A Bride for Belle Haven

Sweet Daughters of Duke Street #1

by Catherine Bilson

Theresa Wilkes has only ever known life within the modest walls of Duke Street Orphanage, quietly dreaming of a place where she might truly belong. When Richard Bell, guardian to three spirited young girls with scandalous pasts, arrives seeking a governess, Theresa seizes the chance to build a life beyond anything she's known. Her gentle heart and natural gift with horses awaken hope in Richard, persuading him that perhaps she's exactly what his unconventional family needs.

Arriving at Belle Haven, Richard’s peaceful Hampshire estate nestled within idyllic rolling hills, Theresa discovers a household yearning for warmth, compassion, and healing. Yet, as she attempts to nurture bonds with her young charges and find her footing in this unfamiliar world, Theresa faces unexpected trials. Whispered judgments, societal expectations, and her own insecurities threaten the fragile happiness she's begun to build—and stir feelings for Richard that she struggles to suppress.

As Theresa and Richard navigate the delicate balance between duty and desire, their lives grow increasingly intertwined. Together, they'll have to confront society's rigid conventions and their own guarded hearts. But can an orphaned governess truly find lasting acceptance and love in a world determined to remind her of her place?

A Bride for Belle Haven is a tender, emotionally satisfying Regency romance about discovering love, acceptance, and the courage to embrace the family we choose. Join Theresa as she learns that sometimes life's greatest joys emerge from the most unexpected paths.

The charming prequel novella introducing the beloved series, The Brides of Belle Haven!

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

I've been writing since I was 5 years old. I've always had to set it aside and try to concentrate on so-called 'real life' though. I've had a number of interesting careers - engineer, real estate sales agent, owner of an electrical goods store, silversmith - but finally the time has come for me to return to my first love. Writing.

I've always loved the works of Jane Austen, so perhaps it's fitting that my first published work should be a variation on the much beloved Pride And Prejudice.

Visit my website, www.catherinebilson.com, to read several free short fics in the Pride and Prejudice fandom, and to leave me comments on my work!

I also write not-for-profit fanfiction set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if you'd like to read those free works please go to the Archive Of Our Own and search for the user handle ozhawk.

Reviews

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When each governess Richard employs leaves as soon as she realises his three adopted daughters are illegitimate, he decides to look for a governess at the Duke Street orphanage instead. And though Theresa isn't as well educated as some of the other girls there, he instantly decides she's the perfect fit for his family due to her love of horses. Theresa is thrilled to be away from the city and able to spend time with horses better than any she's ever known. She sets out to make herself indispensable - and succeeds. But can an illegitimate orphan really find a permanent home with such a well-off family?

I wanted to love it, but it fell short of my hopes. I loved the premise of a girl from an orphanage finding a home and a family welcoming those less fortunate - but I think the author tried to cover too much. Really, I think it could be split into at least three novels and each explore the people and situations more deeply. Instead, it skates over the surface and never really had any depth. The result was a story that never really engaged me, because I never got to know any of the characters enough to care about them. It's not a bad story by any means, and may well be exactly what others are looking for, but I found it disappointing - sweet and light but with no depth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story in a multi author series Sweet Daughters of Duke Street. It is a clean stand alone story. Mr Richard Bell needs a governess for his three daughters who he has adopted. Due to their birth circumstances, many of the governesses that he has hired have not stayed. He goes to the Duke Street Orphanage to see if he can hire someone that will be more accepting of his daughters.

Theresa Wilkes, is an orphan left at the orphanage as she was the illegitimate daughter of a baron. She loves horses and dreams of a future in the country taking care of them. She catches Richard’s attention as he’s leaving the orphanage. He can see she has an affinity for horses and he thinks she may fit into his family. He arranges to return with his daughters to meet the candidates for the position and asks the head mistress to include Theresa.

This story focuses on Theresa blending into the family and as time goes on she becomes an important part of the family. There is minimal romance between Richard and Theresa but lots of focus on the growing family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this novel incredibly sweet, and it would make a good introduction to romance for teenage girls. Every now and then one needs to read something that lifts the spirits and makes one smile and this book did it for me. Richard has his hands full with his horse breeding program and three adopted daughters, especially as they have reached an age where they need a governess. Meeting with the Matron at the Duke Street Orphanage, he sets aside the candidates put forward and instead chooses Miss Theresa Wilkes, who shows a burning interest in horses and has a sweet disposition. As it turns out, Theresa is exactly what his daughters need and when he has to leave home for business, he knows his family will be in good hands. It would seem that Richard and Theresa are magnets for those needing a home and a place of refuge. As the household grows, Richard can no longer deny that he needs Theresa as much as his daughters do, bringing the novel to a sweet and happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Zena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet Story!
I enjoyed this rather sweet story - it was so refleshing and nicely written with interesting characters who made it quite good entertainment.
In it we read about how Richard has become a father to three little girls and needs a governess for them. While looking for someone suitable he comes into contact with a young lady, Theresa, at an Orphanage and instantly likes her for this job.
The story is about how they begin as employer and employee and soon find that they have a mutual respect out of which a solid love for each other grows.
The little girls are so cute that I couldn't help but fall in love with them.
What is brought home very definitely is that both Richard and Theresa work hard and have very similar beliefs, values and outlooks in life. Two of their passions are their children and their love of the horses which he breeds. All of this made for a very good morning's worth of entertainment and my voluntary review is based on reading an early copy of this book.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story showcasing a couple’s bounty of love. Richard needed a governess for his three ‘daughters’. He was an unmarried man who ran a successful horse breeding and training operation. His daughters included his late sister’s child, his deceased father’s illegitimate child and a child who had been left at the church and whom his now deceased mother had adopted. He had a multi-racial unconventional family for whom agency governesses would not work, so he decided to try the Duke Street Orphanage. Theresa’s love of horses was the deciding factor in Richard’s choice and she became a welcome member of the family. They faced their challenges together with open hearts and kindness, leading to a love based marriage and a growing family. This is a bright story with an undercurrent of sadness and an abundance of hope. I adored how Richard handled General Harcourt and his granddaughter….and a visit from the orphanage’s matron was a nice touch.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, full of love, action, romance, society, dreams, family and society. Richard needs a governess for three girls that he is guardian. It's at the orphanage that he meets Theresa and decides to take her as the new governess. Theresa is a young girl who loves horses and children. When told of their births, she just gives them a hug and is able to accept them for them. Having the love and caring that they all deserve . As time goes on for them , they become a loving family. Add in others who need help and the doors open up for all of them and they are welcomed into the family. Richard and Theresa just keep adding to their household and family, offering all the love they have. What remarkable family to open their hearts and home to others. Lots of love and caring in this story. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome story of love and belonging. I really enjoyed reading about Richard and Theresa's stories and how they became entwined together. Richard is raising three adopted daughters from different backgrounds and has a difficult time finding a governess that is prejudice agains them - so he goes to Duke Street Orphanage to find one. He meets Theresa there and thinks her love of horses will create a bond with his daughters as they live on an estate that breeds horses. His girls take to her immediately. This begins the story of acceptance, belonging and love. This story also does a great job of introducing us to several other characters and creating several side stories as well. This was a great book!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marini Drobish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of why I love reading period romances. The formal language and mannerisms as well as the intrigue of will they or won't they are always present. The story of Theresa and her transition from an orphan struggling to find her place in a busy orphanage to a governess at a country estate is a pleasant one. Her belief in kindness towards others regardless of their social position or station prompts heartfelt warmth in the reader and a wish for nothing but happiness and love for her. Theresa does experience positive and life-altering opportunities and continues to show kindness and positivity through them all. Lovers of period romances which are chaste (or who are looking for a break from the spice) will cherish this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Bell is looking for a governess for his daughters. He hasn’t had any luck with the previous governesses, so he visits the Duke Street Orphanage to find a governess. Theresa Wilkes has been raised at the orphanage and loves horses who are naturally drawn to her. Richard meets Theresa when she is talking to his horse and knows she is the person for his daughters.

Richard and Theresa’s love story was very sweet, delightful and heartwarming to read. I absolutely loved it!! The secondary characters were absolutely wonderful and really added to the story!! The author did an awesome job writing this story!! I highly recommend this book!!

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard needs an unconventional governess for his adopted daughters, and he thinks he’s found that in horse enthusiast orphan Theresa even if she doesn’t have the same skills as the other governess candidates. It isn’t long before she’s found her way into his daughters and his heart. But will the judgement of others who think he shouldn’t be raising natural children of various ethnicities affect their relationship? His girls were precocious, and Richard kept opening his hearts to take in more ladies in trouble without questioning what society would say. This was a kisses only historical romance.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming and sweet story that develops nicely. The story is about a man who needs a governess for his adopted daughters. Do to the fact that the girls are illegitimate he cannot keep a governess. He finally goes to where he may find a lady who will be more accepting. He finds Theresa, illegitimate herself, at an orphanage. The story is about family, love, loss, acceptance and more.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy the premise of the story. Always like stories that have great characters that have an attraction but fight it because the interaction and the conversation between them is always entertaining. This involves finding a governess for three girls and he doesn't quite know what to do but it makes for good reading. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa lives in an orphanage, and Mr. Bell chooses her to be a governess for his daughters.
When she arrives at Belle Haven, she finds herself in a place full of horses and three sweet little girls.
This is a sweet and lovely story where compassion and kindness are all over the book.
This is the kind of story that puts a smile on your face, and you enjoy reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa and Richard are a wonderful couple who are unconventional and make it work in their society. They grow together into a loving pair along with their unconventional household. If you love children and horses you will enjoy this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful love story with a fairytale like feeling. A new life after an orphanage began. It was based on kindness, the love of horses, and mutual respect of one another, which was the basis of this refreshing and clean romance. I enjoyed the wonderful characters and the happy ending. I highly recommend reading!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this read it was wonderful from start to finish and such a sweet storyline and characters. Highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart melted a little right from the first chapter. Some would say this was overly sentimental, but it was just what I needed given the state of the world today - a sweet clean love filled bit of escapism.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed reading Theresa and Richard's story of a man in desperate need of a governess and a lady who is more than willing to help who has a love of horses and is in desperate need of a family. One that Richard might very well be able to provide.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a feel good story with hope and love abounding! Situations that could lead one to bitterness, instead lead to positive experiences. This a quick read with sweet characters who care for each other and those around them.

[Sue Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

A lovely gentle romance. It was a joy to read how they all became a beloved family. Looking forward to reading more of this series.