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Love from London #3
Lady Waldrey's Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal
Lady Candace Waldrey has always been the center of attention, but never quite like this…
When scandal puts her at the mercy of every gossip in society, Candace decides to escape society altogether. She runs to a place where no one will think to look for her.
The Duke of Canterbury won’t waste a second chance at happiness…
When the woman he secretly loves absconds to the countryside, what choice does James have but to follow?
But what happens when society comes knocking once more?
When unexpected guests arrive, Candace is forced to decide which she craves more--society’s approval or her own happiness.
A lady on the run from scandal…
A man determined to prove that life can still be beautiful after the worst has happened…
Love blooms in the most unexpected places.
When scandal puts her at the mercy of every gossip in society, Candace decides to escape society altogether. She runs to a place where no one will think to look for her.
The Duke of Canterbury won’t waste a second chance at happiness…
When the woman he secretly loves absconds to the countryside, what choice does James have but to follow?
But what happens when society comes knocking once more?
When unexpected guests arrive, Candace is forced to decide which she craves more--society’s approval or her own happiness.
A lady on the run from scandal…
A man determined to prove that life can still be beautiful after the worst has happened…
Love blooms in the most unexpected places.
522 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2025
213 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Jill M. Beene
18 books227 followersBe sure to follow me on Goodreads to get every update! I live in sunny California with my handsome husband and my slobbery English Mastiff, Rupert. I've always loved stories and wanted to write novels. When I'm not getting words on the page, I'm walking my dog or cooking something (hopefully) delicious. Feel free to ask me a question or connect with me here, but you can also find me on Instagram or my website, JillMBeene.com. I so appreciate my readers! Thank you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 4, 2025
I liked this! When I pick up a book by this author I expect to be thoroughly entertained because that has been my experience with her titles, but I have to say this one did not provide that same experience. While the writing itself was still a joy, this was a slow read and I was missing some of the humor I'm used to from her books. It felt much more character-driven than plot-driven and quite lulled for me in its vast middle.
I liked Candace and James but they weren't quite what I anticipated. Their love story is the most stiff in this series so far for me and I kept wishing James's character had been opened up more. Granted, this one follows Percy and Adelaide's story and I LOVED THEM, so I can admit Candace and James had some fiery and fast-paced shoes to fill in my reader heart.
I did feel transported to the English countryside and this certainly had that regency sparkle all avid readers of this sub-genre crave and come back to again and again. And if this did anything for me it was excite me for Vera's story in the upcoming fourth installment. I found myself utterly intrigued by Vera and wanted more of her character every time she was on-page. She has all the promise of an underdog heroine.
I was gifted my copy from the author, for which I am grateful! These are my honest thoughts.
In this book:
-friends to more
-single father
-he falls first and hard
-secret pining
-running from scandal
Content Guide:
romance - clean
language - 1 use of "bastard;" potentially a use of "damn" (I cannot remember)
violence - clean
Content Warnings:
I cannot think of any!
I liked Candace and James but they weren't quite what I anticipated. Their love story is the most stiff in this series so far for me and I kept wishing James's character had been opened up more. Granted, this one follows Percy and Adelaide's story and I LOVED THEM, so I can admit Candace and James had some fiery and fast-paced shoes to fill in my reader heart.
I did feel transported to the English countryside and this certainly had that regency sparkle all avid readers of this sub-genre crave and come back to again and again. And if this did anything for me it was excite me for Vera's story in the upcoming fourth installment. I found myself utterly intrigued by Vera and wanted more of her character every time she was on-page. She has all the promise of an underdog heroine.
I was gifted my copy from the author, for which I am grateful! These are my honest thoughts.
In this book:
-friends to more
-single father
-he falls first and hard
-secret pining
-running from scandal
Content Guide:
romance - clean
language - 1 use of "bastard;" potentially a use of "damn" (I cannot remember)
violence - clean
Content Warnings:
I cannot think of any!
October 21, 2025
The first 60% was very boring. Just enough to keep you reading. I personally, kept reading because I wanted to know what was going on with Vera. The last 40% was much better but not enough to bump up my star review.
March 13, 2026
3.0. Rated G. Regency Romance
Cute Regency Romance. No depth but likable characters.
Cute Regency Romance. No depth but likable characters.
May 7, 2026
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: Lady Waldrey’s Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal
Series: Love from London, Book 3
Author: Jill M. Beene
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 My Thoughts: Perseverance, Petals, and Passion
The story follows Candace Waldrey, who is trapped in a great lie: a fourteen month engagement to a Marquess who fled to Paris and effectively ghosted her. To protect her reputation, Candace maintains a perfect, icy exterior until she moves to the countryside and reconnects with James, the Duke of Canterbury.
The writing is typical of Jill Beene, featuring a modern flair and some unbelievable plot twists that keep you on your toes! While the story did drag a little in certain sections and some moments require a bit of a stretch, I absolutely love the escape it provides. It is a sweet, slow burn romance about outgrowing the need for societal approval.
💖 Why I Loved It:
* The Hero: James is incredibly patient. Instead of just swooping in, he encourages Candace to find true friendship and true love by being her authentic self.
* The Setting: Seeing Candace transform from a woman who used fashion as armor into someone who finds joy in restoring an overgrown garden was wonderful.
* The Cameos: It was so lovely to see Adelaide from Book 2 pregnant! However, I was a bit disappointed that there was no mention of Duchess Eleanore from Book 1 being pregnant as well.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
"Life is best lived authentically, even if your circle of friends becomes smaller and despite the fact that outsiders won’t hesitate to mock the light they see in your heart, even as they envy it."
📌 Final Verdict:
Strong recommendation for fans of sweet Regency romances and emotional resilience. It can be read as a standalone, but you will definitely want to go back and read the first two books in the series!
#BookReview #RegencyRomance #JillMBeene #LoveFromLondon #CleanRomance #Bookstagram #HistoricalRomance #ReadingEscape
Title: Lady Waldrey’s Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal
Series: Love from London, Book 3
Author: Jill M. Beene
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 My Thoughts: Perseverance, Petals, and Passion
The story follows Candace Waldrey, who is trapped in a great lie: a fourteen month engagement to a Marquess who fled to Paris and effectively ghosted her. To protect her reputation, Candace maintains a perfect, icy exterior until she moves to the countryside and reconnects with James, the Duke of Canterbury.
The writing is typical of Jill Beene, featuring a modern flair and some unbelievable plot twists that keep you on your toes! While the story did drag a little in certain sections and some moments require a bit of a stretch, I absolutely love the escape it provides. It is a sweet, slow burn romance about outgrowing the need for societal approval.
💖 Why I Loved It:
* The Hero: James is incredibly patient. Instead of just swooping in, he encourages Candace to find true friendship and true love by being her authentic self.
* The Setting: Seeing Candace transform from a woman who used fashion as armor into someone who finds joy in restoring an overgrown garden was wonderful.
* The Cameos: It was so lovely to see Adelaide from Book 2 pregnant! However, I was a bit disappointed that there was no mention of Duchess Eleanore from Book 1 being pregnant as well.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
"Life is best lived authentically, even if your circle of friends becomes smaller and despite the fact that outsiders won’t hesitate to mock the light they see in your heart, even as they envy it."
📌 Final Verdict:
Strong recommendation for fans of sweet Regency romances and emotional resilience. It can be read as a standalone, but you will definitely want to go back and read the first two books in the series!
#BookReview #RegencyRomance #JillMBeene #LoveFromLondon #CleanRomance #Bookstagram #HistoricalRomance #ReadingEscape
October 16, 2025
book 3 doesn’t disappoint! Delightful, but deep.
With engaging style and a well-developed plot Mrs. Beene brings us back to the sweet romance in the world of Regency and the beloved characters.
Definitely read the first two books in the series, fall in love with the amazing characters, and then come back to enjoy good lessons on character vs appearance, on how to be kind when it’s not popular, how to be brave to own your mistakes, and of course how to love faithfully. With a huge and much anticipated dose of sweet and edifying romance for the main characters- and a host of supporting characters, especially the ones you’ve got to know already! - this novel is a delight to read.
Some things I greatly enjoyed:
Growth of the female character
Portrayal of true friendship
Unconditional love
Courageous acts of kindness
True worth vs reputation for appearance’ sake
Father-son relationships
Resilience in times of trouble
Things worth living for.
And humor!
And an epilogue is just a cherry on top, only encouraging to wait quite impatiently for the next story.
Or maybe an urge to go read the first installment. Again.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
With engaging style and a well-developed plot Mrs. Beene brings us back to the sweet romance in the world of Regency and the beloved characters.
Definitely read the first two books in the series, fall in love with the amazing characters, and then come back to enjoy good lessons on character vs appearance, on how to be kind when it’s not popular, how to be brave to own your mistakes, and of course how to love faithfully. With a huge and much anticipated dose of sweet and edifying romance for the main characters- and a host of supporting characters, especially the ones you’ve got to know already! - this novel is a delight to read.
Some things I greatly enjoyed:
Growth of the female character
Portrayal of true friendship
Unconditional love
Courageous acts of kindness
True worth vs reputation for appearance’ sake
Father-son relationships
Resilience in times of trouble
Things worth living for.
And humor!
And an epilogue is just a cherry on top, only encouraging to wait quite impatiently for the next story.
Or maybe an urge to go read the first installment. Again.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
October 22, 2025
📝 The Vibe: A clean Regency romance with a gardening motif and light scandal…society pressures, hidden feelings, witty banter, countryside escape.
💬 In a line: I came into this one with high hopes after loving the previous books in the series; I expected more yearning from the male lead. Unfortunately, it only pulled me in near the book's final quarter (~80%)—until then, it felt more “okay” than exceptional. If you expect heavy emotional arcs or intense yearning, the build may be slower than hoped.
❤️🔥 Loved For:
✨ The rich Regency setting and garden theme lend charm and freshness.
✨ Familiar characters and series ties from the Love From London series, giving a “return visit” feel.
✨ The concept of a heroine stepping out of society’s spotlight into a garden refuge—nice escape arc.
⚠️ Heads-Up: Some scenes of societal judgment, emotional pressure on the heroine to conform.
✅ Read If You Like:
✨ Gentle Regency romances that focus more on atmosphere than intense heat.
✨ Stories where the heroine escapes society’s glare into something quieter (gardening, escape).
✨ Series reads where you revisit characters you’ve already enjoyed.
✨ Clean, cozy romances with a bit of “society vs self” tension and a satisfying, if not earth-shattering, HEA.
💬 In a line: I came into this one with high hopes after loving the previous books in the series; I expected more yearning from the male lead. Unfortunately, it only pulled me in near the book's final quarter (~80%)—until then, it felt more “okay” than exceptional. If you expect heavy emotional arcs or intense yearning, the build may be slower than hoped.
❤️🔥 Loved For:
✨ The rich Regency setting and garden theme lend charm and freshness.
✨ Familiar characters and series ties from the Love From London series, giving a “return visit” feel.
✨ The concept of a heroine stepping out of society’s spotlight into a garden refuge—nice escape arc.
⚠️ Heads-Up: Some scenes of societal judgment, emotional pressure on the heroine to conform.
✅ Read If You Like:
✨ Gentle Regency romances that focus more on atmosphere than intense heat.
✨ Stories where the heroine escapes society’s glare into something quieter (gardening, escape).
✨ Series reads where you revisit characters you’ve already enjoyed.
✨ Clean, cozy romances with a bit of “society vs self” tension and a satisfying, if not earth-shattering, HEA.
January 13, 2026
── .✦ "I'll tell you the same thing that I tell Arthur-one of the most pro- found truths that humans have fought against since the dawn of time -life isn't fair."
~
˗ˏˋ˗ˏ 4 🌟 ● 🫑
~
Urgh, this series has me in a chokehold!
Three books in the span of a week! And only one more that's been released until February!
I quite enjoyed this book. The broken engagement, the way it was shown what that broken engagement had done to Candace's standing, and the way James was willing to go to bat for her right from page 1.
Also loved the way James was shown as being a father that wasn't quite as fathers went. That he was the one wanting to teach Arthur how to be a good man. That he wanted to be that involved.
James' love for his first wife was also well written in the moments it was brought up. The way he didn't love her the way he loves Candace, but felt her death keenly and always thought kindly of her.
Hell, the guy went to let her gravestone know he wanted to marry Candace!
Candace herself was interesting. The way she couldn't help but fall into old (see: bad) habits when surrounded by those from the Ton, even after months(?) of being away from it and in the countryside.
Really enjoyable.
~
˗ˏˋ˗ˏ 4 🌟 ● 🫑
~
Urgh, this series has me in a chokehold!
Three books in the span of a week! And only one more that's been released until February!
I quite enjoyed this book. The broken engagement, the way it was shown what that broken engagement had done to Candace's standing, and the way James was willing to go to bat for her right from page 1.
Also loved the way James was shown as being a father that wasn't quite as fathers went. That he was the one wanting to teach Arthur how to be a good man. That he wanted to be that involved.
James' love for his first wife was also well written in the moments it was brought up. The way he didn't love her the way he loves Candace, but felt her death keenly and always thought kindly of her.
Hell, the guy went to let her gravestone know he wanted to marry Candace!
Candace herself was interesting. The way she couldn't help but fall into old (see: bad) habits when surrounded by those from the Ton, even after months(?) of being away from it and in the countryside.
Really enjoyable.
January 6, 2026
This series is awesome. It has wonderful Regency characters with different attitudes and outcomes. I can't wait to read the next one. This author is wonderful!
Amazon synopsis:
Lady Candace Waldrey has always been the center of attention, but never quite like this…
When scandal puts her at the mercy of every gossip in society, Candace decides to escape society altogether. She runs to a place where no one will think to look for her.
The Duke of Canterbury won’t waste a second chance at happiness…
When the woman he secretly loves absconds to the countryside, what choice does James have but to follow?
But what happens when society comes knocking once more?
When unexpected guests arrive, Candace is forced to decide which she craves more--society’s approval or her own happiness.
A lady on the run from scandal…
A man determined to prove that life can still be beautiful after the worst has happened…
Love blooms in the most unexpected places.
Amazon synopsis:
Lady Candace Waldrey has always been the center of attention, but never quite like this…
When scandal puts her at the mercy of every gossip in society, Candace decides to escape society altogether. She runs to a place where no one will think to look for her.
The Duke of Canterbury won’t waste a second chance at happiness…
When the woman he secretly loves absconds to the countryside, what choice does James have but to follow?
But what happens when society comes knocking once more?
When unexpected guests arrive, Candace is forced to decide which she craves more--society’s approval or her own happiness.
A lady on the run from scandal…
A man determined to prove that life can still be beautiful after the worst has happened…
Love blooms in the most unexpected places.
May 10, 2026
The recurring characters from the previous novels add so much to this book. The Duke of Devonshire and the Duke of Canterbury (James Eavesdon) are two great characters who make a mistake by pushing the Marquess of Shelbourne to marry Lady Candace Waldrey. Shelbourne has been in Paris for 14 months, and James goes to Paris to demand that he come back to London and marry Candace. Shelbourne is truculent and resentful.
However, he returns and gives Candace the 'cut direct' at a large party. The next day, Candace returns his ring and tells him the engagement is over. Then, she takes her best friend, Very Ashbury, with her to the country house of her brother, the Marquess of Salisbury. They decide to rusticate there while Candace licks her wounds. However, James and his son, Arthur, soon go to their country place that is near the Salisbury estate. James is a widower with a small son and wants to marry Candace. However, he knows he must proceed carefully with Candace's upset heart.
This is another excellent book by Jill Beene. I can hardly wait to read the next one, which is about Very Ashbury.
Love from London – Total of 6
1. Mr. Pickwick's Guide to Marriageable Young Ladies (2020)
2. Lord Salisbury's Ledgers on How to Woo a Wife (2022)
** 3. Lady Waldrey's Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal (2025)
However, he returns and gives Candace the 'cut direct' at a large party. The next day, Candace returns his ring and tells him the engagement is over. Then, she takes her best friend, Very Ashbury, with her to the country house of her brother, the Marquess of Salisbury. They decide to rusticate there while Candace licks her wounds. However, James and his son, Arthur, soon go to their country place that is near the Salisbury estate. James is a widower with a small son and wants to marry Candace. However, he knows he must proceed carefully with Candace's upset heart.
This is another excellent book by Jill Beene. I can hardly wait to read the next one, which is about Very Ashbury.
Love from London – Total of 6
1. Mr. Pickwick's Guide to Marriageable Young Ladies (2020)
2. Lord Salisbury's Ledgers on How to Woo a Wife (2022)
** 3. Lady Waldrey's Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal (2025)
October 11, 2025
This book started off with an interesting premise but midway through, I found myself less interested in picking the book up to read it. Mostly I think this happened because although I loved James’s character and all the side characters, I found Candace to be beautiful, but a bit boring. I debated not finishing the book, but ultimately I continued and was happy that I did because the last 25% of the book really redeemed itself. Things suddenly became very interesting and characters had growth which is always appreciated.
October 7, 2025
Fun character, wonderful romance, and truth wrapped into a great story!
Finally, we get to know Candace’s story! It was an excellently written tale with bits of truth imparted from various side characters. I don’t want to spoil anything. the characters were great and the story had some fun surprises and touching moments. It is an awesome book. I also loved how it circles back to bits from previous stories! Jill is fabulous at that and it makes her books really fun to read.
Finally, we get to know Candace’s story! It was an excellently written tale with bits of truth imparted from various side characters. I don’t want to spoil anything. the characters were great and the story had some fun surprises and touching moments. It is an awesome book. I also loved how it circles back to bits from previous stories! Jill is fabulous at that and it makes her books really fun to read.
February 21, 2026
Heart-warming
This book was refreshing and heartwarming. Like a balm to a bruised heart. The gentle wooing and easy friendship made me feel giddy. I enjoyed the story, even with a lack of trouble brewing that the first installments in the series had.
10/10 for the plot. 0 🌶 with a very chaste kiss or two being all the scandal involved.
Overall this installment was just what I needed.
This book was refreshing and heartwarming. Like a balm to a bruised heart. The gentle wooing and easy friendship made me feel giddy. I enjoyed the story, even with a lack of trouble brewing that the first installments in the series had.
10/10 for the plot. 0 🌶 with a very chaste kiss or two being all the scandal involved.
Overall this installment was just what I needed.
May 7, 2026
This was the best one so far of the series, still only a 4star. More believable, but it took so long for the FMC to be aware the MMC was interested. Could have dragged on a bit less. I also think more introspection and more detailed focus on her fixing the garden to fix herself was going to be on the page. It was mostly off page with allusions to the garden evolving as she did. Not a bad regency romance. One could always do with a bit more romance, less thoughts of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
Candace gets her happy ending!
While Mr Pickwick will forever be my favorite in this series, I was so happy to jump into Candace’s story. I am thrilled that Candace got her happy ending and the development of Vera’s character was such a wonderful addition to the story.
Another excellent novel by Jill Beene!
While Mr Pickwick will forever be my favorite in this series, I was so happy to jump into Candace’s story. I am thrilled that Candace got her happy ending and the development of Vera’s character was such a wonderful addition to the story.
