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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
Published October 1, 2025
107 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Jill M. Beene
15 books205 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 - 19 of 19 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 10, 2025
Very enjoyable read!
I stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing! Colorful characters and misunderstandings keep you reading way into the night. Already ordered the next two in the series.
I stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing! Colorful characters and misunderstandings keep you reading way into the night. Already ordered the next two in the series.
December 15, 2025
The blurb doesn't do this book justice. I enjoyed the third installment in this series.
December 24, 2025
though I'm more of a cat person, I enjoyed the comic capital made of a slobbery dog. Relatable hero and heroine, child.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews