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Sophia
Small-town Sophia Spencer can’t believe her luck when an unexpected inheritance allows her to experience London’s social scene. But her happiness disappears when she is caught napping in a grumpy gentleman’s room—and forced into an engagement to protect her reputation! Personalities collide and love blooms in this stunning debut novel.
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2014
18 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Paula Kremser
6 books34 followersPaula Kremser focused on a career in science for a few years after graduating from Brigham Young University. Several years later when she moved with her young family to England, Paula seized the opportunity to focus on her love of the Regency Era. The enchantment of the aristocracy and the fascinating stories from every stately home she visits have been both research and inspiration for her first novel, Sophia. Paula lives with her husband and four children in a charming village nestled in the Chiltern hills in Buckinghamshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 31, 2014
Sophia is such a down-to-earth girl. She was raised as a lady, yet grew up as a country doctor's daughter. When her grandmother passes away and gives her a hefty inheritance, she makes her way to London to have a season. Under the care of her aunt, she spends a lot of time whirling around society. After only a few days, she finds herself completely exhausted and ends up taking a nap at a ball--in a man's room! Caught in a compromising situation, she soon discovers that there are only two options--marriage, in order to protect her reputation, or a ruined reputation.
I loved watching Sophia discover the world of London. Things in the city are so much different than the country. Lady Anne was a great friend and an entertaining character. She was instrumental in helping Sophia ultimately figure out how to handle her situation and I loved the part she played and the way she played it. Alex was great! He was a victim of this situation, but was determined to handle things well, especially after his initial outburst. I loved the message that things aren't always as they seem, because there was plenty of that in this story. The story had the hint of a mystery, yet was fun and predictable, with a lot of great characters.
Content:
Nothing of note. Good, clean fun!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
I loved watching Sophia discover the world of London. Things in the city are so much different than the country. Lady Anne was a great friend and an entertaining character. She was instrumental in helping Sophia ultimately figure out how to handle her situation and I loved the part she played and the way she played it. Alex was great! He was a victim of this situation, but was determined to handle things well, especially after his initial outburst. I loved the message that things aren't always as they seem, because there was plenty of that in this story. The story had the hint of a mystery, yet was fun and predictable, with a lot of great characters.
Content:
Nothing of note. Good, clean fun!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
July 14, 2015
I was first drawn to this one because of the cover, so pretty! It didn’t hurt that it’s also a regency, which is a favorite genre for me.
Sophia Spencer is a country girl, raised away from society and unable to afford a season she has accepted her life for what it is. When a distant aunt dies and leaves her a sizeable inheritance she is finally given the opportunity to have a season and possibly find a husband. She goes to London and stays with another family member, one who is not happy with their late aunts will. Not used to the hectic lifestyle she finds herself at another ball and completely exhausted. Seeking a moments rest she slips into a room and falls asleep. She doesn’t realize she’s been led to a gentleman’s room and is about to be compromised.
I thought this had a good plot and likable enough characters. I just found it to be a little slow at times and predictable. Overall, it was a good story and I’ll be looking for more from Ms. Kremser.
Content: Squeaky clean.
Sophia Spencer is a country girl, raised away from society and unable to afford a season she has accepted her life for what it is. When a distant aunt dies and leaves her a sizeable inheritance she is finally given the opportunity to have a season and possibly find a husband. She goes to London and stays with another family member, one who is not happy with their late aunts will. Not used to the hectic lifestyle she finds herself at another ball and completely exhausted. Seeking a moments rest she slips into a room and falls asleep. She doesn’t realize she’s been led to a gentleman’s room and is about to be compromised.
I thought this had a good plot and likable enough characters. I just found it to be a little slow at times and predictable. Overall, it was a good story and I’ll be looking for more from Ms. Kremser.
Content: Squeaky clean.
October 25, 2014
First of all, I love the cover! Sophia heads to London when she receives an inheritance she definitely wasn't expecting. Her father is a country doctor and her mother has passed away. She's a small-town girl that doesn't understand the ways of London. Her aunt takes her under her wing and they attend a lot of social events. She gets tired at one of them and is shown a room in which to take a nap. It turns out to be a gentleman's bedroom (Alex) and when he comes in, they are caught in a compromising situation and need to get married or be ruined.
Sophia seemed for a while to just go along with everything. However, when it came to a whirlwind marriage, she put her foot down and decided to do it her way. She didn't care about being "ruined." Her fiance, Alex, wasn't happy with the situation, either, but he wanted to do the right thing. Sophia made a decision that Alex said he agreed with, but he was determined to have a different outcome. He had his own former issues with society and I was rooting for things to work out well for him this time. I enjoyed reading about them and got a good laugh at some of their conversations.
I liked that there was a mystery element to this story as well. As Sophia started putting the pieces together, she realized that not everyone had her best interests at heart. There were some great side characters as well who added to the drama and were fun to get to know. There were some twists in the story that kept me guessing and I enjoyed seeing how everything came together in the end. If you love Regency, this is a book you will want to read! This is the author's debut novel and I hope there will be more!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Sophia seemed for a while to just go along with everything. However, when it came to a whirlwind marriage, she put her foot down and decided to do it her way. She didn't care about being "ruined." Her fiance, Alex, wasn't happy with the situation, either, but he wanted to do the right thing. Sophia made a decision that Alex said he agreed with, but he was determined to have a different outcome. He had his own former issues with society and I was rooting for things to work out well for him this time. I enjoyed reading about them and got a good laugh at some of their conversations.
I liked that there was a mystery element to this story as well. As Sophia started putting the pieces together, she realized that not everyone had her best interests at heart. There were some great side characters as well who added to the drama and were fun to get to know. There were some twists in the story that kept me guessing and I enjoyed seeing how everything came together in the end. If you love Regency, this is a book you will want to read! This is the author's debut novel and I hope there will be more!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
October 9, 2014
This book is one in the Pure Romance line from Cedar Fort. Basically this means that they are squeaky clean and focus more on the romance of it all, which I LOVE.
Sophia may be from a small country town, but she has been taught and educated in all the ways of a lady. One thing Sophia does know is that her mother and father loved each other very much. She is looking to have that same kind of love in her life. When Sophia unexpectedly inherits money from her estranged grandmother she is thrown into London society with an aunt who may not have Sophia's best interest at heart.
I loved Sophia. She is kind and eager to believe the best about people. Some may call her naive, but I don't. I call her kind, innocent and tender hearted. The world needs more people like Sophia. Sophia knows when to stand up for herself and she does a better job of it than she thinks.
This is a great regency romance with engaging characters. The storyline may be predictable but I still enjoyed it so much. I love a good, clean romance that leaves you feeling good in the end.
Sophia may be from a small country town, but she has been taught and educated in all the ways of a lady. One thing Sophia does know is that her mother and father loved each other very much. She is looking to have that same kind of love in her life. When Sophia unexpectedly inherits money from her estranged grandmother she is thrown into London society with an aunt who may not have Sophia's best interest at heart.
I loved Sophia. She is kind and eager to believe the best about people. Some may call her naive, but I don't. I call her kind, innocent and tender hearted. The world needs more people like Sophia. Sophia knows when to stand up for herself and she does a better job of it than she thinks.
This is a great regency romance with engaging characters. The storyline may be predictable but I still enjoyed it so much. I love a good, clean romance that leaves you feeling good in the end.
August 26, 2015
Personal rating: 3.5
Sophia is a beautiful young woman who has grown to be loving and carefree but when a family member unexpectedly passes away and leaves her with a big inheritance, her easy country life fades as she takes a life changing season trip to London. While attending another exhausting ball, she is mistakingly caught sleeping on a sofa in a chamber owned by a young man which leaves rumors spreading about and leads to some bewildering consequences.
This was pretty much the first 'romance' book I have ever read and it was surprisingly good. Even though the plot wasn't drastic and it was very straight forward and simple, I enjoyed the charming main characters. Also let me just say the book cover is absolutely stunning and looks even better in person!
Sophia is a beautiful young woman who has grown to be loving and carefree but when a family member unexpectedly passes away and leaves her with a big inheritance, her easy country life fades as she takes a life changing season trip to London. While attending another exhausting ball, she is mistakingly caught sleeping on a sofa in a chamber owned by a young man which leaves rumors spreading about and leads to some bewildering consequences.
This was pretty much the first 'romance' book I have ever read and it was surprisingly good. Even though the plot wasn't drastic and it was very straight forward and simple, I enjoyed the charming main characters. Also let me just say the book cover is absolutely stunning and looks even better in person!
October 19, 2014
Sophia
By Paula Kremser
Sophia is a delightful story that fans of Jane Austen and Regency Era Romance will love. This is a book that you won't be embarrassed to be caught reading (it is garbage free).
When Sophia is left an inheritance by her estranged grandmother Lady Atkinson she is delighted at her sudden good fortune, And when she has an opportunity to experience a London season she is almost beside herself with anticipation.
But when an innocent mistake traps Sophia in a scandal that could destroy her reputation, she is forced into an engagement that she never sought nor desires. But is there another way? Sophia is determined to find it even if it means living with a ruined reputation.
But does Sophia truly realize just what a ruined reputation will mean? And what of the gentleman to whom she is expected be married? Alex Huntley is determined to change Sophia's mind not for her sake alone but his too. His honor is on the line as well for Sophia's mistake. But to change Sophia's mind he needs her to fall in love with him. But is Alex's heart as unaffected by Sophia's simple charms as he thinks? Only time will tell and it is about to run out...
I really loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a clean historical romance. This is the perfect book to curl up with in a cozy out of the way spot!
I was provided a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.
By Paula Kremser
Sophia is a delightful story that fans of Jane Austen and Regency Era Romance will love. This is a book that you won't be embarrassed to be caught reading (it is garbage free).
When Sophia is left an inheritance by her estranged grandmother Lady Atkinson she is delighted at her sudden good fortune, And when she has an opportunity to experience a London season she is almost beside herself with anticipation.
But when an innocent mistake traps Sophia in a scandal that could destroy her reputation, she is forced into an engagement that she never sought nor desires. But is there another way? Sophia is determined to find it even if it means living with a ruined reputation.
But does Sophia truly realize just what a ruined reputation will mean? And what of the gentleman to whom she is expected be married? Alex Huntley is determined to change Sophia's mind not for her sake alone but his too. His honor is on the line as well for Sophia's mistake. But to change Sophia's mind he needs her to fall in love with him. But is Alex's heart as unaffected by Sophia's simple charms as he thinks? Only time will tell and it is about to run out...
I really loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a clean historical romance. This is the perfect book to curl up with in a cozy out of the way spot!
I was provided a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.
unfinished
October 23, 2018Only a few chapters in and although the plot's premise seems intriguing the writing style is annoying me; it's so weak and far too telling, not to mention it's also riddled with info-dumps, head-hopping, and flat, emotionless characters. Perhaps I'm just more sensitive to such issues considering I'm a writer myself? In any case, I'm setting this aside for now. Perhaps I'll return to it at a later time because the plot does seem fun, but for now, I have far too many other books I'm eager to read to force myself through a poorly written one. Rather disappointing. At least the cover is pretty.
August 21, 2015
Fun, lighthearted and the characters were all distinct, interesting and realistic. Not a very long book and the story was predictable, but I enjoyed the unexpected little turns Paula Kremser added. The lines did get a little sugary for my taste at the end. All in all, I enjoyed it and would enjoy it again.
August 28, 2015
I picked this up a year ago and started it and put it down. When I picked it up again, I really enjoyed it. Maybe my mood? I don't know. I thought it took a few chapters for me to like Sophia but she is a likable character and loved the happy ending.
Want to read
August 9, 2014MUST READ!! The cover reminds me of My Fair Lady!!
May 2, 2015
A cute romance that made me smile.
February 25, 2016
Loved it! Perfect clean, romantic Regency novel! Bought it in paperback as well as my kindle to keep around.
September 28, 2018
Sophia written by Paula Kremser is about learning to sacrifice for others, even if it is the opposite of what you want. Sophia wanted a fairytale love story but when found in Alexander Huntly’s bed chamber must marry him not for love but to save her name and his. So Sophia tries to live with a fake engagement but soon discovers feelings that were never part of the plan, then Alex saves Sophia with a surprise.
In my opinion Sophia is definitely worth reading. This proper romance novel draws you in and you fall in love with the characters and their personalities. Sophia had many flaws but what I loved most was that she saw each of her flaws and tried her very best to fix them. In this book you get to see how two different character view the same moment. I love this! You get to know each character's thoughts and how they see the story. My least favorite character is aunt Nora, she is really self centered and though you don’t get to know her all that well she’s shifty from the start. Throughout the book she constantly criticizes Sophia and never tries to be a friend.
I think the theme of this book is, if you sacrifice for others, you can always have a happy ending. When Alex is found with Sophia, he must try to save her name even though he wants to go home. Another example is when Lady Anne sacrifices a place in her home for Sophia, she shows up at an odd time and she sacrifices much to help her with her problem. Overall Sophia is a very great story, it is super romantic and very easy to fall in love with.
In my opinion Sophia is definitely worth reading. This proper romance novel draws you in and you fall in love with the characters and their personalities. Sophia had many flaws but what I loved most was that she saw each of her flaws and tried her very best to fix them. In this book you get to see how two different character view the same moment. I love this! You get to know each character's thoughts and how they see the story. My least favorite character is aunt Nora, she is really self centered and though you don’t get to know her all that well she’s shifty from the start. Throughout the book she constantly criticizes Sophia and never tries to be a friend.
I think the theme of this book is, if you sacrifice for others, you can always have a happy ending. When Alex is found with Sophia, he must try to save her name even though he wants to go home. Another example is when Lady Anne sacrifices a place in her home for Sophia, she shows up at an odd time and she sacrifices much to help her with her problem. Overall Sophia is a very great story, it is super romantic and very easy to fall in love with.
April 27, 2020
Average
Aunt Nora set up Sophia by putting her in Huntley's Room. They would be found together and have to marry. Nora would then get the inheritance because Sophia married without getting approval by her Executor. I always liked this scenario in the Regency novels. If you saw a female you liked who had a large dowry all you had to do was compromise her by any means, you see her at a ball, dinner or walking down the street and hug her and kiss her. Presto, you and she will have to marry and you then get her dowry. Sounds great doesn't it. But back to the plot, Sophia decides to give up her inheritance and marry Huntley because she loves him. Isn't that sweet of her to sacrifice all for him. No, that is not sweet but the stupidest idea ever dreamed up by an author. Of course in the end they get to keep the money and get married also, now isn't that ever so sweet! If you happen upon this book, walk on by and save yourself from a lot of anxiety.
Aunt Nora set up Sophia by putting her in Huntley's Room. They would be found together and have to marry. Nora would then get the inheritance because Sophia married without getting approval by her Executor. I always liked this scenario in the Regency novels. If you saw a female you liked who had a large dowry all you had to do was compromise her by any means, you see her at a ball, dinner or walking down the street and hug her and kiss her. Presto, you and she will have to marry and you then get her dowry. Sounds great doesn't it. But back to the plot, Sophia decides to give up her inheritance and marry Huntley because she loves him. Isn't that sweet of her to sacrifice all for him. No, that is not sweet but the stupidest idea ever dreamed up by an author. Of course in the end they get to keep the money and get married also, now isn't that ever so sweet! If you happen upon this book, walk on by and save yourself from a lot of anxiety.
June 1, 2022
This was a sweet and clean romance surrounding the main “forced marriage” trope. I actually quite like these types of tropes so for me this was a fun and enjoyable read! I liked the characters and how they handled the whole situation, I thought it was realistic but I do wish there was a bit more development for them both and their characters arches but other than that it was a simple and adorable read!
Overall this was a small but cute read and if you also like the “forced marriage” trope then I think you will like this!
*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!
Overall this was a small but cute read and if you also like the “forced marriage” trope then I think you will like this!
*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!
February 6, 2017
While the story of this book was cute and the Regency setting appealed to me, I was not very impressed.
I think the issue with this book was with the editing. Several spots did not flow. Numerous sentences made zero sense.
All in all, it was still a fun quick read, and I plan to read more books by this author.
2.5 stars
I think the issue with this book was with the editing. Several spots did not flow. Numerous sentences made zero sense.
All in all, it was still a fun quick read, and I plan to read more books by this author.
2.5 stars
February 12, 2019
Young and naive, Sophia is thrown into a dishonorable situation not of her making. Abruptly, running away from the wedding, Sophia becomes Alexander Huntly's project to protect and to convince her that marriage is the only option. Falling in love makes the decision for them--even before Sophia's inheritance is settled.
July 9, 2019
This was a quick but enjoyable read for me. Sometimes the h was just so dense I wanted to give her a good shake to wake her up but I was still rooting for her. A great twist in the story. I was wondering how'd it all end. I liked the H and his friends. Sometimes I wished for more detail but this was a shorter story so that is to be ecpected. the story wasn't lacking I just wanted more!
September 20, 2019
Historical accuracy is wrong
Sophia's aunt states that Sopsia is old enough to get married, but she is only 18. The age of consent at that time was 21. This caused problems bcz girls under 21 could be forced into weddings. Only their guardian or parents could let them get married before age 21. I stopped reading in disgust.
Sophia's aunt states that Sopsia is old enough to get married, but she is only 18. The age of consent at that time was 21. This caused problems bcz girls under 21 could be forced into weddings. Only their guardian or parents could let them get married before age 21. I stopped reading in disgust.
December 12, 2020
I enjoyed this one and the variety of the story. It is hard to believe that Sophia is savvy enough to know how to handle her village rival but not to recognize a controlling aunt. It was hard to get to know Alex. I wish his character was built up more. I could never picture him in my head. But one of the best debut novels I've read in a long while.
December 15, 2020
Sweet but not quite convincing
I felt like the author kept telling me the couple was in love... because I couldn't figure it out on my own. It seemed overstated and under demonstrated. Still, it was a clean regency - my favorite. And I really enjoyed the short story I read by Kremser. So I might give her one more try.
I felt like the author kept telling me the couple was in love... because I couldn't figure it out on my own. It seemed overstated and under demonstrated. Still, it was a clean regency - my favorite. And I really enjoyed the short story I read by Kremser. So I might give her one more try.
February 20, 2021
I really liked this story! It just fit into everything I needed to read at this moment- it was short-ish, great characters, regency.. Sophia was smart and naive, but learned as it went and become stronger and still had a naivety but didn’t have to loose it and become set into a harsh reality. Loved the bond and communication, the fun side characters... just overall a great quick happy read!
August 28, 2017
Cute and fast romance. I honestly thought there would have been a little more conflict with the inheritance. Sophia was somewhat annoying, meek and shy in one instance and sort of race the next. But love happened all the same :)
December 29, 2017
This book was interesting enough that I finished it and I liked the characters. I didn't feel that the writing itself was very strong, however. I could see the motivations of the characters, but the writing didn't really help me feel very connected to them.
August 4, 2020
I liked the idea of the book, but I was so frustrated that Sophia never said anything and stood up for herself. I'm glad it all worked out in the end. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more by this author.
August 22, 2020
Sophia was a great heroine. She knew what she wanted and was determined to not let anything get in her way... even a ruined reputation.
This book makes for an enjoyable read although the writing seemed a little forced.
This book makes for an enjoyable read although the writing seemed a little forced.
November 8, 2022
What happens when a young, naive girl is suddenly thrust into London society? Somehow, this book was not edited well, which was disappointing, since I thought the plot was engaging and the characters interesting.
November 8, 2023
Sophia is naive and doesn’t realize her aunt doesn’t have her best interests at heart because of some inheritance rules from a will. Sophia is lead into a compromising situation with Alex. They are forced together but learn to love each other.
May 28, 2017
Fun story but I couldn't figure out where it fit in the 1800s. A lot seemed like a regency romance but other part didn't seem to fit.
February 2, 2018
Excellent, very picturesque, believable characters, great romance. A bit predictable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews