What do you think?
Rate this book
Three Graces #1
Belle of the Ball
Beauty, Charm, and Grace—something the nouveau-riche Sullivan sisters of Colorado Springs lack. But a wish at a magical rock formation is about to change all that, in a most a-MUSE-ing way. . . .
The three Sullivan sisters, named for the Three Graces of Greek legend who embody beauty, charm and grace, don’t live up to their names. Belle is no beauty. Charisma lacks charm. And Grace is somewhat less than graceful. But this doesn't deter their ambitious mother from bribing three bachelors to escort them to Colorado Springs’ beautiful Garden of the Gods.
When the girls overhear their escorts mocking how little they resemble their names, each girl makes a wish at the magical Three Graces rock formation. Belle wishes aloud for beauty, but only so she can use it as a weapon to punish the cads who hurt her sisters. Her true wish is for revenge.
Handsome viscount Kit Stanhope regrets his rude remarks and apologizes to Belle. He’s surprised when she tells him that's not enough. If he truly regrets his behavior, he has to make her beautiful in time for the Founders’ Day Ball. Kit isn’t sure he’s up to the task. But, intrigued by the spirited Belle, he agrees to assist her transformation from an ugly duckling into a swan with the help of a mysterious Greek dressmaker with muse-like qualities.
Unfortunately, Belle makes a rather awkward swan. Still, after a few embarrassing escapades, she masters the flirtatious language of the fan and takes the town known as Little London by storm. Belle soon finds herself falling for the viscount and his sinful mouth. It seems he returns her regard, but she can’t renege on her promise to humiliate him . . . can she?
Will her secret muse grant the wish she voiced . . . or the one she holds in her heart?
Note to readers: This title was originally published in 2003 by Zebra Ballad.
The three Sullivan sisters, named for the Three Graces of Greek legend who embody beauty, charm and grace, don’t live up to their names. Belle is no beauty. Charisma lacks charm. And Grace is somewhat less than graceful. But this doesn't deter their ambitious mother from bribing three bachelors to escort them to Colorado Springs’ beautiful Garden of the Gods.
When the girls overhear their escorts mocking how little they resemble their names, each girl makes a wish at the magical Three Graces rock formation. Belle wishes aloud for beauty, but only so she can use it as a weapon to punish the cads who hurt her sisters. Her true wish is for revenge.
Handsome viscount Kit Stanhope regrets his rude remarks and apologizes to Belle. He’s surprised when she tells him that's not enough. If he truly regrets his behavior, he has to make her beautiful in time for the Founders’ Day Ball. Kit isn’t sure he’s up to the task. But, intrigued by the spirited Belle, he agrees to assist her transformation from an ugly duckling into a swan with the help of a mysterious Greek dressmaker with muse-like qualities.
Unfortunately, Belle makes a rather awkward swan. Still, after a few embarrassing escapades, she masters the flirtatious language of the fan and takes the town known as Little London by storm. Belle soon finds herself falling for the viscount and his sinful mouth. It seems he returns her regard, but she can’t renege on her promise to humiliate him . . . can she?
Will her secret muse grant the wish she voiced . . . or the one she holds in her heart?
Note to readers: This title was originally published in 2003 by Zebra Ballad.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
1009 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Pam McCutcheon
47 books44 followersI've been a reader all my life, starting out with fairy tales and graduating to reading everything in the house when I grew older, including my parents' romances, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, and action/adventure.
If a writer can combine romance and humor with a fantasy, science fiction, or paranormal element, I'm hooked. Add action/adventure, and it's even better!
Since I couldn't find quite enough books that combine these elements, I sat down to write some of my own. The result is the books you'll see on my website.
I now live in Colorado with my three dogs: Mo, Daisy and Trixie.
Pseudonyms: Pamela Luzier (Fantasy genre) and Parker Blue (Young Adult urban fantasy genre).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 9, 2019
Her name means beauty but Belle is not beautiful.
Her sister's name is Charisma but Charisma is not charmig.
Her other sister's name is Grace but Grace is not graceful.
If that is the kind of heavy-handed characterization you like, you might like this book. It is full of on-the-nose plot points and awkward, overstated jokes.
