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The Penwarrens #1

Claire, After All

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Claire Penwarren is a force to be reckoned with. Commissioned by her widowed father, she descends on the green Sussex hills with three assignments. Ready Loden Hall for her father's arrival as the new earl. Find the perfect husband for her gorgeous half-sister. Acquire a tutor for her rapscallion twin brothers. At twenty-eight Claire--now Lady Claire--has had years of experience running an orderly household in India and cannot imagine England will be any different. Older. Wiser. That's Claire.



But England refuses to cooperate with Claire's well laid plans. How did beautiful Loden Hall become such a ruin and how will she make it right in time? Why is her usually cooperative sister so resistant to Claire's recommendation for a husband? Why are her brothers so unhappy that stowing away on a merchant ship holds more appeal than her loving care at home? Really, if it weren't for the unexpectedly practical advice of her neighbor the Marquis of Symonton, she would feel quite alone.



For Claire, focused on the tangled knots of her own family, Symonton is the perfect ally. Who better to offer guidance than a man savvy enough to maneuver his way through society for six and thirty years without being trapped into matrimony? And how fortunate that the man is entertained by her family's exploits! But even with Symonton, Claire manages to get it wrong. It's not her family he's interested in and amusement is not what he feels. The man has other plans entirely. Maturity and experience are all well and good, but Claire will learn that neither is as valuable as love.



Book I of The Penwarrens, a series of 3 light-hearted Victorian romances.
Claire, After All   ~   Listening to Abby   ~   Jubilee Rose

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2014

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About the author

Karen J. Hasley

17 books39 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,583 reviews1,562 followers
April 13, 2017
Kindle freebie
Victorian Romance

Eight-and-Twenty-year-old Claire Penwarren is bringing her younger siblings back to England, to their father's newly inherited estate, from their home in India. Quite used to managing her father's household and her younger siblings from an early age, Claire is up to the task, or so she thinks. The antics of a naughty cat throw her literally into the path of Robert The Marquis of Symynton. Known in London as the Ice Man, Symonton is not too happy about the encounter but Claire has such a way with words, he can't help stay angry for long, and besides, his nephew Harry has just fallen head over heels in love with Claire's beautiful younger sister Cecilia and the families are neighbors in Sussex. The Penwarrens arrival is not quite what they expected. Claire needs to summon all her managing smarts, her courage and her cunning to set everything to rights. She also needs a little help from Symonton to deal with her rapscallion younger brothers, the young lovers and other unpleasant people. Somewhere along the way, Symon falls in love for the first time in his life. He isn't the marrying sort and even if he was, Claire regards him in a distinctly avuncular way and besides, she has no interest in marriage herself, or so she says.

This story can best be described as a rewrite of Frederica. You have one managing spinster (check), one beautiful younger sister (check), a pair of lively younger brothers (check), an animal companion (check) and a cynical, bored Marquis (check). However, this story is different enough to be a unique story despite the similarities. The writing style is not quite so lively and the plot not as fun as Frederica but I really enjoyed it. I loved the romance. It is a slow burn, growing from friendship to love. When the kiss finally comes, I thought "It's about time!" There's passion there that's not in Heyer's book, but it's restrained and while Symon occasionally thinks about having Claire in bed, he knows better than to act on his feelings. He knows there has to be more there than just passion and that's why this romance excels above the rest of the genre. The plot is typical Regency romance but the period details date to the end of King William's reign and the very early days of Queen Victoria's. The details are small but they work well in the story.

I really liked Claire. At first I was worried she was too much of a Mary Sue to be appealing, but she's not. She has a temper but knows how to keep it in check-most of the time. She is also very bossy and I can relate to that also being the oldest in the family. Claire has had a lot of responsibility from a young age so she can't help but try to arrange everyone's lives. She has more personality than her sister CeeCee. CeeCee is very much like Charis in Frederica with more brains and a lot like Jane in Pride and Prejudice. She's just so sweet and good, I can't hate her.

I also liked Symon. He's a bit cynical, which I understand given his position and his history. He is a man of the town, a Corinthian hero, my favorite kind. His path to self-realization is great. I like how he develops and softens a bit but remains true to himself and that's fine with me.

The secondary characters don't sparkle like they do in Heyer's magnificent prose, but they're good characters. Aunt Sophie's story is interesting though her development could have been a little more drawn out. The same goes for the servants. Claire's twin brothers may be identical in appearance, but their personalities are different. They're typical lively young boys who keep their sister on her toes. The animal companion here is Babu, a white cat brought along from India. Some of the story is told from her point-of-view. I don't love cats and Babu can not compare to Lufra, the Baluchistan Hound but she plays an important role in the story.

I recommend this to those who love sweet Regency romances and Georgette Heyer.
Profile Image for Mela.
2,015 reviews267 followers
June 14, 2024
I have picked the novel because QNPoohBear called it a rewriting of Frederica and I see why she did so.

I had a lovely time with this love story. Perhaps there was not much of "wow", but Karen J. Hasley wrote in the style of Regency romance (although the story took place a bit later) that didn't make me wince, and she has a wit so precious in the genre.

[3-3.5 stars]
Profile Image for HR-ML.
1,271 reviews54 followers
June 14, 2021
A Victorian romance. I liked this old-fashioned romance,
where the MCs gradually fell in love. It was a formula
romance with a few surprises.

Romances---
Claire & Robert (a marquis) the H+ h
Sister Cecelia "CeCe" & a good man.

Claire's father Philip survived 3 wives and owned a
successful tea plantation in India. His 2nd daughter
Cece had an Indian mother. Intelligent, sweet,& loyal
Cece was subjected to racial hatred.

Claire raised her 3 sibs and jokingly called herself
"managing." Claire and her sibs settled in England,
with their father to follow later. Spinster Claire
wanted to find Cece a good match who would see
beyond her beauty. And treat her with the respect
she deserved. No jealousy in the looks dept. Claire
thought herself too old to attract a man.

Claire met tactiturn Robert who made assumptions
about her carelessness: her cat frightened his horse.
(Sorry Robert, cats run after mice.) Robert had a home
in Cornwall, but several mos. a year visited his sister
Margaret whose country home had as neighbor Aunt
Sophie. Whose BIL Philip owned the property. Margaret
became suspicious when Robert extended his stay.

Claire & cool, jaded Robert figuratively danced around
each other & fought their emotions. Robert, never in
love before, thought of it as "painful love sickness."
But love prevailed.
Profile Image for RedRedtheycallmeRed.
1,972 reviews49 followers
June 27, 2021
I very much enjoyed "What We Carry With Us" by this author, and though the setting is quite different, there's the same sense of overall goodness that I liked. I read a lot of mystery/thriller/apocalyptic type books and this was a lovely palate cleanser, it just left me happy.

At first glance, Claire seems almost too perfect, too capable. But beneath her cheerful facade, there's an occasional fiery temper, especially when it comes to protecting her family. Claire is 28, she's been managing her three-times-widowed father's household since she was a child and has decided to be the spinster sister/aunt, content to find happiness for everyone else but herself. But of course life has other plans!

When Claire meets Symonton, they get off to a difficult start, but even the "ice man" seems charmed by her. Everyone else but the two of them see it way before them, but I enjoyed their easy friendship that slowly turns into something more.

It's a short book, the characters are endearing, and it's sprinkled with humor.
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,884 reviews13 followers
January 3, 2024
This was a freebie on Amazon. One of the few freebie's I've given 5 stars to, but I really enjoyed this story.
I put this on my Victorian shelf, but the story starts out at the end of the reign of King William. By the end of this story, Queen Victoria is on the throne.

Although this trope of "older, spinster sister taking care of younger siblings & trying to make a brilliant match for her younger, gorgeous sister" has been done many times I liked it. The writing is good.
A twist is her younger sister is from the second wife, who was a native of India. There's some racial bigotry in England to overcome.
The HEA is satisfying
803 reviews395 followers
November 5, 2017
Dialogue is very good here, characters are good (some almost too good to be true) and the story is sweet and charming. And the Kindle edition is pretty much free of grammar, spelling and typo errors. So this is worth the read if you're in the mood for a feel-good story, lacking in conflict. I guess it's like the satisfaction you can get from eating a breakfast cereal if you're really hungry. However, if you're in the mood for a juicy steak, you'll find the reading of this bland.

Lady Claire Penwarren has been put in charge (as is usual) of her younger half siblings (Cecilia, 20-year-old mixed race beauty, and 11-year-old twins Will and Matt) to escort them from India, land of their birth, to Loden Hall in England, which now belongs to her father, along with a peerage, after the death of his older brother. So Claire is in charge of 1) getting Loden Hall in shape for her father's arrival, 2) finding a suitable husband for beautiful and sweet Cecilia, and 3) hiring a suitable tutor to get her younger brothers civilized.

Claire is 28 years old, firmly believes she will never marry, and has a loving, charming but very managing personality. It seems there's no one Claire can't charm. When the siblings arrive at rundown, neglected Loden Hall they face recalcitrant servants and cold, unfriendly Aunt Sophie, resentful that Loden Hall no longer belongs to her. It doesn't take more than perhaps one day for everyone to fall under Claire's spell and from there on it's just a matter of using father's money made in India to get things shipshape.

And, of course, there are romances to manage. The first people the siblings meet even before arriving at Loden Hall are neighbors, Harry Macapee and his rakish uncle Lord Symonton. Harry is struck dumb by Cecilia's beauty and Lord Symonton and his horse are annoyed by Babu, the Penwarren family cat and he transfers his annoyance to Claire, only, of course, to be ultimately charmed by her personality.

The story continues in this pleasant vein. It's a very realistic unfolding of romance, quite the way love should develop. The only problem for me is that there are really no problems in the story, or, at least, any problems that exist are resolved in 1-2 pages. It is feel-good and sweet and the dialogue is fun to read, so it could be just the reading ticket at any given moment in time.
Profile Image for Pgchuis.
2,399 reviews40 followers
August 2, 2016
Claire's family has been living in India, where her father has a tea business, but at the beginning of the story Claire returns to England with her younger half sister Cece and much younger half-brothers. Her father has been married and widowed repeatedly, and Cece's mother was Indian. Cece is dark skinned and very beautiful. Nearing their family home, they meet Lord Symonton and his nephew Harry. Harry falls for Cece, but Harry is to become a soldier and Claire does not want this life for her sister. Symonton is known as the "ice man", but he and Claire become friends.

There is not a lot of real conflict in this story, the humour is gentle and it reminds me in places very much of a Georgette Heyer story. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Jo Ann.
1,062 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2015
*4.5 I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance!! The prose were a joy to read - I was enchanted by the levity in the banter between the characters. The pace of the story was perfectly matched to the slow blossoming of love between Claire and Symon. So glad to see that the other books in the series are about the side characters because I loved them all.
122 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2018
Really liked this one. Great writing.
Profile Image for Teresa Traver.
Author 3 books18 followers
August 12, 2025
In many ways, this reads like a retelling of Georgette Heyer's Frederica. There's a "managing" spinster who thinks she's too old to get married, her two younger brothers in need of a tutor, and the beautiful younger sister who does not share her older sister's ambitions. And, of, course, there's a selfish/spoiled marquis who befriends Claire and falls hard for her, without her noticing it.

There are some significant differences, though. For one thing, Claire's father is still alive, albeit absent for most of the story, and the Penwarrens have a very different financial situation. Symonton also has a very different backstory than Alverstoke.

Perhaps more importantly, Hasley is willing to address nineteenth-century racism. Claire's younger sister, Cece, is biracial, being the child of Lord Loden's second marriage to an aristocratic Indian woman. Claire, ever protective, spectacularly loses her temper when she confronts racism in the ton. That's only a minor part of the story, but the way Halsey reminds readers that the British upper classes existed in a wider world is a refreshing difference from many traditional historical romances.

I'm impressed by Hasley's writing; she's good. I might have to try the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Judy W.
1,251 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2024
This was a satisfying little story despite there being very little conflict. It's sweet and closed door, much like a Heyer book. The story wasn't even that original. The spinster older sister, raising her younger siblings. The beautiful younger sister that falls for someone unsuitable. Even using a common trope this story was elevated by witty dialogue. The writing is more formal which suited the story perfectly. There are two younger brothers for comic relief and bad decisions. Claire just wants her family happy and uses her practical nature and good humor to make it happen. The hero is a titled neighbor who knows how to play the long game. He never lets Clair think he has a romantic interest so she doesn't shy away. Amusing personalities and characters throughout.
1,029 reviews17 followers
September 27, 2020
Purely fun - a clean Regency

Based on the cover, I wasn't sure I would like this book. But I was drawn in a little because the cover looked like a place I recently visited in the UK countryside. I thought this story was a fun and lively Regency with the banter of a Georgette Heyer. The author also writes well - quite polished with good character development.

Content: Clean. There is a little innuendo
Language: Clean
Religious: No

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Darien.
671 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2024
A character driven, early Victorian historical with strong and intelligent protagonists. I recommend this for readers who like their historical stories to depict social and cultural interactions true to the period, while at the same time highlighting the competence and progressive outlook of key characters. The relationships are slowly, but thoroughly developed. For me this is the perfect read when I need something relaxing and low angst, but with a strong emotional development. Brew a pot of tea, grab your scones and enjoy!
2,364 reviews6 followers
December 29, 2023
nice read

A very nice read about not just Claire but her entire family. They come from India after her father inherits the title and she comes with her three siblings to get things in order. In the process and with many situations that arise within the family we find the story ends with three very lovely heas..all within the family
Profile Image for Mary.
61 reviews
January 7, 2024
Such satisfying prose and characters

This book was an unexpected find, with strong H/h plus a memorable, delightful supporting cast. The dialogue is so very satisfying. One criticism is the change in point of view during narration which may be a formatting deficiency. It is certainly nice to find a new favorite author.
Profile Image for Larry.
710 reviews
January 11, 2025
This was a very good book. I have read quite a few books written by Karen Hasley, never disappointed with a book by her. I really enjoy reading books with strong women from the time period she writes about. This book was maybe a bit less complex and had a bit more romantic element but still a very good book. I will continue to look forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Sarah Miller.
186 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2025
so glad I found this novel

Ok, truth time. I’m not even finished with this novel. I’m at 58%. I had to stop and write this review before I go back and ignore everyone and everything and finish. This novel is marvelous. I love Claire and Cece. I wish they were my sisters. I love the person Symon is turning into. I love this book and now I’m going to go back to it.
Profile Image for Linda Elliott.
1,568 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2019
Headstrong woman meets iceman

Claire is the oldest to her widowed father and acts as his overseer. Story is predictable but well written. Characters are developed and relatable. The build up to the relationship is gradual.
348 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2021
Sweet romance

Claire is a managing, I know best kind of woman. Not an easy personality to deal with. Quite realistic portrayal. She was saved from being throughly obnoxious by her love of family and their love of her.
152 reviews3 followers
December 25, 2023
I'm excited to have found a new author. I really liked this story. I found the book well written; descriptions are just right, not skimpy nor too much. We really get to know the two main characters. I will be looking for more from this author.
120 reviews
December 26, 2023
Absolutely wonderful

This story was wonderful. It had a hero and heroine that found love a little later in life but it was a glorious realization. Wonderful characters with descriptions that brought them to life.
Profile Image for Lorna.
281 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2024
A sweet romance

This book didn't follow any of the usual beats of romance novels and it was wonderful. I wish I could rate it higher.

Smooth and delightful prose, fun and developed characters, and a mischievous cat.
378 reviews
January 14, 2018
4 stars.
Kindle unlimited read.
Cute sweet story similar to Heyer's Frederica.
34 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2023
Delightful and Funny

I thought the novel was delightful. It made me laugh. I did not want to put it down and wanted more when it. Was finished.
96 reviews
January 19, 2024
Delightful!

Characters very likable, genuine, and wholesome. Claire in control to Claire in love - priceless. Enjoyable story ending with ‘three’ HEAs.
Profile Image for Jane Weiler.
145 reviews
January 26, 2024
Change of plans

This a very enjoyable story of a sister accommodating her life to put her family first and trying to manage their lives. There is a fair bit of humor as well. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Caroline Rebisz.
Author 8 books22 followers
February 23, 2024
A delightful book which transports the reader back in time. It is really well written and is probably worthy of a better cover to make it stand out and reach more readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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