Another excellent novel by Jill Beene!
October 3, 2025
zero comprehension of society rules
I liked the writing style, I guess, but I couldn't get past the ignorance of social behaviours!!
as if the ladies would have been attending balls without gentlemen or chaperones and brothers who would hold a fiancee accountable.
dnf.
I liked the writing style, I guess, but I couldn't get past the ignorance of social behaviours!!
as if the ladies would have been attending balls without gentlemen or chaperones and brothers who would hold a fiancee accountable.
dnf.
October 24, 2025
A delight! 4.5! Her writing of the boy and the dog is spot on. Funny dialogue over dinner is as pitch perfect in this installment as it was in the first. Dinged a .5 for the all-too-common misunderstanding trope that dominates too much of the center. Excited for the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2026
I’m enjoying this series and this book was no different. It’s a cute story filled with clever banter, plenty of humor, and the most adorable little boy and his dog. This clean, friend-to-lovers tale hits all the high marks. But I don’t think I’ve ever read the word “sandwich” quite so many times.
February 9, 2026
Best book of the series
so far, at least. Well edited, tightly written, good character development, reasonable plot and lovely happy ending. The addition of the child was interesting.
so far, at least. Well edited, tightly written, good character development, reasonable plot and lovely happy ending. The addition of the child was interesting.
February 11, 2026
I did not liked the MFC sometimes, she was silly at times and just felt like a spoilt little girl instead of a grown woman. I did Liked James and I always love a book with Kids. This series is actually really good. This was just not my favourite.
February 22, 2026
Very nice
Misunderstandings a plenty. This is a good book not much adventure but a very good read just the same it was enjoyable. I did wonder why Vera didn't explain how she left her home.
Misunderstandings a plenty. This is a good book not much adventure but a very good read just the same it was enjoyable. I did wonder why Vera didn't explain how she left her home.
March 12, 2026
I enjoyed this book. The miscommunication and doubts once again were annoying during a segment of the book and went on a bit too long, but the rest was delightful. I do think the Duke of C underreacted when Candace Saved his child from drowning…but I enjoyed the book overall.
April 7, 2026
My favorite of this series so far! I liked the growth and reflection of both Candace and James. I found their story to be full of lessons- with Arthur, society, and being true to oneself and one's friends.
April 28, 2026
Very Enjoyable
This was delightful! It's a very unique and clever spin on a recency romance. The characters and writing are very descriptive. I loved the addition of a small son and his massive dog. You will want to keep reading.
This was delightful! It's a very unique and clever spin on a recency romance. The characters and writing are very descriptive. I loved the addition of a small son and his massive dog. You will want to keep reading.
October 6, 2025
Great series
Another well written book of this delightful series. The small dinner party filled with book quotes was hilarious along with Seamus's antics.
Another well written book of this delightful series. The small dinner party filled with book quotes was hilarious along with Seamus's antics.
October 9, 2025
I really liked this story. It was fun to find out how Candace’s story turned out.
October 10, 2025
Such Fun!
Another delightful story by Jill M. Beene! Good character arch and just all around fun. Waiting ‘patiently’ for the next instalment.
Another delightful story by Jill M. Beene! Good character arch and just all around fun. Waiting ‘patiently’ for the next instalment.
October 22, 2025
cute Regency, lots of funny parts, wish this author had more of a catalog of Regency books
October 24, 2025
A little slow at times but the 2nd half of the book was great!
November 30, 2025
Such an enjoyable book
So well written! I enjoyed the friendships, the honesty. Twists and turns in the plot with a happy ending! One of the best!
So well written! I enjoyed the friendships, the honesty. Twists and turns in the plot with a happy ending! One of the best!
December 8, 2025
DNF.
I’ve loved everyone of Jill’s books but this one just fell flat for me. Maybe I’ll come back and finish it some day.
I’ve loved everyone of Jill’s books but this one just fell flat for me. Maybe I’ll come back and finish it some day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews