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Blossom Time
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
One of those dashing rogues too attractive to ignore, Lord Harwell featured largely in Rosalind Lovelace's fantasies. But she had too much common sense to let dreams color her reality. Harwell was a friend and neighbor--and destined to marry some Incomparable.
However, she was quite aware of his budding interest in her now that her poetry had won the attention of literary lion Lord Sylvester, whose own presence bestowed a grand dose of spring fever on Apple Hill. Love was in bloom. Most passionately in the heart of a rake who never fully appreciated the rose that had blossomed quite literally under his nose!
One of those dashing rogues too attractive to ignore, Lord Harwell featured largely in Rosalind Lovelace's fantasies. But she had too much common sense to let dreams color her reality. Harwell was a friend and neighbor--and destined to marry some Incomparable.
However, she was quite aware of his budding interest in her now that her poetry had won the attention of literary lion Lord Sylvester, whose own presence bestowed a grand dose of spring fever on Apple Hill. Love was in bloom. Most passionately in the heart of a rake who never fully appreciated the rose that had blossomed quite literally under his nose!
188 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 28, 1997
17 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Joan Smith
359 books154 followersJoan Smith is a graduate of Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and the Ontario College of Education. She has taught French and English in high school and English in college. When she began writing, her interest in Jane Austen and Lord Byron led to her first choice of genre, the Regency, which she especially liked for its wit and humor.
Her favorite travel destination is England, where she researches her books. Her hobbies are gardening, painting, sculpture and reading. She is married and has three children. A prolific writer, she is currently working on Regencies and various mysteries at her home in Georgetown, Ontario.
She is also known as Jennie Gallant
Her favorite travel destination is England, where she researches her books. Her hobbies are gardening, painting, sculpture and reading. She is married and has three children. A prolific writer, she is currently working on Regencies and various mysteries at her home in Georgetown, Ontario.
She is also known as Jennie Gallant
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 26, 2018
Joan Smith is underestimated. I adore her Regency romances.
With this one, I can't decide: four or five stars. I can't find any weak point, I would have changed nothing in the story. The meetings, conversations between the hero and the heroine were simply perfect (you know, this wit, banter, sparkling ;-) ). Rosalind and Harwell are one of my favorite couples from Regency romances. And, although it was a rather short novel, this time Joan Smith developed the love story with a perfect pace. Perhaps because there wasn't much more than a romance.
It was a charming, exemplary Regency romance for a nice day. Fast reading - so pick it when you need a short pause from more intense world/books.
One remark: some introductions mislead. The best one is this: Rosalind Lovelace had finally had poems accepted by a literary magazine, but she wasn’t about to tell Lord Harwell, her neighbor (friend) and a notorious rake. Then her publisher, Lord Sylvester, paid a surprise visit to Apple Hill, and her secret came out. Practical woman that she was, could she talk herself into caring for a fop, when her heart was already spoken for?
PS I decide for four stars because I have looked at my other ratings of Smith's books. I think, Aunt Sophie's Diamonds, Imprudent Lady, Escapade, Lady Madeline's Folly, Talk of the Town were a bit better because they had more complex level/background about those times and the society. But I stress it out: comparing to most of Regency romances (excluding J. Smith, M. Chesney, G. Heyer, C. Darcy) it deserved five stars.
With this one, I can't decide: four or five stars. I can't find any weak point, I would have changed nothing in the story. The meetings, conversations between the hero and the heroine were simply perfect (you know, this wit, banter, sparkling ;-) ). Rosalind and Harwell are one of my favorite couples from Regency romances. And, although it was a rather short novel, this time Joan Smith developed the love story with a perfect pace. Perhaps because there wasn't much more than a romance.
It was a charming, exemplary Regency romance for a nice day. Fast reading - so pick it when you need a short pause from more intense world/books.
One remark: some introductions mislead. The best one is this: Rosalind Lovelace had finally had poems accepted by a literary magazine, but she wasn’t about to tell Lord Harwell, her neighbor (friend) and a notorious rake. Then her publisher, Lord Sylvester, paid a surprise visit to Apple Hill, and her secret came out. Practical woman that she was, could she talk herself into caring for a fop, when her heart was already spoken for?
PS I decide for four stars because I have looked at my other ratings of Smith's books. I think, Aunt Sophie's Diamonds, Imprudent Lady, Escapade, Lady Madeline's Folly, Talk of the Town were a bit better because they had more complex level/background about those times and the society. But I stress it out: comparing to most of Regency romances (excluding J. Smith, M. Chesney, G. Heyer, C. Darcy) it deserved five stars.
May 16, 2024
Finally, a Joan Smith Regency I can enjoy unreservedly. I liked both hero and heroine, the side issues were interesting and there was a lovely kiss quite early on which should have ignited something, and perhaps it did, but the romance still only smouldered until the very end.
Here’s the premise: Rosalind Lovelace is twenty-four, and seemingly firmly on the shelf. Her brother is engaged, so she’ll soon be superfluous in her own home. However, some poetry she’s written has been accepted for a fancy London magazine, and the publisher wants to meet her. She’d have preferred to keep her writing secret, especially from her neighbour Lord Harwell, who would tease her unmercifully about it, but when Lord Sylvester Staunton arrives, not only is her secret revealed but it seems that she has acquired an admirer. Could this lead to a marriage offer? Lord Harwell certainly thinks so, and he realises rather belatedly that Rosalind would be the perfect wife for himself.
And so the plot unfurls in amusing style, much of it revolving around Rosalind’s brother’s vulgar and snobbish future wife. Her excesses were very entertaining, and even though the final outcome was never in any doubt, the route there was a pleasant one. I never felt that the characters were behaving oddly or were being manipulated purely to advance the plot.
I loved Lord Harwell (or Harry, as Rosalind and her brother charmingly call him), who never put a foot wrong and never became the sort of overbearing arrogant man so beloved of older Regencies. I liked Rosalind, too, pragmatically building a new life for herself when faced with a sister-in-law she couldn’t get along with. And if she seemed a bit bossy sometimes, that was inevitable given that she’d been running the household for years, and her brother had leaned on her to make all the difficult decisions. Her hopes for Lord Sylvester were rather sad, when she would much rather have stayed at home. And then, a fine ending, with all loose ends neatly tied up and Harry and Rosalind finally getting together for a repeat of that lovely kiss. A very enjoyable five stars.
Here’s the premise: Rosalind Lovelace is twenty-four, and seemingly firmly on the shelf. Her brother is engaged, so she’ll soon be superfluous in her own home. However, some poetry she’s written has been accepted for a fancy London magazine, and the publisher wants to meet her. She’d have preferred to keep her writing secret, especially from her neighbour Lord Harwell, who would tease her unmercifully about it, but when Lord Sylvester Staunton arrives, not only is her secret revealed but it seems that she has acquired an admirer. Could this lead to a marriage offer? Lord Harwell certainly thinks so, and he realises rather belatedly that Rosalind would be the perfect wife for himself.
And so the plot unfurls in amusing style, much of it revolving around Rosalind’s brother’s vulgar and snobbish future wife. Her excesses were very entertaining, and even though the final outcome was never in any doubt, the route there was a pleasant one. I never felt that the characters were behaving oddly or were being manipulated purely to advance the plot.
I loved Lord Harwell (or Harry, as Rosalind and her brother charmingly call him), who never put a foot wrong and never became the sort of overbearing arrogant man so beloved of older Regencies. I liked Rosalind, too, pragmatically building a new life for herself when faced with a sister-in-law she couldn’t get along with. And if she seemed a bit bossy sometimes, that was inevitable given that she’d been running the household for years, and her brother had leaned on her to make all the difficult decisions. Her hopes for Lord Sylvester were rather sad, when she would much rather have stayed at home. And then, a fine ending, with all loose ends neatly tied up and Harry and Rosalind finally getting together for a repeat of that lovely kiss. A very enjoyable five stars.
December 5, 2022
A Smart and Romantic Regency
I think I fell in love with Lord Harwell way before the heroine did. This is no spoiler since we all know they will get together; the question is how. Rosalind writes poetry and has sent it off under a man's name hoping it will be printed. The owner of the literary rag, Lord Sylvester, visits her and flirts with her, but is he going to offer for her? Since her brother is going to be married, she realizes she will be treated badly and shares her plans to go to London with him. Will Lord Harwell have something to say about that?
I think I fell in love with Lord Harwell way before the heroine did. This is no spoiler since we all know they will get together; the question is how. Rosalind writes poetry and has sent it off under a man's name hoping it will be printed. The owner of the literary rag, Lord Sylvester, visits her and flirts with her, but is he going to offer for her? Since her brother is going to be married, she realizes she will be treated badly and shares her plans to go to London with him. Will Lord Harwell have something to say about that?
July 4, 2019
The beginning was entertaining and a cute plotline. The heroine was bit of a scold but still likeable. Hero is what makes me give the ratings. Quick read on a rainy day.
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July 9, 2010Evidently I had read this book before, but I didn't remember it at all. Memory of a sieve. But I liked it the second time. It's a fun story. There are no surprises, You know what will happen from the beginning, and it doesn't disappoint.
August 20, 2017
This is the second time reading this, but I could only remember very vague details. It is a quite forgettable sort of book. Not that I didn't enjoy reading it, but I wasn't particularly thrilled either.
March 8, 2023
A decent plot overwhelmed by misunderstandings which take the shine right off the story and diminish character. Also way too long for what it's got to offer, but it's hard to give Smith less than 3 *.
June 9, 2020
This is everything I wanted from a book penned by Joan Smith. I'm a huge fan!!
November 18, 2025
4.4 stars. I really enjoyed this. a wonderful fast paced read with plenty of fun and humour. the H was particularly likeable.
h Rosalind is a 24 year old spinster who lives with her brother and her young sister, and was secretly in love with their friend and neighbour, a handsome ladies man lord, Lord Harry Harwell, but he is such a rake she has put her dreams of him to rest. when she publishes some poems in the magazine of young foolish Lord Sylvester, the young publisher comes to visit and she finds herself wondering whether, with their shared interest in poetry and his offer of a fun life in London for her, whether he might make a good hubby. she is encouraged by his attentions and his flirting, and she also dresses up with lower cut necklines etc to catch his eye.
she manages to catch her friend Lord Harry Harwell's eye too. Harry, who has only ever thought of Rosalind as a friend, and certainly not like any of the beautiful women he likes to flirt with and bed, is immediately miffed to see her encouraging Lord Sylvester.
this is a fun and sweet and smart little romance that flies along at a swft pace and features some interesting and well-drawn side characters too. my only complaint at one point is that there wasn't quite enough romance. I wanted to see a bit more going on with the couple. mainly he runs interference and teases her about her interest in Lord Sylvester while he tries to come to terms with his own feelings.
even so, the ending was lovely, and by that point I had decided that this was among the top half of Joan Smith's books. My top faves are still Escapade and Winter Wedding, which are both amazing.
h Rosalind is a 24 year old spinster who lives with her brother and her young sister, and was secretly in love with their friend and neighbour, a handsome ladies man lord, Lord Harry Harwell, but he is such a rake she has put her dreams of him to rest. when she publishes some poems in the magazine of young foolish Lord Sylvester, the young publisher comes to visit and she finds herself wondering whether, with their shared interest in poetry and his offer of a fun life in London for her, whether he might make a good hubby. she is encouraged by his attentions and his flirting, and she also dresses up with lower cut necklines etc to catch his eye.
she manages to catch her friend Lord Harry Harwell's eye too. Harry, who has only ever thought of Rosalind as a friend, and certainly not like any of the beautiful women he likes to flirt with and bed, is immediately miffed to see her encouraging Lord Sylvester.
this is a fun and sweet and smart little romance that flies along at a swft pace and features some interesting and well-drawn side characters too. my only complaint at one point is that there wasn't quite enough romance. I wanted to see a bit more going on with the couple. mainly he runs interference and teases her about her interest in Lord Sylvester while he tries to come to terms with his own feelings.
even so, the ending was lovely, and by that point I had decided that this was among the top half of Joan Smith's books. My top faves are still Escapade and Winter Wedding, which are both amazing.
November 23, 2024
In a span of a few days I've read one after another three of JS books (Blossom Time ,Letters to a Lady and Gather Ye Rosebuds that are identical in its premise. I suppose my love for JS's writing led me to it, that's the only reason I can come up with to explain why I would bother to read the books with the trope I like the least- that of 25 year old FMC who new her neighbor MMC all her life. With this trope you just know that the story will move at snail pace with nothing much happening, just very, very slow realization how they actually love each other.
May 6, 2025
Very cute friends to lovers trope.
Joan Smith is one of my favorite authors, her stories are always lighthearted and fun.
The couple are neighbors and have known each other forever. They are good friends. The Hero is the lord of the manor and the heroine is a squires daughter. She feels she is not socially high enough for him, but they are good friends anyway and she always helps him out.
The heroine is a secret poet and she has been sending in her poems for publication. Its at the moment when she is basking in her achievements that the Hero comes upon her. Suddenly she looks different to him because there is a special glow about her. She is also excitedly expecting a visit from her publisher.
When the publisher arrives, he is a young stylish lord. Suddenly the Hero is experiencing pangs of jealousy and resentment.
Its an amusing book with a lot of tangled relationships that kept me entertained. 👍🏻
❤️❤️❤️
Joan Smith is one of my favorite authors, her stories are always lighthearted and fun.
The couple are neighbors and have known each other forever. They are good friends. The Hero is the lord of the manor and the heroine is a squires daughter. She feels she is not socially high enough for him, but they are good friends anyway and she always helps him out.
The heroine is a secret poet and she has been sending in her poems for publication. Its at the moment when she is basking in her achievements that the Hero comes upon her. Suddenly she looks different to him because there is a special glow about her. She is also excitedly expecting a visit from her publisher.
When the publisher arrives, he is a young stylish lord. Suddenly the Hero is experiencing pangs of jealousy and resentment.
Its an amusing book with a lot of tangled relationships that kept me entertained. 👍🏻
❤️❤️❤️
June 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Rosalind and Harry are perfect for each other. They have known each other for years, are neighbours and confidantes. While Rosalind has a secret tendre for Harry, he is oblivious that Rosalind is more than a friend. It is when a silly, vain dandy appears on the scene vying for Rosalind’s attention that Harry realises that she’s the one who he’s been looking for in his countless London seasons. The banter between the main romantic leads is just lovely. The fact that these two will get together in end is a foregone conclusion but it is still enjoyable to read how it happens. The supporting characters are wonderfully etched out.
October 4, 2020
2.5 stars.
The book started off good with great teasing banter between the hero and heroine. The chemistry was very prominent at first, but it just didn't keep the pace. There wasn't enough quality time spent with the true lovers of the story to build on the romantic play that was glimpsed at the start. The other male love interest "Sylvester" overshadowed the hero and the budding romance between the protagonists. The courtship between the leads became stalled and utterly boring due to everything that was going on with the secondary characters. Some cute moments though.
The book started off good with great teasing banter between the hero and heroine. The chemistry was very prominent at first, but it just didn't keep the pace. There wasn't enough quality time spent with the true lovers of the story to build on the romantic play that was glimpsed at the start. The other male love interest "Sylvester" overshadowed the hero and the budding romance between the protagonists. The courtship between the leads became stalled and utterly boring due to everything that was going on with the secondary characters. Some cute moments though.
September 7, 2021
I love Joan Smith but the premise of this book is pretty much the same as Country Flirt: titled neighbor doesn't realize he loves his "on the shelf" plain but independent and intelligent neighbor until there's a rival. The story was fine and both main characters were nice enough but this was nothing out of the ordinary. I agree with other reviews saying that the secondary characters took over too much of the book. If you haven't read Country Flirt, this book will probably feel a bit more "fresh". As it is, it's an entertaining short read.
February 26, 2023
2.5⭐️ A disappointment ☹️. This is my least favorite Joan Smith’s books so far. The beginning was the best part but it became flat and irritating. I couldn’t get Austen’s Emma out of my mind with some characters and events being similar.
August 1, 2024
a bit of a satire of literary fops and snobbish ladies. Pleasant friend to lover main characters, a kitten named snowdrop, a shy governess and her gentleman farmer beau. All this and a spirited little sister.
January 13, 2025
Just ok
It wasn't bad. The plot was fine. It had a happy ending. There just wasn't anything extra special about it. No great dialogue. No intriguing characters. So it was fine, but nothing great.
It wasn't bad. The plot was fine. It had a happy ending. There just wasn't anything extra special about it. No great dialogue. No intriguing characters. So it was fine, but nothing great.
March 27, 2023
4 stars
September 14, 2024
Not a favorite by Joan
October 28, 2012
2.5 - 3 stars
March 10, 2013
I really likes Joan Smith's witty writing and specially in this book I did love that they went from best "confidents" friends to be madly in love.
May 6, 2016
Quick, fun read! Light with some intrigue! Classic fairy tale ending and almost predictable! I will read more Joan Smith novels.
June 27, 2016
Blossom Time is a traditional Reg Rom filled with lots of characters. This generates some great laughs, and helps keep the pace kicking along....as well as the romance.
April 29, 2017
Too contrived, and unrealistic characters
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews