Cynthia's Strays

by G.L. Robinson

Cynthia confirms her middle-aged spinsterhood by donning a cap and taking in a stray kitten she calls Teacup.
But no sooner has she done so, than a man literally falls at her feet. Not in adoration, it must be admitted, but because he is deathly ill. So in comes her second stray, a person her cook describes as that dirty old tramp.
She gently nurses him back to health, and once he is cleaned up, the dirty old tramp is revealed as a handsome young gentleman at least ten years younger than she.
She falls in love, of course, knowing full well it can come to nothing. She is too old, and besides, he has a secret that will utterly change his life.
But though it n'er runs smooth, true love will find a way. In GL Robinson's witty and appealing Regencies, it always does.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2026

About the author

My Regency novel The Earl and the Mud Covered Maiden is now free on multiple platforms:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08... (Amazon)
https://books2read.com/u/49vd2w (multiple platforms: Apple, Barnes & Noble, etc)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
GL Robinson is the godchild of Georgette Heyer. She writes Regency Romances in a very proper English style with a good dash of humor. As the product of a convent boarding school in the south of England in the 1950's and early 60's, she has a very proper English style herself, which you will be able to tell if you listen to the recordings of the first chapters of her novels on her website: https://romancenovelsbyglrobinson.com, where you can also sign up for a free short story.

She met her American husband in Brussels where she was working at the time the UK joined the European Union (or Common Market, as it was then called). After retiring from a career as a French professor in upstate New York, she happily swapped Existentialism for Romance and since 2018 has written 11 Regency novels. They all feature feisty heroines against a real historical background. She has also begun a contemporary crime trilogy featuring hunky ex-special forces Miles O'Malley. She's in love with him, but don't tell her husband!

Her Regency novels can all be found on:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WF2GV7S
and all her books on her Amazon page:
https://www.amazon.com/GL-Robinson/e/B08...

FOR A FREE SHORT STORY, or to listen to the first chapters of her novels, go to the website: https://romancenovelsbyglrobinson.com

Facebook: GL Robinson Author
Twitter: @gl_robinson
Instagram:@glrobinsonauthor
Tiktok @glrobinson1

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I woke up at 6 am and started reading Cynthia's Strays.l did little else today.
It starts as a charming country idyll ( see synopsis on Amazon etc),
but as usual with GL Robinson's stories, there are twists and turns .
The story in itself is not unusual: poor country woman finds ragged, sick man collapsed on her door step who turns out to be a reluctant aristocrat.
What is special about Robinson's stories is the way they are told: with such insight, sensitivity and realism and always that little unusual factor: it is like a pinch of salt or a sprinkling of sugar. In this case, the female character who is a country woman with of poor means is 10 years older than the apparent tramp whom she nurses back to health and turns out to be a competent artist of high birth.
Their "love story " is a gentle recognition of each other's character; how they compliment each other and how they cope with their interwoven problems.
Read it!

[Michele Chovanec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Fielding was a younger son. Not only a younger son, but one totally uninterested in becoming a parson and without the funds to become a soldier. In addition, he couldn’t get along with his brother to save his life and decided to take to the highway and see where it led him. Unfortunately, having almost no money (and little but the clothes upon his back and his art gear), it led him to the door of an impoverished spinster whereuopn he asked for water and fainted at her feet. Cynthia Rowley was almost 40 years old and had never excited the heart of any man. The loss of her parents and subsequent lack of funds left her only two servants, who were more friend than servant, and a house falling down about them. What she had, in abundance, was a good heart. So upon a stranger fainting on her porch they dragged the poor man into the house (where they found him burning with fever) and began the process of nursing him back to health. What had appeared to be a beggarly and bedraggled itinerant painter was found to be a young and appealing Andrew Fielding. Thus began a beautiful friendship and an enduring love. You will not be disappointed in this endearing story of loyalty, hope and generosity. I loved it so much that I completed reading it in one evening and hated that I had reached the end. I was so pleased to be given an ARC but my review is strictly based on my reading and enjoyment of this warm and wonderful tale.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia is a middle aged spinster living a frugal life in the country, with just two retainers keeping her company. Having just rescued a kitten that she's called Teacup she then suddenly finds a stranger collapsed on her doorstep. Taking pity on him she takes him in and nurses him back to health.
I had just finished an excellent, but dark, murder mystery and appreciated the much lighter tone of this book for a change. The Regency period is an interesting period of history, although in my case I would almost certainly be below stairs, rather than a member of the aristocracy. I always enjoy books by this author, she has storylines that I can lose myself in and can hopefully relate to the male main character. In this case it's Andrew, an itinerant artist who has a secret that he doesn't share with Cynthia. She comes across as a really nice person, caring for others and generally respected. These two start becoming close until something happens that suddenly changes everything.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book and I have already pre-ordered a copy.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia is a spinster and, if not proud of it, is at least satisfied - at least until a man turns up on her doorstep almost dead of a fever and she nurses him back to health. Their time spent together as he convalesces almost makes her reluctant to see him leave, but of course there is no choice. Or... is there? Andrew has a secret that he's all too aware could destroy all he's inadvertently been building with Cynthia, but he hopes to be able to keep it under wraps. But when she discovers it by accident, will a 'stray' be all he can ever be to her?

An enjoyable read, gentle without being at all boring. I enjoyed getting to know Cynthia and her household, which Andrew did definitely make distinctly more lively and interesting! It was also nice to get to know Andrew and see him deal with his various problems, whether wisely or not. And as for Andrew's competition - well, he added interest to the story but wasn't particularly desirable to get to know, so I guess at least that avoided a love triangle! Teacup is a delightful addition, with all a cat's personality if not yet a cat's size. All in all, a good read - looking forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Beryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a favourite of mine not only because she writes good Regency romances (and occasionally non-Regency ones) but because she almost always manages to include an aspect of life that makes you think a bit, too (something that doesn't usually happen in Regency romances). In this book, it's a romance between an older woman and a younger man.

Cynthia has accepted she will never marry and is living quietly in the country, away (she thinks) from the hurly-burly of life in the ton. Then one day she opens her door to find a young man collapsing on her doorstep. She nurses him back to health, struggling not to become inappropriately (as the world would see it) fond of him - and very soon finds the ton is coming to find her!

I read an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[LizardQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a favorite of mine because I can pick up pretty much any book of hers no matter the genre and know that it will be a well written, entertaining book. She has a way of writing characters that makes you wish they were real so that you could know them. The age difference being flipped is an interesting change. I like that Ms. Robinson usually includes some part of life or part of a character's personality that makes you think or want to learn about. I liked that the main characters were quiet, simple people as well as the side characters. I really enjoyed all of Teacup's antics. The way that the story tied up was well done.

i look forward to reading the next book from this author.


I read an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Rod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story with a different level of characters, making a change from so many written in this genre. We have Cynthia, and older unmarried lady who manages but is not wealthy. She meets the brother of an Earl, Andrew, who is a very good artist and has left the earldom to pursue his own career traveling around painting. Having fallen ill Cynthia takes him in and nurses him back to health.
It was nice to see their relationship develop, especially as she is older than him. Then some of the locals worry as she has a gentleman in her house, and Andrew’s brother has an accident. The story does move along and I do like how this author usually ‘closes’ some of the side stories as she goes, such as the Bushnells and their daughter Genevieve. Another excellent story from this author.

[Judith Hale Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and beautiful romance! I’m a loyal fan of GL Robinson, but I’m not big on older woman/younger man romances (not sure why, really!) and I frankly wondered if I would like this one. But I loved it from the start! Cynthia’s determination and kindness and Mr. Fielding’s clear-eyed admiration were just what I needed in this cynical, youth-and-beauty fixated world. I loved the linear progression of their romance, without unnecessary obstacles that can often feel contrived. And the ending was very satisfying. A lovely story!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book - what a delightful tale! In Regency times, I would have been known as a spinster, and all past the marriageable age, so I found this story easy to relate to and thoroughly enjoyed the romance within it. Cynthia, Mr Fielding, Will and Ruby are all wonderful characters, and the story pulls you in so that you just want to read and read and read …
(Oh, and Teacup is such a delight!)

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author's more realistic view of life in historical times! I always learn many interesting tidbits. The attention to detail and accuracy is very appreciated! Fielding, as a second son, has freedom to walk away from the foolishness of his brother. Cynthia is an absolute delight. I love her wit, her resourcefulness and her pragmatism. Even though she expects little for herself, you're cheering for her to receive much love and kindness as that is what she gives. This is an excellent, well written story that has great pacing, much humor and a delightfully happy ending!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful story about a lady everyone considers on the shelf. I love the fact that, not only is she is very comfortable with herself as a person, she is also a kind person who views everyone around her realistically yet kindly. When she helps a young man in need of help and they form a friendship it is interesting to note all the opinions surrounding their situation. The story contains both humor, realism and a happy ending.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the flipped May-September romance. The main characters were very practical and down to earth. Teacup, the cat, was a very welcomed addition. The storyline was well developed and had a few villainous characters, but they weren’t horrific. It was a nice, sweet read that I would recommend to others.

[Venette Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet

Such a sweet romance. I loved how the author wove some of the future of some of the minor characters into the story. The main characters were well drawn and solid. Would highly recommend it to lovers of sweet romance without all the drama of bunches of conflict and lack of communication.

[MEF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing sweet read

Such a lovely gentle story. Cynthia’s reassuring caring presence has a calming effect on the reader and I was easily persuaded as to how Andrew relaxed into love with her.
It’s refreshing to read of ordinary circumstances with a touch of the extraordinary and the occasionally whimsical characters are charming.
A perfect Sunday read for me.

[Lycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable romance story about Cynthia, a spinster, and Andrew, the younger son of an Earl. Although just a tiny bit slow in the beginning and rushed at the end, I was entirely engrossed in the story. It's almost a 5-star read. This is another wonderful read by the author and highly recommend.

[Mrs S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read.

This book was finished in an afternoon, I just kept turning the pages to see what happened next. A well written story with well drawn characters. A lovely story, that didn't follow the usual regency tropes. A very satisfying read.

[Nina M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in one sitting. I pretty much love everything that GL Robinson writes, and this was no exception. I loved the older woman, younger man scenario complete with the cat. A very good read.

[Denise Irvine-Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it!

As usual Ms. Robinson delivers an enjoyable read. Her characters are real, the romance gentle and believable. Each story is unique.

[Sue Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

What a joy this book was to read. Once started I could not put it down. This authors stories always leave you with a smile on your face. A definite must read.

[Joanne Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful tale

I’m still smiling after finishing this sweet story. IT is easy to fall in love with the main characters and I was sorry to come to the end!

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from this author. Sweet characters that are happy to live in the country with a simple life. The ton are not projected in a good light, but I think many may not have been that nice. The author’s descriptions put you into the book so you feel part of what you are reading.
Can definitely recommend any book by G L Robinson.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!
I love a romance which warms the heart and this one certainly did.
Cynthia, a collector of strays and Andrew, a very talented artist, find a love worthy of sighs (happy ones only) which has left me with a lingering feeling of contentment long after the book has ended.
It was so easy to get into the characters' minds and feel their emotions.
Their story was "real", believable and I enjoyed every moment of it - that is exactly how I feel having read an early copy of this story.