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Loring-Abbott #4.5
Second Dance: An Encore Novella
Is it ever too late for a second chance at love?
The Dowager Duchess of Loring had finally married off all her grandchildren and was now uncertain about what her future held. When she accompanies her grandson and his new wife on a trip to Italy, a chance encounter with a past love turns her world upside down.
For over 30 years, Luca Faranese, Conte de Salerno, has tried to forget the woman who stole his heart. Fate gives them a second chance, but will their love be enough to keep them together forever the second time?
The Dowager Duchess of Loring had finally married off all her grandchildren and was now uncertain about what her future held. When she accompanies her grandson and his new wife on a trip to Italy, a chance encounter with a past love turns her world upside down.
For over 30 years, Luca Faranese, Conte de Salerno, has tried to forget the woman who stole his heart. Fate gives them a second chance, but will their love be enough to keep them together forever the second time?
Audible Audio
Published October 20, 2023
About the author
Elizabeth Johns
97 books371 followers Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 20, 2015
Love
I can't even put into words how much I love Elizabeth John's writing. Thank you for another sweet story. I am a reader for life!!
I can't even put into words how much I love Elizabeth John's writing. Thank you for another sweet story. I am a reader for life!!
June 27, 2021
What a sweet ending to this series. The Dowager Duchess has taken care of the happiness for her family and by chance she can regain a love she gave up over thirty years ago for her children. She is on her way to Italy with Andrew and Gwen. On board is the man she gave up all those years ago. Can they find happiness now?
September 21, 2024
Good, clean read
I really enjoy reading books that are interesting, have a good plot, a few surprises, and are clean. This book and many others by this author fit that description. Very good!
I really enjoy reading books that are interesting, have a good plot, a few surprises, and are clean. This book and many others by this author fit that description. Very good!
April 20, 2019
This was a cute ending to the series. I liked that the duchess finally got a happy ever after.
December 1, 2019
An expedited romance if I ever read one but what else could happen in a novella? Nice story.
October 4, 2020
Very cute and fun
Oh the grandma is wonderfully funny and witty. I really enjoyed her! How fun was this story. I love luca also!
Oh the grandma is wonderfully funny and witty. I really enjoyed her! How fun was this story. I love luca also!
March 17, 2021
Love this short sweet story of mature love. It was nearly perfect as an end to the series. I loved Luca and was thrilled that the Duchess found her second chance at love. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2023
Good love story
This was a good book. I was looking for a shorter story to read tonight. Life sometimes gives us second chance at love.
This was a good book. I was looking for a shorter story to read tonight. Life sometimes gives us second chance at love.
December 28, 2023
A fun quick read of the Dowager Duchess lost Italian love.
December 30, 2023
This was really nice. It's a novella but it's a lot more believable because they've apparently met and they're just picking up where they left off.
December 13, 2024
A sweet romance, I just wish it would have been longer
October 11, 2025
Cute little novella to close out the Loring-Abbott stories with the Dowager reuniting with a lost love and finally giving in to what SHE deserves.
November 12, 2015
Second Dance: Encore Novella by Elizabeth Johns
Book Five of the Loring-Abbott Series
Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Loring is travelling with her grandson Andrew and his wife Gwen. They are still quite the honeymooners, so she's not quite getting a good night's sleep. Not with sharing a cabin wall on the ship they are on. One night as she goes to the deck for a reprieve...she receives quite a surprise.
Luca Faranese, Conte de Salerno had always prayed he'd once again find his Etta, but many years have passed. Until now. Will she choose her own happiness or once again choose the happiness of others before herself...and him?
This is a wonderful short story about the dear grandmother who has been in her grand-children's lives. And love lives. Come along on the ship to Italy for a unique touch of amore.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Book Five of the Loring-Abbott Series
Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Loring is travelling with her grandson Andrew and his wife Gwen. They are still quite the honeymooners, so she's not quite getting a good night's sleep. Not with sharing a cabin wall on the ship they are on. One night as she goes to the deck for a reprieve...she receives quite a surprise.
Luca Faranese, Conte de Salerno had always prayed he'd once again find his Etta, but many years have passed. Until now. Will she choose her own happiness or once again choose the happiness of others before herself...and him?
This is a wonderful short story about the dear grandmother who has been in her grand-children's lives. And love lives. Come along on the ship to Italy for a unique touch of amore.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
November 15, 2015
What a perfect ending to the Loring-Abbot series. I have loved all four books in this series and was excited to see that the Henrietta, the Dowager Duchess finally get her chance at a happy ending.
I loved Henrietta and her meddling ways. All her grandchildren needed a push in the marriage direction and she was the one to do the shoving, however now that they are all married she doesn't know what to do with herself.
As she is on a trip with her grandson and new wife to Italy she meets the Luca, a man she fell in love with 3 decades earlier, but gave up in order to be there for her children. Luca is still in love with her but Henrietta is afraid to make the leap.
Will she finally choose herself and freely love the man she lost decades ago or will she let fear guide her choice again.
I loved Henrietta and her meddling ways. All her grandchildren needed a push in the marriage direction and she was the one to do the shoving, however now that they are all married she doesn't know what to do with herself.
As she is on a trip with her grandson and new wife to Italy she meets the Luca, a man she fell in love with 3 decades earlier, but gave up in order to be there for her children. Luca is still in love with her but Henrietta is afraid to make the leap.
Will she finally choose herself and freely love the man she lost decades ago or will she let fear guide her choice again.
November 12, 2015
Amazing! I fell in love with the Loring-Abbott series. The Duchess is a lovable character and I was thrilled that she got her own happy ending. Book 5 is a about Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Loring, being reconnected with her true love Luca Faranese, Conte de Salerno while traveling to Italy with Andrew and Gwen, however, the readers are updated on the other characters (family members) from the other books in the series. Elizabeth Johns is a talented author and I look forward to reading more of her work. This is a series I could and will reread.
May 3, 2016
This book is the encore novella for this series, and it is all about second chances. It is a short but beautiful read. This novella is a gloriously beautiful and satisfying ending to a wonderful series that is sure to make you smile and feel good. It is well-written (as are all of the books in this series), hopeful and heartwarming.
If you are a fan of this series then this encore novella is a must read, because this novella is a wonderful finishing story. I am looking forward to reading much more from this very talented author.
If you are a fan of this series then this encore novella is a must read, because this novella is a wonderful finishing story. I am looking forward to reading much more from this very talented author.
May 10, 2016
This little novella is a charming and sweet conclusion to the Loring-Abbott series, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Family matriarch and widow Henrietta, who has always played an important part in her family’s lives, now has a chance for romance herself. The story is short and sweet. I read it start to finish last night before turning off the light…and just before the Texas night sky erupted in lightning and thunder. We don’t have that in California. Exciting stuff!
November 26, 2016
Henrietta and Luca!s story ... Verified purchase
A wonderful story by Elizabeth Johns , about my favorite character in the series The dowager Duchess of Loring , who once put her family's happiness before her own . This is a beautifully written short story. It is about a second chance if only The Duchess makes the right choice this time.
A wonderful story by Elizabeth Johns , about my favorite character in the series The dowager Duchess of Loring , who once put her family's happiness before her own . This is a beautifully written short story. It is about a second chance if only The Duchess makes the right choice this time.
June 18, 2016
A terrific end to the series!
This was a marvelous ending story. I only wish there were more stories with all the characters met thru each book. Thank you Elizabeth John's. When is your next book coming out?
This was a marvelous ending story. I only wish there were more stories with all the characters met thru each book. Thank you Elizabeth John's. When is your next book coming out?
September 21, 2016
The finishing touch
This sweet little novella would have a hard time standing on its own because it refers to so many various characters from all five books. But it's a lovely story and ties the entire package with a shiny bow. Nicely done!
This sweet little novella would have a hard time standing on its own because it refers to so many various characters from all five books. But it's a lovely story and ties the entire package with a shiny bow. Nicely done!
October 15, 2016
Enjoyable read.
I liked the story and would enjoy it more if it included some suspense. I love a good mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this type of book.
I liked the story and would enjoy it more if it included some suspense. I love a good mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this type of book.
May 23, 2016
Love this book. It's nice to finally see the grandmother who's been meddling finally get her time to shine. Great storyline and new characters but just an amazing book about second chances.
July 14, 2016
Another wonderful read
This author never disappoints. I have given her books as gifts and they are loved. You will love her stories.
This author never disappoints. I have given her books as gifts and they are loved. You will love her stories.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews