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Families of Dorset #2
Isabel: Families of Dorset, Book 2
A gentleman's impulsive wager to marry a stranger. A young woman’s determination not to marry the man she wants.
When Isabel Cosgrove is informed by her father that he lost her hand in marriage while playing cards with Charles Galbraith—the gentleman she’s been admiring from a distance for years—she is filled with dismay. How can she agree to wed a man whose reason for marriage is part-revenge, part-indifference? Intent on avoiding a painful union where her regard cannot be returned, she concocts a plan.
Charles Galbraith didn’t intend to become engaged as a result of a drunken wager at cards, but after the woman he loves spurns him, what does it matter whom he marries? But even Miss Cosgrove, the fiancée he won by wager, seems intent not to marry him—a fact that both relieves and piques him. She instead suggests a plan that has the potential to temporarily appease her father’s demand of marriage while also winning back the love of the woman Charles truly wants.
But when Charles and Isabel are thrown into the midst of a brewing scandal and another man’s potential disinheritance, their plan begins to unravel thread by thread, challenging what Galbraith thinks he wants—and just how much more time with him Isabel’s heart can stand.
When Isabel Cosgrove is informed by her father that he lost her hand in marriage while playing cards with Charles Galbraith—the gentleman she’s been admiring from a distance for years—she is filled with dismay. How can she agree to wed a man whose reason for marriage is part-revenge, part-indifference? Intent on avoiding a painful union where her regard cannot be returned, she concocts a plan.
Charles Galbraith didn’t intend to become engaged as a result of a drunken wager at cards, but after the woman he loves spurns him, what does it matter whom he marries? But even Miss Cosgrove, the fiancée he won by wager, seems intent not to marry him—a fact that both relieves and piques him. She instead suggests a plan that has the potential to temporarily appease her father’s demand of marriage while also winning back the love of the woman Charles truly wants.
But when Charles and Isabel are thrown into the midst of a brewing scandal and another man’s potential disinheritance, their plan begins to unravel thread by thread, challenging what Galbraith thinks he wants—and just how much more time with him Isabel’s heart can stand.
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First published August 8, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
November 2, 2019
I enjoyed this sweet, proper romance. Isabel was a good character. This does have a bit of a Christian element to it. I love how she became stronger knowing who she was and she gave grace to others because she knew herself so well. She was able to figure out why others did what they did. This is a great gift I have been striving for in my life. It was nice to see a character in a book working out how to do it instead of going around hating everyone or letting everyone hurt her. I love how complicated everything got and how it all worked itself out. This was a good story with a good foundation that was followed well. I took off a star because it got a bit wordy and the end drug out for me a bit too long.
March 3, 2020
Edenbrooke meets Some Kind of Wonderful in this fun regency novel. Isabel is informed that her father gambled away her hand in marriage to a man she has liked for a long time. But when she discovers that he has had a longstanding understanding with another, she knows she can’t go through with it and concocts a plan to help him win back his lady love at great personal sacrifice.
Isabel is a big part of the reason I like this novel so much. I think she is a great character. Some may think her too perfect, but I thought she was just the right amount of perfect. She is mature, intelligent, and has a good sense of humor. There are some Christian elements as that is her way to deal with a difficult family situation. Charles is an honorable gentleman but also really clueless until the end.
I thought this novel flowed well and had a great cast of characters. There is a lot of lip biting, so be forewarned if that’s a pet peeve. Our heroine did contemplate the hero “playing his chivalry card.” LOL. And, while there is some more modern language, the author also likes to throw in the more regency-appropriate term now and again. I kind of wish she would have picked one or the other, but whatever. Kudos to the author for creating a character that would help me overlook annoyances of that nature.
Isabel is a big part of the reason I like this novel so much. I think she is a great character. Some may think her too perfect, but I thought she was just the right amount of perfect. She is mature, intelligent, and has a good sense of humor. There are some Christian elements as that is her way to deal with a difficult family situation. Charles is an honorable gentleman but also really clueless until the end.
I thought this novel flowed well and had a great cast of characters. There is a lot of lip biting, so be forewarned if that’s a pet peeve. Our heroine did contemplate the hero “playing his chivalry card.” LOL. And, while there is some more modern language, the author also likes to throw in the more regency-appropriate term now and again. I kind of wish she would have picked one or the other, but whatever. Kudos to the author for creating a character that would help me overlook annoyances of that nature.
June 1, 2020
Having enjoyed Martha Keyes’ Eleanor, I was really excited for this book, especially since the premise was so intriguing—a woman finds herself betrothed after her father loses her hand in a wager. But her intended isn’t just anyone, but the man she’s secretly been in love with for years. Unfortunately, he’s in love with someone else. Because Isabel doesn’t want to be married to a man who doesn’t love her and he doesn’t want to marry anyone but the woman he thinks he loves, the two enter a fake engagement.
I liked both Isabel and Charles and thought they were cute together. In addition, the plot’s premise was fun and I enjoyed watching it unfold, so much so that I could have happily seen many more pages and development of it. There were many lovely scenes between our hero and heroine, as well as many frustrating obstacles for them to overcome for them to achieve their happily ever after, particularly Charles stubbornness in clinging to his old flame, Julia, but all turned out right in the end.
Martha Keyes truly took us quite the journey, both for Isabel and Charles and the subplot with Hetty and the villainous Mr. Farrow. But despite the turmoil our villain caused, the plot’s premise was fun, our characters’ growth satisfying, and the moments where there were romantic scenes between our hero and heroine were very sweet. I’m looking forward to reading more from Martha Keyes.
I liked both Isabel and Charles and thought they were cute together. In addition, the plot’s premise was fun and I enjoyed watching it unfold, so much so that I could have happily seen many more pages and development of it. There were many lovely scenes between our hero and heroine, as well as many frustrating obstacles for them to overcome for them to achieve their happily ever after, particularly Charles stubbornness in clinging to his old flame, Julia, but all turned out right in the end.
Martha Keyes truly took us quite the journey, both for Isabel and Charles and the subplot with Hetty and the villainous Mr. Farrow. But despite the turmoil our villain caused, the plot’s premise was fun, our characters’ growth satisfying, and the moments where there were romantic scenes between our hero and heroine were very sweet. I’m looking forward to reading more from Martha Keyes.