The beginning at least felt someone interesting and I liked the use of the Three Graces. Unfortunately, as the book progressed it quickly fell into the familiar pattern of a bad romance novel, complete with an egregious love scene between the 'eager but innocent' heroine and the experienced hero.
In the end, the best thing the book has going for it is the pretty cover and $0 price tag. Don't recommend.
Her sister's name is Charisma but Charisma is not charmig.
Her other sister's name is Grace but Grace is not graceful.
If that is the kind of heavy-handed characterization you like, you might like this book. It is full of on-the-nose plot points and awkward, overstated jokes.
The beginning at least felt someone interesting and I liked the use of the Three Graces. Unfortunately, as the book progressed it quickly fell into the familiar pattern of a bad romance novel, complete with an egregious love scene between the 'eager but innocent' heroine and the experienced hero.
In the end, the best thing the book has going for it is the pretty cover and $0 price tag. Don't recommend.
May 30, 2016
Amusing, occasionally risque, historical romance with a touch of Greek lore
The story takes place in the 19th century in Colorado-a town named New London, where more than a few younger sons of English Lords, known as remittance men (living off an allowance from their families) are living. Many continue the same social habits developed in England, wasting their time drinking, gambling and womanizing. One young man, Stanhope, however, was sent away from his family in disgrace when a young woman accused him of fathering her unborn child. Desperately trying to prove himself, he has been trying to save his money to invest and hopes to marry well. As the three sisters, Belle, Charisma and Grace, make wishes at the foot of a rock formation called The Three Graces (Greek goddesses) in the Garden of the Gods, they overhear three young men badmouthing them. Apparently the "gentlemen" were escorting the girls only because the girl's mother hired them to, hoping her daughters would be accepted into social circles above their rank (despite their family's newly acquired wealth). The girls are horrified and determined to take revenge for their humiliation. I enjoyed the escapades of the oldest daughter, Belle, as she works to bring about her wish to become beautiful (in order to take revenge on the young men who called her homely and likewise insulted her sisters) but most of all that Stanhope will return her affection. The novel is the first of a series, and the plot is fresh, the characters likeable and the story filled with peaks and valleys of emotion as the two seek their happily ever after. The remaining books detail Belle's younger sisters' experiences as they are granted their wishes. Sadly, though much of the book is "clean," there are a few scenes unsuitable for younger, impressionable readers, and those who limit their choices to sweet romance may wish to pass this one up.
The story takes place in the 19th century in Colorado-a town named New London, where more than a few younger sons of English Lords, known as remittance men (living off an allowance from their families) are living. Many continue the same social habits developed in England, wasting their time drinking, gambling and womanizing. One young man, Stanhope, however, was sent away from his family in disgrace when a young woman accused him of fathering her unborn child. Desperately trying to prove himself, he has been trying to save his money to invest and hopes to marry well. As the three sisters, Belle, Charisma and Grace, make wishes at the foot of a rock formation called The Three Graces (Greek goddesses) in the Garden of the Gods, they overhear three young men badmouthing them. Apparently the "gentlemen" were escorting the girls only because the girl's mother hired them to, hoping her daughters would be accepted into social circles above their rank (despite their family's newly acquired wealth). The girls are horrified and determined to take revenge for their humiliation. I enjoyed the escapades of the oldest daughter, Belle, as she works to bring about her wish to become beautiful (in order to take revenge on the young men who called her homely and likewise insulted her sisters) but most of all that Stanhope will return her affection. The novel is the first of a series, and the plot is fresh, the characters likeable and the story filled with peaks and valleys of emotion as the two seek their happily ever after. The remaining books detail Belle's younger sisters' experiences as they are granted their wishes. Sadly, though much of the book is "clean," there are a few scenes unsuitable for younger, impressionable readers, and those who limit their choices to sweet romance may wish to pass this one up.
June 26, 2020
I was rather pleasantly surprised by this story. This was published in 2003, but it felt like it was a new book. A fun read and very enjoyable. I loved how one of the three Graces got involved. I don't think I have ever read a story like this before. A lovely piece of writing, Ms McCutcheon. Good characters and a fab storyline. Will definitely be reading #2 and 3, although with two different authors. 5☆
May 13, 2017
This is a whimsical story about how three sisters named after the graces make a wish at the three graces rock formation in the Garden of the Gods after being insulted by three eligible mten in the town. Unbeknownst to them the three greek goddesses (Agalia, Euphrosyne and Thalia) whom the rock formation are named after are listening and decide to grand the wishes of the three sisters. Belle is not beautiful, Charisma has no charm and Grace is accident prone.
Belle is the subject of this book and Agalia is the goddess who helps her. A makeover in terms of clothing and hairstyle helps a lot. Kit Stanhope is the one who insulted Belle, but he at least has the courage to apologize to the two sisters after he finds out they had overheard the insults. Kit agrees to help Belle become beautiful. He doesn't know that Belle wants revenge on the three men for insulting his sisters. Belle is able to carry out her revenge plan on the other two men. But for Kit she realizes she actually has fallen in love with him and no longer wants revenge. But she won't marry him unless he loves her. Kit is convinced Belle is in love with someone else and although he does love her he won't tell her. It's not until Belle discovers his secret and believes Kit's word about something heinous he's been accused of that he decides to tell Belle he loves her. Happy endings abound and Belle finally agrees to marry Kit.
I really liked this book. I like the way Pam writes these characters. The pacing of the book was good too. Just enough suspense and action to keep things moving along. There wasn't a boring part in the book at all for me. Belle is a heroine to admire. She's innocent but smart and loving. She loves her her parents and her sisters. Kit is a bit of a rogue even though he does have good intentions. In the period of time that they live in, it could be thought that he was taking advantage of Belle. She certainly can't resist him because of his good looks. Luckily for her Kit is honourable enough to do what is right after they have sex. It could have turned out very wrong and almost does. But in the end everyone gets what they want.
The three sisters Belle, Charisma and Grace are hilarious. I can't wait to see how the other authors in this series treat the story lines for the other sisters.
Belle is the subject of this book and Agalia is the goddess who helps her. A makeover in terms of clothing and hairstyle helps a lot. Kit Stanhope is the one who insulted Belle, but he at least has the courage to apologize to the two sisters after he finds out they had overheard the insults. Kit agrees to help Belle become beautiful. He doesn't know that Belle wants revenge on the three men for insulting his sisters. Belle is able to carry out her revenge plan on the other two men. But for Kit she realizes she actually has fallen in love with him and no longer wants revenge. But she won't marry him unless he loves her. Kit is convinced Belle is in love with someone else and although he does love her he won't tell her. It's not until Belle discovers his secret and believes Kit's word about something heinous he's been accused of that he decides to tell Belle he loves her. Happy endings abound and Belle finally agrees to marry Kit.
I really liked this book. I like the way Pam writes these characters. The pacing of the book was good too. Just enough suspense and action to keep things moving along. There wasn't a boring part in the book at all for me. Belle is a heroine to admire. She's innocent but smart and loving. She loves her her parents and her sisters. Kit is a bit of a rogue even though he does have good intentions. In the period of time that they live in, it could be thought that he was taking advantage of Belle. She certainly can't resist him because of his good looks. Luckily for her Kit is honourable enough to do what is right after they have sex. It could have turned out very wrong and almost does. But in the end everyone gets what they want.
The three sisters Belle, Charisma and Grace are hilarious. I can't wait to see how the other authors in this series treat the story lines for the other sisters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2017
une intrigue originale mêlant romance et mythologie.
March 8, 2017
This story was written like a juvenile fiction... then at the end there is a graphic sex scene and the book ends. I don't know it just didn't feel like it flowed well. The story was strange and immature. Not sure what the sex scene was all about. Maybe it wanted to feel grown up or something. The Greek gods answering prayers was kind of interesting, but their POV thrown in there was jarring in the narrative flow.
December 6, 2010
Yeah, I know. Not exactly Stephen Hawking.
March 20, 2019
Bookbub yesterday’s newsletter reminded me I had this book for a while in my kindle, so why not give it a try.
The premises and the blurb were very intriguing, and I do loved the ancient gods’ interfering.
While I did understood at first Belle’s need for revenge, I liked her will to become beautiful but less her envy to hurt the ones that hurt her.
And the more she progressed to her goal, the less I liked her. Hopefully at some time, she realized she took the wrong way and tried to redeem her bad actions.
While despite his bad first poor choice of action to gain some not so good men favors, I loved Kit. He is a good and kind man, he cares for the others, why he came back and apologized to Belle and her sisters but she was deaf and blinded by her pride, so much it will took herself a very long time to comprehend her reactions to Kit’s presence.
Kit is such a caring person, that even if he knows Belle voluntary runs toward problems, he is always there for her and when he understands she might be trying to trick him, he is still there to help her.
Yes Belle is young, but until she looked more single minded than naive, never caring for her actions’ effects, nor the pain she can inflict.
All’s well that ends well, but Belle’s lack of judgement could have cost her a lot and wounded many people.
The premises and the blurb were very intriguing, and I do loved the ancient gods’ interfering.
While I did understood at first Belle’s need for revenge, I liked her will to become beautiful but less her envy to hurt the ones that hurt her.
And the more she progressed to her goal, the less I liked her. Hopefully at some time, she realized she took the wrong way and tried to redeem her bad actions.
While despite his bad first poor choice of action to gain some not so good men favors, I loved Kit. He is a good and kind man, he cares for the others, why he came back and apologized to Belle and her sisters but she was deaf and blinded by her pride, so much it will took herself a very long time to comprehend her reactions to Kit’s presence.
Kit is such a caring person, that even if he knows Belle voluntary runs toward problems, he is always there for her and when he understands she might be trying to trick him, he is still there to help her.
Yes Belle is young, but until she looked more single minded than naive, never caring for her actions’ effects, nor the pain she can inflict.
All’s well that ends well, but Belle’s lack of judgement could have cost her a lot and wounded many people.
December 9, 2015
The three Graces of Ancient Greek mythology sit around on Mount Olympus, having tea parties, and plotting how to make three sisters' wishes for love, revenge, and beauty come true.
The book is a retelling of Pygmalion / My Fair lady / She's All That set in 1880's Denver - and make no mistake - Colorado was very civilized at that point. No wild west anymore - it had High Society - and all the gossip and politics that comes with it.
Nice twist in this version - the woman being made over seeks out help herself and sets her own terms - she is no one's pawn, joke, bet or artwork. (Even if the goddesses are pushing her a bit for their own amusement - and her won good, as they say)
April 11, 2013
Is it a little psycho of me that I'm enjoying what I'm doing?
Hahahaha
I read this last night thinking that it would be enjoyable (hello there, light romance) but the story following the premise is questionable if not outrageously silly. The characters are ridiculous, insipid, and beyond recovery. Too much pretentious fluff, etc etc... Ah, I don't wanna go on @__@
Hahahaha
I read this last night thinking that it would be enjoyable (hello there, light romance) but the story following the premise is questionable if not outrageously silly. The characters are ridiculous, insipid, and beyond recovery. Too much pretentious fluff, etc etc... Ah, I don't wanna go on @__@
November 28, 2015
A childish
I found this book th be very predictable. By the last few chapters I was reading the first line of each paragraph so I could end it.
I found this book th be very predictable. By the last few chapters I was reading the first line of each paragraph so I could end it.
December 10, 2015
Very much enjoyed
I chose this rating because it did indeed deserve it. If you enjoy a bit of old fashioned romances. Fantastic
I chose this rating because it did indeed deserve it. If you enjoy a bit of old fashioned romances. Fantastic
June 4, 2017
Charming book
Very sweet tale, set during 19c America a bit like pygamalian meets pride and prejudice. An plain girl, Belle, wishes for beauty.
Very sweet tale, set during 19c America a bit like pygamalian meets pride and prejudice. An plain girl, Belle, wishes for beauty.
June 26, 2017
This book is a quick read because there is nothing to it. It is a predictable, shallow, and thinly veiled chance to talk about sex. Poorly written and farcical.
September 17, 2017
Belle of the Ball: Three Graces Trilogy, Book 1 I s by Pam McCutcheon. This unique series is written by three different authors. However, the story goes across all three writers. This makes for an interesting read.
Belle Sullivan is a frustration to her Mother. Her hair is too unruly, she has freckles, and she doesn’t care about her appearance. How is she ever going to find a husband? Her Mother has chosen three young men for her daughters and pays them to take the girls on a picnic. They all head out to the Garden of the Gods and a look at The Three Graces. Their father had proposed to their Mother there and the girls were named after this stop. The girls were to throw a coin into the fountain and wish for a husband. The girls did as their Mother bid; but before they did, they overheard the boys talking. They made fun of the girls in their banter; but the third young man stood up for them in a little way. Belle vowed revenge on them.
On her return, she engaged a lady to help her become beautiful. The dressmaker made dresses to fit her coloring, not necessarily what her Mother liked. The colors brought out her natural beauty. Can she use this to get revenge on the three young men?
This is very light reading and reads for fun.
Belle Sullivan is a frustration to her Mother. Her hair is too unruly, she has freckles, and she doesn’t care about her appearance. How is she ever going to find a husband? Her Mother has chosen three young men for her daughters and pays them to take the girls on a picnic. They all head out to the Garden of the Gods and a look at The Three Graces. Their father had proposed to their Mother there and the girls were named after this stop. The girls were to throw a coin into the fountain and wish for a husband. The girls did as their Mother bid; but before they did, they overheard the boys talking. They made fun of the girls in their banter; but the third young man stood up for them in a little way. Belle vowed revenge on them.
On her return, she engaged a lady to help her become beautiful. The dressmaker made dresses to fit her coloring, not necessarily what her Mother liked. The colors brought out her natural beauty. Can she use this to get revenge on the three young men?
This is very light reading and reads for fun.
March 29, 2018
I'm generally a horror/thriller or YA reader - but every now and again I love a good, sweet romance. And this was such a good on. I love the premise with the Three Graces from Garden of the Gods (who doesn't love to read about places they know?) and I love the three Sullivan sisters themselves. I've read this book before, but it's so nice to revisit. It was such happy reading that I didn't like stopping. The transformation of Belle Sullivan with the help of Aglaia (the actual grace herself) was so fun to read. It can touch a huge number of people who have felt the same way as Belle in one way or another, so watching her triumph feels good as an invested reader.
February 20, 2021
As I am interested in all things Greek, I picked this book as it shares an enjoyable and romantic retelling of the story of the three graces. The book is based partly on a rock formation in the Garden of the Gods called the Three Graces. The author Pam McCutheon has cleverly made her grace - belle - not recognized for her beauty. When three handsome men disparage her looks, Belle sets out to get revenge. If you like a romance with an English lord and a spirited young woman then I am sure you will find this book fun.
June 3, 2017
I started to read this book months ago, on my sister's recommendation. However, after reading about 30% of it I put it down to read several other books instead. It is a cute story, but some of the characters just go on my nerves...like Mr. (Lord) Stanhope...how obtuse can a person be? I like the introduction of the Three Graces to help their charges fulfill their wishes, but the storyline was a little too cute for me.
September 17, 2017
I rely enjoyed this book and was rooting for Kit and Bells the entire way through.
The characters were great fun to read, Mr Sullivan who is so unassuming, saves the day and it's absolutely fabulous! I absolutely adore Kit he's so cute! And I loathed Daltrey he was such an ass. I loved the relationship between Belle and her sisters, they are all so strong and loyal it's nice to read :)
I'm not sure if I want to chance the next book... I haven't quote decided yet
The characters were great fun to read, Mr Sullivan who is so unassuming, saves the day and it's absolutely fabulous! I absolutely adore Kit he's so cute! And I loathed Daltrey he was such an ass. I loved the relationship between Belle and her sisters, they are all so strong and loyal it's nice to read :)
I'm not sure if I want to chance the next book... I haven't quote decided yet
November 5, 2020
This was recommended to me but I wasn’t in love with this. This is an historical fiction with a random toss in of Greek goddess. I almost didn’t think they were necessary to the story. In this book we have three sisters that make wishes to a statue and three goddesses decide to answer. I think it had a good premise but the main character bell just came off as really young. I like my main characters a little older. Other than that it was just an okay solid read.
