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A Noble Gift
One last assembly, one magical dance, one memorable walk home with a handsome man she realizes she will never see again...
When Cassandra Chilton's father loses his fortune, Cassandra knows her Season--and any hope for a match--is snuffed out by the absence of a dowry. But before she departs town on the lonely path as a governess, her father arranges a marriage of convenience to a man who needs to provide his wards with a mother.
Leaving all she knows behind, will she ever experience the love of her dreams? Or will the decisions that changed her life chase her and endanger the children under her care?
The Butterton Brides book series is best read in order, but this story can easily be read as a standalone if you don't mind some minor spoilers.
When Cassandra Chilton's father loses his fortune, Cassandra knows her Season--and any hope for a match--is snuffed out by the absence of a dowry. But before she departs town on the lonely path as a governess, her father arranges a marriage of convenience to a man who needs to provide his wards with a mother.
Leaving all she knows behind, will she ever experience the love of her dreams? Or will the decisions that changed her life chase her and endanger the children under her care?
The Butterton Brides book series is best read in order, but this story can easily be read as a standalone if you don't mind some minor spoilers.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
34 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 17, 2024
4.5 stars
“Life runs a different path when one puts one’s life in the hands of God.”
This short, sweet, and swoony read was exactly what I needed today, y’all. A Noble Gift by Ann Elizabeth Fryer was the perfect dose of Christmasy romance for a cooler (for here, anyway) Friday afternoon. I snuggled down underneath some cozy blankets (highly recommended) and quickly became absorbed in the Regency setting, the delightful characters, and the compelling plot (also highly recommended). And while I haven’t yet read the Butterton Brides series, this easily-standalone novella has got me prioritizing the print copies I brought back from the JustRead Rendezvous last year!
Cassandra Chilton’s life changes in a moment, her family’s fortune gone and her hopes for a good match gone with it. Resigned to departing for her new life as a governess, Cassandra braces herself for a lonely Christmas. At least until…. stop the presses! Her father receives a last minute request for her hand in matrimony, a marriage of convenience… And oh y’all, I absolutely adored this change of plans. Not only for Cassandra’s sake but for my sake as well, because hello, one of my fave romance tropes (especially at Christmas)! Cassandra is such a great heroine – she’s intelligent, kind, warm, and she adapts to all the upheaval in her life with grace and dignity. My heart went out to her as people who once claimed to be her friends now snubbed her in the wake of her family’s reversal of fortune, but I absolutely loved her pluck and sincerity. Something else I loved? Her hero. I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say that he is everything swoony and gentlemanly and a man of integrity. He can dance… and he can kiss. And he makes a lovely protector when needed.
Bottom Line: A Noble Gift by Ann Elizabeth Fryer gives readers the gift of a story well told and a romance beautifully crafted. In turns sweet and swoony, the marriage of convenience between Cassandra and her handsome hero is delicious in every way, from the meet cute to the final scene. There’s also a dash of suspense to keep tensions high – something which adds some breathlessness to the swoony scenes as well, much to my delight. Fryer’s writing style smoothly draws readers into the story and keeps them engaged with a steady pace, adding well-developed layers and entertaining plot twists. If you need an Austenesque fix for your weekend, perfect for chilly fall temps (whether present where you live or just in your dreams) and cozy holiday romance vibes, then A Noble Gift is the read for you!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“Life runs a different path when one puts one’s life in the hands of God.”
This short, sweet, and swoony read was exactly what I needed today, y’all. A Noble Gift by Ann Elizabeth Fryer was the perfect dose of Christmasy romance for a cooler (for here, anyway) Friday afternoon. I snuggled down underneath some cozy blankets (highly recommended) and quickly became absorbed in the Regency setting, the delightful characters, and the compelling plot (also highly recommended). And while I haven’t yet read the Butterton Brides series, this easily-standalone novella has got me prioritizing the print copies I brought back from the JustRead Rendezvous last year!
Cassandra Chilton’s life changes in a moment, her family’s fortune gone and her hopes for a good match gone with it. Resigned to departing for her new life as a governess, Cassandra braces herself for a lonely Christmas. At least until…. stop the presses! Her father receives a last minute request for her hand in matrimony, a marriage of convenience… And oh y’all, I absolutely adored this change of plans. Not only for Cassandra’s sake but for my sake as well, because hello, one of my fave romance tropes (especially at Christmas)! Cassandra is such a great heroine – she’s intelligent, kind, warm, and she adapts to all the upheaval in her life with grace and dignity. My heart went out to her as people who once claimed to be her friends now snubbed her in the wake of her family’s reversal of fortune, but I absolutely loved her pluck and sincerity. Something else I loved? Her hero. I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say that he is everything swoony and gentlemanly and a man of integrity. He can dance… and he can kiss. And he makes a lovely protector when needed.
Bottom Line: A Noble Gift by Ann Elizabeth Fryer gives readers the gift of a story well told and a romance beautifully crafted. In turns sweet and swoony, the marriage of convenience between Cassandra and her handsome hero is delicious in every way, from the meet cute to the final scene. There’s also a dash of suspense to keep tensions high – something which adds some breathlessness to the swoony scenes as well, much to my delight. Fryer’s writing style smoothly draws readers into the story and keeps them engaged with a steady pace, adding well-developed layers and entertaining plot twists. If you need an Austenesque fix for your weekend, perfect for chilly fall temps (whether present where you live or just in your dreams) and cozy holiday romance vibes, then A Noble Gift is the read for you!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 13, 2025
I think it’s a little difficult to pull off both a strangers to lovers romance and a mystery/action packed storyline in a short novella, but this was still cute and had some moments between the characters that were unique.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews