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Arrangements #3
Secrets of a Spinster
Behind every little secret…
Mary Hamilton has had enough of being passed over by all of the eligible men in London, though she’s had years and years of practice, and she’s ready to give it up. But before she hangs up her dancing shoes for good, she wants one season of everything she’s never had - invitations, flirtation, and suitors. But will all of that actually give her what she’s always secretly wanted?
…there’s another secret waiting…
Geoffrey Harris is more than happy to spend his time being permanent escort to Mary during her final season in London. After all, she’s been his best friend for years, and what better way to send her off than in grand style? But when her plan actually starts to work, he isn’t so sure he wants any part of it, leaving him to wonder what it is he does want. Or who.
Mary Hamilton has had enough of being passed over by all of the eligible men in London, though she’s had years and years of practice, and she’s ready to give it up. But before she hangs up her dancing shoes for good, she wants one season of everything she’s never had - invitations, flirtation, and suitors. But will all of that actually give her what she’s always secretly wanted?
…there’s another secret waiting…
Geoffrey Harris is more than happy to spend his time being permanent escort to Mary during her final season in London. After all, she’s been his best friend for years, and what better way to send her off than in grand style? But when her plan actually starts to work, he isn’t so sure he wants any part of it, leaving him to wonder what it is he does want. Or who.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2016
299 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
86 books1,235 followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
February 14, 2021
This was recommended it to me and so I decided to try the sample. I was immediately sucked into the story, I enjoyed the characters and setting. I always enjoy a regency that takes place during the London season. This had a very traditional regency feel to it, which I really enjoyed.
Mary and Geoff had been friends since childhood, they're extremely close and have a nice relationship. Geoff is well respected and has a lot of friends. Mary is a wallflower, and most people only recognize her as Geoff's friend. Mary was a unique regency heroine in that she is twenty-seven! She decides this will be her final London season and decides to go out with a bang. Letting her sister re-make her, she suddenly becomes the toast of the season. Every eligible bachelor is vying for her attention and it's driving Geoff mad.
I liked the journey of Mary and Geoff. I thought their relationship evolution was believable, there was probably that connection forever that kept them both from really finding someone else, but it takes them time and almost loosing one another to realize their true feelings. But is it too late?
Overall, I thought this was a great regency. I enjoyed the writing style, character development and the fun plot. Now, I'm torn between going back and reading the first two books, or continuing on with the next two books. Decisions, decisions.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: Mild (I think one)
Violence: None
Series: Arrangements, Book Three - can stand alone
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
Mary and Geoff had been friends since childhood, they're extremely close and have a nice relationship. Geoff is well respected and has a lot of friends. Mary is a wallflower, and most people only recognize her as Geoff's friend. Mary was a unique regency heroine in that she is twenty-seven! She decides this will be her final London season and decides to go out with a bang. Letting her sister re-make her, she suddenly becomes the toast of the season. Every eligible bachelor is vying for her attention and it's driving Geoff mad.
I liked the journey of Mary and Geoff. I thought their relationship evolution was believable, there was probably that connection forever that kept them both from really finding someone else, but it takes them time and almost loosing one another to realize their true feelings. But is it too late?
Overall, I thought this was a great regency. I enjoyed the writing style, character development and the fun plot. Now, I'm torn between going back and reading the first two books, or continuing on with the next two books. Decisions, decisions.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: Mild (I think one)
Violence: None
Series: Arrangements, Book Three - can stand alone
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
June 9, 2016
I am becoming a big fan of Rebecca's. Saw this came out and didn't even read the description, I just bought it. I think she is up there with my favorite regency authors and this story was great! It was pretty simple and straight forward, but when you have a good writer the story line is not as important as the characters and there movement and emotions. The ending was so awesome and sweet and the great thing is it was fun getting there. Love the way she writes! Excited for the next one. Sweet clean, with some yummy kisses!
September 11, 2024
So captivating…
Amazing read. It drew me in right away and the fiery sizzling moments near the end happened to be just wow. It certainly got the butterflies going.
Amazing read. It drew me in right away and the fiery sizzling moments near the end happened to be just wow. It certainly got the butterflies going.
March 3, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 1/2 stars... wow this book was so so sooo lovely to read. It was funny and romantic and just full of feels. It had my stomach clenched up with anticipation for what was to come. I absolutely adored it and stayed up wayyyy too late into the night just to finish it.
October 16, 2016
I had a hard time understanding all of the characters and how they related to each other at the beginning of the book. It was then that I realized that this book is the third book in a series. It took at least 1/3 of the book before I felt like I had a handle on the characters.
This is a cute regency romance. The MC's have been the best of friends for years, but didn't realize that there was more to their relationship beyond friendship. It took a while before they could see the things that the reader and their friends see, they have love and respect for each other beyond friendship.
For me their chemistry didn't click. It seemed a little forced. Some of the events were just a little too convenient for my taste. I realize that there were time skips and that not all of the events were revealed to the reader. It would have been a little too long and drawn out with more events.
This book is well written and I'm sure that I would have liked it better if I would have read the books in order.
This is a cute regency romance. The MC's have been the best of friends for years, but didn't realize that there was more to their relationship beyond friendship. It took a while before they could see the things that the reader and their friends see, they have love and respect for each other beyond friendship.
For me their chemistry didn't click. It seemed a little forced. Some of the events were just a little too convenient for my taste. I realize that there were time skips and that not all of the events were revealed to the reader. It would have been a little too long and drawn out with more events.
This book is well written and I'm sure that I would have liked it better if I would have read the books in order.
April 17, 2017
This book grabbed me from the beginning. Maybe it was my mood or the fact that I have the flu. Either way, I loved it! I loved the characters, I loved the banter, I loved the happy ending for all, I loved the love that was found in thus book. Not just between the two main characters, but between friends and family. It was heart warming.
Read it!!
Read it!!
June 12, 2016
This book started out as one of the very best regency romances I'd ever read. The characters were likeable, relateable, and had some depth, and it was written engagingly and well. I enjoyed the main characters' banter, even if it was often kinda judgemental towards others. The side characters were truly excellent. And the main character's blend of insecurity and unconcern towards society was perfectly handled. But then about half way through the book she turned really bratty and vain and completely lost what made her a good character. It didn't last for too long, but afterward it was the hero who felt all guilty for (justly) rebuking her and feeling jealous, which was annoying. And then by 70% through the book they both know they're in love with the other and of course that's concerning because from then it's always "just get engaged already! These obstacles are stupid and unnecessary!" And their love is sooo sappy I was just rolling my eyes and skimming like crazy be the end. It would have been much better as a novella.
April 26, 2017
This was the third book in the Arrangement series, but I was not confused and felt it was stand alone though I am sure some of the characters appeared in prior books and will also in future books.
This was a new author to me. I purchased the entire series individually based on the unanimous high praise of Goodreads friends' reviews, and also the added incentive that as of the date of this review all the books in the series are $1.99. Yay!
I didn't mean to read the third book first, but I opened the first page to check it out and then before I knew it I was half way through the book and still up at midnight. It was because I was so enthralled and couldn't stop myself from turning just one more page, which indeed is a high compliment.
The halfway point I did struggle with when the heroine Mary very briefly went dark and pretended to be a popular mean girl instead of herself because of bad mentorship. It was very brief though and served as catalyst to cause events between Mary and her best friend Geoff (the hero) that had me rapidly flying through the pages again and ignoring everything else to finish.
The swoony ending and heartwarming epilogue 6 years later were great! Going to read book one in the series next with great enjoyment.
Sensuality content: Kisses only. Clean traditional regency era romance.
Source: My own personal purchased library.
This was a new author to me. I purchased the entire series individually based on the unanimous high praise of Goodreads friends' reviews, and also the added incentive that as of the date of this review all the books in the series are $1.99. Yay!
I didn't mean to read the third book first, but I opened the first page to check it out and then before I knew it I was half way through the book and still up at midnight. It was because I was so enthralled and couldn't stop myself from turning just one more page, which indeed is a high compliment.
The halfway point I did struggle with when the heroine Mary very briefly went dark and pretended to be a popular mean girl instead of herself because of bad mentorship. It was very brief though and served as catalyst to cause events between Mary and her best friend Geoff (the hero) that had me rapidly flying through the pages again and ignoring everything else to finish.
The swoony ending and heartwarming epilogue 6 years later were great! Going to read book one in the series next with great enjoyment.
Sensuality content: Kisses only. Clean traditional regency era romance.
Source: My own personal purchased library.
June 10, 2016
Happy sigh...
I do love a good recency romance, and Connolly does a superb job of delivering. I do believe this book may be the third in a series, but I don't believe I suffered any by not having read the other two first (though I fully intend to rectify that oversight posthaste). Geoffrey and Mary's story is a delightful tale of not seeing what's right in front of you and the "lightbulb" moments that ultimately lead to a sigh-worthy happy ending.
I do love a good recency romance, and Connolly does a superb job of delivering. I do believe this book may be the third in a series, but I don't believe I suffered any by not having read the other two first (though I fully intend to rectify that oversight posthaste). Geoffrey and Mary's story is a delightful tale of not seeing what's right in front of you and the "lightbulb" moments that ultimately lead to a sigh-worthy happy ending.
October 10, 2016
Good writing. Geoff was a great beta male hero. Lost a star or two for Mary being a brat in the middle of the book. It was tedious and seemed out of character for her.
Will keep reading her books.
Will keep reading her books.
April 25, 2018
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Behind every little secret…
Mary Hamilton has had enough of being passed over by all of the eligible men in London, though she’s had years and years of practice, and she’s ready to give it up. But before she hangs up her dancing shoes for good, she wants one season of everything she’s never had - invitations, flirtation, and suitors. But will all of that actually give her what she’s always secretly wanted?
…there’s another secret waiting…
Geoffrey Harris is more than happy to spend his time being permanent escort to Mary during her final season in London. After all, she’s been his best friend for years, and what better way to send her off than in grand style? But when her plan actually starts to work, he isn’t so sure he wants any part of it, leaving him to wonder what it is he does want. Or who.
MY TAKE
This book has some totally swoon-worthy parts and others that made me want to scream. I loved the individual love interests and found them interesting and enjoyed getting to see some of the characters from the previous books in the series. I was disappointed in Mary as she lost herself in her little game.
The thing that made me nuts was how very long it took to get to the conclusion. There were so many (too many, imho) false starts. Oh, here's where the declaration of love is going to happen. Nope. Then by what seemed like the 25th episode of pulling back I was ready to smack them both silly. But the final resolution was swoon-worthy and the epilogue was very sweet.
3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4.
Behind every little secret…
Mary Hamilton has had enough of being passed over by all of the eligible men in London, though she’s had years and years of practice, and she’s ready to give it up. But before she hangs up her dancing shoes for good, she wants one season of everything she’s never had - invitations, flirtation, and suitors. But will all of that actually give her what she’s always secretly wanted?
…there’s another secret waiting…
Geoffrey Harris is more than happy to spend his time being permanent escort to Mary during her final season in London. After all, she’s been his best friend for years, and what better way to send her off than in grand style? But when her plan actually starts to work, he isn’t so sure he wants any part of it, leaving him to wonder what it is he does want. Or who.
MY TAKE
This book has some totally swoon-worthy parts and others that made me want to scream. I loved the individual love interests and found them interesting and enjoyed getting to see some of the characters from the previous books in the series. I was disappointed in Mary as she lost herself in her little game.
The thing that made me nuts was how very long it took to get to the conclusion. There were so many (too many, imho) false starts. Oh, here's where the declaration of love is going to happen. Nope. Then by what seemed like the 25th episode of pulling back I was ready to smack them both silly. But the final resolution was swoon-worthy and the epilogue was very sweet.
3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4.
Want to read
August 24, 2022I normally don't read clean romances but this caught my attention.
November 22, 2019
Rebecca Connolly is a first-time author and I truly loved this third books in the series. Although it started off slow and transitioned into a lovely sweet and clean historical romance.
Mary Hamilton at age 27 was at this time determined to become a spinster. Her sister, Cassandra had ruined her chances for a match and was shunned by the ton. They both lived their lives in pretty much seclusions with Mary on occasion attending dinners and other outings. The women had one true friend in their lives, Geoffrey Harris who had despised the marriage mart games and all that came with the season. He never wanted to marry. This is something he thought Mary understood and what made their friendship solid. However, Mary’s secret was that she harbored a deep love for him and welcomed his company whenever he came to London.
Tired of the routine, Mary decided to leave London and close of the family home. Her sister appealed to her to have some fun before they leave and asked her to give herself one final season as a debutante. If she did, she would agree to rejoin the public life again regardless of the scandal that loomed over her head. Mary reinvented herself with all the fripperies and had Geoffrey as her escort during this game. After a few balls and quite a lot of attention, she realized what she truly missed. She became the belle of the ton and as the game went one, she became someone unlikable and rude. She even brushed off her long-time friend Geoffrey and when he confronted her of her uncaring actions, she dismissed him as well. During this process too, Geoffrey did not like who he had become, and his friends did not let him forget it. He was jealous of the attention Mary was receiving, but more important he had found himself falling in love with her in the process.
The story concludes with both he H/h confessing their love for one another, marrying and eventually having children. Not sure if the title fits the story as their we not that many secrets harbored but it was definitely a very nice clean read and heartwarming story. I did enjoy the narration by Jessica Elisa Boyd. I plan on listening to books one and two of this series for comparison.
4-Stars
Mary Hamilton at age 27 was at this time determined to become a spinster. Her sister, Cassandra had ruined her chances for a match and was shunned by the ton. They both lived their lives in pretty much seclusions with Mary on occasion attending dinners and other outings. The women had one true friend in their lives, Geoffrey Harris who had despised the marriage mart games and all that came with the season. He never wanted to marry. This is something he thought Mary understood and what made their friendship solid. However, Mary’s secret was that she harbored a deep love for him and welcomed his company whenever he came to London.
Tired of the routine, Mary decided to leave London and close of the family home. Her sister appealed to her to have some fun before they leave and asked her to give herself one final season as a debutante. If she did, she would agree to rejoin the public life again regardless of the scandal that loomed over her head. Mary reinvented herself with all the fripperies and had Geoffrey as her escort during this game. After a few balls and quite a lot of attention, she realized what she truly missed. She became the belle of the ton and as the game went one, she became someone unlikable and rude. She even brushed off her long-time friend Geoffrey and when he confronted her of her uncaring actions, she dismissed him as well. During this process too, Geoffrey did not like who he had become, and his friends did not let him forget it. He was jealous of the attention Mary was receiving, but more important he had found himself falling in love with her in the process.
The story concludes with both he H/h confessing their love for one another, marrying and eventually having children. Not sure if the title fits the story as their we not that many secrets harbored but it was definitely a very nice clean read and heartwarming story. I did enjoy the narration by Jessica Elisa Boyd. I plan on listening to books one and two of this series for comparison.
4-Stars
October 13, 2019
There are a couple of references to the heroine being plain, though you would never know it from the story. I adore “unrequited” love stories between friends, and this one was very sweet. Very little angst and no sex, but I liked it anyways.
October 27, 2016
I may have to go back and read the earlier books in this series. It was oddly compelling and kept me coming back to see what would happen even though I anticipated much of it.
April 22, 2017
This one was frustrating at times. I wanted to shake the main characters. However, I enjoyed watching them discover each other in a different way.
October 30, 2018
More realistic than the first and even second entries in this series in that the characters have to deal with the attitudes of society head on. The transformation of Mary may be slightly over-drawn but it is not entirely unbelievable. The silliest thing about this book is that Geoff even needed all this to realize how much he cares about Mary. As I am coming to expect from this author witty banter abounds which makes the book a delight to read.
August 10, 2017
I'm a sucker for these books! Three more to read in the series.
July 6, 2019
I seriously LOVED this book! The chemistry between Geoff and Mary!!!
October 25, 2025
I usually haaaate friends to lovers but this was SO cute. I’m clearly going down a Rebecca Connolly rabbit-hole and I don’t regret it even a little bit
November 5, 2018
3.5 Stars - I put this one down because Lethal White came out and then it took me forever to pick it back up.
November 7, 2025
This is what bridgeton season 3 should’ve been
August 8, 2018
Why, oh why, must romance characters be -- or at least act -- TSTL?
I do like Connolly's writing in general. It's intelligent and often witty. But I about sprained my eye muscles I rolled them so much at some points.
I do like Connolly's writing in general. It's intelligent and often witty. But I about sprained my eye muscles I rolled them so much at some points.
October 2, 2016
Such a good premise for a story, but it became a chore to read. I really liked two other books by Rebecca Connolly, but this one would have been much better as a novella, with a lot of stuff cut out.
27 yr. old Mary Hamilton decides to make her last season memorable by going from plain ol’ wallflower to instant flirty debutant, just to see whom she could attract and tease popular society. Her willing accomplice, childhood best friend Geoffrey Harris has agreed to the scheme by being her escort for season events. Of course eventually they admit being in love with each other. No big surprise there.
At first I liked Mary, but she progressed to annoying shrew. (I called her that two chapters before she called herself one!) Her rudeness to so many was drawn out to the point that I grew to really dislike her, and felt sorry for Geoffrey – whom I did like. It was not fun to hear the incessant belittling of characters and sarcasm-soaked dialog that Mary thrived on. She felt empowered with her pretense of popularity, but it seems impossible to me that such behavior could garner any “popular” attention. And the final masquerade scene was silly! Was she so naïve to think that Geoff had no clue as to who she was? Seriously?
Those were my complaints, but the biggest one - some editor or preliminary reader should have told Connolly that constant phrase of “she rolled her eyes” became absolutely annoying to read. I checked to see if I was alone in that opinion and no, many reviewers voiced the same critique.
Sorry, this was a disappointment that I will not keep. I will however, check out what Connolly does next because I did enjoy her other books.
27 yr. old Mary Hamilton decides to make her last season memorable by going from plain ol’ wallflower to instant flirty debutant, just to see whom she could attract and tease popular society. Her willing accomplice, childhood best friend Geoffrey Harris has agreed to the scheme by being her escort for season events. Of course eventually they admit being in love with each other. No big surprise there.
At first I liked Mary, but she progressed to annoying shrew. (I called her that two chapters before she called herself one!) Her rudeness to so many was drawn out to the point that I grew to really dislike her, and felt sorry for Geoffrey – whom I did like. It was not fun to hear the incessant belittling of characters and sarcasm-soaked dialog that Mary thrived on. She felt empowered with her pretense of popularity, but it seems impossible to me that such behavior could garner any “popular” attention. And the final masquerade scene was silly! Was she so naïve to think that Geoff had no clue as to who she was? Seriously?
Those were my complaints, but the biggest one - some editor or preliminary reader should have told Connolly that constant phrase of “she rolled her eyes” became absolutely annoying to read. I checked to see if I was alone in that opinion and no, many reviewers voiced the same critique.
Sorry, this was a disappointment that I will not keep. I will however, check out what Connolly does next because I did enjoy her other books.
August 31, 2016
2.5 stars
This book should've been 25% shorter. The misunderstandings at the end were completely unnecessary. But the beginning was really, really good. I always love "secretly in love" and "childhood friends" stories. I liked Geoff from the beginning and Mary as well. But I started to dislike her after her "change". She said that it was all feigned and not her true self, but I don't believe it. She really became a stupid, superficial and selfish debutante, and even after she changes "back" I never started to like her again.
I really like Rebecca Connollys writing style. She writes classic, clean regency romances with a modern touch and it really feels like a historical and not a contemporary romances with characters in historical costumes. The ending didn't fit in my opinion, it was too modern, I couldn't believe the characters would kiss each other in public... I don't have a problem in normal historicals, but "Secrets of a Spinster" felt more historical accurate most of the time.
Overall this story wasn't as good as it could have been. But Rebecca Connolly is a good write, I'm sure that I will read more stories by her.
This book should've been 25% shorter. The misunderstandings at the end were completely unnecessary. But the beginning was really, really good. I always love "secretly in love" and "childhood friends" stories. I liked Geoff from the beginning and Mary as well. But I started to dislike her after her "change". She said that it was all feigned and not her true self, but I don't believe it. She really became a stupid, superficial and selfish debutante, and even after she changes "back" I never started to like her again.
I really like Rebecca Connollys writing style. She writes classic, clean regency romances with a modern touch and it really feels like a historical and not a contemporary romances with characters in historical costumes. The ending didn't fit in my opinion, it was too modern, I couldn't believe the characters would kiss each other in public... I don't have a problem in normal historicals, but "Secrets of a Spinster" felt more historical accurate most of the time.
Overall this story wasn't as good as it could have been. But Rebecca Connolly is a good write, I'm sure that I will read more stories by her.
July 16, 2016
The first third was so drop-dead amazing! The humor and the relationships were so engaging and so wonderfully entertaining. It was quickly becoming my new favorite book.
Once Mary started to become a debutante, it almost turned into a typical Regency, which let me down after such an amazing start. Her and Geoff were so much more entertaining before. I wish the author would have kept that same canter. She could have, but chose to make Mary quite a bit more boring. I would have loved to see her like Collin described her- just talking more than she had before, but I think she became someone different, despite what the author kept insisting.
Still, it definitely deserves 4 stars! Even for a typical Regency, it was very good! Geoff's group of friends made me laugh out loud through the whole book. The idea of highlighting that group was so fresh and welcome.
Once Mary started to become a debutante, it almost turned into a typical Regency, which let me down after such an amazing start. Her and Geoff were so much more entertaining before. I wish the author would have kept that same canter. She could have, but chose to make Mary quite a bit more boring. I would have loved to see her like Collin described her- just talking more than she had before, but I think she became someone different, despite what the author kept insisting.
Still, it definitely deserves 4 stars! Even for a typical Regency, it was very good! Geoff's group of friends made me laugh out loud through the whole book. The idea of highlighting that group was so fresh and welcome.
October 10, 2018
In short, an ugly duckling who no one noticeed but her closest friend who considered her a sister, decided to change herself and try to live the meaning of debutant before leaving to the countryside.
Her friend / brother agrees with her and help her, but he starts to feel jealous while she starts to act foolishly, selfishly and hurt all around her.
But things return to their right direction and the book get more interesting.
By far this book is my favourite as I've read the first and second of the series.
I like how friends act, and defend each other, how close they are and how interesting their stories might be.
Her friend / brother agrees with her and help her, but he starts to feel jealous while she starts to act foolishly, selfishly and hurt all around her.
But things return to their right direction and the book get more interesting.
By far this book is my favourite as I've read the first and second of the series.
I like how friends act, and defend each other, how close they are and how interesting their stories might be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2018
The books in this series have so much potential but always fall just a tad bit short of 4 stars for me. I enjoy a lot about the books, but have a hard time with widely shifting behaviors with the characters at times. The wallflower, Mary, went through a drastic shift in how she looked and acted and behaved towards her "best friend" that I had a hard time accepting it. I'm still quite invested in this series and will continue to read them, I just wish there were less mistakes in the books (missing and misplaced words) and a bit less drama.
October 17, 2016
This book was fantastic and some of the best scenes I have read in years! I will be rereading many of those scenes for years to come! I loved these characters so much! They started off lovable, then as they grew they suffered some growing pains and the ending is just plain swoon worthy!! If you love a clean and wonderful regency romance grab this!
November 4, 2016
Mostly enjoyed this one. The middle got a little boring, and I didn't really care for the people Geoff & Mary were turning into ... but then they came to their senses :) It definitely had a swoon-worthy ending. I also liked how the characters from the previous 2 books come into play, and I look forward to reading the next book. I want to read Collin's story!
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