March 27, 2018
Not bad
While the time line doesn't really match up, Colorado Springs-Little London, Lords, Earls and Ladies in the late 1800 Americans it is a good story, no one messes with the Sullivan sisters, and ever though they are named after three Greek gods they sure don't have the power of the gods, just yet...
While the time line doesn't really match up, Colorado Springs-Little London, Lords, Earls and Ladies in the late 1800 Americans it is a good story, no one messes with the Sullivan sisters, and ever though they are named after three Greek gods they sure don't have the power of the gods, just yet...
May 25, 2018
Cute little book.
Cute. Nice read. Fairly good prose. Would make for perfect reading over a small vacation. Preferably in the shade and a nice beverage. I don’t know how I feel about the other 2 books in the series being written by other authors. Especially since the 3rd is only 180 pgs. We shall see.
Cute. Nice read. Fairly good prose. Would make for perfect reading over a small vacation. Preferably in the shade and a nice beverage. I don’t know how I feel about the other 2 books in the series being written by other authors. Especially since the 3rd is only 180 pgs. We shall see.
January 25, 2019
A delightful story set in America in the early nineteenth century. Three sisters overhear the comments of the three young men who their mother has paid to take them out. They decide to seek revenge.
This is the story of Belle, who was described as homely. It is witty and well paced. While there were one or two minor strands to the story that could have been better tied in, I really enjoyed it.
This is the story of Belle, who was described as homely. It is witty and well paced. While there were one or two minor strands to the story that could have been better tied in, I really enjoyed it.
May 30, 2020
Refreshing
The story was refreshing and funny. In today's era of openness and instant gratification, it was nice to read about family values. The lead character, ms. Belle, was an innocent and it was fun reading about her growing into womanhood. I think the other 2 books will be just as fun to read.
The story was refreshing and funny. In today's era of openness and instant gratification, it was nice to read about family values. The lead character, ms. Belle, was an innocent and it was fun reading about her growing into womanhood. I think the other 2 books will be just as fun to read.
October 29, 2018
Wishes do come true!
This book is a interesting read.
Alittle magic,and a wish made to
A rock garden,helped a young lady become beautiful, to the eye of the beholder, and made a young man realize, that money could not make you happy only love could.
Thank you ❤️
This book is a interesting read.
Alittle magic,and a wish made to
A rock garden,helped a young lady become beautiful, to the eye of the beholder, and made a young man realize, that money could not make you happy only love could.
Thank you ❤️
March 24, 2019
Sweetest love story
This is a lovely retelling of Pygmalion. A stand alone HEA, though I'm off to get Charisma's story and to check out this author's other books!
Contains 1 sex scene, no swear words, and no violence.
This is a lovely retelling of Pygmalion. A stand alone HEA, though I'm off to get Charisma's story and to check out this author's other books!
Contains 1 sex scene, no swear words, and no violence.
April 2, 2019
Belle is ugly. Well turns out she was just wearing the wrong color and needed some conditioner. She is determined to avenge her sisters and herself for having been talked unkindly about. Shallow book. Shallow characters.
May 5, 2019
Very enjoyable
I loved reading about Kit and Belle. Following their rocky start, to becoming good friends, to falling in love. I look forward to seeing more of them in the other books in the series.
I loved reading about Kit and Belle. Following their rocky start, to becoming good friends, to falling in love. I look forward to seeing more of them in the other books in the series.
March 27, 2020
Enjoyable read with close knit sisters, sinister bad guy, irish miner father who is staunch supporter n protector to his daughters. With a social climber for a mother causing self-esteem issues for her daughters. Loved seeing character development of both Belle and Kit separately n together
February 16, 2021
This was a fun idea, but I had to completely skip over entire sections that were inappropriate and, frankly, unnecessary. Also, I had a hard time with the immaturity of the main character. I can see why other people might enjoy the book, but it wasn't for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews