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First Impressions
*Previously published in the Sweet Summer Kisses anthology.
The widower Earl of Rutherford, still in need of an heir, reluctantly sets off for London in search of a wife. He infinitely prefers the role of recluse to that of dashing beau.
The Season’s Incomparable, Helena Foster, prefers books to balls. She agrees to hide her bookish tendencies in exchange for her mother agreeing to limit her to one Season.
Their initial prejudices prevent their feeling they would suit, but an unlikely source may give them another chance…
The widower Earl of Rutherford, still in need of an heir, reluctantly sets off for London in search of a wife. He infinitely prefers the role of recluse to that of dashing beau.
The Season’s Incomparable, Helena Foster, prefers books to balls. She agrees to hide her bookish tendencies in exchange for her mother agreeing to limit her to one Season.
Their initial prejudices prevent their feeling they would suit, but an unlikely source may give them another chance…
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2015
348 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Johns
85 books367 followers Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 87 reviews
October 6, 2017
Tepid but decent romance between a widower that just wants to get a wife and mother for his daughter, and a heroine that is sick of society.
They are thrown together when his daughter gets measles.
A novella with a squeaky clean romance and little tension other than a bratty OM who's afraid of the measles.
They are thrown together when his daughter gets measles.
A novella with a squeaky clean romance and little tension other than a bratty OM who's afraid of the measles.
February 2, 2020
First Impressions by Elizabeth Johns is a clean Regency seven chapter novella. The title grabbed my attention, because that was Jane Austen's title for the original version of Pride and Prejudice.
Geoffrey Bryant, Earl of Rutherford is a widow. He still has no heir, and his 2-year-old daughter Lucy has no mother. So, he goes to London to meet eligible misses at his mother's encouragement. He'd rather be home on his Wales country estate by the sea. He does not enjoy society.
Helena Foster is also in London for her first season. She dislikes having to "repress her true identity! Who wanted a false match?" She has brokered a deal with her mother that ensures it will also be her LAST season, as she does not require a marriage to secure her future. She has enough wealth in her own right, and has no interest in the young men she's met. She'd rather be home at Amberly. She too does not enjoy society.
Helena's and Geoffrey's mothers have been lifelong friends, faithfully corresponding over the years. They believe that Helena and Geoffrey are perfect for each other.
What I liked
*I liked both the hero and heroine. Always most important to me in any romance.
*I liked the nods to Austen.
What I disliked
*I felt that it needed to dig a little deeper to become more complex and go a bit longer. On the other hand, if Johns added more complexity to the story while keeping it the same length, it may have been overwhelming for the medium. I suppose I'd recommend more/longer conversations between our hero and heroine.
I look forward to my next book by this author.
Geoffrey Bryant, Earl of Rutherford is a widow. He still has no heir, and his 2-year-old daughter Lucy has no mother. So, he goes to London to meet eligible misses at his mother's encouragement. He'd rather be home on his Wales country estate by the sea. He does not enjoy society.
Helena Foster is also in London for her first season. She dislikes having to "repress her true identity! Who wanted a false match?" She has brokered a deal with her mother that ensures it will also be her LAST season, as she does not require a marriage to secure her future. She has enough wealth in her own right, and has no interest in the young men she's met. She'd rather be home at Amberly. She too does not enjoy society.
Helena's and Geoffrey's mothers have been lifelong friends, faithfully corresponding over the years. They believe that Helena and Geoffrey are perfect for each other.
What I liked
*I liked both the hero and heroine. Always most important to me in any romance.
*I liked the nods to Austen.
What I disliked
*I felt that it needed to dig a little deeper to become more complex and go a bit longer. On the other hand, if Johns added more complexity to the story while keeping it the same length, it may have been overwhelming for the medium. I suppose I'd recommend more/longer conversations between our hero and heroine.
I look forward to my next book by this author.
Want to Read
November 16, 2015Free 11-15-15 (67-page Regency Romance)
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December 10, 2015
A grandes rasgos ha sido demasiado corta, apresurada y con apenas rigor histórico.
Los personajes han sido muy planos, unidimensionales, demasiado perfectos y aunque la historia tenía potencial, la ejecución no ha sido muy acertada.
El motivo para que los protagonistas pasen tiempo juntos es muy forzado y poco creíble. Las situaciones que nos plantea la autora son imposibles para la época: es imposible que puedan pasar solos tanto tiempo y es absurdo cómo se distribuyen las habitaciones, por decir algo…
Y todo resulta muy forzado y muy acelerado.
No me ha gustado.
Grosso modo,it has been too short, rushed and with hardly historical accuracy.
The characters have been flat, one-dimensional, too perfect, and although the story line had potential, the execution has not been very successful.
The reason for MC´s to spend time together is very stiff and no credible at all. The situations posed by the author are impossible for the time, for example, it is impossible that they can spend so much time alone and it is absurd how their rooms are arranged.
And everything seems forced and rushed.
I've not liked.
Los personajes han sido muy planos, unidimensionales, demasiado perfectos y aunque la historia tenía potencial, la ejecución no ha sido muy acertada.
El motivo para que los protagonistas pasen tiempo juntos es muy forzado y poco creíble. Las situaciones que nos plantea la autora son imposibles para la época: es imposible que puedan pasar solos tanto tiempo y es absurdo cómo se distribuyen las habitaciones, por decir algo…
Y todo resulta muy forzado y muy acelerado.
No me ha gustado.
Grosso modo,it has been too short, rushed and with hardly historical accuracy.
The characters have been flat, one-dimensional, too perfect, and although the story line had potential, the execution has not been very successful.
The reason for MC´s to spend time together is very stiff and no credible at all. The situations posed by the author are impossible for the time, for example, it is impossible that they can spend so much time alone and it is absurd how their rooms are arranged.
And everything seems forced and rushed.
I've not liked.
December 7, 2015
It’s been ages since I read a Regency romance - and also one was any good. I truly enjoyed Elizabeth Johns’ style of writing. You can feel she has developed a style of her own, and she does it elegantly. I enjoy the intelligent, fast-paced dialog between the protagonists. I love the dignity and restraint of that era. I enjoy how some men are extremely noble and how foolish the others come across; I love how strong the women in this book are too. The older generation of women are the real manipulators. As for the content, it’s what you can expect for this style of romance. Everything was well balanced. I can’t wait to pick up another of Johns book in the coming months. Regency romance is not dead – thanks to authors like Johns who give it a great deal of thought.
July 17, 2016
This was a sweet clean short regency read. The characters were fun, but the writing lacked tension. It was a quick little story to read but I loved a good build up and then the tension and this book had so much potential for it but fell a little short. It was a short read, so I can't be too upset that everything happened very quickly. Loved that it was free and I got a taste of this author.
November 14, 2022
This is a must read!
This is such a sweet, heartwarming love story. The Earl of Rutherford and Helena first meeting was quite a fascinating and unexpected one.
They both already felt something for the other not knowing that the other was suppose be the one they were being setup with by their sneaky but loving mothers. Their fears of getting into a bad relationship made them both more hesitant and careful.
As the Earl and Helena got to know each other they started to feel the other is not so bad and that they both feel comfortable being around each other. The Earls' heart developed more when he witnessed how loving Helena is to his daughter.
The ending will melt your heart and make you feel all Swoony and jelly inside. This is such a lovely read.
This is such a sweet, heartwarming love story. The Earl of Rutherford and Helena first meeting was quite a fascinating and unexpected one.
They both already felt something for the other not knowing that the other was suppose be the one they were being setup with by their sneaky but loving mothers. Their fears of getting into a bad relationship made them both more hesitant and careful.
As the Earl and Helena got to know each other they started to feel the other is not so bad and that they both feel comfortable being around each other. The Earls' heart developed more when he witnessed how loving Helena is to his daughter.
The ending will melt your heart and make you feel all Swoony and jelly inside. This is such a lovely read.
March 30, 2020
First Impressions by Elizabeth Johns is a lovely Regency romance about a young widower searching for a new wife. When Geoffrey Bryant meets a mysterious woman behind a screen at a ball, he is immediately attracted to her. But she slips away in the night, and he doesn’t even know her name. Helena Foster is a diamond of the first water and sick and tired of balls. She feels drawn to Geoffrey but isn’t sure she wants to be a stepmother to his small daughter. I loved the character of Helena, who is funny and intelligent. A bright and witty story, First Impressions is a sweet, clean romance. I can’t wait to read more books by Johns.
September 14, 2021
I loved Geoffrey and Helena’s meet-cute and I loved Lucy (Geoffrey’s daughter) to bits. She was so adorable 🥰 This was a lovely novella with engaging characters and a cute plot. It was a bit fast paced but not overly so. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Content: Squeaky Clean
Content: Squeaky Clean
October 1, 2017
Short and sweet with minimal drama
November 1, 2015
I was impressed with this novella. It was a sweet regency romance which had me hooked right from the start.
The Earl of Rutherford (Geoffrey Bryant) was a wealthy 30 year old widow with a young child. He was constantly being pressured by his mother to re-marry . The law did not allow his daughter to inherit his estate, so he needed to marry and conceive an heir. As a reserved character, he loathed going out into society and thought himself much older that most of the debutante's available on the marriage market. His first wife was more beauty than brains, so he desperately wanted to find an intelligent woman who was also capable of loving his child.
Helena Foster was the eldest daughter of a baronet. Her mother wanted her to marry well to pave the way for her younger sisters. Helena was not interested in marriage mainly because most of the available men bored her. She would happily give a man a chance should he engage in interesting conversation. To amuse herself, she nicknamed her dancing partners and admirers nicknames after ancient figures (Adonis; Nero; Hercules). I thought that was quite funny. "Nero" was an especially annoying character.
I love how Helena and Geoffrey met and what eventuated from their attendance at the same ball. This short story had a few typographical & spelling errors however, it was a worthwhile read. I will be checking out more of this author's work.
The Earl of Rutherford (Geoffrey Bryant) was a wealthy 30 year old widow with a young child. He was constantly being pressured by his mother to re-marry . The law did not allow his daughter to inherit his estate, so he needed to marry and conceive an heir. As a reserved character, he loathed going out into society and thought himself much older that most of the debutante's available on the marriage market. His first wife was more beauty than brains, so he desperately wanted to find an intelligent woman who was also capable of loving his child.
Helena Foster was the eldest daughter of a baronet. Her mother wanted her to marry well to pave the way for her younger sisters. Helena was not interested in marriage mainly because most of the available men bored her. She would happily give a man a chance should he engage in interesting conversation. To amuse herself, she nicknamed her dancing partners and admirers nicknames after ancient figures (Adonis; Nero; Hercules). I thought that was quite funny. "Nero" was an especially annoying character.
I love how Helena and Geoffrey met and what eventuated from their attendance at the same ball. This short story had a few typographical & spelling errors however, it was a worthwhile read. I will be checking out more of this author's work.
February 15, 2017
Sweet story. Enjoyed.
September 26, 2017
The Earl of Rutherford needs a wife and an heir. His daughter is three and his mother threatens to descend on his estate with debutantes in tow unless he attends the London season.
He goes, and meets a young lady hiding behind a screen. They have a whispered conversation but didn’t exchange names, and he isn’t sure who she was.
Turns out, she isn’t sure who he was either.
She, is Helena Foster, the diamond beauty of the season but her mother has told her to hide her intelligence. She is being pursued by Waverley, a man she despises, and who seems unable to take any of her hints.
***
This was a sweet story [in the genre sense also - no sex] but nothing really happens.
A generous 3 stars
He goes, and meets a young lady hiding behind a screen. They have a whispered conversation but didn’t exchange names, and he isn’t sure who she was.
Turns out, she isn’t sure who he was either.
She, is Helena Foster, the diamond beauty of the season but her mother has told her to hide her intelligence. She is being pursued by Waverley, a man she despises, and who seems unable to take any of her hints.
***
This was a sweet story [in the genre sense also - no sex] but nothing really happens.
A generous 3 stars
July 4, 2017
Helena is the oldest of her siblings and must endure one season in town to please her mother. She does not care for balls and prefers her books and antiquities. Rutherford must marry again to gain an heir. His mother pressures him to come to London where he meets Helena. First impressions can be deceiving and they certainly are in this case. Helena is beautiful just like Rutherford's first wife, so he soon convinces himself that she is just as spoiled and selfish as well. Helena thinks he is too old for her and she isn't interested in being a stepmother having already helped to raise her siblings.
This is a sweet story and held my attention to the end. Although it is short, the characters are well developed. Rutherford is charming and real, though somewhat reserved as well. Helena is warm and friendly, and only a little bit spoiled, but not much. It's a lovely little story.
This is a sweet story and held my attention to the end. Although it is short, the characters are well developed. Rutherford is charming and real, though somewhat reserved as well. Helena is warm and friendly, and only a little bit spoiled, but not much. It's a lovely little story.
February 3, 2022
Amusing & Entertaining
I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, with sufficient information about their backgrounds to allow the reader to relate to them. Unfortunately, there were many typos throughout the story and in addition, etiquette errors. When our heroine, Helena, addresses the Duke of Waverly, she calls him « sir » and « Duke ». A Duke is always addressed as « your grace ». Except by intimate friends. She also addresses the Earl of Rutherford as « sir » when she should have said « my lord ». The writer should have done her homework. Other than that, it was enjoyable: the storyline, although a common one, was viewed from a different angle. The dialogue was acceptable. Short and sweet story.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, with sufficient information about their backgrounds to allow the reader to relate to them. Unfortunately, there were many typos throughout the story and in addition, etiquette errors. When our heroine, Helena, addresses the Duke of Waverly, she calls him « sir » and « Duke ». A Duke is always addressed as « your grace ». Except by intimate friends. She also addresses the Earl of Rutherford as « sir » when she should have said « my lord ». The writer should have done her homework. Other than that, it was enjoyable: the storyline, although a common one, was viewed from a different angle. The dialogue was acceptable. Short and sweet story.
Want to Read
June 1, 2020What a lovely Story
A short and sweet story. Lord Rutherford and Helena, neither really wanting to marry, but thrown together by their mother's, in a London season. Lord Rutherford a widower from an unsuccessful marriage had a three year old daughter whom he felt needed a mother and with this in mind he agreed to bend to his mother's will but on meeting Helena his priorities changed. His daughter Lucy was a sweetie and the story endearing and at times amusing particularly the Duke!!! I would thoroughly recommend this book.
A short and sweet story. Lord Rutherford and Helena, neither really wanting to marry, but thrown together by their mother's, in a London season. Lord Rutherford a widower from an unsuccessful marriage had a three year old daughter whom he felt needed a mother and with this in mind he agreed to bend to his mother's will but on meeting Helena his priorities changed. His daughter Lucy was a sweetie and the story endearing and at times amusing particularly the Duke!!! I would thoroughly recommend this book.
July 21, 2021
It is short (a compliment from me) and very good
This is one of the best Regency romances written in homage to Pride and Prejudice. And it was short. I am so tired of very long romance novels. I am used to Fawcett Crest and the other short regencies of my younger days.
Loved Helena and the Earl and Lucy. Hated the Duke of Waverly (sound familiar? Walter Scott). The Duke was aptly nicknamed Nero. I am trying to puzzle out the personality of the suitor nicknamed Caligula.
A quick read and a quick romance.
This is one of the best Regency romances written in homage to Pride and Prejudice. And it was short. I am so tired of very long romance novels. I am used to Fawcett Crest and the other short regencies of my younger days.
Loved Helena and the Earl and Lucy. Hated the Duke of Waverly (sound familiar? Walter Scott). The Duke was aptly nicknamed Nero. I am trying to puzzle out the personality of the suitor nicknamed Caligula.
A quick read and a quick romance.
March 28, 2018
Pleasant albeit lacking substance
the writing was very good, but lacked description of any sort. writing also flowed well and the character thoughts were a highlight. there were many petty conflicts in this book, the conversations lacked substance and there was no real chemistry between the main characters, probably because the male lead had no magnetism or attraction. I would recommend for a short read, as I said before the writing was a joy to read
the writing was very good, but lacked description of any sort. writing also flowed well and the character thoughts were a highlight. there were many petty conflicts in this book, the conversations lacked substance and there was no real chemistry between the main characters, probably because the male lead had no magnetism or attraction. I would recommend for a short read, as I said before the writing was a joy to read
July 11, 2019
Humor/Love
We so quickly fall into the genre of immediate love and the protestations and the doubt and fear. This was a love story written in the wonderful world of reality. I enjoyed the immediate and purpose of Helena and Rutherford and of course there had to be Nero. Lucy a delight and a wonderful addition to the joining of these two delightful people! Thank you.
We so quickly fall into the genre of immediate love and the protestations and the doubt and fear. This was a love story written in the wonderful world of reality. I enjoyed the immediate and purpose of Helena and Rutherford and of course there had to be Nero. Lucy a delight and a wonderful addition to the joining of these two delightful people! Thank you.
July 5, 2020
Very good
I originally was only going to give this book 3 star because of the lack of depth/detail.
But then it occurred to me that this might be a novella. It is. I normally try to stay away from novellas.
The book was very good and covered all the bases but would have been outstanding with at least 200 pages added.
I originally was only going to give this book 3 star because of the lack of depth/detail.
But then it occurred to me that this might be a novella. It is. I normally try to stay away from novellas.
The book was very good and covered all the bases but would have been outstanding with at least 200 pages added.
September 16, 2020
Enjoyable read
This is more than just a young girl's tribulations of love. The addition of an older (10 or more years older) gentlemen with reservations of his own brings a welcome twist and keeps one's interest. I enjoyed the manner in which the author portrayed the characters and their inner thoughts. This was a delight to read and too short by far.
This is more than just a young girl's tribulations of love. The addition of an older (10 or more years older) gentlemen with reservations of his own brings a welcome twist and keeps one's interest. I enjoyed the manner in which the author portrayed the characters and their inner thoughts. This was a delight to read and too short by far.
January 2, 2021
Good read
This story was very short and to the point. While it had a happy ending, I can’t truthfully say there was much to it. It seemed a lot more like a short story than a book. If you are looking for something simple and short to read while sitting in a waiting room, this is perfect. If you are desirous of a long and interesting read you should really look elsewhere.
This story was very short and to the point. While it had a happy ending, I can’t truthfully say there was much to it. It seemed a lot more like a short story than a book. If you are looking for something simple and short to read while sitting in a waiting room, this is perfect. If you are desirous of a long and interesting read you should really look elsewhere.
July 16, 2017
Clean, quick read novella. I think my biggest question was if your child is just recovering from measles, would you really take her out to visit people and go on a picnic? But I choose to suspend all things unrealistic and enjoy the story for what it was.
May 28, 2018
Very enjoyable
A light frothy romance that is not marked by high drama or mystery. But two people finding a soul mate. Not to mention a delightful three year old, and an overweening Duke.
A light frothy romance that is not marked by high drama or mystery. But two people finding a soul mate. Not to mention a delightful three year old, and an overweening Duke.
June 30, 2020
Given a choice
This story seemed to progress quickly. I think the intrigue could have lasted longer. The relationship between the characters seemed superficial at times. I was glad that they eventually showed some emotion.
This story seemed to progress quickly. I think the intrigue could have lasted longer. The relationship between the characters seemed superficial at times. I was glad that they eventually showed some emotion.
August 28, 2020
Sweet and endearing
A quick sweet read. Truly love Elizabeth Johns work! This book was endearing and lovely. There was so much emotion and interaction and I enjoyed the romance however short it was.
A quick sweet read. Truly love Elizabeth Johns work! This book was endearing and lovely. There was so much emotion and interaction and I enjoyed the romance however short it was.
September 8, 2020
Enjoyable
A very enjoyable read. A little short perhaps, and a too quick ending for my taste, but lovely characters, really nice story, and a hint of Austen in the title and plot, as well as the text. An author to go back to.
A very enjoyable read. A little short perhaps, and a too quick ending for my taste, but lovely characters, really nice story, and a hint of Austen in the title and plot, as well as the text. An author to go back to.
Read
May 8, 2022Super meh. Could have easily become a favorite of mine considering that the hero is a homebody widower with a young daughter who's a Classics nerd but it wasn't very romantic at all and LORD did the three year old child sound more like a barely two year old.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 87 reviews