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A Suitable Match
"DON'T WORRY, IT WILL WORK OUT PERFECTLY."
But did he mean the wedding arrangements or their future life together? Eustacia didn't know. After all, it was a marriage of convenience, definitely not a love match. Colin made it very clear that he wanted a down-to-earth partner who would help him care for his brother's orphaned children, not a dreamy girl whose head was full of romance. But Eustacia couldn't help hoping that one day he might grow to love her as much as she loved him.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
70 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Betty Neels
564 books418 followersEvelyn Jessy "Betty" Neels was born on September 15, 1910 in Devon to a family with firm roots in the civil service. She said she had a blissfully happy childhood and teenage years.(This stood her in good stead later for the tribulations to come with the Second World War). She was sent away to boarding school, and then went on to train as a nurse, gaining her SRN and SCM, that is, State Registered Nurse and State Certificate of Midwifery.
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 8, 2017
I’ve always remembered this one as “the one where she is a path lab bottle washer.” I was a bit surprised on this rereading to find she didn’t have that job for very long.
A notable quote: “The prospect of looking at the back of your newspaper for the rest of the evening leaves me with no alternative but to go to bed.”
Eustacia Crump is 22 years old and looking for a job to subsidize her grandfather’s (Henry Crump) pension. She qualified for university but was unable to attend after her parents were killed. She tried unsuccessfully to train for clerical work; she was equally unsuccessful at working in a dress boutique. She applies and is accepted for a job as pathology lab assistant at St. Biddolph’s hospital. Among the various staff, she meets a kind, very handsome surgeon named Sir Colin Crichton. She and her grandfather run into him on a weekend jaunt to Kew Gardens; he is accompanied by his two nephews who are staying with him while their parents are in Brunei. The boys take to Eustacia and Mr. Crump right away.
This prompts Sir Colin to ask Eustacia to come to work for him as a nanny to the boys; also, he invites Mr. Crump to stay at his country home in Turville. All is going well until the news comes that the boys’ parents have been killed in a car crash. Their will appoints Sir Colin as guardian, to which Mrs. Kennedy, the maternal grandmother, strongly objects; however, there isn’t anything she can legally do to circumvent the guardianship. She is quite nasty to Eustacia, though. Sir Colin proposes a MOC to Eustacia in order to shore up the picture of a stable home for the boys. She accepts but soon discovers that she is in love with him.
The middle of the book is taken up with scenes of daily life – Colin going off to work and coming home when he can; Eustacia dealing with everyday matters such as taking the boys to school and picking them up and doing the necessary household management; Mr. Crump helps the boys with homework and acts as a sort of tutor. During this time, we visit with Haso and Prudence in London (from Paradise for Two) and they are much more likeable now.
The Kennedys have asked to have Teddy and Oliver for a week at their home in Yorkshire. As Colin and Eustacia feared, it does NOT go well, but it is successful as a plot device to bring our H/h closer together. Teddy runs away, prompting Eustacia to drive to Yorkshire to find him, closely followed by Colin, who chartered a plane. The four of them crowd together to bathe the boys – preparatory to taking his own bath, Colin is shown “sitting on the side of the bath in his trousers and nothing else, quite at ease.”
However, a barrier soon arises between the pair and Eustacia is at a loss to tear it down. Colin has said several times he wants to have a talk with her but the timing is never right. The two of them go to Holland but things end up rather worse than before.
Back at the London house, Colin begins their talk by asking, “Do you know why I married you, Eustacia?” He is warming up to the point when the telephone rings; of course, it is the hospital needing him urgently. “Fate, it seems, isn’t going to allow me to tell you something I have wished to say for a long time.”
Eustacia implores him to tell her. So as he is walking out the door, he says, “I’ve been in love with you ever since I saw you that first time.” She waits up for him, finally falling asleep on the bottom step of the staircase. When Colin returns, she says, “Would you say that again?” He does and more, including slow then rough kisses. Eustacia utters the famous (to BN fans) words: “I am so glad that we’re married . . .” One can imagine him sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her up the staircase, into the bedroom and laying her on the bed and . . .
I love this book. It's in my Top 25.
A notable quote: “The prospect of looking at the back of your newspaper for the rest of the evening leaves me with no alternative but to go to bed.”
Eustacia Crump is 22 years old and looking for a job to subsidize her grandfather’s (Henry Crump) pension. She qualified for university but was unable to attend after her parents were killed. She tried unsuccessfully to train for clerical work; she was equally unsuccessful at working in a dress boutique. She applies and is accepted for a job as pathology lab assistant at St. Biddolph’s hospital. Among the various staff, she meets a kind, very handsome surgeon named Sir Colin Crichton. She and her grandfather run into him on a weekend jaunt to Kew Gardens; he is accompanied by his two nephews who are staying with him while their parents are in Brunei. The boys take to Eustacia and Mr. Crump right away.
This prompts Sir Colin to ask Eustacia to come to work for him as a nanny to the boys; also, he invites Mr. Crump to stay at his country home in Turville. All is going well until the news comes that the boys’ parents have been killed in a car crash. Their will appoints Sir Colin as guardian, to which Mrs. Kennedy, the maternal grandmother, strongly objects; however, there isn’t anything she can legally do to circumvent the guardianship. She is quite nasty to Eustacia, though. Sir Colin proposes a MOC to Eustacia in order to shore up the picture of a stable home for the boys. She accepts but soon discovers that she is in love with him.
The middle of the book is taken up with scenes of daily life – Colin going off to work and coming home when he can; Eustacia dealing with everyday matters such as taking the boys to school and picking them up and doing the necessary household management; Mr. Crump helps the boys with homework and acts as a sort of tutor. During this time, we visit with Haso and Prudence in London (from Paradise for Two) and they are much more likeable now.
The Kennedys have asked to have Teddy and Oliver for a week at their home in Yorkshire. As Colin and Eustacia feared, it does NOT go well, but it is successful as a plot device to bring our H/h closer together. Teddy runs away, prompting Eustacia to drive to Yorkshire to find him, closely followed by Colin, who chartered a plane. The four of them crowd together to bathe the boys – preparatory to taking his own bath, Colin is shown “sitting on the side of the bath in his trousers and nothing else, quite at ease.”
However, a barrier soon arises between the pair and Eustacia is at a loss to tear it down. Colin has said several times he wants to have a talk with her but the timing is never right. The two of them go to Holland but things end up rather worse than before.
Back at the London house, Colin begins their talk by asking, “Do you know why I married you, Eustacia?” He is warming up to the point when the telephone rings; of course, it is the hospital needing him urgently. “Fate, it seems, isn’t going to allow me to tell you something I have wished to say for a long time.”
Eustacia implores him to tell her. So as he is walking out the door, he says, “I’ve been in love with you ever since I saw you that first time.” She waits up for him, finally falling asleep on the bottom step of the staircase. When Colin returns, she says, “Would you say that again?” He does and more, including slow then rough kisses. Eustacia utters the famous (to BN fans) words: “I am so glad that we’re married . . .” One can imagine him sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her up the staircase, into the bedroom and laying her on the bed and . . .
I love this book. It's in my Top 25.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
Another sweet love story from Betty Neels. She’s sort of D.E. Stevenson lite. The stories are pretty much the same book to book but that’s not necessarily a bad thing when I’m looking for something light and fluffy to read.
May 20, 2012
3.5 stars review.
This novel conveyed a very cozy and homely feeling and I enjoyed the writing style of the author very much.
It was just two thirds into the story that I found myself getting frustrated with the main characters. Colin was just so pleasant all the time and Eustacia was getting more "waspish" with every page. But instead of just talking to Colin about it (although I have to admit that he didn't make it all that easy for her) she just gritted her teeth and meekly agreed to everything.
Nonetheless I still enjoyed myself very much, which is quite suprising considering that all the scenes either found the family in the car or sitting at the table having breakfast, afternoon tea or dinner. Somehow it never got boring though. Especially the scenes involving the kids were a lot of fun. I'm very cautious with books involving kids, but this time it really worked for me.
This book is perfect for a cozy reading afternoon or evening, even if it get's a bit frustrating at times.
This novel conveyed a very cozy and homely feeling and I enjoyed the writing style of the author very much.
It was just two thirds into the story that I found myself getting frustrated with the main characters. Colin was just so pleasant all the time and Eustacia was getting more "waspish" with every page. But instead of just talking to Colin about it (although I have to admit that he didn't make it all that easy for her) she just gritted her teeth and meekly agreed to everything.
Nonetheless I still enjoyed myself very much, which is quite suprising considering that all the scenes either found the family in the car or sitting at the table having breakfast, afternoon tea or dinner. Somehow it never got boring though. Especially the scenes involving the kids were a lot of fun. I'm very cautious with books involving kids, but this time it really worked for me.
This book is perfect for a cozy reading afternoon or evening, even if it get's a bit frustrating at times.
July 27, 2018
Betty Neels at her best :-)
Sir Colin Crichton needs a nanny to help look after his young nephews, but what he gets is a wife and ready made family.
Sir Colin Crichton needs a nanny to help look after his young nephews, but what he gets is a wife and ready made family.
August 16, 2018
Mmmm podrían ser 3 estrellas si no fuera por pequeños detalles. Esta novela que leí bajo el título de”Juego de a dos( La pareja perfecta)” se queda a medio camino de lo que podría haber sido la mejor declaración de amor dentro del canon de novelas Betty. La heroína es Eustacia de 22 años una joven huérfana(si,sus padres han muerto en un accidente de avión) que vive con su abuelo en una casa alquilada en un barrio feo de Londres.debido a los malos negocios de su padre o la bancarrota tienen q abandonar una vida holgada y sin preocupaciones y emplearse en lo q pueda para vivir. Dado q no alcanza con la pensión del abuelo. Así es como ellos dos solos en el mundo deben salir adelante.aqui se inicia el camino a la joven de emplearse en un hospital como lavadora de botellas(?) siiii ella es la encargada de lavar material de vidrio de laboratorios y el hospital . Es en ese ambiente laboral q conocerá al Dr y Sir Colin Crichton de 3O y tantos años y soltero. Él le propondrá un empleo más acorde a ella el de institutriz de sus sobrinos y luego el de ser su esposa. En resumidas cuentas aparecerán otros personajes recordados de otra novela betty, y situaciones de niños q se esconden y escapan, y abuelas muy malas. No pude terminar de tomarle cariño a esta pareja, ella es bastante hermosa y tranquila, pero no me sorprendió. El doctor es bastante locuaz y sobre el final expresa abiertamente sus sentimientos. Pero siento q no fue suficiente para enamorarme de este par.
July 3, 2018
3.5* 1986!
There's so much driving between London and Turville, I felt tired for Colin! I hated how for WEEKS he'd been telling her they "need to talk"... So much opportunities yet he seemed to avoid her too...dare I say he was unsure of himself, this self-assured RBD?
I suspected he loved her almost at first sight; having just arrived at the hospital he'd no qualms driving her home and double backing to the hospital, without knowing why he just wanted to hehe. Even his faithful family retainers saw the signs, like him ordering tea late night, probably he thought to please Eustacia?
Eustacia was definitely not the typical heroine who immediately became the perfect doctor's wife. Her love, insecurities and jealousy made her shrewish, like when Colin called home late. She imagined him wining and dining the awful Gloria. The nasty woman was always goading and provoking Eustacia with snide insinuations, poor Eustacia gave as good as she got but it's hard not to get affected as she did not have the knowledge of Colin's love...
All the "we need to talk" for weeks, they've even been to Holland and back, with Collin ruining their last day because he got angry with Eustacia getting lost. What's up dude? Then he finally wanted to talk but as ALWAYS he got summoned to the hospital. BUT when Eustacia asked just what it was he wanted to say, thank goodness he did! He's been in love with her from the moment he saw her! THEN he left, leaving a bemused Eustacia to talk to the cat and dog LoL.
When he got home, sleepy Eustacia asked him to repeat what he had said, he gladly did and went OTT with his love declaration!
Those last lines were racy!
~~~~~
She sniffed and he proffered a snowy handkerchief. ‘We’ve never been alone…’ she added dolefully.‘I didn’t dare to be. But we are now.’ He swooped down and plucked her to her feet and swept her into his arms. ‘My dearest darling, we are now.’ He kissed her in a slow and most satisfying manner, and then quite roughly so that she found it impossible to speak, and when she would have done, ‘No, be quiet, dear heart, while I tell you how much I love you.’‘Oh, how very nice,’ said Eustacia, managing to say it before he kissed her again. Then, ‘I am so glad that we’re married…’She looked up into his face. His heavy lids had lifted and his blue eyes blazed down into hers. ‘So am I,’ he told her softly.
~~~~~
Grandpa Crump and Grandmother Crichton sounded like the best grandparents around! In sharp contrast to the horrible Kennedys...how could they have such a lovely daughter in Sadie?
Oliver and Teddy were great kids too; just the right precociousness and naughtiness! I loved how enthusiastic about the wedding they were - train, six bridesmaids and a diamond tiara, who knew little BOYS were so into weddings too?! LOL them promising to look after Uncle Colin and Aunt Eustacia when they both grow old, aww...
Colin might be placid and played it too cool in front of Eustacia, but his little expressions and twinkling eyes sure betrayed much.
Haso and Prudence from Paradise for Two attended their wedding and hosted them during their Holland trip. Haso made the most gross bursting boil analogy to describe Colin and Eustacia, so funny! Prudence was pregnant and Colin was to be godfather.
Most memorable scenes:
Eustacia meeting Gloria the first time, crossing swords. Eustacia 1: Gloria 0!
Four of them (Eustacia , Colin and the boys) in the Kennedys' bathroom, with Colin shaving and running a bath in nothing more than a pair of trousers...
Four squished into a Mini with luggage driving from Yorkshire to London!
There's so much driving between London and Turville, I felt tired for Colin! I hated how for WEEKS he'd been telling her they "need to talk"... So much opportunities yet he seemed to avoid her too...dare I say he was unsure of himself, this self-assured RBD?
I suspected he loved her almost at first sight; having just arrived at the hospital he'd no qualms driving her home and double backing to the hospital, without knowing why he just wanted to hehe. Even his faithful family retainers saw the signs, like him ordering tea late night, probably he thought to please Eustacia?
Eustacia was definitely not the typical heroine who immediately became the perfect doctor's wife. Her love, insecurities and jealousy made her shrewish, like when Colin called home late. She imagined him wining and dining the awful Gloria. The nasty woman was always goading and provoking Eustacia with snide insinuations, poor Eustacia gave as good as she got but it's hard not to get affected as she did not have the knowledge of Colin's love...
All the "we need to talk" for weeks, they've even been to Holland and back, with Collin ruining their last day because he got angry with Eustacia getting lost. What's up dude? Then he finally wanted to talk but as ALWAYS he got summoned to the hospital. BUT when Eustacia asked just what it was he wanted to say, thank goodness he did! He's been in love with her from the moment he saw her! THEN he left, leaving a bemused Eustacia to talk to the cat and dog LoL.
When he got home, sleepy Eustacia asked him to repeat what he had said, he gladly did and went OTT with his love declaration!
Those last lines were racy!
~~~~~
She sniffed and he proffered a snowy handkerchief. ‘We’ve never been alone…’ she added dolefully.‘I didn’t dare to be. But we are now.’ He swooped down and plucked her to her feet and swept her into his arms. ‘My dearest darling, we are now.’ He kissed her in a slow and most satisfying manner, and then quite roughly so that she found it impossible to speak, and when she would have done, ‘No, be quiet, dear heart, while I tell you how much I love you.’‘Oh, how very nice,’ said Eustacia, managing to say it before he kissed her again. Then, ‘I am so glad that we’re married…’She looked up into his face. His heavy lids had lifted and his blue eyes blazed down into hers. ‘So am I,’ he told her softly.
~~~~~
Grandpa Crump and Grandmother Crichton sounded like the best grandparents around! In sharp contrast to the horrible Kennedys...how could they have such a lovely daughter in Sadie?
Oliver and Teddy were great kids too; just the right precociousness and naughtiness! I loved how enthusiastic about the wedding they were - train, six bridesmaids and a diamond tiara, who knew little BOYS were so into weddings too?! LOL them promising to look after Uncle Colin and Aunt Eustacia when they both grow old, aww...
Colin might be placid and played it too cool in front of Eustacia, but his little expressions and twinkling eyes sure betrayed much.
Haso and Prudence from Paradise for Two attended their wedding and hosted them during their Holland trip. Haso made the most gross bursting boil analogy to describe Colin and Eustacia, so funny! Prudence was pregnant and Colin was to be godfather.
Most memorable scenes:
Eustacia meeting Gloria the first time, crossing swords. Eustacia 1: Gloria 0!
Four of them (Eustacia , Colin and the boys) in the Kennedys' bathroom, with Colin shaving and running a bath in nothing more than a pair of trousers...
Four squished into a Mini with luggage driving from Yorkshire to London!
July 19, 2014
Eustacia had no idea when her parents passed away in the accident she would be left with nothing. Thankfully her grandfather took her in even though he didn’t have much. While Eustacia didn’t attend college she is lacking in the potential job market so she jumps at the chance to work as a path lab assistant. While working in the hospital she has a chance encounter with a successful attractive surgeon that changes her life forever. Colin asks Eustacia to help him with his nephews while their parents out of town.
What starts out as a better job taking care of the boys quickly changes when their parents pass away in a tragic accident. The boys grandparents don’t want to leave the boys with Colin due to he works long hours and in a pinch he talks Eustacia into being his wife so he can keep the boys. By becoming Colin’s boy’s she will help with raising the boys and be a legal guardian if he should be out of town. Colin will also take care of her grandfather how could she say no. What happens when she falls in love with the man she’s only marring so he can keep his nephews?
I’m a huge fan of Betty Neels have been since I was a little girl my grandmothers both loved her books. Granted they all fallow a similar concept each one has its own unique story of two people falling in love from different worlds. The men typically sweep in saving the day and most of the girls do tend to work in the hospital. A Suitable Match is a classic clean romance that I just loved. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read this book over the years but it’s one of my favorites. As a teen I wanted a guy like these books to sweep me off my feet and one day he did. I have a tradition of drinking tea while I read any Betty Neels books maybe it’s the mention of tea. A quick read perfect for a lazy afternoon, a day at the beach or a bubble bath.
What starts out as a better job taking care of the boys quickly changes when their parents pass away in a tragic accident. The boys grandparents don’t want to leave the boys with Colin due to he works long hours and in a pinch he talks Eustacia into being his wife so he can keep the boys. By becoming Colin’s boy’s she will help with raising the boys and be a legal guardian if he should be out of town. Colin will also take care of her grandfather how could she say no. What happens when she falls in love with the man she’s only marring so he can keep his nephews?
I’m a huge fan of Betty Neels have been since I was a little girl my grandmothers both loved her books. Granted they all fallow a similar concept each one has its own unique story of two people falling in love from different worlds. The men typically sweep in saving the day and most of the girls do tend to work in the hospital. A Suitable Match is a classic clean romance that I just loved. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read this book over the years but it’s one of my favorites. As a teen I wanted a guy like these books to sweep me off my feet and one day he did. I have a tradition of drinking tea while I read any Betty Neels books maybe it’s the mention of tea. A quick read perfect for a lazy afternoon, a day at the beach or a bubble bath.
November 28, 2015
I love a marriage of convenience and this is one of Betty's fortes. Sir Colin Crichton (yes another Englishman) has two nephews he's caring for while their parents are overseas. When they meet Eustacia (who works in a path lab as a dogsbody) they like her immediately. Colin may like her too but he's busy being enigmatic. He does it quite well until the boys are orphaned and he needs a stable home to ensure custody.
Eustacia is the obvious choice. Because she is the heroine and isn't an elegant selfish socialite. So they marry and she becomes an instant mother. We get to visit Haso and Prudence from a previous book. The usual misunderstandings occur. Largely because Colin keeps being enigmatic right until the end. Eustacia proves herself to be the best substitute mother ever. Happy Ever After. The End.
Eustacia is the obvious choice. Because she is the heroine and isn't an elegant selfish socialite. So they marry and she becomes an instant mother. We get to visit Haso and Prudence from a previous book. The usual misunderstandings occur. Largely because Colin keeps being enigmatic right until the end. Eustacia proves herself to be the best substitute mother ever. Happy Ever After. The End.
January 25, 2010
A particularly cute Neels, although it is very standard. Strange, right?
One of the marriage-of-convenience trope ones, but also one of the ones where the man loved her even before the marriage, which I personally like. Two children are orphaned, but that is handled well and the conflict with the grandparents centers around grief more than being selfish and stupid (as most of the 'I have a pretty sister who is a jealous cat' storylines are). My one problem is that the boys are supposed to be 9 and 10, and act as if they are MUCH younger, even before grief can be used as an excuse.
One of the marriage-of-convenience trope ones, but also one of the ones where the man loved her even before the marriage, which I personally like. Two children are orphaned, but that is handled well and the conflict with the grandparents centers around grief more than being selfish and stupid (as most of the 'I have a pretty sister who is a jealous cat' storylines are). My one problem is that the boys are supposed to be 9 and 10, and act as if they are MUCH younger, even before grief can be used as an excuse.
January 16, 2021
I thought I had read this BN, but, once I got well into it, I realized I never had. I totally would have remembered the nephews (and *spoiler* ) .
A lovely classic Betty Neels romance with an arranged marriage, lots of expensive frocks and hats for our heroine, and one of the more passionate(!) clinches I recall in my long history of Betty reading. I mean, my eyes got big and re-read it just because it was distinctive.
Rated 5 Betty Neels Is Darn Good Comfort Food For a Battered by Reality Soul Stars.
A lovely classic Betty Neels romance with an arranged marriage, lots of expensive frocks and hats for our heroine, and one of the more passionate(!) clinches I recall in my long history of Betty reading. I mean, my eyes got big and re-read it just because it was distinctive.
Rated 5 Betty Neels Is Darn Good Comfort Food For a Battered by Reality Soul Stars.
September 18, 2012
Well, it's an old school, respectable romance just like they used to write in the 80's and very typical of Betty Neels. I've read a few of her books over the years and while this one doesn't really stand out, it was still probably one of my favourites. I'm not sure why she felt the need to describe every food they te at every meal but there you go. So yeah, very little storyline, fairly weak characters and yet still a fun little quick read, although I'm not sure I could read more than one of these books at a time. An interesting look into the past though when you compare this type of romance with one from today (speaking of M&B books here not novels).
Favourite part, finding Teddy when he ran away (and no this is not a spoiler because these books are so predictable they practically write themselves)
I've been very critical, but I really did enjoy reading this book. I just don't want to read another one for wuite a while. Old school M&B books are just to staid for a modern world, but as I said they do give a really interesting look back into history :)
Favourite part, finding Teddy when he ran away (and no this is not a spoiler because these books are so predictable they practically write themselves)
I've been very critical, but I really did enjoy reading this book. I just don't want to read another one for wuite a while. Old school M&B books are just to staid for a modern world, but as I said they do give a really interesting look back into history :)
June 14, 2011
As usual from Ms. Neels, it was a marriage of convenient story. This time the marriage happened because Colin lost his younger brother and wife in a car accident in Brunei. The death of them made Colin as a guardian for both of his nephews, Oliver and Teddy. Eustacia, had already being a nanny for the boys, was being asked by Colin if she would marry him and being a mother for both boys. She agreed.
Colin and Eustacia first met when Eustacia had to submit some path lab to Colin at St. Biddholps' theater. Colin had been falling in love with Eustacia since that moment, that's why she asked this girl to be the nephews' nanny. However, the death of his brother had made all things possible, including asked Eustacia to marry him.
Well, I really couldn't understand Mr. & Mrs Kennedy, being the maternal grandparents of Oliver and Teddy. I think both of them did not understand how was boy's life. Make me wonder what kind of life their daughter had before she got married.
Colin and Eustacia first met when Eustacia had to submit some path lab to Colin at St. Biddholps' theater. Colin had been falling in love with Eustacia since that moment, that's why she asked this girl to be the nephews' nanny. However, the death of his brother had made all things possible, including asked Eustacia to marry him.
Well, I really couldn't understand Mr. & Mrs Kennedy, being the maternal grandparents of Oliver and Teddy. I think both of them did not understand how was boy's life. Make me wonder what kind of life their daughter had before she got married.
August 16, 2014
I gave this book 2 stars because I finished it! I did not like this book. it was terribley boring. I could not stand the hero and he never won me over. His one and only love was his job even at the end the heroine was just some trophy fitted into his mold. the heroine just a complacient person ick. I felt she had no real backbone. the worst part the only intimacy or touching were his pecks on her cheek. really there was no real romance for me. The hero just the treated the heroine like an employee. when the hero says he has loved her since he met her? it is totally unbelievable. maybe some of the heroes insight would have convinced me.
January 7, 2015
Every now and then one just feels like reading an old school mills and boon and Betty Neels always deliver. Somehow the dutch doctors, average looking plumb heroines, descriptions of food, kindly dutch people and marriages of convenience makes for a few hours "comfort" reading.
December 15, 2025
4.4 stars. Lovely, the second half much more enjoyable than first half. I found the first half a bit slow and wasn't sure about it so I had put it away and then came back and revisited it and enjoyed it v much the next time.
I think maybe I found it slow at first because the chemistry is slower to develop and the main crux of the plot is slower to come along, plus her being a path lab bottle washer wasn't quite inspiring enough. we know she's been looking after her grandparent and was orphaned and she was likeable but she didn't have that huge immediate sympathy some Betty heroines evoke, probably because the poor girl led such a lonely existence that there wasn't anyone to admire or her appreciate her and through whose lens we could view her. also, she is 22 and I always preferred my heroines older.
eustasia (22) is a big beautiful girl who supports her old grandpa through a bunch of menial jobs, but as an honest and outspoken girl, has been fired from being a boutique assistant as she could not bring herself to lie to customers and tell them they looked good when they didn't. so anyway, she manages to get a lowly job as a bottle washer and general assistant in a hospital path lab. There she meets Sir Colin, a highly respected surgeon who randomly observes that she is too beautiful to be a bottle washer but otherwise doesn't take much notice of her.
one day she takes her grandpa out to the botanical gardens and she bumps into Sir Colin who is there with his 2 young nephews. he gets along with her grandfather and she gets along with the energetic boys and he gives her and grandpa a lift home. the boys want to see her again and Sir Colin observes to her that they like her.
at Xmas the boys (actually Sir colin) even remember her and send her some expensive chocs.
some time later Sir Colin seeks her out and says the boys have been ill and need to go to his country home to recover, and would she agree to be their Nanny for more pay. only for a couple of months until their parents return from work abroad. and that her granpa can move to his country home too. she can see granpa would love to experience a bit of country life again, so she agrees.
life in his country home is wonderful and idyllic and the boys love her. I think she is also beginning to like sir Colin a bit but the boys mention he is dating some snooty woman so she must squash any feelings. then a tragedy happens and Sir Colin tells her the boys parents have been killed abroad. eustacia agrees to stay as long as the boys need her.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I was finding it a bit slow going, but the action shortly picks up. the maternal grandma of the boys is a horrid woman who insists she wants to the boys even though Sir Colin has been named their guardian in their parents will. to save the boys from a custody battle, sir Colin persuades eustacia to marry him in a MOC so she can be the boys legals guardian too. that way the woman can't complain that Sir Colin is leaving the boys to be raised by staff. eustacia feels a bit rushed by the urgency of the situation but she agrees.
she and Sir Colin are friendly with each other and he is supportive and kind to her. it is only on the night before their wedding that she suddenly realises she's fallen in love with him.
there's some drama caused by the boys, some minor drama caused by the OW, but most of the story tension comes from Eustacia feeling that Sir Colin is distant, aloof and too busy and her wanting more from the marriage but having to squash her feelings because it was only a MOC.
we do get some of the cozy family scenes with the boys a little, but because there are so many supportive staff and because Sir Colin only visits the country house on weekends or rare evenings, we don't see a lot of eustacia winning him over with her 'making his house a home' type scenes. a pity. her mothering the boys is also assumed rather than shown in detail. it feels like she doesn't get a chance to do much to win our respect, even though she is a perfectly nice girl.
even so, we get a bit of v gentle pining on her side, and we see him appear to blow a bit warm then a bit cold, enough to keep us turning the pages.
the ending climax scene is also not the strong "h running away and H chasing her down to confess his feelings" scene. it's more a case of the coolness and barrier growing between them for a while until they are forced to have a talk. I like that he admitted his love to her first. also, we do get a hint of forthcoming passion between these two right at the end when, between kisses, she says she is v glad they are already married and he agrees.
IN CONCLUSION
this had plenty to like and lots to keep us interested, but H never has to actively seek out the h too much and show us his passion for her because they are already in a MOC with ready-made kids. the story family setting interfered with the development of the romance, plua he wants enough of an icehole for us to get enough delicious pining. even so, I found it quite pleasant and cozy towards the last half, and I enjoyed the bits when the hero was icy and aloof/remote and domineering. aha. not my most urgent one to reread but I may reread it some day. slightly above a middle of the road read for a betty book.
I think maybe I found it slow at first because the chemistry is slower to develop and the main crux of the plot is slower to come along, plus her being a path lab bottle washer wasn't quite inspiring enough. we know she's been looking after her grandparent and was orphaned and she was likeable but she didn't have that huge immediate sympathy some Betty heroines evoke, probably because the poor girl led such a lonely existence that there wasn't anyone to admire or her appreciate her and through whose lens we could view her. also, she is 22 and I always preferred my heroines older.
eustasia (22) is a big beautiful girl who supports her old grandpa through a bunch of menial jobs, but as an honest and outspoken girl, has been fired from being a boutique assistant as she could not bring herself to lie to customers and tell them they looked good when they didn't. so anyway, she manages to get a lowly job as a bottle washer and general assistant in a hospital path lab. There she meets Sir Colin, a highly respected surgeon who randomly observes that she is too beautiful to be a bottle washer but otherwise doesn't take much notice of her.
one day she takes her grandpa out to the botanical gardens and she bumps into Sir Colin who is there with his 2 young nephews. he gets along with her grandfather and she gets along with the energetic boys and he gives her and grandpa a lift home. the boys want to see her again and Sir Colin observes to her that they like her.
at Xmas the boys (actually Sir colin) even remember her and send her some expensive chocs.
some time later Sir Colin seeks her out and says the boys have been ill and need to go to his country home to recover, and would she agree to be their Nanny for more pay. only for a couple of months until their parents return from work abroad. and that her granpa can move to his country home too. she can see granpa would love to experience a bit of country life again, so she agrees.
life in his country home is wonderful and idyllic and the boys love her. I think she is also beginning to like sir Colin a bit but the boys mention he is dating some snooty woman so she must squash any feelings. then a tragedy happens and Sir Colin tells her the boys parents have been killed abroad. eustacia agrees to stay as long as the boys need her.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I was finding it a bit slow going, but the action shortly picks up. the maternal grandma of the boys is a horrid woman who insists she wants to the boys even though Sir Colin has been named their guardian in their parents will. to save the boys from a custody battle, sir Colin persuades eustacia to marry him in a MOC so she can be the boys legals guardian too. that way the woman can't complain that Sir Colin is leaving the boys to be raised by staff. eustacia feels a bit rushed by the urgency of the situation but she agrees.
she and Sir Colin are friendly with each other and he is supportive and kind to her. it is only on the night before their wedding that she suddenly realises she's fallen in love with him.
there's some drama caused by the boys, some minor drama caused by the OW, but most of the story tension comes from Eustacia feeling that Sir Colin is distant, aloof and too busy and her wanting more from the marriage but having to squash her feelings because it was only a MOC.
we do get some of the cozy family scenes with the boys a little, but because there are so many supportive staff and because Sir Colin only visits the country house on weekends or rare evenings, we don't see a lot of eustacia winning him over with her 'making his house a home' type scenes. a pity. her mothering the boys is also assumed rather than shown in detail. it feels like she doesn't get a chance to do much to win our respect, even though she is a perfectly nice girl.
even so, we get a bit of v gentle pining on her side, and we see him appear to blow a bit warm then a bit cold, enough to keep us turning the pages.
the ending climax scene is also not the strong "h running away and H chasing her down to confess his feelings" scene. it's more a case of the coolness and barrier growing between them for a while until they are forced to have a talk. I like that he admitted his love to her first. also, we do get a hint of forthcoming passion between these two right at the end when, between kisses, she says she is v glad they are already married and he agrees.
IN CONCLUSION
this had plenty to like and lots to keep us interested, but H never has to actively seek out the h too much and show us his passion for her because they are already in a MOC with ready-made kids. the story family setting interfered with the development of the romance, plua he wants enough of an icehole for us to get enough delicious pining. even so, I found it quite pleasant and cozy towards the last half, and I enjoyed the bits when the hero was icy and aloof/remote and domineering. aha. not my most urgent one to reread but I may reread it some day. slightly above a middle of the road read for a betty book.
November 27, 2012
Good book. The lot is pretty contrived but it leaves you with a good feeling. The doctor's declaration at the end is the stuff of dreams.
May 25, 2015
A heart warming clean romance, with lots of teas and a fine English gentleman.
December 31, 2015
Stressed me out waiting for something to happen between the characters. It seemed the setting should have been in the 1800's instead of 1970's.
November 10, 2012
Nice clean romance.
October 30, 2024
This wasn’t the meltingly slow burn that BN is sometimes capable of creating in her masterpieces. It also wasn’t one of her more deplorable stories where you wish to dip the hero into hot oil and shove a spine into the heroine’s back, (I’m still fuming over Visiting Consultant).
A Suitable Match is a cozy read with a reticent, shy to the point of being repressed hero who falls in love with the heroine at first sight and then bends backwards to make her life more comfortable without her realising. Except that I don’t understand why he kept taking out his long time date even after falling in love with the heroine. It’s a quirk of BN I suppose. When tragedy strikes in the form of his brother and SIL’s deaths, he is devastated but his grief doesn’t prevent him from grasping the opportunity presented to him in the form of his nephews’ ghastly maternal grandparents, and proposes an MOc to the heroine to safeguard his guardianship of said nephews. Then his shyness acts up and he keeps avoiding her until the very end when while trying to declare his feelings the hospital calls. He nevertheless drops the bomb on the heroine who had no idea and was burning with what she thought was her unrequited love, and leaves. She waits for him on the stairs, and he finds her snoring and drooling over the banisters (honestly BN takes care to show us such charming glimpses of her heroines) he wakes her up and HEA!!!
A Suitable Match is a cozy read with a reticent, shy to the point of being repressed hero who falls in love with the heroine at first sight and then bends backwards to make her life more comfortable without her realising. Except that I don’t understand why he kept taking out his long time date even after falling in love with the heroine. It’s a quirk of BN I suppose. When tragedy strikes in the form of his brother and SIL’s deaths, he is devastated but his grief doesn’t prevent him from grasping the opportunity presented to him in the form of his nephews’ ghastly maternal grandparents, and proposes an MOc to the heroine to safeguard his guardianship of said nephews. Then his shyness acts up and he keeps avoiding her until the very end when while trying to declare his feelings the hospital calls. He nevertheless drops the bomb on the heroine who had no idea and was burning with what she thought was her unrequited love, and leaves. She waits for him on the stairs, and he finds her snoring and drooling over the banisters (honestly BN takes care to show us such charming glimpses of her heroines) he wakes her up and HEA!!!
November 9, 2023
Betty Neels has the magic touch. I love all the details of our h experiencing various cosey, everyday, gentle activities: making lists and shopping for undies, washing up at work, rousing games of scrabble, endless afternoon teas with sandwiches and cakes, bracing walks in the country, going to church, and of course eating all kinds of wonderful sounding lunches. Why do I love it so much? Perhaps, as an English country lass, it speaks to some deep nostalga.
The H in this one of delightful, he's not overly cold, but he is somewhat... cack-handed I guess you could say, in his quest for a happy ending. The h is your usual BN heroine, she's hard working, kind to her elders, polite and game for anything. They are both in love (she a little slower to get going though) and too shy or lacking in confidence to just say it.
Sometimes I do wonder what would happen if he H in a Betty Neels book just did things the conventional way, you know, ask the h out for a date and let her know your romantically interested. It's not like they never date, or have no idea how to woo, but in the BN universe I guess when 'the one' comes along these surgeons cease to function logically, haha. I'm not really complaining, I dearly love these books and here have enjoyed every delightful, comfortable moment.
The H in this one of delightful, he's not overly cold, but he is somewhat... cack-handed I guess you could say, in his quest for a happy ending. The h is your usual BN heroine, she's hard working, kind to her elders, polite and game for anything. They are both in love (she a little slower to get going though) and too shy or lacking in confidence to just say it.
Sometimes I do wonder what would happen if he H in a Betty Neels book just did things the conventional way, you know, ask the h out for a date and let her know your romantically interested. It's not like they never date, or have no idea how to woo, but in the BN universe I guess when 'the one' comes along these surgeons cease to function logically, haha. I'm not really complaining, I dearly love these books and here have enjoyed every delightful, comfortable moment.
March 18, 2023
I always like Betty Neels' stories but this one was a really good read ...for me anyway.
Eustacia is helping to support her grandfather but having problems finding a job...finally she gets one at the hospital which is very menial work e.g. washing bottles and running errands for the pathology dept.
Sir Colin notices her when he is delivering a kidney container....she was tired, in a apron too large and hair askew...but there is something about her that interests him.
He is caring for his young nephews while parents are traveling....he asks her to come to the home and help him care for them....then the parents are killed in a car accident...and Colin suggests he and Eustacia marry on a friendly basis....all works out in the end but the journey there was interesting.
Eustacia is helping to support her grandfather but having problems finding a job...finally she gets one at the hospital which is very menial work e.g. washing bottles and running errands for the pathology dept.
Sir Colin notices her when he is delivering a kidney container....she was tired, in a apron too large and hair askew...but there is something about her that interests him.
He is caring for his young nephews while parents are traveling....he asks her to come to the home and help him care for them....then the parents are killed in a car accident...and Colin suggests he and Eustacia marry on a friendly basis....all works out in the end but the journey there was interesting.
November 16, 2018
I did a reread on this one. The characters are so unforgettable and heart warming. A SUITABLE MATCH is a perfect book for Holiday time. It has a wonderful depiction of family and home.
The more I read it the better the story becomes. In my opinion it is one of Betty Neels best.
The more I read it the better the story becomes. In my opinion it is one of Betty Neels best.
August 23, 2017
One of my favorite parts of this book occurred early on, when the two protagonists must pretend to a love they haven't yet discovered. I spent the rest of the book hoping for more such intrigue.
August 2, 2018
Lovely
If you enjoy your romances clean, light, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels
If you enjoy your romances clean, light, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels
September 5, 2019
A new favorite Betty! Lots of sweet bits and lovely scenes, great characters and interactions.
August 12, 2020
such a heart touching story, fulfilled with the beauty of language and tasty description of atmosphere and air of those times.
Really enjoyed reading
Really enjoyed reading
February 19, 2021
Excellent
Loved it, felt sorry for the kids but it was a great story. There are always grandparents who don't know how to deal with kids.
Loved it, felt sorry for the kids but it was a great story. There are always grandparents who don't know how to deal with kids.
October 10, 2022
I truly love reading Betty Meeks books. I enjoy all of them!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2022
Let’s get married, act like we don’t much like each other and never tell each other how we really feel! Also, let’s eat meals every two hours!
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