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Willenshires #1
An Offer for a Spinster
"Love, legacy, and a ticking Can Lady Katharine defy destiny for the sake of true love?"
Lady Katharine Willoughby faces a daunting deadline per her late father's marry within a year to preserve her family's heritage. As the youngest Willoughby, this condition's weight affects her and her siblings' fortunes. In her third Season, she grapples with the pressing need for a suitable match, torn between familial duty and personal desires.
Timothy Rutherford, a childhood friend of her brother and a secret novelist, harbors a long-standing affection for Katharine. Their shared love for literature draws them closer, even as the ticking deadline looms and societal expectations mount.
As Katharine balances the demands of societal norms and her aspirations for love and intellectual companionship, she faces a pivotal decision. Meanwhile, Timothy contemplates revealing his feelings and his hidden identity, risking all for love.
In a tale where societal dictates clash with hidden passions, Lady Katharine and Timothy must decide if love can prevail against the constraints of duty and time.
* In this novel, a proper lady and a scandalous dance through the whirl of society, charmed by an arranged marriage that leads them to find their true love. An edgy regency romp, it spins a tale without any tricks, one where looks are exchanged, moments are stolen, and a sweet ending. An enchanting regency romance of over 60,000 words.
No cheating, no cliffhangers.
Fall in love. Read "An Offer for a Spinster" – a real romance – which is available now.
Lady Katharine Willoughby faces a daunting deadline per her late father's marry within a year to preserve her family's heritage. As the youngest Willoughby, this condition's weight affects her and her siblings' fortunes. In her third Season, she grapples with the pressing need for a suitable match, torn between familial duty and personal desires.
Timothy Rutherford, a childhood friend of her brother and a secret novelist, harbors a long-standing affection for Katharine. Their shared love for literature draws them closer, even as the ticking deadline looms and societal expectations mount.
As Katharine balances the demands of societal norms and her aspirations for love and intellectual companionship, she faces a pivotal decision. Meanwhile, Timothy contemplates revealing his feelings and his hidden identity, risking all for love.
In a tale where societal dictates clash with hidden passions, Lady Katharine and Timothy must decide if love can prevail against the constraints of duty and time.
* In this novel, a proper lady and a scandalous dance through the whirl of society, charmed by an arranged marriage that leads them to find their true love. An edgy regency romp, it spins a tale without any tricks, one where looks are exchanged, moments are stolen, and a sweet ending. An enchanting regency romance of over 60,000 words.
No cheating, no cliffhangers.
Fall in love. Read "An Offer for a Spinster" – a real romance – which is available now.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2024
547 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 7, 2024
I wish they talked about lord barwood finding out, would've loved to hear his reaction to it all. But none the less a great book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
A deadline for inheriting
Forced to marry within a year, the Willoughby siblings are stunned after hearing the terms of their father’s will. In order to receive their rightful fortunes, the dead duke stipulated his 4 children had to marry within a year, and that Katherine must be first…or the monies withheld. In another household nearby, Lord Rustford rules his household with the same iron hand, but his second son Timothy left the home for a life of his own, as a novelist. Sheldon puts together a lovely sweet romance with a longing between two people fond of reading and freedom from the stifling expectations of duty and society. They share something else - wanting to marry for love.
I enjoyed all the characters: 1) Lady Katherine, who is trying valiantly to accept her fate and worried about her brothers. 2) William, her eldest brother, now duke, shouldering the burden of doing right by his siblings. 3) Henry, the second brother, trying to come to terms with the loss of his ability to travel. He traveled to get away from his father after all. 4) Alexander, the youngest, succumbing to gambling and drinking as a means of escape from their dire circumstances. 5) Timothy Rutherford, William’s best friend, a novelist who is in love with Katherine. 6) Amelia, Timothy’s aunt and spinster, who has to rely on the charity of his demeaning parents. 7) Lord Barwood, Katherine’s only suitor, the dastardly villain, whose intentions are made clearer as the novel progresses. Enjoy how Timothy musters up his courage to declare his feelings for Katherine. This is a Regency romance at its finest. Kudos to Sheldon. I can’t wait to read about the young duke, William’s foray into marriage perhaps with a mysterious woman that he met at a masquerade ball.
Forced to marry within a year, the Willoughby siblings are stunned after hearing the terms of their father’s will. In order to receive their rightful fortunes, the dead duke stipulated his 4 children had to marry within a year, and that Katherine must be first…or the monies withheld. In another household nearby, Lord Rustford rules his household with the same iron hand, but his second son Timothy left the home for a life of his own, as a novelist. Sheldon puts together a lovely sweet romance with a longing between two people fond of reading and freedom from the stifling expectations of duty and society. They share something else - wanting to marry for love.
I enjoyed all the characters: 1) Lady Katherine, who is trying valiantly to accept her fate and worried about her brothers. 2) William, her eldest brother, now duke, shouldering the burden of doing right by his siblings. 3) Henry, the second brother, trying to come to terms with the loss of his ability to travel. He traveled to get away from his father after all. 4) Alexander, the youngest, succumbing to gambling and drinking as a means of escape from their dire circumstances. 5) Timothy Rutherford, William’s best friend, a novelist who is in love with Katherine. 6) Amelia, Timothy’s aunt and spinster, who has to rely on the charity of his demeaning parents. 7) Lord Barwood, Katherine’s only suitor, the dastardly villain, whose intentions are made clearer as the novel progresses. Enjoy how Timothy musters up his courage to declare his feelings for Katherine. This is a Regency romance at its finest. Kudos to Sheldon. I can’t wait to read about the young duke, William’s foray into marriage perhaps with a mysterious woman that he met at a masquerade ball.
July 29, 2024
This book was a whole lot of nothing. Every single interaction between the MCs was just them talking about L Sterling and his novels. I am not exaggerating, it really was just that. Katherine gushing about everything Sterling, Timmy blushing or saying something deep in response and Katherine marvelling at Timmy's ah-mazing-ness and uniqueness.
The Willoughbys were an uninteresting lot. I did like Katherine and William initially. But all those nice feelings towards them went out the window when they reacted so pathetically to the public stunt that Lord Boorish?Boreland?whatever-his-name-was pulled. Katherine was beyond dumb and passive, and William was simply spineless.
The Willoughbys were an uninteresting lot. I did like Katherine and William initially. But all those nice feelings towards them went out the window when they reacted so pathetically to the public stunt that Lord Boorish?Boreland?whatever-his-name-was pulled. Katherine was beyond dumb and passive, and William was simply spineless.
March 17, 2024
This is my second book I've read by Dorothy Sheldon, and she never disappoints. I didn't even know I liked regency novels, until I stumbled on hers.
This story follows Katharine's journey as she is given the nearly impossible task of marrying within a year so she and her brothers can gain their inheritance. Unfortunately, the will also states that her brothers can't marry before her, and she has to be the one to marry first. She is stuck in the awful position of rushing to marry when all she wants to do is marry for love, and with someone she's compatible with. It is while she's attending event upon event to meet the possible suitor that she starts to talk to William's best friend Timothy. Timothy is nothing like all the other men that are trying to marry Katharine. They have much more in common than anyone else. And Katharine feels herself drawn to Timothy. But Timothy never puts himself in the running for her hand! As the deadline is fast approaching Katharine finds herself engaged and as the wedding is coming near... Timothy is running out of time to speak up or lose the chance to be with Katharine, forever!!!
This story is so wonderful. There is so much going on in the story ... you will feel it pulling at your heart strings the whole time.
*** I want to read a story about William now, and the mystery locket :-)
This story follows Katharine's journey as she is given the nearly impossible task of marrying within a year so she and her brothers can gain their inheritance. Unfortunately, the will also states that her brothers can't marry before her, and she has to be the one to marry first. She is stuck in the awful position of rushing to marry when all she wants to do is marry for love, and with someone she's compatible with. It is while she's attending event upon event to meet the possible suitor that she starts to talk to William's best friend Timothy. Timothy is nothing like all the other men that are trying to marry Katharine. They have much more in common than anyone else. And Katharine feels herself drawn to Timothy. But Timothy never puts himself in the running for her hand! As the deadline is fast approaching Katharine finds herself engaged and as the wedding is coming near... Timothy is running out of time to speak up or lose the chance to be with Katharine, forever!!!
This story is so wonderful. There is so much going on in the story ... you will feel it pulling at your heart strings the whole time.
*** I want to read a story about William now, and the mystery locket :-)
March 17, 2024
This the first in a new series by the author and after finishing this one, I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series. Willoughby's father died in an accident and his will was left with very particular demands in order for Lady Katharine and her three brothers to inherit the family funds. Lady Katharine must marry first and then the brothers must marry as well in order to receive their inheritance. This puts a lot of pressure on Lady Katherine along with her brothers. It also must be done in a quick time. Lady Katherine begins her third Season knowing she must find a husband. She meets Lord Barwood who would make a great catch so it seems but he is nothing like her. She loves reading novels and is much more interested in TImothy Rutherford, a childhood friend of her brother. They both have so much in common and as they continue going to the festivities during the season their feelings for each other only get stronger. Lord Barwood is determined to marry Lady Katharine and it wasn’t until Timothy overhears why Lord Barwood is determined to marry Lady Katharine that things start to change and the secret of Timothy’s career and the true feelings of Lady Katharine and Timothy come out. The other built likable characters and a good storyline. I look forward to the rest of the series.
March 14, 2024
One of many “regency era” books by this author, I find the fun to read. I think it is quite interesting to see the rules that were in place for the proper way to behave in English society. The restrictions placed on women were so binding but in reality, men often had restrictions also.
What I have liked in Sheldon’s books is the fact that she develops strong women characters. Her young debutants are thinkers and readers, usually speaking their minds and doing what they please. I find it interesting they do this within the confines of the proper rules of etiquette of the era.
While this may not be great literature, for the style it is written, it is well done.
What I have liked in Sheldon’s books is the fact that she develops strong women characters. Her young debutants are thinkers and readers, usually speaking their minds and doing what they please. I find it interesting they do this within the confines of the proper rules of etiquette of the era.
While this may not be great literature, for the style it is written, it is well done.
May 5, 2025
A father dies. A will is read. For the Willenshire family to receive their inheritance, all the children must marry. For any to receive their inheritance, Lady Katherine must marry first. Lady Katherine must decide whether to marry for title and wealth or for the love of a good man. Either way, Katherine will receive her inheritance, but her father is dead and would never have approved of Timothy, if he were alive. The will states marriage, not wealth or title. Maybe, in this one, she can defy her father. Strong plot and well-developed characters make this first book in the series a great read.
May 26, 2025
A Cruel Fath
A cruel father sets up his will that his children will only inherit their portions of his vast estate if they marry within a year of the reading of his will. His only daughter, who only longs for freedom, must marry first or her 4 brothers will not receive their inheritance. This leaves Katherine vulnerable to unscrupulous fortune hunters. Bleh!
Far too many romance novel's require the heroine to need a hero. I'd rather read novels about women who are their own hero, who detect narcissist, and outwit them before they are trapped, and need to be rescued. Would such a novel be so impossible to write?
A cruel father sets up his will that his children will only inherit their portions of his vast estate if they marry within a year of the reading of his will. His only daughter, who only longs for freedom, must marry first or her 4 brothers will not receive their inheritance. This leaves Katherine vulnerable to unscrupulous fortune hunters. Bleh!
Far too many romance novel's require the heroine to need a hero. I'd rather read novels about women who are their own hero, who detect narcissist, and outwit them before they are trapped, and need to be rescued. Would such a novel be so impossible to write?
January 27, 2025
Her chosen one
Great story, wonderful story line great characters. Catherine and her 3 brothers must marry to get their inheritance within a year of the reading of their father's will.
The pressure is on all 4 of them, but Catherine has to marry first for her brothers to inherit. Timothy has loved her along time but he's the second son no title or money, and he's the author of the books Catherine loves so well. And he's the man her father would of chosen for her. Fate .
Thank you ♥️
Great story, wonderful story line great characters. Catherine and her 3 brothers must marry to get their inheritance within a year of the reading of their father's will.
The pressure is on all 4 of them, but Catherine has to marry first for her brothers to inherit. Timothy has loved her along time but he's the second son no title or money, and he's the author of the books Catherine loves so well. And he's the man her father would of chosen for her. Fate .
Thank you ♥️
March 12, 2024
I loved that Katherine loved to read Timothy's books. It made them perfect for each because they talked about what they loved, books. I hated and despised Barwood. He was mean and selfish from the start, and her mom tried to push Katherine to him. I also didn't like her father bec he put the kids down. I think their father made Katherine become head strong bec in her head, she was fighting for herself. The story had a perfect ending. I loved it so much.
June 27, 2024
Caroline Willoughby received a mandate from her father upon his death. Marry! You must marry within one year of the reading of this will or you nor you brothers will get a cent of their inheritance. Caroline was a bluestocking who loved to read. L. Sterling was her favorite author. L. Sterling was a pseudonym so the author could remain anonymous.
Timothy was best friends with William Willoughby, Caroline's oldest brother and the Duke of the Willoughby estate. Timothy was also L.Sterling.
Timothy was best friends with William Willoughby, Caroline's oldest brother and the Duke of the Willoughby estate. Timothy was also L.Sterling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2024
Fabulous Story
I liked how the setting was so different from other books, an ultimatum to marry within a year. The characters were well developed, and even though they didn't have a good relationship with their father, the story did not overly dwell on it. And what a nice twist at the end, especially hearing from the father again. It is a well written book, and I look forward to reading the next book.
I liked how the setting was so different from other books, an ultimatum to marry within a year. The characters were well developed, and even though they didn't have a good relationship with their father, the story did not overly dwell on it. And what a nice twist at the end, especially hearing from the father again. It is a well written book, and I look forward to reading the next book.
January 8, 2025
When Katharine’s father dies in an accident and the will is finally read, she and her brothers have to marry within the year and she has to marry first. The storyline develops fairly well, though the story isn’t compelling; I found myself putting the book aside rather than reading it all at once. It was enjoyable enough but I’m not sure I’d pick up the next in the series.
January 14, 2025
This was one of those great, satisfying "quick reads" that draws you in and doesn't bore the pants off you like so many other Regency romances do. I really liked the main character Katherine- it's like the author was writing me into her story. I plan on adding her other titles to my TBR as 2025 goes along.
February 10, 2025
Very infuriating read!
This story was quite frustrating at times because no one seemed to have a backbone, except perhaps Henry, a minor character. And we still don't know who the locket belongs to so I assume that is for the next story. The ending seemed rather out of character but it was a happy ending.
This story was quite frustrating at times because no one seemed to have a backbone, except perhaps Henry, a minor character. And we still don't know who the locket belongs to so I assume that is for the next story. The ending seemed rather out of character but it was a happy ending.
April 2, 2025
I enjoyed this story very much. The plot was well laid out with few twists. I would recommend this book to lovers of the romance genre. I feel that it's the first book in a series. It can be read as a stand-alone story with a HEA ending and no cliffhangers. You are, of course, introduced to the potential characters who would merit their own book. Enjoy!
March 16, 2024
This is one of the best books I have read it years. I am so glad it is a series, because I did not want this story to end. This family of one sister and her three brothers will draw you in with their loyalty and love for one another even after what they father has left them as their inheritance and what they each must do to receive it. You will be turning page after page. May I suggest you try to read this in one sitting. Now I hope I don't have to wait too long for Book 2 to come out.
March 22, 2024
Excellent! intrigue, romance
This is a wonderful story- I can’t wait to read about the brothers and their stories ! Wonderful engaging characters, hard to put down! The first page grabs you in! Otherwise I would not have ket going!! Highly recommend!
This is a wonderful story- I can’t wait to read about the brothers and their stories ! Wonderful engaging characters, hard to put down! The first page grabs you in! Otherwise I would not have ket going!! Highly recommend!
March 24, 2024
Very good
A good story entertaining for the most part. I feel like I was deceived with Katherine’s personality. I won’t say any more because I don’t want to ruin the story before someone reads it.
A good story entertaining for the most part. I feel like I was deceived with Katherine’s personality. I won’t say any more because I don’t want to ruin the story before someone reads it.
March 27, 2024
Engrossing
I hoped that it would have this kind of ending. That Lord Barwood would make a huge mistake was a surprise. The title is misleading. Lady Katherine is not a spinster.
I hoped that it would have this kind of ending. That Lord Barwood would make a huge mistake was a surprise. The title is misleading. Lady Katherine is not a spinster.
March 27, 2024
Best ! It's been awhile...
I am a voracious reader... So over 80 years that's a bit!
This one agitated a little, but then ended with great satisfaction...so that is the BEST way...no?
I am a voracious reader... So over 80 years that's a bit!
This one agitated a little, but then ended with great satisfaction...so that is the BEST way...no?
April 30, 2024
The Will
A father left each of his children with an ultimatum in his will. They all had to marry before they would receive their inheritance. The daughter had to marry first. This is where the story starts and becomes an excellent read. Well done, Dorothy!
A father left each of his children with an ultimatum in his will. They all had to marry before they would receive their inheritance. The daughter had to marry first. This is where the story starts and becomes an excellent read. Well done, Dorothy!
October 7, 2024
Written With Love
Manipulations run rampant as Katherine. and her brothers try to manage the Marriage Mart in time to satisfy their father's will. Tempers flare, secrets are kept, and true love mixes in with a last
minute save. Great first book to a series.
Manipulations run rampant as Katherine. and her brothers try to manage the Marriage Mart in time to satisfy their father's will. Tempers flare, secrets are kept, and true love mixes in with a last
minute save. Great first book to a series.
December 13, 2024
Oh what a terrible villain! He's obnoxious, revolting, extremely irritating. Well done.
While the story line is rather absurd and Katherine too docile, William too meek, Henry too spoiled and Alexander too self-pitying for my liking, I did enjoy the book because of that conniving brute.
While the story line is rather absurd and Katherine too docile, William too meek, Henry too spoiled and Alexander too self-pitying for my liking, I did enjoy the book because of that conniving brute.
January 9, 2025
A sweet romance
This is a sweet, charming romance. Although driven to marry by her father's will Katherine is able to find a friendship that blossoms into a heart-warming love story.
This is a sweet, charming romance. Although driven to marry by her father's will Katherine is able to find a friendship that blossoms into a heart-warming love story.
January 18, 2025
I loved reading this book!
I read all night because I was entranced by the story of the Willenshire siblings. Beautifully written by Dorothy Sheldon, who has an amazing understanding of the human spirit and writes perfect prose to illustrate that. I highly recommend this novel.
I read all night because I was entranced by the story of the Willenshire siblings. Beautifully written by Dorothy Sheldon, who has an amazing understanding of the human spirit and writes perfect prose to illustrate that. I highly recommend this novel.
January 31, 2025
Good Story
Enjoyed the storyline and the characters were interesting. A lot of people are never what they seem. But eventually they'll show their true colors. Fortunately for Katherine, she found out before it was too late. Can't wait to start book two in the series.
Enjoyed the storyline and the characters were interesting. A lot of people are never what they seem. But eventually they'll show their true colors. Fortunately for Katherine, she found out before it was too late. Can't wait to start book two in the series.
February 9, 2025
An excellent book!
The Duke of Willenshires was a cruel man to his family he died when his oldest son refused to ride a wild horse so he took it upon himself to ride it! It killed him and now his 4 children must marry before the year is out.
The Duke of Willenshires was a cruel man to his family he died when his oldest son refused to ride a wild horse so he took it upon himself to ride it! It killed him and now his 4 children must marry before the year is out.
March 2, 2025
This book leads me to wonder once again how many wills with cruel stipulations there were in this period, or was it just a plot device? Pleasant enough characters, a fatuous suitor, a mystery woman, book clubs.
April 25, 2025
My Favorite Dorothy Sheldon Book
The most pompous irritating villain versus the humble, kind and observant hero. I certainly appreciate a man who validates the worth and opinions of women. Great conversations between the main characters and an almost missed happily ever after.
The most pompous irritating villain versus the humble, kind and observant hero. I certainly appreciate a man who validates the worth and opinions of women. Great conversations between the main characters and an almost missed happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews