A Friend Indeed

by Sarah M. Eden

Caroline Downy has resigned herself to the necessity of an arranged marriage; her family’s financial situation requires it. But she hadn’t counted on the chosen suitor being her brother’s best friend, George Carlton. She has known him since they were both children, and thinks of him as her friend as well. Marrying him, she feels certain, will cost her that cherished connection. For his part, George has loved Caroline in secret for years. Convincing her father to grant him her hand wasn’t easy. Convincing her that their marriage could be something more than an arrangement of necessity will be far more difficult.

Originally published in Timeless Romance “Sarah M. Eden British Isles” anthology but rereleased here with a bonus epilogue!

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Lida Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: A Friend Indeed
Series: Timeless Romance British Isles Anthology (Expanded Standalone)
Author: Sarah M. Eden
⭐️⭐️⭐️

📝 My Thoughts: Sweet, Sincere, Satisfying
This Regency romance follows Caroline and George as they transition from lifelong friends to an arranged betrothal. The story quality is wonderful, capturing a sweet, heartwarming tone. Caroline’s cautiousness is relatable, and George is an attentive, patient hero. The writing quality is top notch, filled with deep emotional moments between the characters. It is highly readable and perfect for a quick afternoon escape.

💖 Why I Loved It:
The evolution of their relationship is beautiful. I loved the history between them, especially how George secretly cherished her favorite things, like bringing her white roses and a beautiful blue embroidered shawl from London. There are no major trigger warnings, just a sweet, low-angst journey toward true love.

🔖 Favorite Quote:
"A wife who is chosen for any reason other than love can never feel fully valued in her marriage."

📌 Final Verdict:
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the friends to lovers trope, sweet Regency romances, and historical fiction with genuine heart. It works perfectly as a stand-alone read.

#BookReview #RegencyRomance #SarahMEden #FriendsToLovers #HistoricalFiction #SweetRomance #Bookstagram #AFriendIndeed #Novella

[Amanda Croshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

great start to something wonderful

I just shouldn’t read novellas😆. They a rent enough for me. This is a cute sweet read and I enjoyed it. The ending wrapped up quickly and like out of character (at least for what was developing for the first start of the book) maybe there is a word limit and it needed to stay under.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caroline and George’s story is short, but sweet just as the subtitle suggests. Though most of these “sweet treat” novelettes are stand-alones, I was happy to discover that Caroline’s brothers’ storyline is continued in “The Pauper’s House Party.”

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Alif · Rating 2 out of 5]

kind of depressing! although the ending and epilogue were good!

[Victória · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean
Kinda Hea