Three elopements. Three love stories. Three times the fun.
SAVING GRACE by Lucinda Brant When widow Helen, Lady Dysart, returns to the English border town of Carlisle for a family wedding, she decides to confront local physician Royston Meredith, the man who broke her heart. Royston has loved Helen since they were teenagers. He thought the feeling mutual until she up and married the local MP. While everyone around them hopes this reunion will see Helen and Royston sort out their differences, of more immediate concern is Royston’s youngest sister Grace, when she elopes with the steward’s son. Helen and Royston dash after her, determined to save her from scandal and an imprudent match. But in saving Grace the couple may very well be saving themselves.
FOOLS RUSH IN by Julie Daines Richard Arden needs a wife in order to collect his inheritance. Eliza Barnes needs to escape an arranged marriage to the odious Mr. Barrington. When Richard overhears Eliza’s plight at the coaching inn, he does the most reckless thing he’s ever done—he proposes to a woman he’s never met before. What begins as an easy solution leads Richard and Eliza on a journey across the country with Mr. Barrington at their heels, complicated even more when their fake engagement leads to feelings that are very real.
A LADY OF SCANDAL by Heather B. Moore Unfortunately, Bridget’s marriage is over in four hours due to her husband’s tragic death. Fortunately, Bridget is now free from her distasteful marriage of convenience. When her year of mourning passes, and she meets her former husband’s cousin, Bridget discovers that her difficulties are far from over. Lord Hugh Wilde blames Bridget for his cousin’s death. But when Bridget’s sister elopes to Gretna Green with a man of questionable reputation, Lord Wilde is the only one who can help, and they both have to set aside their pride to rescue the errant sister.
From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN. Featuring New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Brant, Julie Daines, and Heather B. Moore
Hello! I'm a history geek who loves the 18th Century! I write about families, creating worlds that are full of history, heart, and Happily Ever Afters. When I'm not in my writing cave in the 1700s I live in the middle of a koala reserve, so the neighbors are cute and cuddly and sleep all day! I write because I must, and I write from the heart, and only what I love to read. My books have been on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Audible bestseller lists, and have won numerous awards. All are available as audiobooks narrated by British actors Alex Wyndham, Mary Jane Wells and Matthew Lloyd Davies, and voice talent Marian Hussey. My books are also available in translation— French, German, Italian, and Japanese languages. I love to hear from my readers.
Another lovely Regency collection from Timeless Romance Anthologies! There is plenty of drama as carriages race across England to Scotland, some couples seeking elopement while others are seeking to prevent it! There's something about traveling together that brings these couples closer together and provides opportunities for deeper feelings to develop. I especially enjoyed Richard and Eliza in Fools Rush In with their fabricated stories and the joy they find in each other's company. Their journey was entertaining and they were both easy to like. A Lady of Scandal was my other favorite story because of the relationship dynamics of the Reeve and Wilde families. Bridget and Hugh are both misinformed about each other's character, so it was interesting to see how their true natures are revealed, recognized, and hearts are softened. Perfect for fans of sweet Regency romance!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
How I love these Timeless Regency Collections! Three novellas by different authors with a common theme connecting the stories.
SAVING GRACE by Lucinda Brant--This is a second chance love story which takes place during a leap year (a fact to keep in mind as you read this it). Royston Meredith has loved his cousin Helen (aka the widow, Lady Dysart) since they were teenagers, but when he went to medical school to become a physician, she married a man old enough to be her father. There's a big get together to celebrate the marriage of Edith Meredith to Sir James Murray (a Scotsman) which includes Royston and cousin Helen. They haven't seen each other since her husband's funeral a year ago, but it's apparent they still have deep feelings for each other. Because his youngest sister, Grace, seems to have run off to marry one of the house staff Royston and Helen are forced to spend time together which allows them to clear the air between them.
I loved that Royston, who was the youngest son, never wanted or expected his father's title and all that goes with it. He doesn't care about the Ton; he's a physician and loves it--it's his calling. On the other hand I did not like his father one bit and loved the parts of the story when he stood up to him about his wasting money and womanizing. This is a tale involving misunderstandings and some deceit, but it has some humor and includes a race against time.
FOOLS RUSH IN by Julie Daines--Richard Ardent needs a wife to collect his inheritance and Eliza Barnes needs to escape marriage to the awful Mr. Barrington her stepmother has arranged. When they run in to each other in the garden of an inn Richard impetuously proposes marriage so they can both get what they want, or in Eliza's case not get what she doesn't want. With Julie Daines' description who in their right mind would want to marry Mr. Adolphous Barrington? I digress--As Richard and Eliza rush away via coach from her stepmother and Mr. Barrington (and all their possessions, which leads to some humorous scenes later on) their adventure is just beginning. Unfortunately when they reach their destination--the home of his Aunt Beatrice Arden--to claim Richard's inheritance they find this isn't the end of their adventure. Thus the race to Gretna Green ensues.
If you like fake marriage or fake engagement stories you're really enjoy this one. I love Julie Daines descriptions of Richard's marriage prospects and Mr. Barrington--they're the best! Who wants to marry someone named Adolphous anyway? Lol I loved Richard and Eliza is a hoot saying such things as "Every time he speaks I want to puncture my ears with knitting needles." Her stories in the carriage rides while pretending to be a married couple are such fun. I wish the story would have been a little longer so I could've found out what happened to horrible Aunt Beatrice.
A LADY OF SCANDAL by Heather B. Moore--During her first Season Bridget Reeve finds herself in a "compromising" position and within weeks she's married to Lord Anthony Wilde. Luckily for Bridget, the marriage only lasts 4 hours because her husband accidentally shoots himself during the post wedding party. Lucky because Bridget wanted nothing to do with Lord Wilde and certainly didn't want to marry him. It's a year later, Bridget's mourning period is over, and her Aunt Harriet expects Bridget to chaperone her sister, Phoebe, during her Season. Of course during the first ball they meet Lord Hugh Wilde and Mr. Walter Stephens, cousins to the late Lord Anthony Wilde. Bridget hasn't talked to any of Anthony's family since the funeral and doesn't want to start now, but because Phoebe runs off with Walter she has to turn to Lord Hugh Wilde for help. Off we go on another time-is-of-the-essence ride to Gretna Green. I won't spoil it, but the ending isn't quite what you would expect.
Heather Moore is one of my favorite authors whose stories draw me in no matter the genre. This story is another one featuring a female main character with a lot of pluck. No matter how many Regency stories I read it still amazes me the women in families would marry their daughters off to men based on their title and/or social standing than the type of men they were and whether or not their daughters would be happy.
This is another wonderful collection of clean romance stories that are great for a quick read in the afternoon or when you get the kids in bed. Usually once I start one of these collections I can't stop until I've read the entire book. :)
Gretna Green has always been associated with scandal in my mind. Why did people truly take a jaunt across the Scottish border to wed? Did they usually leave notes? Was it easy to make to make the journey? Was it really scandalous? Well, in this collection, there are a few different reasons and they're all quite delightful.
SAVING GRACE is a story of second chances and misunderstandings. It's refreshing to see characters who shun the Ton and are happy with their choices in life. Royston and Helen have a history together and it was fun to watch them reconnect in a race against time.
FOOLS RUSH IN had me smiling and laughing. Richard eavesdrops on Eliza and comes up with a plan to serve them both. I loved the way these characters kept the humor up with their spur-of-the-moment stories. Their chemistry is sweet and I loved the journey to Gretna Green.
A LADY OF SCANDAL was the frosting on the cake for me. Bridget has no desire to be married again, or even in a relationship, but when she constantly encounters Hugh, her deceased husband's cousin, she realizes that first impressions aren't always accurate. This story is truly delightful with its subtle chemistry and great characters.
Content: mild language; mild romance, with some vague mentions of scandals and mistresses
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for them.*
Three novellas that take you on an adventure is what you find in Road to Gretna Green. I loved reading them, the time flew as the pages turned. (OK, I right clicked on my kindle.) I devoured this book in less than a day.
The three stories are unique, the common points that they have is that they are set in the Regency period and that they are all in a hurry to get to Gretna Green, not for their own weddings. All three are well written and the authors do a fantastic job at setting the characters and plot in a limited format.
If you want a fantastic book to read and you don't have a large amount of time to sit down and enjoy a full length book, you should read this one. You can quickly read each novella, have a story from start to finish and then when you get a little more time, read the next!
This book is clean with kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Loved it! I was really interested to see how these three authors would spin their novellas to coincide with the title. Gretna Green, for those of you who don't know, is a town just across the English border where many couples would race off to (or sneak off to) and elope. Usually it was very scandalous for the couple and had far reaching implications and scandalous effects on their families and relatives. So, needless to say, it was to be avoided and stopped at all costs.
These three novellas did not disappoint at all in the way that the authors created stories to show three couples and Gretna Green.
Saving Grace ~4.5*~
This was a cute story about past heartaches and hurts. Family, healing, and most definitely love. Royston and Helen have loved each other since they were young, yet something held them apart. Hurt still lingers when they see each other again, but the love they once had is burning stronger than ever. The two are tiptoeing around each other until they are forced to rush off to the rescue of Grace, Royston's younger sister. Now they must work together to save her from this mistake.
I really liked this one and the way the author showed miscommunication, misperceptions and such can all lead to heartache and regret. But that love and communication, and honesty are best. I was a little frustrated at Royston during parts of the story but the further I read, I was enlightened by everyone's pasts. No spoilers here, but I have to say, settle in and enjoy the ride (yes there is a fast paced ride).
Content: Clean. Some mild talk about marital relations, nothing graphic.
Fools Rush In ~5*~
Richard, Eliza, Mr. Barrington, a stepmother, an aunt...this novella had a great cast of characters that all added quite a bit of drama to everything that unfolded throughout the story. Richard and Eliza both find themselves in a bit of a dilemma and needing to marry quickly. Richard steps in and saves Eliza with a "fake" engagement. But their quick departure has a crazy many following quickly after them and causing all kinds of trouble. Can they outwit everyone and have the outcome for their lives that they desire? This one was a fun ride as well. The race to Gretna Green at the end, oh my, I just loved Richard, and absolutely adored Eliza. The rest of them can go be miserable grumps together somewhere else and leave these two to have a happy and wonderful life, especially with Richard's amazing and wonderful inheritance. ;-)
Content: Clean.
A Lady of Scandal ~5*~
Yep, this one was my favorite. Honestly though, they were all great and fun. But again I was sucked into another fabulous story by a favorite author. What a fun twist for a story. I definitely didn't care for Lord Wilde, not the one you're thinking of, but Bridget's husband of four hours. The further I read into the story I love Lord Wilde, again probably not the one you're thinking of. Lol. I know it might sound a little confusing, that's why you need to read it to understand. Another rushing ride, and might I say, not quite the ending that I was expecting but I loved it even more than what I thought was going to happen in the version of all the possibilities going through my head while I was reading. Never would have guessed it. But the very ending, yes I was hoping it would be what it was and hooray, it was! Lord Wilde and Bridget were fabulous characters and full of spunk and charm, maybe a little brooding too.
Content: Clean. Some talk about a mistress and scandal but nothing graphic.
Great collection, definitely one I would recommend. And I loved that each story could be read in one sitting, an evening sitting before bed, or read through the night if you can't put the whole book down.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
A collection of Regency novellas centered around elopements to Gretna Green, the place in Scotland for hasty weddings.
The first one, Saving Grace, was a could-not-finish story (the head-hopping drove me nuts). Not a good fit for me.
The second story, Fools Rush In, had a good premise and I liked the way Richard and Eliza helped each other by agreeing to a quick wedding. It was the ultimate marriage of convenience and, in the end, they fell in love.
The last story, A Lady of Scandal, also had an interesting premise. Hugh and Bridget have complete wrong assumptions about each other. They are related by marriage (Bridget's dead husband is Hugh's first cousin) and dislike each other a lot in the beginning. When they come together to stop her sister and his other cousin from marrying, they discover how wrong they were.
I recommend the second and third stories to readers who like Regency stories.
I received a copy which did not influence my opinion.
It's amazing to me that a complete story can be told in such a short amount of time. Sometimes one needs a break from epic books that take forever to read! I love that I can count on these collections to be sweet, clean, well-written, usually capture me from page one, and somehow leave me feeling satisfied yet wanting more at the same time.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Road to Gretna Green is a Timeless Regency Collection anthology by Lucinda Brant, Julie Daines, and Heather B. Moore.
Each story features a couple that either intends to get married at Gretna Green, wants to stop somebody getting married there, or does get married there, and each story is delightful.
Saving Grace by Lucinda Brant
Royston and Helen are cousins who were very much in love when they were younger. Circumstances and misunderstandings kept them apart, both heartbroken by each others' actions, but now they are together for the first time to attend Roy's sister's wedding. They still have feelings for each other but are too proud to let the other know. Before they can even think of a possible reconciliation, Roy's youngest sister runs off to Gretna Green to get married and it is Roy and Helen who chase after her to stop her. Given time together during the journey can they mend bridges or will they be too focused on stopping Grace from getting married?
Fools Rush In by Julie Daines
Eliza was distraught at the thought of being forced into marriage to a most unattractive much older man, Mr Barrington. Richard Arden needs a wife in order to claim his inheritance and he can think of nobody that he wants to marry. When he sees a distraught Eliza in an inn with her mother, waiting for her betrothed to pick her up he instantly comes up with an idea that could help them both. He suggests to her that they pretend that they are betrothed which will get them both what they want. He will get his inheritance, and she will be free of Mr Barrington. Can they get away with the farce, or will they be forced into marriage, a quick one in Gretna Green? Or will it not be such a forced marriage in the end?
A Lady of Scandal by Heather B Moore
Bridget was only married 4 hours before her husband died. It was a marriage of convenience so although she must go into mourning she wasn't distressed. Her husband was Anthony Wilde, cousin of Walter Stephens, and cousin to Hugh Wilde. Hugh has never met Bridget but he blames her for the death of Anthony.
Bridget now out of mourning is helping introduce her young sister Phoebe into society. At the same time, Anthony is introducing Walter. The first meeting between Bridget and Hugh is a cold one unlike the one between Phoebe and Walter who get on famously to their relative's horror! They are so upset about it that Anthony ends up forbidding Walter to call on Phoebe. That, in turn, gets the young couple who practically fell in love at first sight, running off to Gretna Green with Hugh and Bridget chasing after them. Can they stop the wedding or will they be too late? What of their own relationship, will they at least talk and become friends during the long trip to Scotland?? Or could they become something more?
These three novellas are sweet romances, each one might be short but I never once felt shortchanged, or like the stories were too hurried along which can happen with some novellas. There were a couple of twists that I didn't see coming too which kept the books from being predictable. A real pleasure to read and to also recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
I don't know why I've always been fascinated with stories about Gretna Green and the run for the Scottish border.
Saving Grace by Lucinda Brandt When Royston Meredith's sister gets married, he is reunited with his childhood sweetheart, and cousin, Helen. A misunderstanding led to a marriage and widowhood for Helen, and confusion and hurt for both of them. Now Royston's sister and father are doing everything they can to throw them together. Maybe by the end of the week they can finally make it to the alter, or the anvil!
I loved the meddling family in this one. You could see the compatibility between Helen and Royston, and I yearned for them to work everything out.
Fools Rush In by Julie Daines This story made me laugh. Richard Arden overhears a conversation between Eliza Barnes and her mother at a coaching inn. Eliza needs to escape an unwanted betrothal to Mr. Barrington, Richard needs to be married to get an inheritance. Richard proposes that he and Eliza fake an engagement, and off they go across the countryside to visit his aunt.
What I loved about this story was the humor. Eliza was good at thinking on her feet, and the stories she told the other coach inhabitants were not always realistic, but they were funny! Richard played along really well and had a great sense of humor.
A Lady of Scandal by Heather B. Moore Lady Bridget was only married to her husband for four hours, before he died in an accident during their wedding celebration. She has refused any help from her husband's family, and now dreads meeting his cousins as they come into town for the season.
Hugh Wilde does not have a good opinion of Bridget, rationalizing that if his cousin hadn't married her, he would not be dead.
As these two get to know each other, they learn that their first impressions aren't always true. I loved the genuine friendship that developed between Bridget and Hugh, as well as the chemistry between them.
All good stories with sweet romance. Perfect to read in small sittings or in one big chunk! I know I planned to just read one and couldn't stop myself from going on.
Another great collection! In the 1770s Gretna Green became the first easily reachable village over the Scottish border - because parental consent was not needed to marry in Scotland, it became a popular place for young English people to elope. "Road to Gretna Green" is a collection of three short stories with Gretna Green as the common theme.
"Saving Grace" - Royston and Helen had always planned to get married, but circumstances and miscommunication separated them at a young age. Now Helen is widowed and Roy's family schemes to help them re-discover their love by sending them on a merry chase to Gretna Green.
"Fools Rush In" - Richard needs a wife and his prospects don't look good. So when he overhears a young lady and her stepmother talking about the young lady's impending marriage to an undesirable man, he decides to offer her another solution. They decide to pose as an engaged couple so she can escape the horrible man (Mr. Barrington) and so that he can claim his inheritance. With Barrington hot on their heels, they are off on an unexpected adventure.
"A Lady of Scandal" - Bridget was only married 4 hours, but it was enough to convince her she wanted nothing to do with the Wilde family. A year later and just coming out of mourning, she is helping introduce her younger sister, Phoebe, into society. She meets her "husband's" cousin, Hugh for the first time and they are definitely enemies. But they need to become allies quickly to stop an elopement from happening. The ending to this one felt really rushed, but was still a great story!
Content: Clean (some mild swearing) Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
We have Las Vegas and Old England had Gretna Green. What a delightful read! The title just pulled me in. I am fascinated with the idea of a fast dash across the country to be married. Yet the mad dash takes 4 days, in some cases. It is the ultimate romance or craziness..depending on the story. And why would you marry your dead husband's cousin when you don't like the family?? I enjoyed all the stories. What a fun read.
Thanks to one of the authors for sharing the book.
I love these! Three novella's in one book and they are all so good. I enjoyed everyone:} I love this length of book. These were three well written developed stories centered around Gretna Green where everyone goes to elope. I loved the differences in the stories. All chaste and sweet.
This book contains three great novellas each one ending up on the road to Greta Green. The first one Saving Grace is about cousins who grew up together and were best friends then fell in love. Circumstances tear them apart and 4 years later they are reunited. A scheme is put together by their families to get the two together. Will it work? The second one is Fools Rush In. Richard and Eliza meet when they both desperate need the help of the other. The two barely stay ahead of Eliza's intended. How will it end for these two? The last one A Lady Of Scandal. Lady Brigette was trap into a marriage that only lasted 4 hours. After a year of mourning, her aunt convinces her to introduce her younger sister to society. Brigette meets Hugh Wilde who blames her for his counsin's death. The two end up working together when Brigette's sister runs off with Hugh's other cousin. What will happen when Hugh finds out what the real story behind Brigette's marriage is?
Saving Grace 3 stars, Fools Rush 3.5 stars, A Lady of Scandal 3.5 stars. Stories were entertaining, but did not have enough detail for me to earn 4 stars .
Edith Meredith’s father, the widowed Viscount Salkeld, is complaining about the number of people that Edith has invited to a tea party to celebrate her upcoming marriage. Edith is to marry Sir James Murray, a Scotsman, whose home is Comlongon Castle.
Having lost his wife and two sons, the Viscount is governed by his youngest son, Royston, who now has control of the family funds leaving his father with just spending money. The Viscount is a grumpy man who has not managed the family funds like he should. But, cousin Helen, Lady Dysart, who is attending the tea party, knows how to calm the Viscount.
Royston is a trained physician who cares for people and animals alike. His services are needed, but his father wants him to give this up and concentrate on finding a woman to marry and produce an heir. Seeing Helen today has left Royston agog at her beauty. They had played together as children and Royston still loves her.
Edith’s younger sister, Grace, is in love with a young man, but Royston insists that she is too young to think of marrying. But when she and her young man run off to Gretna Green, Royston and Helen give chase to find them.
Will Helen and Royston be able to again find the love they once shared and have a future together?
This is an OK story but I found it to be a little clumsy at times.
“Fools Rush In” - Julie Daines
Richard Arden is drinking wine in a pub. He desperately needs his inheritance from his aunt. Contemplating the available woman has totally depressed him. When he overhears a young woman named Eliza Barnes, age 20, being berated by her stepmother he can’t help but overhear. The woman is telling Eliza that she must wed a totally odious man, Mr. Barrington. But Eliza refuses listing the man’s many faults. When she steps outside for some air to try and calm herself, Richard follows her and proposes that they pretend they are to wed long enough for him to get his inheritance and she can get rid of the disgusting Mr. Barrington. She agrees; they inform her stepmother and suitor, and leave.
They undertake a longer and difficult journey to escape Mr. Barrington. Richard’s inheritance is his younger sister who has been staying with their aunt who treats the girl very badly. Will Richard and Eliza be able to rescue his sister and escape Mr. Barrington?
This story was clever and I enjoyed it. However, I think it could have been shortened a bit.
“A Lady of Scandal” - Heather B. Moore
Lady Bridget Wilde was married for only four hours before her husband, Lord Anthony Wilde, son of the Earl of Marsden, shot himself. It turns out that it was an accident because the wedding party had become too rambunctious. But rather than feeling grief at his death, Bridget feels only relief because she is free.
Hugh Wilde, age 30, and son of the Marquess of Crowton, is currently in Scotland overseeing his property’s finances and looking forward to returning to his father’s estate. When he receives a letter from his father telling him of his cousin, Anthony’s death, he is heartbroken and immediately prepares to return home.
One Year Later
Lady Bridget’s Aunt Harriet is telling her that she must put aside her mourning and return to society. In addition, she must oversee her sister, Phoebe’s season. Bridget would prefer to wait another year for Phoebe to mature more, but her controlling Aunt Harriet is adamant. She was the one who had pushed Bridget to marry Anthony.
Hugh Wilde has never met Bridget for she chose to return to her aunt’s home after Anthony’s funeral. It appears that Anthony and Bridget had to marry because they had been caught in an accidental compromising situation. Hugh loved his cousin Anthony and can’t help but blame Bridget for his death.
Hugh has been tasked with keeping an eye on his cousin, Walter, as the young man enters the season. When Walter meets Phoebe, he is smitten and both of them will not be stopped from heading to Gretna Green. Hugh and Bridget take off in pursuit hoping to find them before they can get married.
Will their togetherness on the journey allow them to get to know one another and perhaps spark a romantic relationship?
I enjoyed this book and of the three stories, I think it is my favorite.
Copy provided by I Am a Reader in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book is part of the Timeless Regency Collections. There are several in this series and all of the books are made up of 3 novellas by different, but reoccurring authors.
The first book is Saving Grace by Lucinda Brant. Lord Salkeld has returned home to Carlisle, Cumbria, England. It is 1788. He finds that his cousin Edith Meredith is come too. Royston Meredith, has defied his father's wishes and trained to be a doctor. His older brothers died, leaving him the heir. He and Edith grew up together and were always close but Royston chose to leave for France and has recently returned. When Royston's sister runs away to Gretna Green to elope with the stewards son, Royston and Edith race to the border to stop them.
Fools Rush in by Julie Daines:
Richard Arden is 20 years old and is in a dismal situation, indeed. "If he did not so desperately need his inheritance from his aunt, he would have tossed all prospects of marriage into the fire." By chance, he is seated next to a young woman and her mother that are discussing a pending marriage. Eliza is engaged to Adolphous Barrington who is extremely older than she. He is also a scary sort of person and when Richard offers to marry her on the spot, she takes it. Both are desperate to gain something from the other. The two take off across the countryside. During their escape, they get to know more about one another.
A Lady of Scandal by Heather B. Moore:
"Lady Bridget Wilde's marriage lasted four hours. In that fourth hour, it ended quite abruptly with a resounding finality when her husband, Lord Anthony Wilde, the son of the Earl of Marsden, shot himself." Bridget finds herself the topic of gossip in the ton after her sudden marriage, subsequent widowhood. Now, her sister Phoebe "must start her season." However, Bridget is very nervous for her sister and now that Huge Wilde (Anthony's cousin) is back in town, Bridget is very nervous.
I found the first book to be a decent story. I didn't like that the two love interests are first cousins. I liked the second story but I felt like it didn't finish some of the questions it posed in the beginning. By the end it felt unfinished. I liked the third story the best. It grasped my attention from the very first line and it didn't really stop there.
All the stories are quite short. Some of the other books in this series contain stories that are much longer and detailed. This does not. I found the stories to be very short and sweet, quite to the point.
Overall, I was able to finish this book in a few hours time. The stories grew on me as I reflected. I would still recommend this book to those who have enjoyed the Timeless Regency Collection but with reservations. It wasn't the best book in the series.
Content: In the first book there is one instance of ass, used as a swear.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Saving Grace by Lucinda Brandt When a family wedding brings Royston Meredith face to face with Helen, Lady Dysart--the woman he had planned to marry until she married someone else. He is still drawn to her, but he also doesn't know how to speak to her. Helen wants to know why Royston broke her heart. As they cautiously start to explore their history, Royston's younger sister Grace heads off to Gretna Green with the steward's son, and Royston and Helen must work together to keep her from creating a scandal.
Fools Rush In by Julie Daines Eliza Barnes will do just about anything to avoid marrying Mr. Barrington--including accepting a fake proposal from Richard Arden who needs a wife in order to collect his inheritance--his younger sister Lucy. As Richard and Eliza set out to save his sister, Mr. Barrington follows after them, and as they face unexpected obstacle and adventures, they find themselves reluctant to end their fake engagement.
A Lady of Scandal by Heather B. Moore Bridget's husband died only four hours after their wedding--which actually brought relief to Bridget, who never wanted to marry the rake in the first place. As her year of mourning ends, she is focused on helping her sister make her debut in society, but that brings her face-to-face with her former husband's cousin, Lord Hugh Wilde. Hugh initially blames Bridget for his cousin's death, but when his other cousin sets off for Gretna Green with Bridget's sister, the two become allies in stopping the couple--and begin to see past their animosity toward one another.
This was another great Timeless Regency Collection. I really liked the Gretna Green theme, and the stories were a lot of fun. They're all clean, sweet romances reads, with great characters and story lines. Although Gretna Green ties the stories together, they are all distinct and they all feel fresh. There were some really great lines and moments that totally made me sigh. If you're looking for something quick and fun to read, this is a terrific choice.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I was given a free copy for my honest opinion. My average score was 4.333, so I rounded up.
Saving Grace, by Lucinda Brant. Let me start by saying that I typically do not enjoy short stories. Yet, somehow, this felt complete. It had more propaganda about animal cruelty than I would have liked but it was interesting to see when the founding efforts started. Lots of heartache and time pass before the truth is discovered in their romance and though interference from others is what caused their troubles to begin with, it is what brings them together in the end. This is a clean romance and I give it 3.5 stars.
Fools Rush In, by Julie Daines. Delightful! Though I am opposed to lying, her wild yarns are so ridiculous that I can’t help wanting to hear the next one. They solve two problems with one anvil and discover love along the way. I wish they would have tied up a few loose ends but it’s called a short story for a reason. This is good, clean, fun and I give it 4.5 stars.
A Lady of Scandal, by Heather B. Moore. She is forced to marry and he wants revenge. When the truth of their marriage is finally known to his family, can she learn to love and forgive. I don’t want to give it away. This was a sweet romance that forces us to ponder the value of judgements based on gossip. 5 stars
I recently read a story where I almost wished the couple had eloped in Gretna Green as opposed to how it ended, so I was interested to read this collection. Each of these stories had a different twist than what I expected, though.
I enjoyed "Saving Grace." Without spoilers, I'll just say that communication is important in relationships, as illustrated in this story.
"Fools Rush In" was my favorite in the collection. It was funny and light-hearted.
"A Lady of Scandal" had people overcoming their pride and prejudices, which is always a good thing.
Content: clean. No language or sex.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy of this book.
What a wonderful collection! Gretna Green - The scandalous place of elopements. There's something quite romantic about it. Of course, since they'll marry anyone, it can also be used for sinister purposes. And it's usually always a place people are racing toward. I was quite interested to see what would set the couples in these novellas on the road to Gretna Green. Each story was unique, with characters that I wanted to see find a happy ending. And the romance - so sigh worthy! I just didn't want them to end. I loved all three!
I received a copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
Just the words Gretna Green led me to believe that these stories would have scandal and intrigue in them! If you don't know about Gretna Green it is just over the border into Scotland where, if you wanted a quickie marriage/elopement, that would be the road you take.
Pride, anger, misunderstandings and some comedy are throughout these three novella's. Romance of course! They are all greatly written, and I have enjoyed other books by each author. I took this book in stride and read one story a night for three nights, took me about an hour and a half to read each book. I couldn't start one and not finish it.
Road to Gretna is another addition to the Timeless Regency Collection. This collection is the following stories: Saving Grace by Lucinda Brant. This is my first introduction to her work. Awesome! Fools Rush by Julie Daines. Loved this story! A Lady of Scandal by Heather B Moore. One can never go wrong by reading her books. She’s fabulous! Among my favorite authors. I enjoyed every one of these stories. I give Road to Gretna 4 1/2 stars. I recommend it for all who love a good, clean and sweet Regency. I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The Road to Gretna Green is an anthology by three lovely authors. Saving Grace by Lucinda Brant, Fools Rush In by Julie Daines, and A Lady of Scandal by Heather B. Moore. All three books were quite lovely reads. I did receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
These stories are a delight. There's a kidnapping, rescue, scandal, death, humor, family loyalty, bonding, sacrifice and much more, and of course 3 HEAs. Oh, and they are just fun, easy books to get into. I would recommend this book.
I love getting my regency fill with three novels in one book. I love experiencing the different authors styles as well. The first story was not my favorite. I had a hard time getting into it and just wanted it to end but the other two were very good. The second was my favorite despite how unrealistic it was. It was really cute and the characters were so likable and funny. The last one was more serious but was well done…I loved the first line “Lady Bridget Wilde’s marriage lasted four hours.” 😳😆. Yep got my with the first line.
I love the timeless anthology series, it is a great way to be introduced to new authors while also enjoying favorite authors. Each of these stories has a fun and unique way in which each couple arrives at or involves Gretna Green. I found each novella delightful but I my favorites were the last two. Witty dialogue, comical situations, heartbreaking situations and swoon worthy romance are all found within the pages of this collection. Great read!
I have a favorite and it's these timeless romance anthologies!!!I love them all and Road to Gretna Green is no exception!! My only complaint is they ended too soon...I would have liked a few more chapters so they didn't wrap up as fast. Very well written clean romances. highly recommended
I really enjoyed this collection, all set in the Regency period and related to Gretna Green, the Scottish town that couples would go to elope. I enjoyed all three stories, especially as the collection progressed.
SAVING GRACE by Lucinda Brant This was a second-chance-at-romance story about young love that broke apart after a misunderstanding. I found the twist to be predictable, I think because I read the same plot in a Georgette Heyer short story. However, I do enjoy this author's writing and I always like reading about a second-chance-at-romance.
FOOLS RUSH IN by Julie Daines This was a new-to-me author and I was pleasantly surprised by this entertaining story. Initially, the H/h are strangers who develop feelings for each other during a fake engagement but they spend a lot of time together in close quarters. It contained some humor and very likable main characters.
A LADY OF SCANDAL by Heather B. Moore This was a great story to end the collection. Both H/h have to learn to overcome assumptions about each other and the romantic tension was quite high (but clean). For a novella, I thought the story felt very complete.
Overall, I really enjoyed this collection about couples running to Gretna Green (for one reason or another!). It was clean, romantic, and an entertaining way to spend time in the Regency period.
* I received this book free of charge from I am a Reader.