosions and secrets. Too much going on!
Lord Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton falls in love quick, just like Harriet, but there reasons to stay apart is just too silly and made me take off a star rating.
Stupid reasons to not get married. A real reason would be to hold off until she can be with her brothers and family or at least make a marriage contract where she retains all the wealth. There are so many ways to make their silly reasons moot. I almost stopped reading.
407 pages and borrowed
2 stars
January 10, 2014
I really liked this book up to the last 50 pages or so. The heroine, Harriett, is an American stuck in England, well, Scotland really since her Grandfather takes her there. The hero, Lord Thorton, is an impoverished Scottish Earl (only because his mom is a pain!)refuses to marry for money. Harriett refuses to be married for money. At the "house party" the H/h of course fall in love, but believe that they cannot be together because Harriett has a large dowry and Thorton needs a large dowry.
The story runs really well and I was looking forward to the ending; then Forester did something unfathomable to me. She tried to put an extra twist in instead of ending it at the wedding. Of course, She brings in the last twist, and resolves the twist in less than 10 pages! That is just gratuitous twists in my non-literary opinion. I love HEA, especially historical/regency ones, but this seriously annoyed me. I will read Amanda Forester again, but seriously, if this happens again, there is no third strike. End with the wedding, there is no need for a virginal girl to try to seduce her husband when that is not part of the story line!
The story runs really well and I was looking forward to the ending; then Forester did something unfathomable to me. She tried to put an extra twist in instead of ending it at the wedding. Of course, She brings in the last twist, and resolves the twist in less than 10 pages! That is just gratuitous twists in my non-literary opinion. I love HEA, especially historical/regency ones, but this seriously annoyed me. I will read Amanda Forester again, but seriously, if this happens again, there is no third strike. End with the wedding, there is no need for a virginal girl to try to seduce her husband when that is not part of the story line!
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