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One man with a secret. A family torn apart by the consequences.
The Earl of Rennington’s daughter, Lady Isabel, has done well for herself. Married for five years to an indulgent viscount, with two small daughters, she lives her life in the centre of a social whirl, respected and admired for her beauty, her elegance and her liveliness. But her liveliness sometimes spills over into stormy rows with her staid husband, and she grieves that she’s failed in her primary duty - to provide him with an heir. Her marriage isn’t quite what she’d hoped for. So when disaster cuts her adrift, she wonders what her life might have been like, had she made a different choice.
Ian, Viscount Farramont, is a down-to-earth man, but he’s adored Izzy since the moment he first saw her. He won her hand against tough competition, and when he fears he might lose her for good, he sets out to do whatever it takes to win her back. But even if he succeeds, can he ever win her heart, or is he just too dull to inspire love in his vivacious wife?
This is a complete story with a happy ever after. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Book 3 of a 6 book series.
The Earl of Rennington’s daughter, Lady Isabel, has done well for herself. Married for five years to an indulgent viscount, with two small daughters, she lives her life in the centre of a social whirl, respected and admired for her beauty, her elegance and her liveliness. But her liveliness sometimes spills over into stormy rows with her staid husband, and she grieves that she’s failed in her primary duty - to provide him with an heir. Her marriage isn’t quite what she’d hoped for. So when disaster cuts her adrift, she wonders what her life might have been like, had she made a different choice.
Ian, Viscount Farramont, is a down-to-earth man, but he’s adored Izzy since the moment he first saw her. He won her hand against tough competition, and when he fears he might lose her for good, he sets out to do whatever it takes to win her back. But even if he succeeds, can he ever win her heart, or is he just too dull to inspire love in his vivacious wife?
This is a complete story with a happy ever after. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Book 3 of a 6 book series.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2024
295 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
68 books479 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 6, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy and a request to leave an honest review.
This is the next tale in the Chaplain’s Legacy series and is Izzy and Ian’s tale. Izzy had a lot of growing up to do in this tale and I will admit that I didn’t much like her for much of the story. She is challenged with a jolting discovery that would set anyone on a journey of self discovery. She became more likeable near the end of that journey than she was in the beginning. Her husband Ian is a most patient man.
If you are reading the entire series, this sets the pieces more clearly into the puzzle that solving the murder requires. If you haven’t read the prequel book and the first two after it, I suggest you read those first. The story will make much more sense if you have done that background reading and it will help you persevere if, like me, you struggle to like the heroine much in the beginning. Being fully invested in the overall story arc for the series had me push through and, as I said, Izzy does grow up and she grew on me as a reader.
I will be very integrated to see what happens with the next story in the series and where the mystery leads.
This is the next tale in the Chaplain’s Legacy series and is Izzy and Ian’s tale. Izzy had a lot of growing up to do in this tale and I will admit that I didn’t much like her for much of the story. She is challenged with a jolting discovery that would set anyone on a journey of self discovery. She became more likeable near the end of that journey than she was in the beginning. Her husband Ian is a most patient man.
If you are reading the entire series, this sets the pieces more clearly into the puzzle that solving the murder requires. If you haven’t read the prequel book and the first two after it, I suggest you read those first. The story will make much more sense if you have done that background reading and it will help you persevere if, like me, you struggle to like the heroine much in the beginning. Being fully invested in the overall story arc for the series had me push through and, as I said, Izzy does grow up and she grew on me as a reader.
I will be very integrated to see what happens with the next story in the series and where the mystery leads.
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August 2, 2025My god this bitch sucked
September 12, 2024
*I received an ARC in exchange for my review*
I really liked this one. Maybe it's because the couple reminded me of my husband and me. Not that I would run off if I realized we weren't really married, but he definitely would come running after me if I did.
Basically Izzy runs off to her other 3 suitors from back in the day to see if Ian was the right choice. Turns out he is and he even made the grand gesture of chasing her throughout England and Scotland. I especially liked the part where he arranged to kidnap her to get her back. That's when she realized that he actually loved her and she actually loved him. They're so cute together!
Great writing from Mary Kingswood as always!
I really liked this one. Maybe it's because the couple reminded me of my husband and me. Not that I would run off if I realized we weren't really married, but he definitely would come running after me if I did.
Basically Izzy runs off to her other 3 suitors from back in the day to see if Ian was the right choice. Turns out he is and he even made the grand gesture of chasing her throughout England and Scotland. I especially liked the part where he arranged to kidnap her to get her back. That's when she realized that he actually loved her and she actually loved him. They're so cute together!
Great writing from Mary Kingswood as always!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2024
Dislikable
I never imagined that I would quite reading a book by Mary Kingswood but I found one with so dislikable character such as Izzy.
The only thing she needed when she threw one of her childish tantrums was for Ian to grab her up, pull-down her unmentionables and spank her soundly. I have read all of this author’s books and enjoyed each one until I started this one. Therefore I will not read anymore of this series with the expectation of the next will be better.
I never imagined that I would quite reading a book by Mary Kingswood but I found one with so dislikable character such as Izzy.
The only thing she needed when she threw one of her childish tantrums was for Ian to grab her up, pull-down her unmentionables and spank her soundly. I have read all of this author’s books and enjoyed each one until I started this one. Therefore I will not read anymore of this series with the expectation of the next will be better.
September 16, 2024
Today, Lady Farramonds reaction to the news that the chaplain who married her was never ordained and Ian Farramond is barely understood. Not only does she blame her husband and father for her unmarried state but she takes off to seek her other wooers thinking she can correct her mistake of years past and if she remarries might choose one of them. This is too silly for me and I could not wait for the end I had figured out already. Well written but it gets boring toward the end.
December 16, 2024
I struggled massively finishing this book. I love Mary Kingswood but the main character in this story is just annoying in every way. Her story is not interesting enough, I questioned myself a couple of times why I was I reading (wasting my time) on a story of a spoiled brat?...
September 3, 2024
I remember being slightly disappointed, when I knew that the third novel in The Chaplain’s Legacy series was going to be about Isabella. Having encountered her in the earlier books, I didn’t find her a likeable character at all, and my thoughts were along the lines of “how’s that going to work?” Now, having read an advance copy of Anger, I am once again amazed and delighted at Mary Kingswood's skill. None of Isabella’s characteristics have really changed, she hasn’t suddenly become well-behaved or less bratty; but the reader, seeing into her thoughts, begins to understand why she is the way she is; and we are taken with her as she grows as a person, during her journey. This is character writing at its best.
The book follows Izzy and Ian separately on their journeys, the one to try to fulfil the restlessness of her soul; the other to pursue his true love. Such is the power of the writing that we feel and sympathise. both with the capriciousness of the one, and with the pain of the other. Misunderstandings, mesalliances and miscarriages of justice are all sorted out on the way; and alongside all this is the growing sense that a murderer is still at large – the continuation of the thread running through the whole series. It’s all extremely satisfying. I want to know, too, the full story of the housekeeper and Marsden; and what happens to the nice but plebeian Misses Plowman. They deserve a happy ending. I love that the minor characters are fully formed, with personalities and a life behind what is given to them in this tale. It’s very clever writing.
If there’s anything I dislike – well, the only thing I can think of is the way the main characters always have the same initial letter in their names. Ian and Izzy. It’s a small thing, but like a nervous tic to me… others might think differently, of course. Not irritating enough for the loss of a star, though. I can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended – but take the day off first. When a new Mary Kingswood comes out, I have to make sure there is nothing urgent to be done. The beds remain unmade, lunch is a scramble (I don’t mean eggs) and dinner might appear, but only if there’s something quick to hand. You'll need to make reading space!
The book follows Izzy and Ian separately on their journeys, the one to try to fulfil the restlessness of her soul; the other to pursue his true love. Such is the power of the writing that we feel and sympathise. both with the capriciousness of the one, and with the pain of the other. Misunderstandings, mesalliances and miscarriages of justice are all sorted out on the way; and alongside all this is the growing sense that a murderer is still at large – the continuation of the thread running through the whole series. It’s all extremely satisfying. I want to know, too, the full story of the housekeeper and Marsden; and what happens to the nice but plebeian Misses Plowman. They deserve a happy ending. I love that the minor characters are fully formed, with personalities and a life behind what is given to them in this tale. It’s very clever writing.
If there’s anything I dislike – well, the only thing I can think of is the way the main characters always have the same initial letter in their names. Ian and Izzy. It’s a small thing, but like a nervous tic to me… others might think differently, of course. Not irritating enough for the loss of a star, though. I can’t wait for the next one.
Highly recommended – but take the day off first. When a new Mary Kingswood comes out, I have to make sure there is nothing urgent to be done. The beds remain unmade, lunch is a scramble (I don’t mean eggs) and dinner might appear, but only if there’s something quick to hand. You'll need to make reading space!
September 6, 2024
I was delighted to have been given an ARC to read ahead of publication of the next volume of the Chaplain's legacy series. I always eagerly await Mary Kingswood's new stories and there was so much still to discover about the knock on effect of the chaplain's death for the whole family. At first I did not pay much attention to the title and simply expected to see the mystery slowly unravel. Well, of course, it quickly became very clear that the mystery was not really going to move on very much and our focus was going to be on one of the daughters, Izzy and her husband - or at least the one she had believed to be her husband, Ian Farramont. So, so far, so good, Mary Kingswood, clear easy style and the period feel she weaves around her story were as enjoyable as usual, but, and I am afraid it is for me a big but, I could not feel any attraction or sympathy for Izzy and her anger management problems. The plot unfolded at first very predictably. Going to see her other suitors to see whether she had done well to choose Ian five years ago, was rather tedious. I kept feeling so sorry for the long suffering Ian and his chase across the country to find his wife.
Eventually, of course they meet up and all is well, but their reconciliation is described in far too many gushing details. There are a couple of minor characters, in particular Barty, whose story is interesting but rather feels out of place at the end of the book. Of course we don't know when the mystery is going to unfold and perhaps the Barty incident was a way of reminding us how good Willerton Forbes is at discovering and solving mysteries.
So for me, it is not the best book in this series, but I remain anxious to find out what happens and who the guilty party is- as it seems quite clear to me that it is not who we are told it is.
I would warmly encourage you to read this series from the beginning to fully appreciate the impact of Nicholson's deceit on the whole family.
I am writing this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Eventually, of course they meet up and all is well, but their reconciliation is described in far too many gushing details. There are a couple of minor characters, in particular Barty, whose story is interesting but rather feels out of place at the end of the book. Of course we don't know when the mystery is going to unfold and perhaps the Barty incident was a way of reminding us how good Willerton Forbes is at discovering and solving mysteries.
So for me, it is not the best book in this series, but I remain anxious to find out what happens and who the guilty party is- as it seems quite clear to me that it is not who we are told it is.
I would warmly encourage you to read this series from the beginning to fully appreciate the impact of Nicholson's deceit on the whole family.
I am writing this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own
September 13, 2024
I am a huge fan of Mary Kingswood but I have to say, when I read the first chapter of "Anger," I was not anticipating how great it would be.
It is so unusual in romance novels to have this level of character development and to have my reactions go from disapproval to understanding to applauding the character's transformation.
This book represents a voyage of self discovery in a beautiful way that I think many of us can relate to. Kingswood's books are so special as well in that they combine clean romance and mystery in multiple book series. Even the series intertwine with characters, creating a full Regency world with many different fully realized characters from different social levels. I strongly recommend you read this book, the earlier ones from Chaplain's Legacy - and all her other series as well! These are miles away from the repetitive, reductive or cookie cutter romances out there. You will not be disappointed.
****************************SPOILER ALERT************************************
Lady Isabel Farramount - known as Izzy - is a petulant, cool and distant. Even worse, she is prone to fits of temper when she breaks things and completely loses control. Fortunately for her, her husband Ian (Viscount Farramount) is head over heels in love with her.
They find out that in fact, they were not wed because Izzy's family chaplain was never ordained. Both her daughters are now bastards and will be ostracized from society. Furthermore, this means that Izzy herself is a bastard. After breaking things in a fit of rage, Izzy takes off without letting Ian know where she is going.
I don't want to spoil too much more BUT there are things that will make you think - about a woman's role in Regency England and how dependent she is on the men in her life, what if's that we all think of and how love grows with open communication.
*I received a pre-release copy and am posting a review voluntarily*
It is so unusual in romance novels to have this level of character development and to have my reactions go from disapproval to understanding to applauding the character's transformation.
This book represents a voyage of self discovery in a beautiful way that I think many of us can relate to. Kingswood's books are so special as well in that they combine clean romance and mystery in multiple book series. Even the series intertwine with characters, creating a full Regency world with many different fully realized characters from different social levels. I strongly recommend you read this book, the earlier ones from Chaplain's Legacy - and all her other series as well! These are miles away from the repetitive, reductive or cookie cutter romances out there. You will not be disappointed.
****************************SPOILER ALERT************************************
Lady Isabel Farramount - known as Izzy - is a petulant, cool and distant. Even worse, she is prone to fits of temper when she breaks things and completely loses control. Fortunately for her, her husband Ian (Viscount Farramount) is head over heels in love with her.
They find out that in fact, they were not wed because Izzy's family chaplain was never ordained. Both her daughters are now bastards and will be ostracized from society. Furthermore, this means that Izzy herself is a bastard. After breaking things in a fit of rage, Izzy takes off without letting Ian know where she is going.
I don't want to spoil too much more BUT there are things that will make you think - about a woman's role in Regency England and how dependent she is on the men in her life, what if's that we all think of and how love grows with open communication.
*I received a pre-release copy and am posting a review voluntarily*
September 17, 2024
Izzy, one of Lord Rennington's daughters, who is married to Ian, Viscount Farramont, learns about the disastrous consequences following the death of her family's chaplain, Mr. Arthur Nicholson, who was hacked to death in his sleep. Nicholson was never ordained. Because he officiated in the wedding ceremony for the earl and his wife, they were never legally married, and all of their children are illegitimate. The same goes for Izzy and Ian, with consequences for their two daughters.
Izzy is forever leaving her home, her husband and daughters, and haring off to visit somebody or other. Poor Ian is always chasing her down. This time, after flying into a rage and breaking whatever was around her and blaming her husband for the disaster, she heads for Corland Castle, the family home, to seek her mother. But her mother has already left for her sister's home, so off she goes again. I was anxious to see how the author makes us sympathetic to Izzy's character. She's a spoiled, angry, selfish bitch, with ADHD and no redeeming qualities. Why does her dear husband adore her? This time she seeks out the three other men who courted her five years ago, vying for her hand. She's exploring her what ifs.
What an odyssey for poor Ian, Lord Farramont, as he chased his wife all over the north country, cleaning up the wreckage she left behind. I had hoped that the author could somehow make Izzy a likable character, but I was never convinced, even at the end, and still think Ian deserved far better. Her journey gave her an opportunity for introspection and growth, but not enough to eliminate her selfishness. Nevertheless, the writing is superb and the story engaging. This series absolutely must be read in order.
Izzy is forever leaving her home, her husband and daughters, and haring off to visit somebody or other. Poor Ian is always chasing her down. This time, after flying into a rage and breaking whatever was around her and blaming her husband for the disaster, she heads for Corland Castle, the family home, to seek her mother. But her mother has already left for her sister's home, so off she goes again. I was anxious to see how the author makes us sympathetic to Izzy's character. She's a spoiled, angry, selfish bitch, with ADHD and no redeeming qualities. Why does her dear husband adore her? This time she seeks out the three other men who courted her five years ago, vying for her hand. She's exploring her what ifs.
What an odyssey for poor Ian, Lord Farramont, as he chased his wife all over the north country, cleaning up the wreckage she left behind. I had hoped that the author could somehow make Izzy a likable character, but I was never convinced, even at the end, and still think Ian deserved far better. Her journey gave her an opportunity for introspection and growth, but not enough to eliminate her selfishness. Nevertheless, the writing is superb and the story engaging. This series absolutely must be read in order.
January 19, 2025
I was somewhat disappointed with this story. Izzy is one of the most annoying of all the characters I’ve ever read in a Kingswood novel and I’ve read all her regency novels being a total fan of how authentic she keeps her stories. Izzy is too melodramatic and self centred to gain my sympathy. Yes; she finds herself in a desperate situation but then so do everyone around her. This series is based on her uncle, who masqueraded as the family curate. After his murder it was discovered that in fact he had never been ordained. As he had officiated at her marriage not only is Izzy's marriage to Ian, Lord Fairmont, invalid but so is that of her parents, rendering herself, her children, her three brothers and two sisters illegitimate. Her husband sensibly goes for a special license so he can marry her again. Izzy however trots off to see if there is a better option out there for her. She visits each of the men who previously proposed to her. Her husband is the model of patience and unconditional love.
For me this story was really frustrating. Although I am sure characters like Izzy exist they are not people I want to spend time with. Also there were disappointingly few interesting new pieces of information on the ongoing murder mystery. I can only hope the next next instalment brings more revelations.
For me this story was really frustrating. Although I am sure characters like Izzy exist they are not people I want to spend time with. Also there were disappointingly few interesting new pieces of information on the ongoing murder mystery. I can only hope the next next instalment brings more revelations.
September 26, 2024
This comedy of manners set in Regency England began slowly but picked up steam as the disinherited heroine jaunted all over northern England visiting her former beaux while her erstwhile husband chased after her. At first, Izzy seemed too melodramatic and uncontrolled to be sympathetic despite her situation. Her uncle, who was also the family curate, had officiated at her marriage five years in the past and, after his untimely death, it was discovered that he was not an ordained minister as the whole family had assumed for thirty years, but was, in fact, a fraud. Not only is Izzy's marriage to Ian, Lord Fairmont, invalid but so is that of her parents, rendering her own two little girls and herself, her three brothers and two sisters illegitimate. Ian rushes off to London fr a special license so he can marry her again, but Izzy runs away, going to visit each of the men who proposed to her five years ago. Chaos and complication ensue. As Izzy learns lessons along the way, she becomes much more likeable. As usual, Kingswood has done her homework and presents an entirely believable portrait of 1814 Britain.
September 16, 2024
I’m in agreement with many of the other reviewers commentaries. Izzy was one of the most immature and dislike-able of all the characters I’ve ever read in a Kingswood novel, and I’ve read her entire regency catalogue.
Pros - Solidly written, character driven story, as expected from this author. I preferred the secondary characters in this story to the main characters.
Cons - I did have a harder time getting into this story compared to the previous novels in this series, mainly because Izzy was such a spoiled, entitled creature. I didn’t care for her husband Ian either, he was so incredibly milquetoast.
Why did I rate this so high if I didn’t care for the protagonists? The journey of course! While I didn’t care for the main characters personalities, I DID love Izzy’s misadventures and Ian following behind and cleaning up after her. I appreciated how their separate journeys changed them for the better - Izzy grew up and Ian found his voice.
Overall - 3.75 ⭐️ rounded up
Spice level - 🌶️🌶️ (implied behind closed doors)
Pros - Solidly written, character driven story, as expected from this author. I preferred the secondary characters in this story to the main characters.
Cons - I did have a harder time getting into this story compared to the previous novels in this series, mainly because Izzy was such a spoiled, entitled creature. I didn’t care for her husband Ian either, he was so incredibly milquetoast.
Why did I rate this so high if I didn’t care for the protagonists? The journey of course! While I didn’t care for the main characters personalities, I DID love Izzy’s misadventures and Ian following behind and cleaning up after her. I appreciated how their separate journeys changed them for the better - Izzy grew up and Ian found his voice.
Overall - 3.75 ⭐️ rounded up
Spice level - 🌶️🌶️ (implied behind closed doors)
September 21, 2024
Satisfying, fascinating and left me intrigued
I enjoyed the pace of this book. It felt different in tone but that may be more subjective than descriptive. The last week or so of reading it was a refuge from the stress of events..I often read a book .such faster but that wasn't possible and I have been happy to take it more slowly.
I enjoyed the newer characters, as well as those more familiar from this and previous series. I enjoy the latter very much.
The background, history and physical landscapes add to the enjoyment, as do the many, different scenarios and relationships. I think there are more than in some of the books but my unreliable memory cannot, of course, be relied on.
My Kindle app, which I am using on my Amazon Fire tablet, is being annoying and making it impossible to read the rest of what I have written. So, I hope it makes sense.
I always look forward to the stories to come and am intrigued by the prospect of more answers to questions that remain or have newly arisen.
I enjoyed the pace of this book. It felt different in tone but that may be more subjective than descriptive. The last week or so of reading it was a refuge from the stress of events..I often read a book .such faster but that wasn't possible and I have been happy to take it more slowly.
I enjoyed the newer characters, as well as those more familiar from this and previous series. I enjoy the latter very much.
The background, history and physical landscapes add to the enjoyment, as do the many, different scenarios and relationships. I think there are more than in some of the books but my unreliable memory cannot, of course, be relied on.
My Kindle app, which I am using on my Amazon Fire tablet, is being annoying and making it impossible to read the rest of what I have written. So, I hope it makes sense.
I always look forward to the stories to come and am intrigued by the prospect of more answers to questions that remain or have newly arisen.
September 14, 2024
Mary Kingswood Anger, the third in her chaplain's Legacy series is a journey of growth and reflection. The main character Izzy, Lady Farramont, fins her world shattered after an investigation into the murder of her uncle. Felling totally undone, fury at her father and husband , the men she trusted to protect her, consume her, and she flees her home and family seeking the might-have-beens in her life. The series of stops she makes along the way sheds a new light and perspective on the life she left behind and her own actions. Will she choose to return home? This novel has all the elements of historical accuracy, mystery and an engaging cast of characters that carry-over from one series to the next that make me love Mary Kingswood's writing. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I am willingly offering this review.
September 12, 2024
This is a bit of a road trip with Izzy traveling to former suitors, wanting to determine if she made the correct choice, with Ian trying to catch up to her.
She throws temper tantrums involving breakables being thrown; Ian has a routine of calmly hiding them out of her reach, which I found humorous. He has the patience of a saint.
Although I could not like Izzy, I did enjoy reading the book. It flows smoothly and is well-paced. There's also a bit of intrigue snuck in involving the inheritance if a secondary character.
I read an advance copy ;the thoughts expressed are my own.
She throws temper tantrums involving breakables being thrown; Ian has a routine of calmly hiding them out of her reach, which I found humorous. He has the patience of a saint.
Although I could not like Izzy, I did enjoy reading the book. It flows smoothly and is well-paced. There's also a bit of intrigue snuck in involving the inheritance if a secondary character.
I read an advance copy ;the thoughts expressed are my own.
September 14, 2024
Mary Kingswood never fails to entertain
Mary Kingswood introduces the most fascinating characters. The stories are never dull. Although each story closes satisfactorily for the main characters, there is always a thread to continue.
Izzy has to come to terms with herself and her choice in a husband in fallout of the discovery of the negligent deception of her father's chaplin. She has been indulged by her father and husband, so is somewhat willful.
Ian demonstrates his feelings for his beloved wife as he chases her on her journey of self-discovery.
Mary Kingswood introduces the most fascinating characters. The stories are never dull. Although each story closes satisfactorily for the main characters, there is always a thread to continue.
Izzy has to come to terms with herself and her choice in a husband in fallout of the discovery of the negligent deception of her father's chaplin. She has been indulged by her father and husband, so is somewhat willful.
Ian demonstrates his feelings for his beloved wife as he chases her on her journey of self-discovery.
September 26, 2024
Another jewel from Mary Kingswood
I've lost count of the number of books that I have read written by Mary Kingswood And always enjoyed immensely. Her attention to detail and the culture and practices of early 19th century England is unsurpassed. Her characters always are drawn in such detail that it seems like they are in the room with you. And the plot is always different yet through each book there continues the murder mystery. First we believed it was solved and now we find out that it might not be!
I've lost count of the number of books that I have read written by Mary Kingswood And always enjoyed immensely. Her attention to detail and the culture and practices of early 19th century England is unsurpassed. Her characters always are drawn in such detail that it seems like they are in the room with you. And the plot is always different yet through each book there continues the murder mystery. First we believed it was solved and now we find out that it might not be!
October 8, 2024
Anger follows a side character from the first book of the series, and while I didn't enjoy it as much, it was certainly well-written and entertaining. The development of the hard-to-love main character was nicely done, and I even found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading. Some of the threads of mystery from Disinheritance were mentioned, so I still have hope that it will be revisited as the series continues. I am looking forward to the release of book four in January.
September 17, 2024
Even though Izzy is not the best character, spoiled, scared, indulged, I enjoyed the journey. I couldn’t believe the lengths she went to lol. But in the end she came around and so did Ian. I’m not crazy about reading the gory details over and over but I think I’ve figured out whodunnit. So I’m looking forward to future books in this series! MK can spin a yarn that keeps you interested. I received a pre-release copy of this for my honest review.
September 20, 2024
Contains: kisses, mentions of ravishing (in a good way not an SA way)
I did not like Izzy. This book made me fall in love with Ian. He’s such a patient man! This was a fun book where our MMC chases the FMC and cleans up after her messes. I did like how blunt Izzy was and that she knew her own faults. Now I get to not look forward to Tess' story (I'm sure I'll have a change of heart for her too).
I did not like Izzy. This book made me fall in love with Ian. He’s such a patient man! This was a fun book where our MMC chases the FMC and cleans up after her messes. I did like how blunt Izzy was and that she knew her own faults. Now I get to not look forward to Tess' story (I'm sure I'll have a change of heart for her too).
September 21, 2024
Predictable and yet delightful
I wasn't sure how a book with a character I disliked (Izzy) could be enjoyable reading, and yet this was still delightful. Ian being so adorable helped a lot. But as it turned out, not only did Izzy get a comeuppance, she was also revealed as having a better heart than I would have originally given her credit for.
I was also delighted that the romance plot wound up a little early to make space for some developments in the mystery plot.
I wasn't sure how a book with a character I disliked (Izzy) could be enjoyable reading, and yet this was still delightful. Ian being so adorable helped a lot. But as it turned out, not only did Izzy get a comeuppance, she was also revealed as having a better heart than I would have originally given her credit for.
I was also delighted that the romance plot wound up a little early to make space for some developments in the mystery plot.
September 22, 2024
Lady Farramont is a woman whom I could never like or get along with. She acts like a 4 year old when things don’t go her way. Ian is a stable and wonderful man who loves Isabel with all his heart and puts up with her tantrums and follows the childish woman all over England to retrieve her home while she is off deciding if there is a better candidate out there for a husband the story is the lesson that Lady Isabel learns about her behavior and the unconditional love of Lord Farramont.
October 20, 2024
This was lovely and unexpected fun. Because of the dire (well, okay, these members of the British nobility still have plenty of money) situation that the duplicitous chaplain created, that various people are illegitimate and others are not even married, I expected a darker toned story. Instead, we follow flighty Izzy through a series of comic adventures, and nobody gets hurt in the process. The happy ending is very welcome, too. Well done!
June 11, 2025
Credo che continuerò a leggere questa serie: il livello, se pur non strepitoso, è comunque superiore alla media.
Mi ha divertito, all'inizio, l'innesto della letteratura 'picaresca' in un Regency, che finisce con l'assumere tutte le caratteristiche di un r0manzo di formazione', ed ero fortemente orientata per le quattro stelle. Ma l'intreccio ha dei punti veramente deboli, e (anche se questo non dovrebbe entrare nel conto) la protagonista è davvero insopportabile.
Mi ha divertito, all'inizio, l'innesto della letteratura 'picaresca' in un Regency, che finisce con l'assumere tutte le caratteristiche di un r0manzo di formazione', ed ero fortemente orientata per le quattro stelle. Ma l'intreccio ha dei punti veramente deboli, e (anche se questo non dovrebbe entrare nel conto) la protagonista è davvero insopportabile.
September 16, 2024
What a brat!
Spoiled and self absorbed. I was shocked that Mary Kingswood would even dream up such a horrid person as Izzy. Everything about her was spoiled. Tantrums, running away, spending money, trying to be the center of attention. The center of the world. Shameful. Until she is given what she truly wants and needs.
Spoiled and self absorbed. I was shocked that Mary Kingswood would even dream up such a horrid person as Izzy. Everything about her was spoiled. Tantrums, running away, spending money, trying to be the center of attention. The center of the world. Shameful. Until she is given what she truly wants and needs.
September 21, 2024
I hated the h. She is deranged. I just don't understand why the H loves her so much, she's not intelligent, smart, pleasant, accomplished, she doesn't care about him or their daughters, she destroys everything at hand everytime things don't go her way. Her only redeeming quality apparently is her beauty!
October 7, 2024
The chase
This is another wonderful story. Poor Ian. I thought Izzy was horrible. I loved the way each time Izzy visited someone their life was improved. I think that's when I started to like her. I really didn't blame her for trying to discover if her marriage was worth keeping. I was so relieved when Izzy fell in love with Ian.
This is another wonderful story. Poor Ian. I thought Izzy was horrible. I loved the way each time Izzy visited someone their life was improved. I think that's when I started to like her. I really didn't blame her for trying to discover if her marriage was worth keeping. I was so relieved when Izzy fell in love with Ian.
November 9, 2024
I tried really hard to like the main character. Her inability to make rational decisions and her bouts of anger just made it too difficult for me. The story is good, the plot is good, historical accuracy is good, prose is excellent. I just couldn't quite find much sympathy for the main character.
November 17, 2024
Anger meets its match.
I have been a fan of Mary Kingswood for quite some time, and once again she has delivered a wonderful story. I love her depiction of Izzy, and her (Izzy) antics. I enjoy the era, and Mary's style of presentation. If you like a good love story along with a good mystery, you will like this tale. I highly recommend it.
I have been a fan of Mary Kingswood for quite some time, and once again she has delivered a wonderful story. I love her depiction of Izzy, and her (Izzy) antics. I enjoy the era, and Mary's style of presentation. If you like a good love story along with a good mystery, you will like this tale. I highly recommend it.
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