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Half Moon House #1.6

A Slight Miscalculation

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This is a short story. It is not a full length book or novella.

William Hampton, Viscount Worthe, prefers the remote stability and predictability of the stars to the perplexing changeability of people. An astronomer, he’s fashioned for himself a focused, industrious, simple life. He leaves his quiet retreat, however, when his mathematical computations, included in an article on orbital variations, are questioned.

Miss Jane Tillney is volunteering at Half Moon House when Lord Worthe finds her. The Viscount is handsome and charming, but unfortunately his entire outlook is miscalculated, not just his astronomical equations.

Lord Worthe is intrigued by Jane, her generous spirit and her unusual freckles, but can he find a way to open his heart and let her shine her light on his life?

35 pages, ebook

First published January 29, 2014

23 people are currently reading
203 people want to read

About the author

Deb Marlowe

87 books426 followers
USA Today Bestseller Deb Marlowe loves History, England and Men in Boots. Clearly she was destined to write Historical Romance and Mystery.

A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.

A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.

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5 stars
74 (34%)
4 stars
71 (33%)
3 stars
53 (24%)
2 stars
11 (5%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
703 reviews120 followers
March 16, 2015
I downloaded this story free from Amazon. This was a cute story. As we are warned, there was not a ton of depth because it was a short story, but it is still a cute read. We get a glimpse of what goes on at Half Moon House, which did make me want to read more in the series, but I think this short story would have been stronger with just a few more scenes.

Our hero is a reclusive astronomer, who suddenly finds himself storming to London when one of his articles to a journal receives a short reply regarding a miscalculation in his math. our hero soon discovers that the person who corrected him was a woman...and not just any woman, a debutante and consequently our heroine. These beginning scenes were some of my favorite in the story. I loved how the hero and heroine put their heads together to solve a snag at Half Moon House and come to realize how compatible they can be together. However, after that, the story takes on a very fast pace and does end a bit abruptly. I would have liked to see a resolution of the Half Moon House play and one more scene of the hero and heroine together, but that is the downfall of short stories.

On the whole, I enjoyed this short read, and I will be looking into longer novels by this author. I recommend it...it's free and gives you a taste of a new author with a light hearted writing style. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Jen.
3,380 reviews27 followers
February 2, 2021
Too short, I wanted a tad more, but did really enjoy it. 4 solid stars!
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
July 16, 2015
This short story set in period England is a nice tale about a young lady who is keen on astronomy and mathematical calculations, so she doesn't attract suitors and has no wish to marry anyone who would stop her hobby.

A young gentleman who has been observing Uranus through his telescope meets her, having taken her letter for that of a young man, and similarly he's single because he can't stand women's idle chatter and fripperies.

There is some extra fussing thrown in about less-well-off women who are hoping to act as a Greek chorus, with the main lady helping them to prepare. Quite nice and plenty of characters. Mainly I liked the presentation of an intelligent female of this time.
Profile Image for Lori.
596 reviews9 followers
September 26, 2020
Adorable!

A Slight Miscalculation, a Half Moon House novella, by Deb Marlowe is a quick read that is absolutely adorable. William Hampton, Viscount Worth, is a reclusive astronomer who comes to town when one of his calculations is questioned by JM Tillney. He’s taken quite by surprise, when JM is Jane. Jane works with Hestia Wright helping other women in need, and as mathematics comes easy to her she thought she would be helping Worth, by letting him know of his miscalculation. Knocked off his feet at there first meeting, Jane’s shining light makes him question his reclusive lifestyle. Too cute!
Profile Image for L..
592 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2025
My only complaint is that the story was too short! Yes, I was forewarned that the story is a short one, written to introduce us to two main characters who I'm sure I'll encounter in one of Ms. Marlowe's longer novels but I did so want to read more of their story.
The three stars really aren't fair I know. I shouldn't blame the author who gave fair warning and the story is so adorable the way these two people meet and get so very involved in each others lives so quickly. But they are perfect for each other and I just wanted to read more about them.
Profile Image for Patricia King.
755 reviews15 followers
July 17, 2022
A Slight Miscalculation
Half Moon House series, Book 1.6
Deb Marlowe, author

A darling love match explodes in numbers among constellations of stars and planets in this little short story.

Finally, William Hampton Viscount Worthe has found his match in the numbers game of life with Miss Jane Tillney.

Enjoyable storyline. 😊
Profile Image for Judy.
62 reviews
January 20, 2020
A hero finally leaves his telescope and the heroine who opens his eyes make a delightful couple. Pointing out a gentleman’s error could lead to being called out, questions, or even a thank you, but in this case it is a HEA. A short but oh so sweet read.
Profile Image for Lesley.
354 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2022
Loved this book! Gave this book to my granddaughter who is just starting 5th grade (which I used to teach). We’re going to have a little book club discussion because she let me know she finished it today. I’m so glad she likes reading!
This book made me laugh and cry.
162 reviews
November 11, 2024
Charming lady makes for a pleasant read

Although the clearly telegraphed hea was a serious deterent to the development of any dynamic interest, the female protagonist was charmingly enough written to sustain adequate interest.
9 reviews
September 9, 2017
Such a fun and flirty read! Read it in one sitting and immediately searched for another Marlowe book when I finished this one.
Profile Image for Liberty.
421 reviews
January 21, 2018
This short story was a fun, whimsical love story that I thoroughly enjoyed! My only complaint is it was over too soon
766 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2018
Cute story. Enjoyed it, but thought the ending was a bit rushed and cut-off.
Profile Image for Susan.
423 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2020
Read It and Smile. 🌟✨💫
Treat yourself to this beautiful little read. So dreamy.
Profile Image for Cait M.
1,331 reviews9 followers
November 9, 2020
Loved it. Excellent writing in a bite-sized story. A great bus-stop read. Now I must look for a full length novel by Deb Marlowe to enjoy for longer.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,597 reviews324 followers
October 13, 2021
It’s ok. Short story. I mostly wanted it for the narrator.
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,563 reviews1,560 followers
March 25, 2014
William Hampton, Viscount Worthe, received a letter informing him of a mistake in his calculations on the orbit of Uranus. Worthe is furious and heads to London, a place he avoids at all costs, to either call this J.M. Tillney out or thank him; Worth isn't sure yet which. When he discovers J.M. Tillney is a woman, he's even more furious. He heads over to Half Moon House, a sort of club where Jane is at the moment. Upon arrival, he's hit by an arrow, literally, and hits his head. He awakens to Andromeda, the constellation, perfectly formed by a smattering of freckles on the face of a beautiful young woman. He is surprised to discover that Andromeda is none other than J.M. Tilley herself. Jane Tillney volunteers at Half Moon House, a place which helps at risk women to better themselves. Worthe helps them with a tricky problem which pleases Jane. Jane is only helping temporarily. Soon she will finish her Season and choose a husband. She plans to find someone who will share her interest in mathematics, science and helping the unfortunate. Worthe would rather hide away in the country studying the predictable patterns of stars and planets. This mere slip of a girl has enchanted him like no other. Can he be the one she wants?

There's not much substance to this story. It's a love story based on love at first sight. The hero and heroine share the same interests and I can see them being partners but I don't get a sense of love. I can see how they would fall in love based on physical attraction and mutual interests, but the story is too short to fully develop the relationship. Deb Marlow usually writes Regency Historicals (bodice rippers) and despite promises this story is "sweet," it still contains some sensuality. She even worked in the word "manhood" (not referring to masculinity) and the word "heat." Those are key words that tell me I'm not interested in reading more of her books. I didn't place this book on the kisses only shelf for the reason of sensuality. Georgette Heyer probably wouldn't approve.

I liked Jane. She's intelligent and level-headed. She seems like someone I would want to be friends with. The story is very short so she isn't really a fleshed out character. Worthe is a nice change from the rakish heroes I usually enjoy. He's married to his scientific and mathematical pursuits and is unsure if he can let someone else in his cozy little bubble. He's a better developed character than Jane.

If the author had taken the time to develop the characters and their relationship without the physical sensations, it would have been a much better story.
Profile Image for Annette.
1,768 reviews11 followers
February 21, 2016
Viscount Worthe (William) is a very self contained gentleman. He is an astronomer. He deals with life in a solitary manner. He is very precise in whatever he does. He receives a letter from an unknown gentleman pointing out an error in a paper he has published . At first he wants to find the man and punch him. So, he sets out to find him.

It turns out that the gentleman is actually a young lady named Jane. When he finds her, she turns out to be an intelligent, vivacious, and wonderful young woman.

William is unsure how to proceed. This short story lets us understand how he evaluates the situation and ultimately solves this problem.

It is a charming and entertaining short story. Ms Marlowe presents us with entertainment and education. We learn some things about astronomy and the construction of a telescope.

Most of all we learn about attraction between two very intelligent people.

Profile Image for Elen.
163 reviews
September 1, 2015
Two stars for fascinating subject choice. ASTRONOMY! Finally something new in this genre - yes there might be two or three more with this subject, but still, quite rare. And it's something I'm personally interested in, too, so I was ready to order the whole series if this short story was good. But no, such scholarly subject is yet again another flimsy excuse to bring about a romance, and a quite badly written one at that. I'm not so greedy as to expect a full thesis and a well developed romance from a short story, but really, this one's not even good as a short fluff. No atmosphere, no chemistry building up, nothing. It simply states some bare facts like who is who and why it would be nice for those two to fall in love. Meh.
Profile Image for Nadine Keels.
Author 48 books242 followers
September 23, 2015
Yet another piece of fiction for which I didn't bother reading the book blurb. I saw the story simply advertised with two words, "historical" and "clean," and I dove right in.

I was looking for something quick and entertaining, and I got that, but I also found something more than a cute or flat little Regency romance where I'd pretty much be able to recite everything the characters were going to say before they said it. There's brilliance twined into the hero and heroine's interaction, and though I'd not heard of this author before today, she's now on my radar.
Profile Image for Diane.
1,091 reviews
June 14, 2016
This a a cute short story when Viscount Worthe a reclusive astronomer find out that the critic who found an error in his calculations is actually a young woman. Could there be a more perfect woman for him? unfortunately, she wants more from life than telescopes and equations. She also wants to help people. How can he possibly resist the perfect woman for him - even if it means stepping out of his comfort zone.
You don't have to read any other Half Moon House books to enjoy this. It is a quick and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews71 followers
May 22, 2015
ANOTHER HIT FOR THIS FABELOUS AUTHOR! ...

WOW! What to say, way too short, for one thing, intriguing storyline with powerful characters for another. Ms. Marlowe packed a lot of story in a few pages. Another delight! Well done! I can't wait for the next installment. Fantastic read! Don't let the number of pages stop you from this story of letting in the light so love can survive and thrive. Powerful storytelling! !

*Personal buy *

Rating : 5
Heat rating : Mild
Reviewed by : AprilR
Profile Image for Divya.
40 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2014
A short, sweet read. The blurb warns that this is a short story, but I wanted it to be longer! But it served as a good introduction to a new series (hope this is the prequel).
Not many authors can write a short story as well as a novel, but Deb Marlowe is definitely someone who knows how to write a short story.
260 reviews
October 18, 2016
Lighthearted, Sweet Regency Romance.... A Fun, Bright Read

This is a fun novella. It lacks deep passion but it is delightful nonetheless. I really enjoyed a romance where brains are as engaged as the hearts. And my husband is an astronomy enthusiast so I enjoyed this story a lot.
Profile Image for Katy H.
265 reviews42 followers
April 20, 2014
Another short story; this one a cute little romance. I may have benefitted from reading the previous, full length books in this series first, but I think it worked just fine as a stand-alone story. Plus, this was free, whereas the other books cost money (understandably so, of course).
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews438 followers
September 24, 2014
This is a little appetizer of a short story made to make you want the meal. It does that well. The series should be utterly charming if contains these thoughtful cheerful characters. Even for a short story, it is a bit short but lovely none the less.
Profile Image for Sally Hannoush.
1,882 reviews27 followers
October 6, 2014
A geeky short love story that is both easy to read and very cute. This is great if you want a quick read in one sitting. I like knowing that there is someone for everyone and will probably find that person in an unlikely place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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