April 7, 2025
Happy sigh…
Another amazing story with plenty of suspenseful and, at times, infuriating moments. Certain female characters were so very vexing, and what happened to them was well deserved. Anyway, one thing is clear, Martha Keyes writes some seriously awesome stories.
Another amazing story with plenty of suspenseful and, at times, infuriating moments. Certain female characters were so very vexing, and what happened to them was well deserved. Anyway, one thing is clear, Martha Keyes writes some seriously awesome stories.
August 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this story! I found it to be thoroughly engaging & it kept me eagerly turning the pages to see how things would all turn out. Although I knew how I wanted things to go, there is never the guarantee that it will & there were times I wondered how the author was going to bring everything about.
I was thoroughly pleased with how it all turned out & am happy to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Regency Era novels with happy endings.
This can be read as a stand-alone novel. However, there is a brief mention of characters from the first book in the series. So if you are like me & you prefer to read books in the order that they’re written/released (and if you enjoy getting glimpses of how characters are doing afterwards), then I recommend reading Wyndcross first ;) as I said though, this is easily read as a stand-alone novel - there was nothing to detract from the story in knowing that it wasn’t the first book in the series.
My thanks to the author for supplying me with an ARC of this book. This is an honest review which I am voluntarily giving. This is a clean & engaging read which I can happily recommend.
I was thoroughly pleased with how it all turned out & am happy to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Regency Era novels with happy endings.
This can be read as a stand-alone novel. However, there is a brief mention of characters from the first book in the series. So if you are like me & you prefer to read books in the order that they’re written/released (and if you enjoy getting glimpses of how characters are doing afterwards), then I recommend reading Wyndcross first ;) as I said though, this is easily read as a stand-alone novel - there was nothing to detract from the story in knowing that it wasn’t the first book in the series.
My thanks to the author for supplying me with an ARC of this book. This is an honest review which I am voluntarily giving. This is a clean & engaging read which I can happily recommend.
February 11, 2020
Unrealistic story line
In a drunken wager, Charles Galbraith wins Isabel Cosgrove's hand in marriage from her inebriated father, despite being in love with Julia Darling. Julia's feelings and attitude to Charles have not remained constant and he is acting in anger. On discovering this, Isabel is appalled. She has always had feelings for Charles yet did not wish to be married under these circumstances.
Together, Charles and Isabel plan how this mess can be undone so that he can win back Julia's regard, even though it is secretly breaking Isabel's heart.
I found Charles to be a bit of a wet character, with Isabel taking the lead. He couldn't seem to make up his mind all the way through the book and showed no romantic inclinations at all to Isabel. Therefore it seemed unrealistic for him to feel hurt towards the end of the story when Isabel declares her intentions.
The romance is not sharp enough and it is unclear when Charles has a change of heart. Quite wishy washy. It does not leave you feeling the love...well only one way! The secondary story line is unconvincing and unrealistic entirely.
In a drunken wager, Charles Galbraith wins Isabel Cosgrove's hand in marriage from her inebriated father, despite being in love with Julia Darling. Julia's feelings and attitude to Charles have not remained constant and he is acting in anger. On discovering this, Isabel is appalled. She has always had feelings for Charles yet did not wish to be married under these circumstances.
Together, Charles and Isabel plan how this mess can be undone so that he can win back Julia's regard, even though it is secretly breaking Isabel's heart.
I found Charles to be a bit of a wet character, with Isabel taking the lead. He couldn't seem to make up his mind all the way through the book and showed no romantic inclinations at all to Isabel. Therefore it seemed unrealistic for him to feel hurt towards the end of the story when Isabel declares her intentions.
The romance is not sharp enough and it is unclear when Charles has a change of heart. Quite wishy washy. It does not leave you feeling the love...well only one way! The secondary story line is unconvincing and unrealistic entirely.
June 2, 2020
I liked that this book wasn’t about the darling of the season but more of an ordinary girl just wanting to be a good person. Isabel went to great lengths to protect her heart. She was a sensible sort of person but she struggled with really being honest about her own feelings for Charles to the point that while not outright lying told some half truths. In that I was a bit disappointed in her as she was such a very strong character otherwise.
Charles was fun and a down to earth person. The complete opposite of a rake. Their is a rake in this story to showcase the differences in character Charles had to the less preferred character. Charles starts out the beginning of the book being disappointed in love and allows himself to become engaged to Isabel. It wasn’t what he wanted but a situation he allowed due to his hurting heart. Isabel was not about to become a wife out of pity.
The book was about helping others, being kind, and getting ones heart desire, sometimes through sacrifice.
Charles was fun and a down to earth person. The complete opposite of a rake. Their is a rake in this story to showcase the differences in character Charles had to the less preferred character. Charles starts out the beginning of the book being disappointed in love and allows himself to become engaged to Isabel. It wasn’t what he wanted but a situation he allowed due to his hurting heart. Isabel was not about to become a wife out of pity.
The book was about helping others, being kind, and getting ones heart desire, sometimes through sacrifice.
May 23, 2020
Isabel is unusual in that her family doesn't force the younger to wait until the elder sister is married. Instead, the sisters share an introduction into society and the disparity between how they are treated, especially by family, is significant. Isabel feels so relatable. Her character and actions make so much sense in light of how she lives in the shadow of her younger, prettier sister.
This is a tiny point, but I love how Martha describes her as plain but Charles never has this "change her hair and she's suddenly beautiful" moment. I greatly appreciate that.
The flow of the story is well paced and the subtle changes in Isabel and Charles' connection is sweet and natural.
This is a tiny point, but I love how Martha describes her as plain but Charles never has this "change her hair and she's suddenly beautiful" moment. I greatly appreciate that.
The flow of the story is well paced and the subtle changes in Isabel and Charles' connection is sweet and natural.
April 9, 2024
One thing I’ve realized about the Regency period is how many awful, greedy, scheming parents there were. 😂 It makes me quite grateful for the sweet parents I had.
Isabel ends up with an arranged marriage based on the outcome of a drunken card game. Charles (one of the drunk card players) and Isabel don’t actually want to marry each other and set up a ruse to appease Isabel’s horrid father.
Along the way they meet and help a young girl in a delicate situation (giving yet another example of less-than-stellar Regency parents).
I’m already onto the fourth book in the series (I’ve read 3, 2, and now on 4, planning to skip 1). Clearly they don’t need to be read in order.
It’s a good audiobook as well!
Isabel ends up with an arranged marriage based on the outcome of a drunken card game. Charles (one of the drunk card players) and Isabel don’t actually want to marry each other and set up a ruse to appease Isabel’s horrid father.
Along the way they meet and help a young girl in a delicate situation (giving yet another example of less-than-stellar Regency parents).
I’m already onto the fourth book in the series (I’ve read 3, 2, and now on 4, planning to skip 1). Clearly they don’t need to be read in order.
It’s a good audiobook as well!
December 5, 2021
Full of insights and lovely characters!
I really enjoyed this book. The heroine could have been a terrible victim of the circumstances, but she had an inspiring sense of self-worth and wisdom beyond her years. The hero was so lovely and supportive. I read it on Kindle Unlimited, but I'm buying my own copy.
I really enjoyed this book. The heroine could have been a terrible victim of the circumstances, but she had an inspiring sense of self-worth and wisdom beyond her years. The hero was so lovely and supportive. I read it on Kindle Unlimited, but I'm buying my own copy.
September 22, 2019
I loved Wyndcross, the predecessor to this book, so I knew right from the start that I would love this, too, and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a very different story, in many ways a more conventional Regency romance, complete with that time-honoured plot-device, the fake betrothal, and perhaps it doesn’t quite reach the sublime heights of Wyndcross, but that was a very high bar.
Isabel Cosgrove, our heroine, had a walk-on role in the previous book, but it’s not necessary to have read that one first. This book picks up Isabel’s story in London in the midst of the shared season for her and her sister, up from Dorset for the occasion, and Isabel is suffering in comparison with the beautiful Cecilia. Our hero, Charles Galbraith, is in thrall to one of the ton’s incomparables, Julia Darling, who is a flighty piece, seeming to have lost interest in him in favour of another eligible. So Charles does what any young man would do when spurned by the woman he loves - he goes off and gets blind drunk, so drunk that he ends up in a wager with Isabel’s father, and wins her hand in marriage.
Now, there’s a lot to take on board here. Superficially it makes both Charles and Mr Cosgrove look like idiots. Charles is not only throwing away any possibility of Julia changing her mind again and coming back to him, he’s also binding himself for life to a woman he barely knows. And as for Mr Cosgrove, he looks like the world’s worst father for agreeing to such a wager in the first place (although, to be fair, he does have a better reason for his actions than mere drunken caprice). But Charles doesn’t, and the author sets herself quite a challenge here - from such an unpromising beginning, to make Charles into a sympathetic and heroic character. It’s a testament to her skill that she achieves this splendidly.
Fortunately for the reader inclined to dislike drunken Charles (ie me), sober Charles turns out to be a charming and honourable man, who immediately makes Isabel an offer in form. Which she rejects, even though she’s had the hots for him for years, because she doesn’t want a resentful husband, constantly mooning over his lost love and trying not to show it. Which is terribly decent of her. I’m not sure I could ever be quite so noble and self-sacrificing as the typical Regency heroine.
But she has a cunning plan. If she and Charles pretend to be betrothed for a while, it will make Julia jealous enough to return to Charles, and by that time Isabel’s beautiful younger sister will have achieved the expected stellar match and their father will be too pleased to be angry with Isabel. Now, there are more holes in this scheme than a sieve. I don’t know why it is, but whenever Regency characters get into a pickle, one of them is sure to say: I know, let’s pretend to be engaged! That’ll totally work! Which makes me want to bang their heads together and say: Guys, this is a terrible idea, don’t do it, OK? But they never listen.
So off they go with their fake betrothal, and of course all sorts of complications ensue, as expected. There’s a fairly dodgy subplot with a cute ingenue, who’s both naive and worldly-wise all at the same time, and the usual dastardly villain, and everything builds to a grand climax, which is good, dramatic stuff. But it’s the romance that steals the show here, and it’s my favourite sort, the slow build of two sensible and intelligent people towards their inevitable destiny. The denouement is delicious.
Niggles? Not many. Apart from a few anachronisms (a Regency hero who feels the need to ‘get out of his own head’?) and a plot that occasionally felt as if it was held together with chewing gum and string, this book was a delight. There was humour, some fun side-characters (I particularly liked gossipy plotter Mary) and a swoon-worthy hero. Isabel was a great heroine, and if her plan went a little awry, her intentions were the best, and I liked her a lot. I had some reservations about the premise and how drunken Charles would redeem himself, but the author pulled it off magnificently, so I can’t give this less than five stars. Looking forward to the next book about Isabel’s beautiful younger sister.
Isabel Cosgrove, our heroine, had a walk-on role in the previous book, but it’s not necessary to have read that one first. This book picks up Isabel’s story in London in the midst of the shared season for her and her sister, up from Dorset for the occasion, and Isabel is suffering in comparison with the beautiful Cecilia. Our hero, Charles Galbraith, is in thrall to one of the ton’s incomparables, Julia Darling, who is a flighty piece, seeming to have lost interest in him in favour of another eligible. So Charles does what any young man would do when spurned by the woman he loves - he goes off and gets blind drunk, so drunk that he ends up in a wager with Isabel’s father, and wins her hand in marriage.
Now, there’s a lot to take on board here. Superficially it makes both Charles and Mr Cosgrove look like idiots. Charles is not only throwing away any possibility of Julia changing her mind again and coming back to him, he’s also binding himself for life to a woman he barely knows. And as for Mr Cosgrove, he looks like the world’s worst father for agreeing to such a wager in the first place (although, to be fair, he does have a better reason for his actions than mere drunken caprice). But Charles doesn’t, and the author sets herself quite a challenge here - from such an unpromising beginning, to make Charles into a sympathetic and heroic character. It’s a testament to her skill that she achieves this splendidly.
Fortunately for the reader inclined to dislike drunken Charles (ie me), sober Charles turns out to be a charming and honourable man, who immediately makes Isabel an offer in form. Which she rejects, even though she’s had the hots for him for years, because she doesn’t want a resentful husband, constantly mooning over his lost love and trying not to show it. Which is terribly decent of her. I’m not sure I could ever be quite so noble and self-sacrificing as the typical Regency heroine.
But she has a cunning plan. If she and Charles pretend to be betrothed for a while, it will make Julia jealous enough to return to Charles, and by that time Isabel’s beautiful younger sister will have achieved the expected stellar match and their father will be too pleased to be angry with Isabel. Now, there are more holes in this scheme than a sieve. I don’t know why it is, but whenever Regency characters get into a pickle, one of them is sure to say: I know, let’s pretend to be engaged! That’ll totally work! Which makes me want to bang their heads together and say: Guys, this is a terrible idea, don’t do it, OK? But they never listen.
So off they go with their fake betrothal, and of course all sorts of complications ensue, as expected. There’s a fairly dodgy subplot with a cute ingenue, who’s both naive and worldly-wise all at the same time, and the usual dastardly villain, and everything builds to a grand climax, which is good, dramatic stuff. But it’s the romance that steals the show here, and it’s my favourite sort, the slow build of two sensible and intelligent people towards their inevitable destiny. The denouement is delicious.
Niggles? Not many. Apart from a few anachronisms (a Regency hero who feels the need to ‘get out of his own head’?) and a plot that occasionally felt as if it was held together with chewing gum and string, this book was a delight. There was humour, some fun side-characters (I particularly liked gossipy plotter Mary) and a swoon-worthy hero. Isabel was a great heroine, and if her plan went a little awry, her intentions were the best, and I liked her a lot. I had some reservations about the premise and how drunken Charles would redeem himself, but the author pulled it off magnificently, so I can’t give this less than five stars. Looking forward to the next book about Isabel’s beautiful younger sister.
February 11, 2020
First and foremost, I adored Mr Stafford the rector, and I grew to love Hetty and even Mary. I think these secondary characters were the highlight for me.
As for the heroine, I appreciated Izzy's faith, care and friendship. Of Charles, whilst he had moments to shine through, I felt they were brief. The book starts off promising, with Izzy's father placing marriage to Izzy as a bet. What follows next felt jumbled, confusing and maybe even unnecessary. Izzy doesn't want to marry Charles because he feels obligated/because of her no-good father; knows he is honourable yet smitten with his childhood friend/love Julia (who is flaunting off with a no-good Mr Farrow) and thinks of killing two birds with one stone. There is also a thread with Izzy's sister Cecilia and a potential suitor. And Hetty's complication added to the mix. So we have multiple things going on at the same time plus emotions and jealousy, though some are one-sided infatuations if all players are involved (Izzy, Charles, Julia, and on the outside looking in to this triangle are Cecilia, and Mr Farrow). Whilst it didn't merit a dnf from me, it was repetitive reading about Izzy's feelings of self-sacrifice, secrecy and the need to run away from her love when it came to Charles. I didn't feel that Charles had that much conviction either in his choice or character - not to say he is not honourable, but he didn't stand out as distinctive, assertive hero.
Other characters seemed underutilised. Charles' mother was said to have an important impact on him, but this wasn't explored much. Izzy's mother was also someone I wanted to get to know better - we know that Izzy's parents were not a love match, but we really only got her as a foil to Mrs Robard. I know Cecilia will have the next book, but she dropped off from the book after the trip to the menagerie. Even Hetty disappeared abruptly partway...
Anyway, 2.5 stars rounded to 3. If the opportunity passes, I will be reading more from Martha Keyes.
As for the heroine, I appreciated Izzy's faith, care and friendship. Of Charles, whilst he had moments to shine through, I felt they were brief. The book starts off promising, with Izzy's father placing marriage to Izzy as a bet. What follows next felt jumbled, confusing and maybe even unnecessary. Izzy doesn't want to marry Charles because he feels obligated/because of her no-good father; knows he is honourable yet smitten with his childhood friend/love Julia (who is flaunting off with a no-good Mr Farrow) and thinks of killing two birds with one stone. There is also a thread with Izzy's sister Cecilia and a potential suitor. And Hetty's complication added to the mix. So we have multiple things going on at the same time plus emotions and jealousy, though some are one-sided infatuations if all players are involved (Izzy, Charles, Julia, and on the outside looking in to this triangle are Cecilia, and Mr Farrow). Whilst it didn't merit a dnf from me, it was repetitive reading about Izzy's feelings of self-sacrifice, secrecy and the need to run away from her love when it came to Charles. I didn't feel that Charles had that much conviction either in his choice or character - not to say he is not honourable, but he didn't stand out as distinctive, assertive hero.
Other characters seemed underutilised. Charles' mother was said to have an important impact on him, but this wasn't explored much. Izzy's mother was also someone I wanted to get to know better - we know that Izzy's parents were not a love match, but we really only got her as a foil to Mrs Robard. I know Cecilia will have the next book, but she dropped off from the book after the trip to the menagerie. Even Hetty disappeared abruptly partway...
Anyway, 2.5 stars rounded to 3. If the opportunity passes, I will be reading more from Martha Keyes.
August 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book and the main characters. Isabel is stable, mature, and at peace especially for someone that is treated so unfairly by her family. Charles was a fun hero. A little dense at figuring out his feelings but I liked him all the same. I thought I might not like Mary as much since she was so into gossip but I found her to be a true friend to Isabel. And I loved Hetty and was sad when she went away.
I can only think of two things I didn't like. 1) I should have liked to hear the conversation between Charles and Isabel talking about their first meeting as children. Did he remember it at all? Does he ever realize how much it meant to Isabel over the years? It was so sweet and hearing the story was what made me love Charles from the beginning. And 2) I would like to have learned what happens with Cecy and Miss Darling but perhaps that is for future books in the series?
Sex: some innuendo, a young woman carrying a child out of wedlock but no sex on the page
Language: just a little -mild
Violence: rector is hit over the head, attempted murder
*I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book and voluntarily choose to review it.
I can only think of two things I didn't like. 1) I should have liked to hear the conversation between Charles and Isabel talking about their first meeting as children. Did he remember it at all? Does he ever realize how much it meant to Isabel over the years? It was so sweet and hearing the story was what made me love Charles from the beginning. And 2) I would like to have learned what happens with Cecy and Miss Darling but perhaps that is for future books in the series?
Sex: some innuendo, a young woman carrying a child out of wedlock but no sex on the page
Language: just a little -mild
Violence: rector is hit over the head, attempted murder
*I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book and voluntarily choose to review it.
July 27, 2019
This was a good read. I liked Isabel and Charles's story. They didn't have a clear path, and since Charles was originally attracted to someone else, it was interesting to see how they would get together. I would have liked it a bit better if Isabel had told him how they first met, since it seems Charles didn't remember. Overall, it was a good read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of the book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
September 20, 2019
A slip of the lip
This novel has some good plot ideas but the story is made extremely tedious by the constant repetition of the heroine biting or chewing her lips or people knitting or wriggling their eyebrows. Seriously this happens on almost every page. The misunderstandings between the two lovers are even more tedious, dragged out ,and unbelievable than usual in a regency romance. Be prepared for a lot of skimming to get through this
This novel has some good plot ideas but the story is made extremely tedious by the constant repetition of the heroine biting or chewing her lips or people knitting or wriggling their eyebrows. Seriously this happens on almost every page. The misunderstandings between the two lovers are even more tedious, dragged out ,and unbelievable than usual in a regency romance. Be prepared for a lot of skimming to get through this
August 12, 2019
I received an ARC of this book and was not required to post a review but I so thoroughly enjoyed this book that I feel I must. I liked Isabel, Charles, Mary and Hetty very much. This is a sweet romance book that ends happily. It was well written and the characters were frustrating, funny, sweet and written in such a way that I wish I could see further into Isabel and Charles’ future.
April 29, 2025
I’ve reread Isabel many times—it’s truly a comfort read. I remember feeling frustrated by Charles’s arrangement with Isabel’s father on my first read. It felt unfair to Isabel and a bit manipulative. But with each reread, I came to appreciate how essential it was to the plot—it forced Charles and Isabel into proximity, allowing their friendship and eventual romance to unfold naturally and authentically.
This story isn’t a whirlwind romance—and that’s precisely what makes it special. The relationship between Charles and Isabel grows with beautiful subtlety. Instead of instant attraction, we get a tender progression from strangers to friends to something much more profound. Charles begins by seeing only Isabel’s outward quirks, but as they spend time together, he discovers her kindness, resilience, and inner beauty. Watching his slow realization and change of heart is immensely satisfying.
✨ Character Growth:
Both Isabel and Charles undergo meaningful transformations. Isabel, who has spent much of her life overlooked and underestimated, gradually steps into her confidence. She becomes a quietly courageous heroine, choosing to believe in her worth despite the judgments of others. Charles, meanwhile, evolves from a man driven by duty and appearances into someone who values depth, loyalty, and true character over social expectation.
✨ Plot & Pacing:
The story’s slower pace suits the emotional journey. Rather than grand external conflicts, the tension is relational and internal, perfect for readers who love character-driven romance with intense emotional payoff.
✨ Side Characters:
The side characters add richness without overwhelming the main story. Isabel’s family dynamics, especially the pressure from her father, create real stakes. And I loved how Lady Ellen and Lord Howcroft, familiar faces from Wyndcross (book one), appear! Seeing their continuing story subtly woven into this book gave it a warm, interconnected feel, like visiting old friends.
✨Themes:
Isabel beautifully explores themes of worth, perception, and quiet strength. It reminds readers that love isn’t always found in grand gestures but in another person's slow, steady choosing day after day.
💭 Final Thoughts:
While some readers might wish for more overt passion, I found the understated romance one of the book’s greatest strengths. The friendship-first foundation made the ultimate romantic moments feel deeply earned and moving. Martha Keyes has a way of crafting stories that linger long after the final page—and Isabel is no exception.
This story isn’t a whirlwind romance—and that’s precisely what makes it special. The relationship between Charles and Isabel grows with beautiful subtlety. Instead of instant attraction, we get a tender progression from strangers to friends to something much more profound. Charles begins by seeing only Isabel’s outward quirks, but as they spend time together, he discovers her kindness, resilience, and inner beauty. Watching his slow realization and change of heart is immensely satisfying.
✨ Character Growth:
Both Isabel and Charles undergo meaningful transformations. Isabel, who has spent much of her life overlooked and underestimated, gradually steps into her confidence. She becomes a quietly courageous heroine, choosing to believe in her worth despite the judgments of others. Charles, meanwhile, evolves from a man driven by duty and appearances into someone who values depth, loyalty, and true character over social expectation.
✨ Plot & Pacing:
The story’s slower pace suits the emotional journey. Rather than grand external conflicts, the tension is relational and internal, perfect for readers who love character-driven romance with intense emotional payoff.
✨ Side Characters:
The side characters add richness without overwhelming the main story. Isabel’s family dynamics, especially the pressure from her father, create real stakes. And I loved how Lady Ellen and Lord Howcroft, familiar faces from Wyndcross (book one), appear! Seeing their continuing story subtly woven into this book gave it a warm, interconnected feel, like visiting old friends.
✨Themes:
Isabel beautifully explores themes of worth, perception, and quiet strength. It reminds readers that love isn’t always found in grand gestures but in another person's slow, steady choosing day after day.
💭 Final Thoughts:
While some readers might wish for more overt passion, I found the understated romance one of the book’s greatest strengths. The friendship-first foundation made the ultimate romantic moments feel deeply earned and moving. Martha Keyes has a way of crafting stories that linger long after the final page—and Isabel is no exception.
January 9, 2023
What I love about these books is their basic decency. Isabelle is a kind woman who lives in the shadow of her beautiful and much petted younger sister. Charles is a man who was kind to her years ago. She has never forgotten him.
It’s tough to understand a father gambling away a daughter, and it’s harder to understand why a well to do young man would accept a such a wager, even while drunk. Romance often depends on these devices. I actually wonder if such things did really occur? In any case, two decent people are thrown together and have to figure out what to do.
Charles has grown up with Julia Darling (love the name) and is only waiting for her first season to marry her. Already I’m smelling a rat. Sure enough Julia develops a tendre for a wealthy rogue. Charles is confused and then angry. But he continues to feel that he knows the ‘real’ Julia. Hmmm. But not unusual even in real life. We do cling to our illusions.
Isabelle has the most odious father who will throw her out if she doesn’t marry Charles. Charles is a gentleman so he’ll marry her even if he still loves Julia. Toss into this mix a lovable but not too bright young woman who has been compromised and abandoned by the wealthy rogue that Julia favors.
I enjoyed spending time with Isabelle and Charles. My only wish was that Isabelle not become a complete martyr and that Charles spend a little time re-evaluating the lovely Julia. I would have wished him to see her past actions with a bit more clarity. But this is still a lovely and enjoyable story.
It’s tough to understand a father gambling away a daughter, and it’s harder to understand why a well to do young man would accept a such a wager, even while drunk. Romance often depends on these devices. I actually wonder if such things did really occur? In any case, two decent people are thrown together and have to figure out what to do.
Charles has grown up with Julia Darling (love the name) and is only waiting for her first season to marry her. Already I’m smelling a rat. Sure enough Julia develops a tendre for a wealthy rogue. Charles is confused and then angry. But he continues to feel that he knows the ‘real’ Julia. Hmmm. But not unusual even in real life. We do cling to our illusions.
Isabelle has the most odious father who will throw her out if she doesn’t marry Charles. Charles is a gentleman so he’ll marry her even if he still loves Julia. Toss into this mix a lovable but not too bright young woman who has been compromised and abandoned by the wealthy rogue that Julia favors.
I enjoyed spending time with Isabelle and Charles. My only wish was that Isabelle not become a complete martyr and that Charles spend a little time re-evaluating the lovely Julia. I would have wished him to see her past actions with a bit more clarity. But this is still a lovely and enjoyable story.
March 13, 2020
I actually really enjoyed this book. I haven't read the first one, but it was fine as a stand-alone. There was one reference to the couple before, but nothing more.
The characters were well-developed and the style was easy to read and enjoyable.
I was heading towards five stars, but I felt it dragged on a bit long. Charles kept turning back to Miss Darling long after he should have seen her for what she really was and Isabel's desperation to run from Charles got too much. I mean, she had almost been burned to death and was still recovering, but she had to get up in the middle of the night and run...? And I get she didn't want to tell him that she loved him, but simply announcing: "I don't want to marry you," was cruel and harsh, and therefore out of character. Even just "I can't be in a marriage where my husband is pining after another woman" would have been a better answer. I guess it wouldn't create quite so much drama, though.
And speaking of, what on earth did she put in the letter to him, for reading it didn't seem to give Charles any enlightenment. It was still left to Isabel's friend to fill in all the details.
Overall I liked the two main characters and am glad they got their HEA.
Having said that, I have no desire to read about Cecilia, because she is one of the bad characters in this book and I don't want to endure her selfishness again so I will stop there.
The characters were well-developed and the style was easy to read and enjoyable.
I was heading towards five stars, but I felt it dragged on a bit long. Charles kept turning back to Miss Darling long after he should have seen her for what she really was and Isabel's desperation to run from Charles got too much. I mean, she had almost been burned to death and was still recovering, but she had to get up in the middle of the night and run...? And I get she didn't want to tell him that she loved him, but simply announcing: "I don't want to marry you," was cruel and harsh, and therefore out of character. Even just "I can't be in a marriage where my husband is pining after another woman" would have been a better answer. I guess it wouldn't create quite so much drama, though.
And speaking of, what on earth did she put in the letter to him, for reading it didn't seem to give Charles any enlightenment. It was still left to Isabel's friend to fill in all the details.
Overall I liked the two main characters and am glad they got their HEA.
Having said that, I have no desire to read about Cecilia, because she is one of the bad characters in this book and I don't want to endure her selfishness again so I will stop there.
January 27, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, let me start off with that. It was a delightful read filled with love, misunderstandings, damsel in distress, and intrigue! I loved that there was just the right amount of dialogue and how natural the dialogue felt. I never once felt like I was being told something through dialogue for the sake of informing the reader and/or the other characters in the book. This book immediately grabbed my interest and it was well on its way to becoming a favorite, but there were a few minor things that is preventing me from truly loving it. While I didn't necessarily find the book lacking in any one major theme, I feel like the book would have greatly benefited from the following:
I love that Isabel is secure-ish in who she is and knows her worth, but I wish I had seen that exchange between her and her pastor rather than simply be told about it. I wanted to see her overcome that rather than come in after the fact.
i would have also liked to have seen the gradual growing of love between the main characters. I feel like there was so much going on, that it sometimes was eclipsed by everything else. For example, there were multiple moments I felt like the book was more a set up for Cecily's story than anything else. There were also so many lost opportunities to take us deeper into the blossoming love between FMC and MMC and into the development of said characters.
I love that Isabel is secure-ish in who she is and knows her worth, but I wish I had seen that exchange between her and her pastor rather than simply be told about it. I wanted to see her overcome that rather than come in after the fact.
i would have also liked to have seen the gradual growing of love between the main characters. I feel like there was so much going on, that it sometimes was eclipsed by everything else. For example, there were multiple moments I felt like the book was more a set up for Cecily's story than anything else. There were also so many lost opportunities to take us deeper into the blossoming love between FMC and MMC and into the development of said characters.
April 23, 2024
Isabel has been told by her father that she is to marry Charles due to his loss in a poker game. Isabel has pined over Charles for years but doesn't wish to marry him when his hand is forced. Charles agreed to the marriage as part of a bet but also in an attempt to move on from his one true love, Julia. Isabel comes up with a plan to temporarily appease her father while helping Charles to win Julia back. It sounds like a brilliant plan until other factors become involved. After a scandal, sibling rivalry, and danger surrounding the situation alter things, Charles and Isabel may have to reevaluate their plan. But as things change quickly around them, they have a brand new factor to consider... their growing feelings for each other.
This is the second book in the Families of Dorset series and I listened to it on audiobook. I really enjoyed the ever changing relationships among the characters. It made for a fun read. I also enjoyed the storyline with Hettie and how Charles and Isabel came together to look out for her. Charles and Isabel had good chemistry and I liked watching them grow closer. I enjoyed the suspenseful ending but the struggle with the communication of their feelings was a little frustrating. All in all, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it as a fun, regency romance.
This is the second book in the Families of Dorset series and I listened to it on audiobook. I really enjoyed the ever changing relationships among the characters. It made for a fun read. I also enjoyed the storyline with Hettie and how Charles and Isabel came together to look out for her. Charles and Isabel had good chemistry and I liked watching them grow closer. I enjoyed the suspenseful ending but the struggle with the communication of their feelings was a little frustrating. All in all, I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it as a fun, regency romance.
January 27, 2020
I couldn’t put this book down and basically read it in one day. I was pulled into the storyline right from the beginning.
Isabel’s father is drunk and lost too much money and offers his prettiest daughter’s hand in marriage. But Charles doesn’t want to marry the prettiest, so he picks Isabel from a family portrait.
Isabel, obviously upset at the turn of events, tries to put it off as long as possible. She only wants to marry for love and clearly Charles is broken-hearted by Julia.
Great dynamics. Isabel was driving me crazy by sacrificing herself but she did try to talk to Charles. Charles was an idiot at times wanting to be with Julia still. I wish there was more at the end, maybe Isabel gets a letter from Hetty. And that inspires Isabel.
What about Charles’ father and his business dealings with Isabel’s father? That could’ve been another driving element. It was enough to keep Charles to honor his word (even if Isabel didn’t want it) but never seemed that important. And if Isabel’s father is in debt a lot, why would his opinion matter?
What about her family after the climax of events? Meeting Isabel’s brother Tobias seemed really out of place. I’m sure at some point he’ll get his own story.
Isabel’s father is drunk and lost too much money and offers his prettiest daughter’s hand in marriage. But Charles doesn’t want to marry the prettiest, so he picks Isabel from a family portrait.
Isabel, obviously upset at the turn of events, tries to put it off as long as possible. She only wants to marry for love and clearly Charles is broken-hearted by Julia.
Great dynamics. Isabel was driving me crazy by sacrificing herself but she did try to talk to Charles. Charles was an idiot at times wanting to be with Julia still. I wish there was more at the end, maybe Isabel gets a letter from Hetty. And that inspires Isabel.
What about Charles’ father and his business dealings with Isabel’s father? That could’ve been another driving element. It was enough to keep Charles to honor his word (even if Isabel didn’t want it) but never seemed that important. And if Isabel’s father is in debt a lot, why would his opinion matter?
What about her family after the climax of events? Meeting Isabel’s brother Tobias seemed really out of place. I’m sure at some point he’ll get his own story.
January 29, 2020
This is book #2 in the Dorset series by Martha Keyes. I did like this one better than book #1, but still not a winner or keeper for me. Isabel Cosgrove has been told by her domineering father that he lost her in a card game to a gentleman that she now must marry. Apparently, winner Charles Galbraith is someone she has noticed, and is attracted to, but to be gambling stakes is not quite what she has always dreamed of.
Charles Galbraith is a decent guy, but he pities himself because the woman he has been attracted to is playing games with him. So why not just honor his predicament and marry his prize. Surprised by Isabel’s pluckiness, she refuses the matrimonial formality but comes up with a plan to cause jealousy for the “other” woman. Charles thinks the plan has possibilities so the two of them embark on playing it out.
With other factors coming to light, and some additional characters and their predicaments, the story becomes a bit of a tangled web, but interesting!
I have two complaints: the first comes at the end of the story when the misunderstanding of feelings is drug out too long between Charles and Isabel. The second, (and it happens all through both books) is a question is asked by one character; then there are two or three paragraphs of random writings/descriptions/whatever… then the answer is finally stated in the following paragraph and by that time I have to look back at what the questions was! Not my favorite writing technique as the reader. Even though I generally liked this book, don’t think I’ll bother with the rest of the Dorset series.
Charles Galbraith is a decent guy, but he pities himself because the woman he has been attracted to is playing games with him. So why not just honor his predicament and marry his prize. Surprised by Isabel’s pluckiness, she refuses the matrimonial formality but comes up with a plan to cause jealousy for the “other” woman. Charles thinks the plan has possibilities so the two of them embark on playing it out.
With other factors coming to light, and some additional characters and their predicaments, the story becomes a bit of a tangled web, but interesting!
I have two complaints: the first comes at the end of the story when the misunderstanding of feelings is drug out too long between Charles and Isabel. The second, (and it happens all through both books) is a question is asked by one character; then there are two or three paragraphs of random writings/descriptions/whatever… then the answer is finally stated in the following paragraph and by that time I have to look back at what the questions was! Not my favorite writing technique as the reader. Even though I generally liked this book, don’t think I’ll bother with the rest of the Dorset series.
June 10, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book because it was believable. The plot was something I could truly see happening, the characters were relatable and made believable decisions considering their circumstances, etc. While it was not the most climatic of books, I felt like the ending fit the story well. One thing I was impressed with as well, was the overall flow/continuity to the characters and their stories. There weren't any moments in the story where I thought, "Wait a minute, there is no way that would have actually happened." Or, "That was way out of character." This is something that I see often in romantic novels, as the author will try to fling a romantic or dramatic moment into the story when it isn't necessary or expected. It is especially irritating when the leading couple just absolutely fail to have any chemistry and then at the end of the book it is like, "BAM! They're in love. They're gettin' married!" And I felt that this book was good in that aspect. I'd say if you need a super intense, emotional, climatic book, then this one is not for you. But, if you can look past the fact that those aren't it's strengths and enjoy a well written story with believable and likeable characters, then this book will work just fine!
March 23, 2020
A really great clean romance!
I loved this book!! 1st..it's cute Eliza is so sure she knows what's best for Charles that she drives me crazy, even though I know she'll have a happy ending. And I wanted to beat Charles over the head because he keeps trying to win Juia. I ove the characters the little bit of drama thst brought this book to a new level instead of just a Regency era romance with balls & carriage rides. Farrow's participation intrigued me so much! I never would have guesed his relation to a "certain someone". 😁 2nd reason...it's clean! As a Christian & a woman who was raised with good morals, I really treasure clean romances! A great writer can make a clean romance more intriguing & sexy than one filled with pornography. And THIS is a great author! I thank this author for writing this terrific romance! And 3rd..it was a free ebook. I read so many books that I can't afford to buy more than one for 99 cents occasionally. So thanks to the author & Amazon for making this free. Hopefully I'll get to read the next book about Cecilia. I did find itstrange tht se didn't appear,but was only mentioned in epilogue, but then I read the reason.
I loved this book!! 1st..it's cute Eliza is so sure she knows what's best for Charles that she drives me crazy, even though I know she'll have a happy ending. And I wanted to beat Charles over the head because he keeps trying to win Juia. I ove the characters the little bit of drama thst brought this book to a new level instead of just a Regency era romance with balls & carriage rides. Farrow's participation intrigued me so much! I never would have guesed his relation to a "certain someone". 😁 2nd reason...it's clean! As a Christian & a woman who was raised with good morals, I really treasure clean romances! A great writer can make a clean romance more intriguing & sexy than one filled with pornography. And THIS is a great author! I thank this author for writing this terrific romance! And 3rd..it was a free ebook. I read so many books that I can't afford to buy more than one for 99 cents occasionally. So thanks to the author & Amazon for making this free. Hopefully I'll get to read the next book about Cecilia. I did find itstrange tht se didn't appear,but was only mentioned in epilogue, but then I read the reason.
June 21, 2024
Love a fake relationship trope and this one has so much going for it. Isabel is misunderstood and overlooked by her family and society in general so she's stunned when her father tries to force an arranged marriage upon her. The potential groom makes a reckless wager after he is spurned by the woman he loves. If he can't have 'his' Julia, what does it matter who he weds? And so the stage is set. Bwahahaha!
Of course, Isabel isn't at all what Charles expects. She's clever and kind and determined to salvage their situation and help him win back the heart of his fickle love (gag.) Loved the relationship that grows between Isabel and Charles -- though he truly was a dunderhead at times! It takes him long enough to recognize Julia's (former lady love) true nature and what a gem he has in Isabel! And there's Isabel in the unenviable position of falling in love with the man she's determined to set free!
Plus there's villainy afoot and some unexpected danger just to add to the drama and tension all drawn out to sweet perfection. So much fun!
Of course, Isabel isn't at all what Charles expects. She's clever and kind and determined to salvage their situation and help him win back the heart of his fickle love (gag.) Loved the relationship that grows between Isabel and Charles -- though he truly was a dunderhead at times! It takes him long enough to recognize Julia's (former lady love) true nature and what a gem he has in Isabel! And there's Isabel in the unenviable position of falling in love with the man she's determined to set free!
Plus there's villainy afoot and some unexpected danger just to add to the drama and tension all drawn out to sweet perfection. So much fun!
January 12, 2021
I enjoyed the first of this series, "Wyndcross", and thought it was well written, so I was excited to read this one. I liked the characters well enough, especially Isabel's strong resolve to make her life work. The things I disliked dropped the rating from 4 stars to 2.
I understood from the beginning that Charles had massive dark eyebrows - I didn't have to read about them snapping together on, what felt like, every page. [Also, having a dark brow and having dark eyebrows are two different things.] But the eyebrows were counterbalanced by one of the females - usually Isabel - pulling her lips between her teeth! These two repetitions got really annoying. I know that Isabel was supposed to be very intelligent, but it felt like the author had a need to continually use unfamiliar "highbrow" words. And yet we read chaise lounge when the correct term is chaise longue.
Since this came as a set of three novels I will hope for the best with #3.
I understood from the beginning that Charles had massive dark eyebrows - I didn't have to read about them snapping together on, what felt like, every page. [Also, having a dark brow and having dark eyebrows are two different things.] But the eyebrows were counterbalanced by one of the females - usually Isabel - pulling her lips between her teeth! These two repetitions got really annoying. I know that Isabel was supposed to be very intelligent, but it felt like the author had a need to continually use unfamiliar "highbrow" words. And yet we read chaise lounge when the correct term is chaise longue.
Since this came as a set of three novels I will hope for the best with #3.
April 15, 2023
A great read from Martha Keyes. I enjoyed Eleanor and wanted to give this one a go.
Isabel, who is very much a people pleaser, spends much of her life trying to make sure those around her are happy. Even at the cost of sacrificing her own happiness. At first, I didn't really like Charles. He and Isabel's father are both drunk and placing wagers on a game (Isabel's hand is one of the things at stake) which was a little off-putting. But throughout the novel, he sacrifices for Isabel (and others) and proves himself to be a good man. The progression of their romance was very sweet and I really enjoyed that aspect.
My only complaint is that I didn't like how Isabel would sacrifice herself for other without even asking what they wanted. I think her intentions were good but it was frustrating that a lot of the conflict could have been solved with a simple conversation.
Overall, though, a great read. I will be continuing the series and can't wait to read Cecilia's story!
Isabel, who is very much a people pleaser, spends much of her life trying to make sure those around her are happy. Even at the cost of sacrificing her own happiness. At first, I didn't really like Charles. He and Isabel's father are both drunk and placing wagers on a game (Isabel's hand is one of the things at stake) which was a little off-putting. But throughout the novel, he sacrifices for Isabel (and others) and proves himself to be a good man. The progression of their romance was very sweet and I really enjoyed that aspect.
My only complaint is that I didn't like how Isabel would sacrifice herself for other without even asking what they wanted. I think her intentions were good but it was frustrating that a lot of the conflict could have been solved with a simple conversation.
Overall, though, a great read. I will be continuing the series and can't wait to read Cecilia's story!
July 10, 2023
This is not a book I shall remember forever. In fact although I finished it only last week I have trouble recalling what it was about!
My overall impression is one of silliness from the heroine and her friend Mary, trying desperately to manipulate the feelings of the male characters. The premise, that during a drunken card playing session Isabel's father gambled her daughter's hand promised an interesting development. However, although the main hero quickly developed into a very likeable and honourable character, the girls shenanigans to avoid him and encourage him to go back to his original 'nearly betrothed' were decidedly silly.
Of course, as one would expect all's well that ends well and there were a few scenes which were very good, as for example Isobel's mother dry set down of a social climbing mother.
So, all in all, only fairly entertaining, but it is certainly not Martha Keyes best work.
My overall impression is one of silliness from the heroine and her friend Mary, trying desperately to manipulate the feelings of the male characters. The premise, that during a drunken card playing session Isabel's father gambled her daughter's hand promised an interesting development. However, although the main hero quickly developed into a very likeable and honourable character, the girls shenanigans to avoid him and encourage him to go back to his original 'nearly betrothed' were decidedly silly.
Of course, as one would expect all's well that ends well and there were a few scenes which were very good, as for example Isobel's mother dry set down of a social climbing mother.
So, all in all, only fairly entertaining, but it is certainly not Martha Keyes best work.
February 8, 2021
This was a really good read for me. Coming from someone who read one romance novel in a week, this was a very refreshing change and I can't wait to checkout more of the author's work. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would check out more from the author soon.
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