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Snowbound with the Baronet
A sweet traditional Regency
Sir Brandon Calvert has spent the past four years trying to forget the beautiful debutante who broke his heart by rejecting his marriage proposal. Just when he thinks he has finally succeeded, a fateful snowstorm strands him in the company of Lady Cassandra Whitney. Now Brandon must confront the past and the dangerous attraction her nearness threatens to revive!
The last person Lady Cassandra expected to encounter on a snowy road to Bath is the one man she has never succeeded in banishing from her heart. Her reasons for refusing Sir Brandon’s proposal four years ago are not what he believes. But how can she tell the rigorously truthful baronet that she deceived him? And how can she reveal the truth without exposing shameful family secrets? Even if she could bring herself to confess, Cassandra fears it is too late. Sir Brandon has made a new life for himself – a life that does not include the woman who humiliated him and drove him to war.
Under difficult circumstances, Brandon is intrigued to discover that Cassandra Whitney has matured from a headstrong debutante into a capable, caring woman. He fears she could make him fall in love with her all over again if he is not careful to keep his distance. But how can he do that in a tiny farmhouse, when their kind hosts insist on playing Cupid at every opportunity?
In the depths of a Regency winter, warm affections are quickly rekindled. But can the flame of true love burn bright enough to light the way for two lost hearts to find one another again, before the snow melts and they must go their separate ways? Or will Lady Cassandra get a second chance to say yes?
About the Author: After a decade spent tracing her ancestors to their roots in Regency-era Britain, Deborah Hale learned a great deal about the period and uncovered enough fascinating true stories to inspire her romance plots for years to come. A Golden Heart® Award Winner and Rita® Award Finalist, Deborah has written over thirty novels and novellas in the genres of historical romance, inspirational romance, historical fiction and other-world fantasy. Deborah and her family live in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada, a place steeped in history and romance. She is currently writing more historical romance novels set in Regency England. Besides writing, Deborah continues to dabble in genealogy, sings with a Celtic choir and tries to keep in shape by practicing tai-chi.
"Hale's characters are so finely created they become real in her readers' minds and hearts." - Sheryl Horst, syndicated romance reviewer
"When it comes to writing historical romances, Deborah Hale ranks among the best.” ~ Stella MacLean, Halifax Chronicle-Herald
“This lovely, engaging romance has just the right mix of lightness and poignancy.” - Romantic Times about Lady Lyte’s Little Secret
“Hale’s latest historical romance is a captivating combination of subtly nuanced protagonists, a memorable cast of secondary characters, and a classic Regency plot refreshed with some intriguing new twists.” John Charles, Booklist about Married: The Virgin Widow
Sir Brandon Calvert has spent the past four years trying to forget the beautiful debutante who broke his heart by rejecting his marriage proposal. Just when he thinks he has finally succeeded, a fateful snowstorm strands him in the company of Lady Cassandra Whitney. Now Brandon must confront the past and the dangerous attraction her nearness threatens to revive!
The last person Lady Cassandra expected to encounter on a snowy road to Bath is the one man she has never succeeded in banishing from her heart. Her reasons for refusing Sir Brandon’s proposal four years ago are not what he believes. But how can she tell the rigorously truthful baronet that she deceived him? And how can she reveal the truth without exposing shameful family secrets? Even if she could bring herself to confess, Cassandra fears it is too late. Sir Brandon has made a new life for himself – a life that does not include the woman who humiliated him and drove him to war.
Under difficult circumstances, Brandon is intrigued to discover that Cassandra Whitney has matured from a headstrong debutante into a capable, caring woman. He fears she could make him fall in love with her all over again if he is not careful to keep his distance. But how can he do that in a tiny farmhouse, when their kind hosts insist on playing Cupid at every opportunity?
In the depths of a Regency winter, warm affections are quickly rekindled. But can the flame of true love burn bright enough to light the way for two lost hearts to find one another again, before the snow melts and they must go their separate ways? Or will Lady Cassandra get a second chance to say yes?
About the Author: After a decade spent tracing her ancestors to their roots in Regency-era Britain, Deborah Hale learned a great deal about the period and uncovered enough fascinating true stories to inspire her romance plots for years to come. A Golden Heart® Award Winner and Rita® Award Finalist, Deborah has written over thirty novels and novellas in the genres of historical romance, inspirational romance, historical fiction and other-world fantasy. Deborah and her family live in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada, a place steeped in history and romance. She is currently writing more historical romance novels set in Regency England. Besides writing, Deborah continues to dabble in genealogy, sings with a Celtic choir and tries to keep in shape by practicing tai-chi.
"Hale's characters are so finely created they become real in her readers' minds and hearts." - Sheryl Horst, syndicated romance reviewer
"When it comes to writing historical romances, Deborah Hale ranks among the best.” ~ Stella MacLean, Halifax Chronicle-Herald
“This lovely, engaging romance has just the right mix of lightness and poignancy.” - Romantic Times about Lady Lyte’s Little Secret
“Hale’s latest historical romance is a captivating combination of subtly nuanced protagonists, a memorable cast of secondary characters, and a classic Regency plot refreshed with some intriguing new twists.” John Charles, Booklist about Married: The Virgin Widow
200 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2014
43 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 17, 2018
Regency England.
Sir Brandon proposed 4 yrs ago to Lady Cassandra who
said no & this resulted in his broken heart. Cassie & friend
Mrs. Davis traveled toward Bath via the stage. The hero
and his tactless female cousin, en route to a house party,
begged a ride on the stage when his conveyance broke
down in the heavy snow and wind. The H, cous, & 2 staff
were permitted to board the stage. Long story short, these
folks sought shelter at a farmhouse of the gracious Martins,
when the snow became too deep for the horses to proceed.
Brandon remained angry towards Cassie for her past treat-
ment. Inside of a few days, the H+h talked out their past, &
agreed to forgive each other, but w/o promise of reconcil-
iation. Several convos centered on: was truth absolute? Or
subject to interpretation? POV? How to discuss the truth &
still respect family secrets?
Anger, ego, pride and family secrets kept this couple apart
& love brought them back together. The author noted she
hoped to write future HRs on Cassie's 3 sibs, but I saw no
evidence of this on her booklist.
Sir Brandon proposed 4 yrs ago to Lady Cassandra who
said no & this resulted in his broken heart. Cassie & friend
Mrs. Davis traveled toward Bath via the stage. The hero
and his tactless female cousin, en route to a house party,
begged a ride on the stage when his conveyance broke
down in the heavy snow and wind. The H, cous, & 2 staff
were permitted to board the stage. Long story short, these
folks sought shelter at a farmhouse of the gracious Martins,
when the snow became too deep for the horses to proceed.
Brandon remained angry towards Cassie for her past treat-
ment. Inside of a few days, the H+h talked out their past, &
agreed to forgive each other, but w/o promise of reconcil-
iation. Several convos centered on: was truth absolute? Or
subject to interpretation? POV? How to discuss the truth &
still respect family secrets?
Anger, ego, pride and family secrets kept this couple apart
& love brought them back together. The author noted she
hoped to write future HRs on Cassie's 3 sibs, but I saw no
evidence of this on her booklist.
December 26, 2017
2.5 to 3*
April 4, 2023
A little too much drama with these two. Goodness they drug this on too long. She could not seem to say yes to this poor guy! I liked the story line and did keep reading and was enjoying it till the "I'm not worthy of him" got too be a little much. If I ever want a good drama love story I'll pick up this author again because she is a good writer. This one was just a bit much.
December 10, 2019
A charming second chance romance
January 11, 2015
In the regency, Snowbound with the Baronet, by Deborah Hale, Lady Cassandra Whitney and her friend, Mrs. Davis, are travelling by public stagecoach during a snowstorm to Noughtly Hall, home of the Viscountess of Moresly, who is Cassandra's aunt. Even though Cassandra is the daughter of a duke, her father's death has left his widow, Cassandra's step-mother, and his four daughters dependent upon the graces of his heir, Lord Highworth. Cassandra has taken matters into her own hands and makes an agreement with Aunt Augusta, the viscountess, that she will become the viscountess' companion, in exchange for a Season for her youngest sister, Evelina, and for a housekeeper's position for Mrs. Davis.
On their travels, they come across a carriage which has thrown a wheel, and are forced to take on the passengers from the carriage. These passengers include Sir Brandon Calvert, his cousin, Imogene, and their accompanying staff. The ride becomes quite awkward for Lady Cassandra and Sir Brandon, because they share a past. Four years ago, he had proposed marriage to her, but she refused him in the belief that her refusal would protect him. He believes that she played him for a fool, because she had given him the false hope of being accepted. He can forgive her for refusing him because he could understand their differences in station (he is the aforementioned baronet in the title of the book), but not for the way that she toyed with his feelings into making him believe that he had a chance to win her.
Because of the increasing severity of the snowstorm, the roads are no longer passable. The travelers are forced to take refuge at the farm belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, who extend their hospitality to virtual strangers. Being forced to spend time with each other in such close quarters causes Cassandra and Brandon to realize that they still have unresolved feelings for each other; however, Brandon is reluctant to put his heart out there again after getting burned by Cassandra once before, and Cassandra is too proud to reveal to Brandon the real reasons for her refusal in the past. Brandon also has secrets of his own which he is too proud to reveal, and even though he becomes increasingly aware that he wishes to rekindle his relationship with Cassandra, his own past warps his ability to trust Cassandra and take a chance on a future with her. Cassandra, for her part, still must wrestle with her pride and concern for her reputation instead of risking humiliation which could possibly help her regain a future with Brandon.
As mentioned above, the issue of pride appears many times in this story. It is because of pride and a drive for independence from the new duke that propels Cassandra to become her aunt's companion. It is hinted by Viola, Cassandra's oldest sister, that pride led Cassandra to refuse marriage to Brandon the first time. Cassandra finally acknowledges the truth of this later on in the story, and although she humbles herself enough to admit the reasons for her refusal to Brandon, her pride rears up its ugly head again when she refuses to reveal the reason why she is travelling to her aunt's residence. She does not wish to be thought of as a gold digger, especially after she discovers the nature of Brandon's secrets. This leaves Brandon to imagine the worst of circumstances that might require her to travel away from the safety of her own immediate family; he thinks that she might be in an Interesting Condition (i.e. with child).
I thought that the plot and central conflict for this novel were well planned out. I could appreciate the complex reasons why the characters were too proud and afraid to reveal embarrassing and shameful secrets about their own families. However, as a reader, because I was privy to what the hero and heroine were thinking, I felt like giving them a couple of good shakes to get over their pride if they wanted the other person's love.
Also, I appreciated that this novel was clean; only kisses were present. I thought that the description of the first kiss that Brandon gave Cassandra in this book was satisfying to read. I would classify this novel as secular, although there is a short prayer made to the Lord at the Twelfth Night meal.
Deborah Hale has previously written other regencies for the Love Inspired Historical line, which includes the Glass Slipper Brides, a series about a group of childhood school friends who all eventually became governesses. Snowbound with the Baronet is the first in a series about the Whitney Family. There will be future stories about the rest of the females in the Whitney family, including Cassandra's three sisters and step-mother.
This review also appears on my blog:
http://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca
On their travels, they come across a carriage which has thrown a wheel, and are forced to take on the passengers from the carriage. These passengers include Sir Brandon Calvert, his cousin, Imogene, and their accompanying staff. The ride becomes quite awkward for Lady Cassandra and Sir Brandon, because they share a past. Four years ago, he had proposed marriage to her, but she refused him in the belief that her refusal would protect him. He believes that she played him for a fool, because she had given him the false hope of being accepted. He can forgive her for refusing him because he could understand their differences in station (he is the aforementioned baronet in the title of the book), but not for the way that she toyed with his feelings into making him believe that he had a chance to win her.
Because of the increasing severity of the snowstorm, the roads are no longer passable. The travelers are forced to take refuge at the farm belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, who extend their hospitality to virtual strangers. Being forced to spend time with each other in such close quarters causes Cassandra and Brandon to realize that they still have unresolved feelings for each other; however, Brandon is reluctant to put his heart out there again after getting burned by Cassandra once before, and Cassandra is too proud to reveal to Brandon the real reasons for her refusal in the past. Brandon also has secrets of his own which he is too proud to reveal, and even though he becomes increasingly aware that he wishes to rekindle his relationship with Cassandra, his own past warps his ability to trust Cassandra and take a chance on a future with her. Cassandra, for her part, still must wrestle with her pride and concern for her reputation instead of risking humiliation which could possibly help her regain a future with Brandon.
As mentioned above, the issue of pride appears many times in this story. It is because of pride and a drive for independence from the new duke that propels Cassandra to become her aunt's companion. It is hinted by Viola, Cassandra's oldest sister, that pride led Cassandra to refuse marriage to Brandon the first time. Cassandra finally acknowledges the truth of this later on in the story, and although she humbles herself enough to admit the reasons for her refusal to Brandon, her pride rears up its ugly head again when she refuses to reveal the reason why she is travelling to her aunt's residence. She does not wish to be thought of as a gold digger, especially after she discovers the nature of Brandon's secrets. This leaves Brandon to imagine the worst of circumstances that might require her to travel away from the safety of her own immediate family; he thinks that she might be in an Interesting Condition (i.e. with child).
I thought that the plot and central conflict for this novel were well planned out. I could appreciate the complex reasons why the characters were too proud and afraid to reveal embarrassing and shameful secrets about their own families. However, as a reader, because I was privy to what the hero and heroine were thinking, I felt like giving them a couple of good shakes to get over their pride if they wanted the other person's love.
Also, I appreciated that this novel was clean; only kisses were present. I thought that the description of the first kiss that Brandon gave Cassandra in this book was satisfying to read. I would classify this novel as secular, although there is a short prayer made to the Lord at the Twelfth Night meal.
Deborah Hale has previously written other regencies for the Love Inspired Historical line, which includes the Glass Slipper Brides, a series about a group of childhood school friends who all eventually became governesses. Snowbound with the Baronet is the first in a series about the Whitney Family. There will be future stories about the rest of the females in the Whitney family, including Cassandra's three sisters and step-mother.
This review also appears on my blog:
http://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca
February 28, 2017
A very well written sweet, charming story. Enjoyed it very much. 4*
January 11, 2015
This was a fairly sweet, quick read in many senses. No abuse, no foul language, no intimacy beyond a kiss or two. The hero was returned from the Napoleonic War and still valued honesty above all, and yet he failed to see that he was not totally honest in every sense of the word.
The heroine rejected hero's proposal of marriage four years earlier for conflicting reasons, and the question is whether they have changed much from their earlier courtship.
A chance encounter in a showstorm caused the passengers in two carriages to take shelter at a farmer's humble home for a couple of days right before Twelfth Night.
At some point early on, the points are made as the couple tries to discover whether or not there is a second chance for their happiness. Enter the farmer and his wife, the hero's annoying cousin, the coach drivers, the companion...and the farmer and his wife are the nicest, most grounded people in this story.
The repetition and angst came around in theme-and-variations fashion, padding what could have been a very satisfying novella into something longer. I think the author's story lost a lot of its effectiveness due to length and repetition.
The author writes fairly well, otherwise, save for a few missed possessives and verb tenses. If you are looking for a clean, short read, have a look at other reviews on this site: most of them give higher ratings than I have done. This story may appeal to you more than it did to me.
The heroine rejected hero's proposal of marriage four years earlier for conflicting reasons, and the question is whether they have changed much from their earlier courtship.
A chance encounter in a showstorm caused the passengers in two carriages to take shelter at a farmer's humble home for a couple of days right before Twelfth Night.
At some point early on, the points are made as the couple tries to discover whether or not there is a second chance for their happiness. Enter the farmer and his wife, the hero's annoying cousin, the coach drivers, the companion...and the farmer and his wife are the nicest, most grounded people in this story.
The repetition and angst came around in theme-and-variations fashion, padding what could have been a very satisfying novella into something longer. I think the author's story lost a lot of its effectiveness due to length and repetition.
The author writes fairly well, otherwise, save for a few missed possessives and verb tenses. If you are looking for a clean, short read, have a look at other reviews on this site: most of them give higher ratings than I have done. This story may appeal to you more than it did to me.
April 13, 2014
Fours years ago Lady Cassandra Whitney refused Sir Brandon Calvert’s proposal of marriage. Sir Brandon has never gotten over it, yet he is determined to continue with his life. As fate would have it, during a snowstorm, they both are trapped together. The more time they spend together, the more it seems their feelings again grow toward each other. Why did Lady Cassandra refuse to marry four years ago? Will they work out their misunderstandings or after the storm, will they go their own way? This is an engaging romance, that is smooth reading. I enjoying reading Deborah Hale’s books.
Read
February 12, 2015Snowbound Historical English second chances romance that started off interesting because we get a random meeting of two heart broken folks that are both at a cross roads in their lives.
Then after the third chapter, the story started to lose me. There was too much dragged out snowbound circumstances that was just plain boring.
I could not keep reading once the get to the house to stay waiting for the storm to blow over. Too boring and obvious that they still love each other, but pride and fear keeps them quiet so they don't deserve each other!
Gave up! DNF!
no stars
Then after the third chapter, the story started to lose me. There was too much dragged out snowbound circumstances that was just plain boring.
I could not keep reading once the get to the house to stay waiting for the storm to blow over. Too boring and obvious that they still love each other, but pride and fear keeps them quiet so they don't deserve each other!
Gave up! DNF!
no stars
December 25, 2015
I was enjoying this book in the beginning. I probably would have rated it a 4. But about 3/4ths the way through it I got lost. The book was full of the main characters second guessing themselves and misinterpreting everyone else's intentions that I couldn't remember what had really been said, and what someone imagined someone else was thinking. It was overwhelming and confusing, and weighed the story down. I also felt like the reasons keeping the main characters apart at the end were weak and the events leading them back together were a little to convenient and unrealistic.
August 25, 2014
Nice enough story to skim through on a Sunday afternoon. It might have been better as a short story. The plot prop of the woman H is almost about to propose to, but is so wrong of him, was quite unnecessary. The story was strong enough by itself. It just took away from it and introduced unnecessary angst. Oh well, I suppose some people like as much angst as possible.
February 26, 2015
This was a bit corny (even the title made me roll my eyes), but it was a free loan on my kindle, so I couldn't resist. It's a clean, sweet, easy read. Ultimately, I enjoyed the book, even with the corny, predictable parts. It's pretty forgettable though.
February 6, 2016
If you like Jane Austin's books you wil likely find this book from Deborah Hale "Snowbound with the baronet" to your liking. It has romance, suspans and warmth. It's an enjoyable read in a cold winter night.
December 3, 2014
Nice
The story is nice but not much happens in the three days they are snowed in together. The misunderstanding that keeps them apart isn't very believable.
The story is nice but not much happens in the three days they are snowed in together. The misunderstanding that keeps them apart isn't very believable.
August 12, 2015
This one started off a bit slow, but I ended up really enjoying it.
January 25, 2015
Repetitive, boring and shallow. Did not finish.
January 27, 2015
Very traditional
Reminds me of an Austen storyline. No grand passion and fairly predictable plot but an enjoyable read. Characteristics little one dimensional.
Reminds me of an Austen storyline. No grand passion and fairly predictable plot but an enjoyable read. Characteristics little one dimensional.
June 7, 2018
Dragged on too much
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews