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The Four Sisters #1
Rosalind
Peter Gilbert, Duke of Sudworth is a good man, but at the moment he's angry and very very bitter. He has inherited the title and the debt that the selfish lives of his deceased brother and father created. He was forced to leave the home that he loved to try and save his dysfunctional family and their shared heritage. Facing bankruptcy, he has determined to keep his heritage at whatever cost. Only those closest to him know the real reason he is desperate to save his family home - the member of his family his father was ashamed off. Rosalind Johnson, is the eldest daughter of a 'cit', a man who has earned his fortune through business. As an ambitious father he is determined that his four daughters will marry the highest titles in the country, whether they like it or not, and he is prepared to pay to achieve his goal. Rosalind has no choice to marry a stranger and take on a life and Society that looked down on someone who came from trade. She would need all her resourcefulness to cope. Two people forced together because of circumstances that they did not create would be set for a shaky start at best, but with local gossip, illegitimate children and an alleged affair, things were never going to be quiet in the home of the Duke and Duchess of Sudworth. This is the first book of the Four Sisters' Series. Each book exploring the lives of the Johnson sisters.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2015
235 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Harrison
144 books137 followersAudrey Harrison was born about two hundred years too late. She wants to belong to a time when men were men and women were dressed in gowns and could float, simper and sigh.
In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.
Her ideal would be to write Regency Romances, but more modern characters are insisting on being heard, hence the release of’ ‘A Very Modern Lord’, a contemporary romance.
So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and tea is still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?
In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.
Her ideal would be to write Regency Romances, but more modern characters are insisting on being heard, hence the release of’ ‘A Very Modern Lord’, a contemporary romance.
So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and tea is still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 22, 2018
Had this book ended around 70% with Annabelle's wedding it would have been four stars and I would have downloaded book two - but it didn't.
No, the author decided on one more scandal to overturn the apple cart. The story went from HEA to "Well, I guess I can live with that."
Yes, it did, and that's just not good enough for me.
Book Bubs you have screwed me again! Blackguards!
February 11, 2019
Rosalind by Audrey Harrison, first time author, was the first in KU that I thought might be a good series listen. It is the first in the series about four sisters whose father is bent on marrying them all to titled gentlemen.
Rosalind is the older of her sisters and despite her wanting to marry for love, her father, who is financially wealthy due to trade, forces her to marry for title and pave the way to have her sisters entered into society. Peter Gilbert, Duke of Sudworth is a good man with faults, however he is bitter because he has inherited a title and debt that goes along with it and has not choice but to marry to save his family home.
The story had an air of mystery and enough twists to make it a bit exciting. There were times where I felt sadness for the two who were forced into a marriage that had them sacrificing a lot to help others. I was glad that the story gave them their HEA. I did however, thought the story dragged on a bit with the sister, Annabelle but eventually saw that it was setting up the her story next in the series.
The story was a comfy listen for me and the narration by Stevie Zimmerman was okay as it was my first time listening to her. A well-written, clean historical romance.
3-Stars
Rosalind is the older of her sisters and despite her wanting to marry for love, her father, who is financially wealthy due to trade, forces her to marry for title and pave the way to have her sisters entered into society. Peter Gilbert, Duke of Sudworth is a good man with faults, however he is bitter because he has inherited a title and debt that goes along with it and has not choice but to marry to save his family home.
The story had an air of mystery and enough twists to make it a bit exciting. There were times where I felt sadness for the two who were forced into a marriage that had them sacrificing a lot to help others. I was glad that the story gave them their HEA. I did however, thought the story dragged on a bit with the sister, Annabelle but eventually saw that it was setting up the her story next in the series.
The story was a comfy listen for me and the narration by Stevie Zimmerman was okay as it was my first time listening to her. A well-written, clean historical romance.
3-Stars
May 9, 2017
A dnf at 66%. To begin with there was more misunderstanding between the main couple then any reader should have to endure in one book. To end with at least for me at the 66% mark the tstl cit duchess leaves her perfectly nice if a little clueless duke over a tstl sister. Why is she angry with him? Well the tstl cit sister got caught making out with a very nice titled gentleman at the ball who immediately offers her marriage to save her reputation. The duke says she has to marry to save her rep and the families rep and the duchess is incensed he suggest it because sis said she doesn't LOVE her perspective fiancee . So the idiot sisters pack up the next morning and go off to St Ann's by the sea where I'm assuming there is a Marriott or Hilton or somewhere pissed off Duchess's go when they leave their husbands. I had to stop reading before I find out he actually goes and gets her back. The story was making me cranky and I was getting a headache from the eyerolling.
May 27, 2017
I tried out Kindle Unlimited for a month and this Regency Romance was one of the "free to borrow" selections. While it wasn't too original in plot -- boy meets girl, girl antagonizes boy (and vice versa) and finally boy and girl get together and are happily married -- there were some interesting quirks including a sister who probably has Down Syndrome and a tall, forceful female lead.
I especially liked that while there was definite and compelling passion, almost all of it was post-marital and none of it was sexually graphic. I appreciate a romance writer who doesn't succumb to the current penchant for soft porn.
There are 3 more books to the series and I've already finished the second one as I write this review. I intend to read all of them before I get back to dystopian literature.
I especially liked that while there was definite and compelling passion, almost all of it was post-marital and none of it was sexually graphic. I appreciate a romance writer who doesn't succumb to the current penchant for soft porn.
There are 3 more books to the series and I've already finished the second one as I write this review. I intend to read all of them before I get back to dystopian literature.
June 26, 2017
Little sad at the end
For all the sacrifices the couple go through, and all they to do help others, I really felt this book would have ended differently. It was kind of a sad ending.
For all the sacrifices the couple go through, and all they to do help others, I really felt this book would have ended differently. It was kind of a sad ending.
August 25, 2022
The Four Sisters quartet was a (mostly) fun read. I enjoyed Rosalind and Eleanor's strong personalities. Annabelle and Grace I liked less, but their husbands were great. All in all, my favorite part of this series was the strong familiar relationships, not just between the four sisters, but also their relationships with Annie the sister with (?) Down Syndrome, as well as the nosy elderly neighbor who was practically family, and the companion who became her daughter-in-law. Strong family and community connections always make a good sell for me.
My least favorite part, of course, was their terrible dad. Mr. Whatshisface does not even deserve the title of father!! The levels of selfishness, lack of scruples and utter lack of any affection or concern for his daughters!! The mom was no better, keeping herself ignorant of the horror her husband was inflicting on their children, but the dad actually tried to , and showed no remorse as far as I could tell. His concern was always for himself. Disgusting!
The ending in "Eleanor" was satisfying. Just goes to show one should always hand to a spunky dowager.
My least favorite part, of course, was their terrible dad. Mr. Whatshisface does not even deserve the title of father!! The levels of selfishness, lack of scruples and utter lack of any affection or concern for his daughters!! The mom was no better, keeping herself ignorant of the horror her husband was inflicting on their children, but the dad actually tried to , and showed no remorse as far as I could tell. His concern was always for himself. Disgusting!
The ending in "Eleanor" was satisfying. Just goes to show one should always hand to a spunky dowager.
July 1, 2017
Sickeningly puritanical and goody-goody, despite scandals galore (an excess of them, especially the last bit, the elder brother leaving bastard children everywhere, it seems). And the running subtext of the abusive arsehole waiting to take his pick of the sisters so he can take over the family business when their jerk of a father dies? They keep discussing this nefarious stranger but no one bothers to investigate him? Why bring him up at all?
Well, this is apparently one of those deals where someone writes half a story and gives the first bit away, hoping you'll be on the hook to buy the rest. Nope, not even if it wrapped up in one more book (which it apparently doesn't--try four!)
Well, this is apparently one of those deals where someone writes half a story and gives the first bit away, hoping you'll be on the hook to buy the rest. Nope, not even if it wrapped up in one more book (which it apparently doesn't--try four!)
May 14, 2017
Lacking
The hero, Peter Gilbert, is a Duke in need of money so he marries the wealthy cit, Rosalind. Eventually, the two fall in love despite the dubious beginning to their marriage. This tried but true plot premise should be an engaging and entertaining read. Instead it drags on with dialogue that doesn't ring true for the time period and flat characters that aren't really likable. My suggestion is to skip this book and this series.
The hero, Peter Gilbert, is a Duke in need of money so he marries the wealthy cit, Rosalind. Eventually, the two fall in love despite the dubious beginning to their marriage. This tried but true plot premise should be an engaging and entertaining read. Instead it drags on with dialogue that doesn't ring true for the time period and flat characters that aren't really likable. My suggestion is to skip this book and this series.
March 27, 2023
Very touching
I enjoyed this book very much. The storyline, although a common one, I found was handled with an imaginative and original twist. The characters were well defined. I found it easy to empathize and identify with their emotions. There were, however, numerous grammatical errors throughout the story. And the most disappointing aspect of this book is that the reader is left suspended in mid-air … we don’t know how the story ends! What a let-down!
I enjoyed this book very much. The storyline, although a common one, I found was handled with an imaginative and original twist. The characters were well defined. I found it easy to empathize and identify with their emotions. There were, however, numerous grammatical errors throughout the story. And the most disappointing aspect of this book is that the reader is left suspended in mid-air … we don’t know how the story ends! What a let-down!
May 6, 2017
A Goodread. Well~written and has a fine touch of the unexpected twists and turns that makes this an exciting Read. It is one that holds the reader till the end with just enough mystery and suspense to leave the reader wondering what will be the next sister's story. So... well done Ms. Harrison! I am so looking forward to Annabelle's Story.
July 3, 2017
Peter Gilbert, Duke of Sudworth is a good man, but at the moment he's angry and very very bitter. He has inherited the title and the debt that the selfish lives of his deceased brother and father created. He was forced to leave the home that he loved to try and save his dysfunctional family and their shared heritage. Facing bankruptcy, he has determined to keep his heritage at whatever cost. Only those closest to him know the real reason he is desperate to save his family home - the member of his family his father was ashamed off.
Rosalind Johnson, is the eldest daughter of a 'cit', a man who has earned his fortune through business. As an ambitious father he is determined that his four daughters will marry the highest titles in the country, whether they like it or not, and he is prepared to pay to achieve his goal. Rosalind has no choice to marry a stranger and take on a life and Society that looked down on someone who came from trade. She would need all her resourcefulness to cope.
Two people forced together because of circumstances that they did not create would be set for a shaky start at best, but with local gossip, illegitimate children and an alleged affair, things were never going to be quiet in the home of the Duke and Duchess of Sudworth.
Rosalind Johnson, is the eldest daughter of a 'cit', a man who has earned his fortune through business. As an ambitious father he is determined that his four daughters will marry the highest titles in the country, whether they like it or not, and he is prepared to pay to achieve his goal. Rosalind has no choice to marry a stranger and take on a life and Society that looked down on someone who came from trade. She would need all her resourcefulness to cope.
Two people forced together because of circumstances that they did not create would be set for a shaky start at best, but with local gossip, illegitimate children and an alleged affair, things were never going to be quiet in the home of the Duke and Duchess of Sudworth.
January 4, 2018
An enjoyable romance
This is the first in a series about four sisters who all need to be married. Their father hopes to marry all of them to titled men. Rosalind is bound that her sisters will be married for love, unlike her situation. Her husband needed her dowry to settle debts left by his late brother.
This is the first in a series about four sisters who all need to be married. Their father hopes to marry all of them to titled men. Rosalind is bound that her sisters will be married for love, unlike her situation. Her husband needed her dowry to settle debts left by his late brother.
May 7, 2017
It was interesting enough.However, the next sister's story starts in the middle of the first ones and the continual theme of sacrifice for siblings is over worked as well as the hostile entitled.
Not really tempted to investigate this series further.
Not really tempted to investigate this series further.
September 9, 2017
More than just a romace
A romance with an actual story. The Duke has to clean up after his wild brother which causes a series of events that make this book hard to put down. Plus no pages of sex scenes to wade through. A delight to read.
A romance with an actual story. The Duke has to clean up after his wild brother which causes a series of events that make this book hard to put down. Plus no pages of sex scenes to wade through. A delight to read.
January 4, 2022
The story is nice and I especially like the unusual aspect of a special needs sibling. They aren't mentioned often in historical romance. The editing was horrendous though. There are a ton of punctuation issues and sentences missing words.
June 1, 2017
VERY good read
Loved the characters and the plot. The dialogues throughout were written in a natural way, which I think is vital. I'll read this one again!
Loved the characters and the plot. The dialogues throughout were written in a natural way, which I think is vital. I'll read this one again!
June 18, 2017
reminds me of Georgette Heyer's Convenient Marriage
August 15, 2017
Sisters to love
The Four Sisters series is a delight. Characters you cheer for, maybe shed a tear for...with a supporting cast and their sub plots to keep us entertained.
The Four Sisters series is a delight. Characters you cheer for, maybe shed a tear for...with a supporting cast and their sub plots to keep us entertained.
September 11, 2017
Just.... bad. DNF at 2%.
July 13, 2018
interesting plot twists and behaviors of main characters. Kept me interested and all was well in the end
May 16, 2019
Rosalind
Circumstances ruled the lives of our characters. I give kudos to the author for including a special needs child into the mix.
Circumstances ruled the lives of our characters. I give kudos to the author for including a special needs child into the mix.
December 6, 2019
An arranged marriage between a Duke and the daughter of a tradesman is the topic of this book. While neither party is happy with this marriage it is an entertaining book.
June 23, 2022
My favourite series to reread!
August 1, 2025
Good but...
...Rosalind got on my nerves She was almost too prideful and ran away into too much. Her behavior wasn't logical or realistic.
...Rosalind got on my nerves She was almost too prideful and ran away into too much. Her behavior wasn't logical or realistic.
March 22, 2020
There was just too much going on.
January 5, 2020
3.5 stars. This was a solid regency romance. The cover really sold it for me, it just looks so classic. It could use a bit more polishing but overall I enjoyed it.
The relationship between Peter and Rosalind develops slowly and sweetly with a few obstacles on the way. There were a few things left unsaid that bugged me
For a couple that promised to be honest and never lie there was an awful lot left unsaid. This book relied on too many Big Misunderstandings as well as having the heroine run away when things get to be too much for her. Those things drive me nuts.
Despite this, I still really liked this book and will continue with the series. I'm hoping each one will improve.
Just another note: This is a clean read with any married sex happening with "fade to black" before we see any action.
The relationship between Peter and Rosalind develops slowly and sweetly with a few obstacles on the way. There were a few things left unsaid that bugged me
For a couple that promised to be honest and never lie there was an awful lot left unsaid. This book relied on too many Big Misunderstandings as well as having the heroine run away when things get to be too much for her. Those things drive me nuts.
Despite this, I still really liked this book and will continue with the series. I'm hoping each one will improve.
Just another note: This is a clean read with any married sex happening with "fade to black" before we see any action.
August 27, 2016
This story had a lot of potential.
I very much liked this one but must admit that it was really boring towards the end.
Plot? / Writing style?
Quite an interesting plot. Definitely doesn't end the way you think it will end.
So yeah, the plot was a good one but unfortunately, the same one will continue in a similar way... So yeah, probably or very likely won't read the second installment.
What might be frustrating is the whole not-talking theme. It will continue in the next installment. Basically the story is about a couple who doesn't talk, who misunderstands each other all the time,... bit annoying.
Characters?
I liked the characters, totally adored the duke's sister and the duke himself.
I also liked Rosalind but sometimes didn't like her attitude towards the duke.
All in all, a good book, an interesting start but something just went wrong on the way... Emotion was lost. And it was too squeaky clean for my taste.
I very much liked this one but must admit that it was really boring towards the end.
Plot? / Writing style?
Quite an interesting plot. Definitely doesn't end the way you think it will end.
So yeah, the plot was a good one but unfortunately, the same one will continue in a similar way... So yeah, probably or very likely won't read the second installment.
What might be frustrating is the whole not-talking theme. It will continue in the next installment. Basically the story is about a couple who doesn't talk, who misunderstands each other all the time,... bit annoying.
Characters?
I liked the characters, totally adored the duke's sister and the duke himself.
I also liked Rosalind but sometimes didn't like her attitude towards the duke.
All in all, a good book, an interesting start but something just went wrong on the way... Emotion was lost. And it was too squeaky clean for my taste.
December 23, 2015
Enjoyed
This is not meant to be a major historical novel. It is meant to be a slice of life in a time of class distinction and rigid social expectations. This was well written and I cared about the individuals. The thoughts and feelings expressed by the family and friends of the Duke and Duchess felt real and honest. A few places expressed slightly modern attitudes but I didn't care and did not detract from the story. The events unfolded in a common sense manner and thank heavens the story did not resort to the should I or shouldn't I so many main characters dwell on till you want to shout enough already. The story ended in a realistic and completely believable manner.
This is not meant to be a major historical novel. It is meant to be a slice of life in a time of class distinction and rigid social expectations. This was well written and I cared about the individuals. The thoughts and feelings expressed by the family and friends of the Duke and Duchess felt real and honest. A few places expressed slightly modern attitudes but I didn't care and did not detract from the story. The events unfolded in a common sense manner and thank heavens the story did not resort to the should I or shouldn't I so many main characters dwell on till you want to shout enough already. The story ended in a realistic and completely believable manner.
September 18, 2015
A pleasant Regency Romance. Rosalind is the first of four rich sisters who must find a husband with a title to satisfy their father's ambition. The alternative is forced marriage to a repulsive suitor chosen by their father. Rosalind become the Duchess of Sudbury. A fair exchange: her money for his name and title. Somehow it isn't as bad as she feared. She uses to her position and influence to help the next sister, Annabelle, escape the fate that was almost hers.
A fun, frothy, entertaining story that is an easy read that hits all the right spots for the genre.
A fun, frothy, entertaining story that is an easy read that hits all the right spots for the genre.
March 6, 2016
When I heard the words, "The End", my instant reaction was, "oh no!" Such was my total involvement with this book that I just couldn't believe that the story had ended.
The storyline was cleverly plotted out and this beautiful tale was told. It was also skillfully narrated.
This author has the ability to tell a good story, so do yourself a favor and read or listen to the audiobooks in this series!
The storyline was cleverly plotted out and this beautiful tale was told. It was also skillfully narrated.
This author has the ability to tell a good story, so do yourself a favor and read or listen to the audiobooks in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews