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A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
Amy is a shy, timid soul, browbeaten by her domineering father until she’s terrified to do or say anything without his approval. When he dies suddenly, his will leaves large dowries for his six daughters, but only if they marry in the proper order, the eldest first. Amy must now find herself a husband, and soon, so her younger sisters can marry in their turn. There are several possible suitors, but will any of them come up to scratch? And how will Amy choose without her father to guide her?
Mr Ambleside has been waiting for Amy for years, his suit rejected by her father. Now he has his opportunity, and he’s determined to win her. But first he has to see off his rivals, and if he manages that, he has to overcome her reluctance to defy her father’s wishes. But he’s a very tenacious man…
Amy is a shy, timid soul, browbeaten by her domineering father until she’s terrified to do or say anything without his approval. When he dies suddenly, his will leaves large dowries for his six daughters, but only if they marry in the proper order, the eldest first. Amy must now find herself a husband, and soon, so her younger sisters can marry in their turn. There are several possible suitors, but will any of them come up to scratch? And how will Amy choose without her father to guide her?
Mr Ambleside has been waiting for Amy for years, his suit rejected by her father. Now he has his opportunity, and he’s determined to win her. But first he has to see off his rivals, and if he manages that, he has to overcome her reluctance to defy her father’s wishes. But he’s a very tenacious man…
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
476 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
68 books479 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 23, 2024
What happens when an abusive father dies and a neglectful mother doesn’t step up to the plate? This series is being set up in the first book. We’re getting an inkling that beyond being an abusive boar, the father of the Allamont Hall sisters is an adulterous thief. We’ll see how that storyline develops in the rest of the book.
Poor Amy is the oldest sister - she’s anxious and used to being controlled down to the color of the ribbons she wears. How is she supposed to put herself out there to marry, thus fulfilling the rules of her father’s will, which requires the sisters to marry in age order?
Meanwhile, a man who asked for Amy’s hand several times, but was turned away by her horrible father is back. He even tells Amy why her father refused him (I’m guessing this will become a very ironic part of the story later).
The whole thing is a bit of a mess, but you can’t help but feel for the oldest child of an abusive family.
Note: no abuse is on page, just general controlling behavior referenced.
Poor Amy is the oldest sister - she’s anxious and used to being controlled down to the color of the ribbons she wears. How is she supposed to put herself out there to marry, thus fulfilling the rules of her father’s will, which requires the sisters to marry in age order?
Meanwhile, a man who asked for Amy’s hand several times, but was turned away by her horrible father is back. He even tells Amy why her father refused him (I’m guessing this will become a very ironic part of the story later).
The whole thing is a bit of a mess, but you can’t help but feel for the oldest child of an abusive family.
Note: no abuse is on page, just general controlling behavior referenced.
January 29, 2018
Lordy, lordy, I'm glad I didn't start Mary Kingswood's books with this one. I started with the Sons of the Marquess series and then circled back to this one.
Amy is a character that I want to smack. She is one of those "oh, me, life is so confusing, I need a man [either daddy or hubby] to tell me what to do. oh, me, oh, my."
Now, granted, there was probably a lot of that going around during the Regency (and before), but I don't read Regencies for that.
She did have her moments, and I liked her suitor trying to get rid of his rivals by cooking up schemes to send them away. But by and large, this isn't the best. I know Kingswood can do better, with both her heroines AND heroes, so I am not deterred from moving along in the series.
Plus I want to know just how big a scoundrel the father turns out to be. We are finding out little by little. I like that in a series.
Amy is a character that I want to smack. She is one of those "oh, me, life is so confusing, I need a man [either daddy or hubby] to tell me what to do. oh, me, oh, my."
Now, granted, there was probably a lot of that going around during the Regency (and before), but I don't read Regencies for that.
She did have her moments, and I liked her suitor trying to get rid of his rivals by cooking up schemes to send them away. But by and large, this isn't the best. I know Kingswood can do better, with both her heroines AND heroes, so I am not deterred from moving along in the series.
Plus I want to know just how big a scoundrel the father turns out to be. We are finding out little by little. I like that in a series.
December 2, 2022
Знаете, когда-то мне было тринадцать лет и тогда у меня не было собственного книжного вкуса. Книги на прочтение мне выбирала мама, и, что не удивительно, давала она мне в основном классику, в частности романы Остин и сестёр Бронте. И мне действительно нравилось. Было в этом мире скромных леди и благородных джентльменов что-то притягательное. А может быть, это я просто была намного романтичней ввиду детской наивности. Потом у меня сформировались собственные книжные предпочтения, и этот период читательской карьеры был успешно похоронен. Иногда, конечно, я вспоминала это время, и с особой теплотой, прошу заметить, но перечитывать старые произведения не хотелось, да знакомиться с чем-то новым в жанре регентского романа тоже.
А потом случились "Бриджертоны", и в голове что-то щелкнуло. Внезапно захотелось снова окунуться в мир балов, аристократов и споров, кто за кого должен выйти замуж. И впору конечно было бы прочитать сами книги про Бриджертонов, но я не ищу лёгких путей. Тут, как нельзя кстати, на глаза попалась серия "Дочери Алламонт Холла". Все книги в миленьких обложках и каждая повествует про одну из шести сестёр.
Собственно, сюжет Мэри Кингсвуд предлагает следующий: у сэра Уильяма Алламонта и его жены, в браке рождается восемь детей — шесть дочерей и два сына. В начале книге отец семейства умирает, оставляя завещание с довольно странными условиями. Каждой из дочерей остаётся солидное приданое, но только в том случае, если они все выйдут замуж в течении последующих пяти лет и исключительно по порядку старшинства. Одной из них также необходимо выйти замуж за кузена-однофамильца, дабы в Алламонт Холле продолжали проживать непосредственно Алламонты. На сыновей рассчитывать не стоит, ибо пару лет назад они свалили покорять Новый Свет.
Я ожидала миленький роман, но в итоге "Эми" вогнала меня в депрессию. Умом я понимаю, что регентские романы (пусть и написанные современными авторами) не стоит оценивать через призму современного восприятия. Времена были другие, нормы поведения тоже. Но "Эми" получилась какой-то чересчур злободневной в этом плане. При этом, мне показалось, что г-жа Кингсвуд осознавала, что книга получилась довольно депрессивной, но из-за канонов жанра не смогла ничего сделать.
Эми Алламонт двадцать четыре года, и её вот-вот запишут в старые девы. Она не рассчитывает на брак по любви, поэтому вполне допускает мысль о том, что именно ей придётся обвенчаться с ненавистным кузеном, дабы расчистить дорогу к алтарю для остальных сестёр. Однако, в родные края возвращается Мистер Уиндерфорс Эмблсайд, который когда-то просил у папаши Алламонта руку третьей сестры, Конни, но получил отказ.
По завещанию можно понять, что почивший сэр Алламонт был, мягко говоря, не самым приятным человеком. Всю жизнь он третировал дочерей, заставляя их сидеть дома, носить одинаковую одежду и в целом, был довольно глух к их нуждам и мечтам. Намёком упоминалось, что в отношении сыновей имело место и порка в качестве наказания. Леди Алламонт так и вовсе было глубоко наплевать на своих детей, в многом из-за того, что дорожайщий супруг в своё время изолировал их от неё, и в результате создать сильную эмоциональную связь с дочерьми так и не вышло, да и не то чтобы ей это особо интересно. Это я к чему? Это я к тому, что пока остальные сёстры, выйдя из-под отцовского контроля, впервые пробуют на вкус свободу, Эми пребывает в состоянии растерянности. Всю жизнь она покорно исполняла отцовскую волю и полностью отказалась от собственных надежд и стремлений. Она привыкла, что её направляют и контролируют.
Собственно, Эмблсайду такая и нужна: покорная и неперечливая. Та, за которую он сможет принимать все важные решения. Он настолько уверен в том, что Эми предназначена ему судьбой, что избавляясь от её женихов, ни разу не подумал о её желаниях. Правда, он просит прощения за это, но делает это скорее, как нашкодивший ребёнок, которого поймали на горячем, а не взрослый человек, что действительно раскаивается в своём поступке.
В большинстве своём арка Эми состоит в принятии факта того, что дорогой папочка был не таким уж хорошим отцом, да и человеком порядочным он тоже не был. И будь это любой другой роман о токсичных родителях, то Эми начала бы путь к осознанию себя как личности и первые шаги к более счастливой жизни. И вот тут Кингсвуд и добавляет злободневности. Потому что, после парочки абзацев самокопания, Эми приходит к выводу, что в свои двадцать четыре года ей уже поздно меняться. Для неё это ситуация стала настолько привычной, что ассоциируется с комфортом. Комфорт, пусть и в кавычках, намного предпочтительнее неизвестности. И временами бывает, что человек, привыкший к токсичности со стороны родителей, будет искать того же в своём партнёре, ибо не представляет как отношения могут работать иначе. Помните, в Стивен Кинг - Оно Эдди Каспбрак жил под гнётом собственной матери, а потом он женился на женщине, полностью повторяющей данные паттерны поведения? Это параллель настолько жирная, что в новых фильмах и мать, и жену играет одна актриса. То же самое происходит с Эми. Она соглашается жить с Эмблсайдом, прекрасно осознавая, что он будет ею командовать и контролировать каждый аспект их совместной жизни. Её это более чем устраивает. Она фактически выходит замуж за своего отца, просто он улыбается почаще и делает ей комплименты. И, так как это всё-таки регентский роман, больше ей от жизни ловить нечего. Женщина должна быть покорной дочерью, а потом — покорной женой, другого ожидать от подобной литературы просто не стоило. Автор невзначай говорит, что по современным меркам этот финал не назвать счастливым, но из-за эпохи лучшего исхода просто нет. Но сравнение между папашей Алламонтом и Эмблсайдом оставляют горький привкус во рту.
Ещё тут было подобие любовного треугольника Эми/Эмблсайд/Конни, но его итог предсказуем и, кроме как растянуть повествования, никак иначе на сюжет не влияет.
Первый блин был не совсем комом. Судя по рейтингу, книга про вторую сестру, Белль, получилась лучше. Вдобавок, папаша Алламонт, судя по всему, даже из могилы продолжает пакостить своим дочерям. А ещё мы с сестрой поспорили.
Мои рецензии на: Серия "Дочери Алламонт Холла" 1/6
2. Белль 3. Конни 4. Дульси 5. Грейс 6.Хоуп
Рецензия на Livelib
А потом случились "Бриджертоны", и в голове что-то щелкнуло. Внезапно захотелось снова окунуться в мир балов, аристократов и споров, кто за кого должен выйти замуж. И впору конечно было бы прочитать сами книги про Бриджертонов, но я не ищу лёгких путей. Тут, как нельзя кстати, на глаза попалась серия "Дочери Алламонт Холла". Все книги в миленьких обложках и каждая повествует про одну из шести сестёр.
Собственно, сюжет Мэри Кингсвуд предлагает следующий: у сэра Уильяма Алламонта и его жены, в браке рождается восемь детей — шесть дочерей и два сына. В начале книге отец семейства умирает, оставляя завещание с довольно странными условиями. Каждой из дочерей остаётся солидное приданое, но только в том случае, если они все выйдут замуж в течении последующих пяти лет и исключительно по порядку старшинства. Одной из них также необходимо выйти замуж за кузена-однофамильца, дабы в Алламонт Холле продолжали проживать непосредственно Алламонты. На сыновей рассчитывать не стоит, ибо пару лет назад они свалили покорять Новый Свет.
Я ожидала миленький роман, но в итоге "Эми" вогнала меня в депрессию. Умом я понимаю, что регентские романы (пусть и написанные современными авторами) не стоит оценивать через призму современного восприятия. Времена были другие, нормы поведения тоже. Но "Эми" получилась какой-то чересчур злободневной в этом плане. При этом, мне показалось, что г-жа Кингсвуд осознавала, что книга получилась довольно депрессивной, но из-за канонов жанра не смогла ничего сделать.
Эми Алламонт двадцать четыре года, и её вот-вот запишут в старые девы. Она не рассчитывает на брак по любви, поэтому вполне допускает мысль о том, что именно ей придётся обвенчаться с ненавистным кузеном, дабы расчистить дорогу к алтарю для остальных сестёр. Однако, в родные края возвращается Мистер Уиндерфорс Эмблсайд, который когда-то просил у папаши Алламонта руку третьей сестры, Конни, но получил отказ.
По завещанию можно понять, что почивший сэр Алламонт был, мягко говоря, не самым приятным человеком. Всю жизнь он третировал дочерей, заставляя их сидеть дома, носить одинаковую одежду и в целом, был довольно глух к их нуждам и мечтам. Намёком упоминалось, что в отношении сыновей имело место и порка в качестве наказания. Леди Алламонт так и вовсе было глубоко наплевать на своих детей, в многом из-за того, что дорожайщий супруг в своё время изолировал их от неё, и в результате создать сильную эмоциональную связь с дочерьми так и не вышло, да и не то чтобы ей это особо интересно. Это я к чему? Это я к тому, что пока остальные сёстры, выйдя из-под отцовского контроля, впервые пробуют на вкус свободу, Эми пребывает в состоянии растерянности. Всю жизнь она покорно исполняла отцовскую волю и полностью отказалась от собственных надежд и стремлений. Она привыкла, что её направляют и контролируют.
Собственно, Эмблсайду такая и нужна: покорная и неперечливая. Та, за которую он сможет принимать все важные решения. Он настолько уверен в том, что Эми предназначена ему судьбой, что избавляясь от её женихов, ни разу не подумал о её желаниях. Правда, он просит прощения за это, но делает это скорее, как нашкодивший ребёнок, которого поймали на горячем, а не взрослый человек, что действительно раскаивается в своём поступке.
В большинстве своём арка Эми состоит в принятии факта того, что дорогой папочка был не таким уж хорошим отцом, да и человеком порядочным он тоже не был. И будь это любой другой роман о токсичных родителях, то Эми начала бы путь к осознанию себя как личности и первые шаги к более счастливой жизни. И вот тут Кингсвуд и добавляет злободневности. Потому что, после парочки абзацев самокопания, Эми приходит к выводу, что в свои двадцать четыре года ей уже поздно меняться. Для неё это ситуация стала настолько привычной, что ассоциируется с комфортом. Комфорт, пусть и в кавычках, намного предпочтительнее неизвестности. И временами бывает, что человек, привыкший к токсичности со стороны родителей, будет искать того же в своём партнёре, ибо не представляет как отношения могут работать иначе. Помните, в Стивен Кинг - Оно Эдди Каспбрак жил под гнётом собственной матери, а потом он женился на женщине, полностью повторяющей данные паттерны поведения? Это параллель настолько жирная, что в новых фильмах и мать, и жену играет одна актриса. То же самое происходит с Эми. Она соглашается жить с Эмблсайдом, прекрасно осознавая, что он будет ею командовать и контролировать каждый аспект их совместной жизни. Её это более чем устраивает. Она фактически выходит замуж за своего отца, просто он улыбается почаще и делает ей комплименты. И, так как это всё-таки регентский роман, больше ей от жизни ловить нечего. Женщина должна быть покорной дочерью, а потом — покорной женой, другого ожидать от подобной литературы просто не стоило. Автор невзначай говорит, что по современным меркам этот финал не назвать счастливым, но из-за эпохи лучшего исхода просто нет. Но сравнение между папашей Алламонтом и Эмблсайдом оставляют горький привкус во рту.
Ещё тут было подобие любовного треугольника Эми/Эмблсайд/Конни, но его итог предсказуем и, кроме как растянуть повествования, никак иначе на сюжет не влияет.
Первый блин был не совсем комом. Судя по рейтингу, книга про вторую сестру, Белль, получилась лучше. Вдобавок, папаша Алламонт, судя по всему, даже из могилы продолжает пакостить своим дочерям. А ещё мы с сестрой поспорили.
Мои рецензии на: Серия "Дочери Алламонт Холла" 1/6
2. Белль 3. Конни 4. Дульси 5. Грейс 6.Хоуп
Рецензия на Livelib
January 31, 2018
a bit boring with MCs I didn't really like 2.5*
This is the initial book in a series about 6 sisters whose overly strict father dies, leaving a will that states they must marry in order of eldest to youngest or cause their sisters to lose their dowries. Their mother is mostly absent and so the girls are left to figure things out themselves. Amy is the eldest and had previously given up on getting married. She is the only sister who misses all her father's frankly abusive ways. She is quite happy when Mr. Ambleside essentially tells her he will look after her and make all her decisions for her. But a couple of her sisters disapprove and so Amy says no. She is just so dull and boring it hurts. And Mr. Ambleside is not someone I would want my kid marrying.
Still I love some of this author's fantasy novels and since they got better as they progressed I moved onto book 2 .
This is the initial book in a series about 6 sisters whose overly strict father dies, leaving a will that states they must marry in order of eldest to youngest or cause their sisters to lose their dowries. Their mother is mostly absent and so the girls are left to figure things out themselves. Amy is the eldest and had previously given up on getting married. She is the only sister who misses all her father's frankly abusive ways. She is quite happy when Mr. Ambleside essentially tells her he will look after her and make all her decisions for her. But a couple of her sisters disapprove and so Amy says no. She is just so dull and boring it hurts. And Mr. Ambleside is not someone I would want my kid marrying.
Still I love some of this author's fantasy novels and since they got better as they progressed I moved onto book 2 .
April 15, 2019
I liked this book. It was in the spirit of Jane Austen.
At first, Amy was upsetting me. She was naïve and very obedient. I wanted to shake her. Fortunately, after getting to know Harriet and the truth about her father, she took on a bit of character.
At first, Mr Ambleside appeared as a great manipulator, similar to Amy's father. At the end he went to his senses, admitted that he acted badly, he apologized.
At first, Amy was upsetting me. She was naïve and very obedient. I wanted to shake her. Fortunately, after getting to know Harriet and the truth about her father, she took on a bit of character.
At first, Mr Ambleside appeared as a great manipulator, similar to Amy's father. At the end he went to his senses, admitted that he acted badly, he apologized.
August 1, 2016
Characters?
I was really not fond of the characters.
I find it quite difficult to write a series about five sisters because that always means that some of them are just stupid or more stupid than the others. It hardly happens that all of them are dear and kind. And that was the case here, too. Some of Amy's sisters are just not likeable. And Amy?
Amy is bit dim-witted. She doesn’t understand her father’s will, she doesn’t see what her father did to them all these years.
The way she adores her father is ridiculous. He belittled them constantly and she keeps saying ‘I’m sure father had his reasons’. Apparently, she’s not fond of critical thinking.
She’s way too docile and dependant on others. Plus, her constant talk that her father always had their best interests in mind, that gentlemen are always right drove me INSANE.
How can she?
Our hero was really cool, however. Loved that he was so determined. I still have no idea why he liked her so much but hey... Love is blind and stuff..
Plot
Too much has been left for the reader to make out on his own. It takes Amy forever to finally see what went on with her father. There’s no epilogue, she doesn’t even marry in her own installment yet.
Writing style?
Okay. Something was missing, though. There were some mistakes and the beginning didn't really suck me in.
I was really not fond of the characters.
I find it quite difficult to write a series about five sisters because that always means that some of them are just stupid or more stupid than the others. It hardly happens that all of them are dear and kind. And that was the case here, too. Some of Amy's sisters are just not likeable. And Amy?
Amy is bit dim-witted. She doesn’t understand her father’s will, she doesn’t see what her father did to them all these years.
The way she adores her father is ridiculous. He belittled them constantly and she keeps saying ‘I’m sure father had his reasons’. Apparently, she’s not fond of critical thinking.
She’s way too docile and dependant on others. Plus, her constant talk that her father always had their best interests in mind, that gentlemen are always right drove me INSANE.
How can she?
Our hero was really cool, however. Loved that he was so determined. I still have no idea why he liked her so much but hey... Love is blind and stuff..
Plot
Too much has been left for the reader to make out on his own. It takes Amy forever to finally see what went on with her father. There’s no epilogue, she doesn’t even marry in her own installment yet.
Writing style?
Okay. Something was missing, though. There were some mistakes and the beginning didn't really suck me in.
July 17, 2016
I received this e-book as an ARC. If you enjoyed Pride and Prejudice, or Little Women you should enjoy this series. Amy, and the first chapter of Belle (included at the end of the book as a preview), reminded me much of them. The Daughters of Allamont series is about a family of girls and their quest to find suitable husbands, after the death of their father, in order to be eligible for their dowries as set forth by the terms of his will. The challenge is that the daughters have to marry in a certain order, in order for all to get their inheritance. I would have been enchanted by this series as a young girl, gravitating toward historically set stories, and would recommend it to any young girl who has such tastes. If one is looking for steamy, erotic sagas, then this is not for you. I, myself, would like to read the rest, as my interest in the Allamont family has been peaked and wish to learn what happens to the rest of the daughters.
April 3, 2020
OMG - 😡
Dear Heavens, what on earth is the author doing??
Amy is understandably timid to the point of being a doormat. She is the eldest, has been browbeaten into total submission by her father her entire life, so it’s easy to understand her timidity. Why the author had to browbeat the reader by making Amy repeat her ‘oh dear what should I do’ mantra is beyond me. It was SO IRRITATING!
Next in line is Belle, a decent character, but her sisters, Connie and Dulce are utterly abominable. Self-centred, cruel, opinionated without a real thought in their heads, and with no experience, totally convinced they are right. They provide innumerable WTF! Moments. If I’d been reading a book (rather than my Kindle) it would have been flung against the wall in anger & frustration.
AND JUST DON’T get me going on the flip-flopping Ambleside indulged in.
As I have enjoyed some of her other novels, I’ll give book 2 in the series a read. I hope it’s better.
Dear Heavens, what on earth is the author doing??
Amy is understandably timid to the point of being a doormat. She is the eldest, has been browbeaten into total submission by her father her entire life, so it’s easy to understand her timidity. Why the author had to browbeat the reader by making Amy repeat her ‘oh dear what should I do’ mantra is beyond me. It was SO IRRITATING!
Next in line is Belle, a decent character, but her sisters, Connie and Dulce are utterly abominable. Self-centred, cruel, opinionated without a real thought in their heads, and with no experience, totally convinced they are right. They provide innumerable WTF! Moments. If I’d been reading a book (rather than my Kindle) it would have been flung against the wall in anger & frustration.
AND JUST DON’T get me going on the flip-flopping Ambleside indulged in.
As I have enjoyed some of her other novels, I’ll give book 2 in the series a read. I hope it’s better.
July 26, 2016
This book was a pleasure to read. It is far truer to the mores of the time than most modern historicals, and compares well to Heyer's work. The only thing that struck me as strange was a comment that at age 17 one of the sisters shouldn't be thinking about marriage yet. I do know that marriage age was typically higher than most novels portray, but I also am pretty sure that once a woman is "out," she is trying to find a suitable husband.
The heroine isn't my favorite but it's because she really is a product of her time period and her domineering father. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story--it's always refreshing when machinations actually fail, or people actually act with integrity!--and the beginning of the revelations about the father. I look forward to reading more in this series.
The heroine isn't my favorite but it's because she really is a product of her time period and her domineering father. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story--it's always refreshing when machinations actually fail, or people actually act with integrity!--and the beginning of the revelations about the father. I look forward to reading more in this series.
February 18, 2021
I agree with the other reviewers, Amy and her sisters were annoyingly helpless and burst into tears at the least provocation. I especially didn’t care for Dulcie, who seems to be an instigator and general annoyance to Amy.
Mary does a great job of drawing all the characters and spending enough time developing the scenes and letting the dialogue go where it may. I really enjoyed the rest of the book, aside from the 6 girls and their mom reveling in their helplessness. However, this is the way it was back in that day. I was so happy that Amy worked up the courage to poke around in her dad’s desk, and the things she found! I’m still clutching my pearls!!! He’s turning from a deceased paragon of virtue into an immoral pig as the book progresses!
It did have a satisfying HEA, and there are a lot of mysteries and questions left to answer, so on to Belle!
Mary does a great job of drawing all the characters and spending enough time developing the scenes and letting the dialogue go where it may. I really enjoyed the rest of the book, aside from the 6 girls and their mom reveling in their helplessness. However, this is the way it was back in that day. I was so happy that Amy worked up the courage to poke around in her dad’s desk, and the things she found! I’m still clutching my pearls!!! He’s turning from a deceased paragon of virtue into an immoral pig as the book progresses!
It did have a satisfying HEA, and there are a lot of mysteries and questions left to answer, so on to Belle!
October 18, 2016
I'm not sure about the star rating here so it might be 3.5. However I think it should be 4 because I liked this novel enough to go straight on to the others that have been published so far! I found it a little slow to get started, but to counter-balance that, it seemed a lot more authentic than many other novels set in the period, without the excess of dukes and Americanisms!
What I really liked - and this applies to the other novels too - was that each girl is depicted as having her own faults and virtues, no matter how annoying these might be in real life. Amy does seem like a bit of a wimp by modern standards, but as the eldest of the family she probably has an over-developed sense of responsibility and a desire to please her parents. This seems fairly realistic to me.
What I really liked - and this applies to the other novels too - was that each girl is depicted as having her own faults and virtues, no matter how annoying these might be in real life. Amy does seem like a bit of a wimp by modern standards, but as the eldest of the family she probably has an over-developed sense of responsibility and a desire to please her parents. This seems fairly realistic to me.
June 14, 2022
Full of mystery, a favorite
I cannot give an unbiased review because in this wallowing world of so many weak and boring Regency romances, Mary Kingswood is a shining star. I have read Amy three times now and own all the Kingswood novels. This one sets the tone for the rest, which only get better as the various mysteries are revealed and solved. It also provides a wonderful example of an intriguing story that sticks to the point while introducing us to the Kingswood world of intertwined families and locales. So far, no other author in this genre has impressed me this much and put 99 percent of the other authors to shame.
I cannot give an unbiased review because in this wallowing world of so many weak and boring Regency romances, Mary Kingswood is a shining star. I have read Amy three times now and own all the Kingswood novels. This one sets the tone for the rest, which only get better as the various mysteries are revealed and solved. It also provides a wonderful example of an intriguing story that sticks to the point while introducing us to the Kingswood world of intertwined families and locales. So far, no other author in this genre has impressed me this much and put 99 percent of the other authors to shame.
July 28, 2016
A clean Historical Romance. I found it entertaining but not containing the usual things I normally read in this genera as of late. I supposed that is why I liked it. It's an innocent love story with a little bit of drama. Right away I noticed the alphabetical order the children's names start with- it made me smile. I can see myself reading more of this series. Belle could hold a surprise or two. Will we find out more about the brothers? The secrets of both the father and mother?
July 30, 2018
Charming regency romance that also touches on some deeper issues. I liked the heroine; the "good", meek, quiet girls deserve to have their stories told, too. Also, a lifetime of emotional abuse isn't shaken off so easily; I thought Amy's slow realization that no, the way her father treated her was NOT okay, was handled very realistically.
The rest of the series is on my TBR list.
The rest of the series is on my TBR list.
February 27, 2018
This story was dreadful. Absolutely dreadful. The characters were absolutely ridiculous in their behavior - all across the board. Do not waste time or money on this one.
April 11, 2019
No, no, no. I mean, I can't say it was horrible, but no.
I really wanted to see there (in the whole series) some potential and I think there is probably but I was constantly skipping the sentences, paragraphs. Eventually, I lost hope but I kept skipping because I wanted to finish it.
There were, are and will be many authors that write Regency romances. Some of them are terrific, some of them or ok (pleasurable), some of them are horrible. This one is hard to define. Let's say, it wasn't so awful to want to burn it, but I don't think I would try another one by Mary Kingswood (although I got on Amazon for free three parts of series).
I really wanted to see there (in the whole series) some potential and I think there is probably but I was constantly skipping the sentences, paragraphs. Eventually, I lost hope but I kept skipping because I wanted to finish it.
There were, are and will be many authors that write Regency romances. Some of them are terrific, some of them or ok (pleasurable), some of them are horrible. This one is hard to define. Let's say, it wasn't so awful to want to burn it, but I don't think I would try another one by Mary Kingswood (although I got on Amazon for free three parts of series).
January 31, 2021
So I am definitely glad that I didn't start with this one as it definitely is not as good as some of her later works. Not to mention that the Connie in this book is SO very very different from the Connie in later books!
October 30, 2023
I wasn’t as displeased with the main character as the other reviews seemed to be. I thought they were being unfair actually. The summary does warn us about her personality and circumstances are justified when we learn that she is literally recovering from a lifetime of abuse and reeling from the sudden death of an abuser. This isn’t a spoiler as there’s no big reveal on why everyone was so scared of her father but her actions while frustrating and not always reasonable were, at least to me, entirely understandable.
I liked her well enough, but I’m not easily irritated with shy withdrawn heroines anyway since I was the quiet and similarly timid child so for other women who can’t relate even a little I can see why this might annoy them. I’ve grown out of it thankfully but my silence and indecision annoyed everyone for sure.
There was a passage where the hero was reflecting on the sincerity of Amy and he thought how some women coyly pretend to be shy and affected confusion and it was then I decided to forgive her for it. Because he was right, some women are genuinely ‘demure’ and at sometime it was considered desirable and sweet. Now days modern women are free from such a societal expectation but why in our effort to overhaul that standard should women with that as a natural disposition get caught in the crossfire?
I really liked the hero, more than Amy, he was realistically conflicted and equal parts romantic and rational, forgetting propriety sometimes but never discarding it . We discover the honorable suitor is surprisingly impulsive but very self aware and communicative with everyone, for that I’d give him something for emotional maturity. There were no drawn out misunderstandings in this book!
As a critic I will only reiterate that the book opens with the hero with an established desire to marry the main character so if your expecting the early stages of a relationship to be reminisced on, how they meet, first impressions, past courting etc, you won’t find any of it here. Also if chemistry to you is defined by banter and sly jokes you’ll also be disappointed, Amy is certainly not witty or flirtatious.
Their romance strong points centered around feeling safe and being honest with each other. And being attracted, I’ve had enough of book were every other sentence is about how plain the person is before they somehow get throw together. Neither was the most dashing or desired person in the room but they thought so and that’s all that matters.
I liked her well enough, but I’m not easily irritated with shy withdrawn heroines anyway since I was the quiet and similarly timid child so for other women who can’t relate even a little I can see why this might annoy them. I’ve grown out of it thankfully but my silence and indecision annoyed everyone for sure.
There was a passage where the hero was reflecting on the sincerity of Amy and he thought how some women coyly pretend to be shy and affected confusion and it was then I decided to forgive her for it. Because he was right, some women are genuinely ‘demure’ and at sometime it was considered desirable and sweet. Now days modern women are free from such a societal expectation but why in our effort to overhaul that standard should women with that as a natural disposition get caught in the crossfire?
I really liked the hero, more than Amy, he was realistically conflicted and equal parts romantic and rational, forgetting propriety sometimes but never discarding it . We discover the honorable suitor is surprisingly impulsive but very self aware and communicative with everyone, for that I’d give him something for emotional maturity. There were no drawn out misunderstandings in this book!
As a critic I will only reiterate that the book opens with the hero with an established desire to marry the main character so if your expecting the early stages of a relationship to be reminisced on, how they meet, first impressions, past courting etc, you won’t find any of it here. Also if chemistry to you is defined by banter and sly jokes you’ll also be disappointed, Amy is certainly not witty or flirtatious.
Their romance strong points centered around feeling safe and being honest with each other. And being attracted, I’ve had enough of book were every other sentence is about how plain the person is before they somehow get throw together. Neither was the most dashing or desired person in the room but they thought so and that’s all that matters.
April 27, 2018
I don't normally read romance books at all, let alone regency romances, but I have to say that The Daughters of Allamont Hall series has been a delightful dip into the genre (a genre I really haven't delved into outside of a few Austen novels). I have now read all six of this series and plan to read the Marquess' Sons series as well. Well done, Ms. Kingswood! I started with the box set (Amy, Belle, & Connie) and then purchased Dulcie, Grace, and Hope in quick succession. I found the setting enchanting as well as the repeated appearances of various characters throughout the series. Mostly, I was impressed with the fact that I was drawn into the stories of characters I didn't identify with in the least. Amy, for example, is not a character I find particularly compelling in personality, and I was rather horrified by Ambleside, and yet their story was conveyed so well that I found myself feeling for them and being happy for them even though I didn't particularly like either of them. Belle I found much more relatable, so it was easy to appreciate her story, but the stories are all so well written that I enjoyed them all whether I liked the main characters or not. This surprised me greatly, as I have a hair trigger when it comes to putting down a book and never picking it up again. So, if you enjoy regency romance I can't imagine you would dislike any of these books, and if you're like me, and only enjoyed a bit of Austen as a teenager and haven't read anything since... you still might like them! Anyway, consider me a new fan of Mary Kingswood.
July 18, 2017
This story was a total surprise to me and what a good one it was.
I will admit that I've been eyeing this series for a while now but always found 'something better' to read or listen to. What an utter mistake that was!
This book is really good. It is well written, has every emotion under the sun in it as well as good, clean romance and shows the dominance of the father even after his death and the effects this has. The utter relief most of the female family members feels at his death is very evident.
I also enjoyed the narration by Joanna Stephens. It is well read and doesn't detract from the story itself.
I am extremely happy to recommend this story whether its the book, ebook or audiobook version.
I won a free copy of the audiobook version in a competition and was lucky in more ways than one. The above is my honest and unbiased review. Enjoy!
I will admit that I've been eyeing this series for a while now but always found 'something better' to read or listen to. What an utter mistake that was!
This book is really good. It is well written, has every emotion under the sun in it as well as good, clean romance and shows the dominance of the father even after his death and the effects this has. The utter relief most of the female family members feels at his death is very evident.
I also enjoyed the narration by Joanna Stephens. It is well read and doesn't detract from the story itself.
I am extremely happy to recommend this story whether its the book, ebook or audiobook version.
I won a free copy of the audiobook version in a competition and was lucky in more ways than one. The above is my honest and unbiased review. Enjoy!
July 12, 2021
How this book and the stranger series
This book was so bad compared to other works by the same author that I'm shocked. So boring. For me I could not stand Amy. So brainwashed by her father. The mother stood by and let it happen. Parental abuse is what the fathers controlling behavior was yet Amy stuck to his dictates even when he's gone. She had no imagination, no thoughts of her own, no understanding of the world. Awful. To get into a story the reader needs something to relate to. There is nothing. Oh I know that some women were raised like that of course and that they did what they were told but these are not the women georgette Heyer or Jane Austin wrote about. Those women had backbones, brains and personalities. Will check out the nest book but my hopes are not high.
This book was so bad compared to other works by the same author that I'm shocked. So boring. For me I could not stand Amy. So brainwashed by her father. The mother stood by and let it happen. Parental abuse is what the fathers controlling behavior was yet Amy stuck to his dictates even when he's gone. She had no imagination, no thoughts of her own, no understanding of the world. Awful. To get into a story the reader needs something to relate to. There is nothing. Oh I know that some women were raised like that of course and that they did what they were told but these are not the women georgette Heyer or Jane Austin wrote about. Those women had backbones, brains and personalities. Will check out the nest book but my hopes are not high.
July 17, 2019
This series - The Daughters of Allamont Hall actually precedes the first series I read - Sons of the Marquess - and I wish I'd read them in order. But actually didn't think this series was quite as good as the other one. For one thing, I had such a hard time relating to the lead female character, Amy. In most ways, she was rather unbelievable. Books 2 and 3, about her sisters Belle and Connie, were a bit more plausible and enjoyable. Still, I have become a fan of Mary Kingswood's sweet, clean romances. Witty tales of the drawing room rather than the usual soft porn so prevalent today.
July 5, 2017
Very good read!
I liked this novel Very Much! I gave it three stars, and not four, only because Amy is not my favorite sister. There were several instances where I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her fervently! But the writing was wonderful, very fitting with the time period (and the character), and the romance was sweet.
Looking forward to the other books!
I liked this novel Very Much! I gave it three stars, and not four, only because Amy is not my favorite sister. There were several instances where I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her fervently! But the writing was wonderful, very fitting with the time period (and the character), and the romance was sweet.
Looking forward to the other books!
April 1, 2024
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
3 Audio (Joanna Stephens)
Summary: Sensitive and shy, Amy struggles with the strictures of her domineering late-father and the conditions of his will - the sisters must mary and in order of age to receive their inheritances. Meanwhile, a long time acquaintance/friend reveals his interest in her - and his willingness to manage her life quite completely.
Stats: HR - Regency, M/F, kisses only, part of a series and would be better in order (but could potentially stand alone, complete romance plot)
Notes: What I liked - I enjoyed the writing style though occasionally a bit repetitive and overwrought - also very clearly occasionally leaning on Austen plots IMO to guide parts of the story. I thought it took a fair bit of courage to write an FMC who is placid, bland, and desperately uninterested in taking up much of her own agency. I actually thought a lot of Amy as a character really stands out from the mob - there aren’t many like her. I’m not sure I particularly like her, but she does seem like a reasonable creation of both her time and her family. What I didn’t like - the MMC’s manipulations and schemes. It was a bit too nonsensical and bizarre at times, and just a bit too over the top controlling and isolating - of a character who has already been isolated her whole life. Maybe this is what Amy needs for happiness and comfort, but the story is not really about much blooming or growth.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
3 Audio (Joanna Stephens)
Summary: Sensitive and shy, Amy struggles with the strictures of her domineering late-father and the conditions of his will - the sisters must mary and in order of age to receive their inheritances. Meanwhile, a long time acquaintance/friend reveals his interest in her - and his willingness to manage her life quite completely.
Stats: HR - Regency, M/F, kisses only, part of a series and would be better in order (but could potentially stand alone, complete romance plot)
Notes: What I liked - I enjoyed the writing style though occasionally a bit repetitive and overwrought - also very clearly occasionally leaning on Austen plots IMO to guide parts of the story. I thought it took a fair bit of courage to write an FMC who is placid, bland, and desperately uninterested in taking up much of her own agency. I actually thought a lot of Amy as a character really stands out from the mob - there aren’t many like her. I’m not sure I particularly like her, but she does seem like a reasonable creation of both her time and her family. What I didn’t like - the MMC’s manipulations and schemes. It was a bit too nonsensical and bizarre at times, and just a bit too over the top controlling and isolating - of a character who has already been isolated her whole life. Maybe this is what Amy needs for happiness and comfort, but the story is not really about much blooming or growth.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
November 30, 2016
More Spine Needed
I did have some sympathy for the main character, Amy. Her father was abusive and her mother is neglectful, but it took her most of the book to see that. I get that. You can still love your abusive parent even when they hurt you. She likes following rules and feels uncomfortable without guidelines. She feels like men should be making the decisions for her life, which is in keeping with the time period she lived in. She's an extremely weak character though, even taking all of that into consideration. She is content to sit back and let things happen to her. She spends most of the book weeping and moping. I honestly had no idea why Mr. Ambleside was so in love with her. That was my main issue with the book- the romance just wasn't believable. If they were a modern couple they wouldn't last beyond five years. Mr. Ambleside loves the idea of Amy that he has in his head- not the reality of her. He loves that she is meek and submissive because he wants a pet- someone to control and pamper. He offers for her three times before ever really having a conversation with her! He came off as very paternalistic with a huge savior complex. She likes him because she doesn't have to think around him- he will make all of her decisions for her. He's a replacement for her abusive father. He may not be abusive, but he is controlling. Their relationship soured me on reading the rest of the series. The writing was actually pretty good. The ending was lackluster though. Why introduce the rich friend and have Amy go to visit her if you are going to end the book ten pages later?? I was hoping Amy would meet one of her brothers, realize that Mr. Ambleside was a paternalistic twit, and marry the brother. Oh well. I give it two stars.
I did have some sympathy for the main character, Amy. Her father was abusive and her mother is neglectful, but it took her most of the book to see that. I get that. You can still love your abusive parent even when they hurt you. She likes following rules and feels uncomfortable without guidelines. She feels like men should be making the decisions for her life, which is in keeping with the time period she lived in. She's an extremely weak character though, even taking all of that into consideration. She is content to sit back and let things happen to her. She spends most of the book weeping and moping. I honestly had no idea why Mr. Ambleside was so in love with her. That was my main issue with the book- the romance just wasn't believable. If they were a modern couple they wouldn't last beyond five years. Mr. Ambleside loves the idea of Amy that he has in his head- not the reality of her. He loves that she is meek and submissive because he wants a pet- someone to control and pamper. He offers for her three times before ever really having a conversation with her! He came off as very paternalistic with a huge savior complex. She likes him because she doesn't have to think around him- he will make all of her decisions for her. He's a replacement for her abusive father. He may not be abusive, but he is controlling. Their relationship soured me on reading the rest of the series. The writing was actually pretty good. The ending was lackluster though. Why introduce the rich friend and have Amy go to visit her if you are going to end the book ten pages later?? I was hoping Amy would meet one of her brothers, realize that Mr. Ambleside was a paternalistic twit, and marry the brother. Oh well. I give it two stars.
Read
December 15, 2025This is a severe case of:
If only the book had not been so extremely well-written. (Then I would have quit a lot earlier.)
Or if the heroine had not been such a pea-brained GOOSE. (Then I would have loved to continue reading.)
And it is not like Amy comes across as a goose because of bad writing. Or that I do not see WHY she is so bloody meek and passive. I do. (Again - the book is extremely well-written.)
It is just that I have moved from feeling sympathy for her situation to feeling annoyed, to feeling I absolutely do not care that she manages to muddle her happily-ever-after (but will still get it, some 80 pages and many tears, doubts and self-reproaches later) after reading the following passage:
"I cannot marry you!” “Why ever not?” he said, exasperated. “Not because of Connie, surely?” Was it Connie? No, that could not be it, for Mr Ambleside was clearly determined not to let any consideration of Connie interfere with his plans. Yet still she felt there was something not right about it, something holding her back. What could it be? She had not felt so with any of her other suitors — not with Sir Osborne, nor with Mr Wills, nor with James. With James, in fact, even though she disliked him, the prospect of marrying him was a comfortable one. She knew why. Adjusting her feet to the correct position, and straightening her back, she clasped her hands in front of her. “I am obliged to you, sir, but I cannot marry you because Papa refused to countenance the match.”
Of all the stupid ... aaargh. AMY! Just - DON'T!
DNF at 64%
If only the book had not been so extremely well-written. (Then I would have quit a lot earlier.)
Or if the heroine had not been such a pea-brained GOOSE. (Then I would have loved to continue reading.)
And it is not like Amy comes across as a goose because of bad writing. Or that I do not see WHY she is so bloody meek and passive. I do. (Again - the book is extremely well-written.)
It is just that I have moved from feeling sympathy for her situation to feeling annoyed, to feeling I absolutely do not care that she manages to muddle her happily-ever-after (but will still get it, some 80 pages and many tears, doubts and self-reproaches later) after reading the following passage:
"I cannot marry you!” “Why ever not?” he said, exasperated. “Not because of Connie, surely?” Was it Connie? No, that could not be it, for Mr Ambleside was clearly determined not to let any consideration of Connie interfere with his plans. Yet still she felt there was something not right about it, something holding her back. What could it be? She had not felt so with any of her other suitors — not with Sir Osborne, nor with Mr Wills, nor with James. With James, in fact, even though she disliked him, the prospect of marrying him was a comfortable one. She knew why. Adjusting her feet to the correct position, and straightening her back, she clasped her hands in front of her. “I am obliged to you, sir, but I cannot marry you because Papa refused to countenance the match.”
Of all the stupid ... aaargh. AMY! Just - DON'T!
DNF at 64%
December 29, 2021
My first Mary Kingswood book. Should probably had not started with her first book, given its meeker than meek, dimwitted main character, eldest daughter of a controlling man who dies and insists in his will that his six daughters must marry in order of age to gain their L17,000 inheritances. I guess the pleasure here is meant to lie in watching the machinations of her would-be suitor, Mr. Ambleside, which keep her from marrying any number of unsuitable men? Even when Amy finally begins to question the rightness of her father's draconian rule (80% of the way through), her feelings aren't moved very strongly. Very hard to like, or care at all about, the dishrag of a protagonist who thinks this:
"Gentlemen always knew best, her father most of all, and life was much less confusing if. she did as she was told and did not attempt to decider anything for herself" (138)
And this:
"She and all her sisters would grow old and wrinkled and infirm without ever knowing the pleasures of marriage. She was not quite sure what these were, for running a household seemed impossibly difficult, and having children was a dangerous and frightening business, but all ladies wished to be married to it must be a wonderful state. Indeed, if she could have married Mr. Ambleside, she was sure it would have been excessively pleasant, for had he not said that he would take care of her, and relieve her of all anxiety?" (165)
"Gentlemen always knew best, her father most of all, and life was much less confusing if. she did as she was told and did not attempt to decider anything for herself" (138)
And this:
"She and all her sisters would grow old and wrinkled and infirm without ever knowing the pleasures of marriage. She was not quite sure what these were, for running a household seemed impossibly difficult, and having children was a dangerous and frightening business, but all ladies wished to be married to it must be a wonderful state. Indeed, if she could have married Mr. Ambleside, she was sure it would have been excessively pleasant, for had he not said that he would take care of her, and relieve her of all anxiety?" (165)
March 7, 2024
Amy is a shy, timid soul, browbeaten by her domineering father until she’s terrified to do or say anything without his approval. When he dies suddenly, his will leaves large dowries for his six daughters, but only if they marry in the proper order, the eldest first. Amy must now find herself a husband, and soon, so her younger sisters can marry in their turn. There are several possible suitors, but none are very interesting. And how will Amy choose without her father to guide her?
Mr Ambleside has been waiting for Amy for years, his suit rejected by her father. Now he has his opportunity, and he’s determined to win her. But first he has to see off his rivals, and if he manages that, he has to overcome her reluctance to defy her father’s wishes. But he’s a very tenacious man…
This is a standalone, though part of an obvious series with all the daughters. And a touch of cliff hanger of sorts. There is more to the story regarding her father that you know will be coming out in future books. I felt for Amy, truly so brow beaten by her father that she hardly can think for herself. After his death she continues to keep the hour-by-hour schedule her father demanded of the girls, even to the point of their wearing the same clothes each day. Their own individuality was a prescribed color of their hair bow. So when her mother abandons her role, and the younger girls relax, Amy is fit to be tied, truly lost until her old friend Mr. Ambleside helps her find her way.
Mr Ambleside has been waiting for Amy for years, his suit rejected by her father. Now he has his opportunity, and he’s determined to win her. But first he has to see off his rivals, and if he manages that, he has to overcome her reluctance to defy her father’s wishes. But he’s a very tenacious man…
This is a standalone, though part of an obvious series with all the daughters. And a touch of cliff hanger of sorts. There is more to the story regarding her father that you know will be coming out in future books. I felt for Amy, truly so brow beaten by her father that she hardly can think for herself. After his death she continues to keep the hour-by-hour schedule her father demanded of the girls, even to the point of their wearing the same clothes each day. Their own individuality was a prescribed color of their hair bow. So when her mother abandons her role, and the younger girls relax, Amy is fit to be tied, truly lost until her old friend Mr. Ambleside helps her find her way.
March 22, 2021
This book brought my accelerated tour of Kingswood's 'oeuvre' to a screeching halt - 7 books in about 2 weeks. I started out with a trial of the first book in the 'Sons of the Marquess' series (5-star review here). I was immediately hooked and went though (almost) the entire series. Then I moved on to the 'Sisters of Woodside' collection and wasn't disappointed there. Reading 'Amy' (the 8th) was a bit sad as it felt like a downer after a ‘literary’ high. If I had read this first, I doubt I'd have continued reading anymore of the author's work.
The writing itself maintains the same level of quality across all the previous books I had read. With a narrative voice that is nothing short of delightful, Kingswood does Regency Romance particularly well. It was the plot, really, that left so much to be desired. After a very promising start, it very quickly became a very dissatisfying mass of hysterics, avoidable drama and bizarre character choices where (*spoiler alert*) the hero ends up engaged to the heroine’s sister for a fair amount of the book. Perhaps that is the point exactly, but it’s a point I’d have been happy to miss.
I still look forward to reading more of the author’s stories though, after I recover from this one.
The writing itself maintains the same level of quality across all the previous books I had read. With a narrative voice that is nothing short of delightful, Kingswood does Regency Romance particularly well. It was the plot, really, that left so much to be desired. After a very promising start, it very quickly became a very dissatisfying mass of hysterics, avoidable drama and bizarre character choices where (*spoiler alert*) the hero ends up engaged to the heroine’s sister for a fair amount of the book. Perhaps that is the point exactly, but it’s a point I’d have been happy to miss.
I still look forward to reading more of the author’s stories though, after I recover from this one.
April 11, 2025
Amy and Ambleside.
Amy is so meek and wishy washy. I can’t handle her sometimes. Ambleside is rash in his decisions and actions and a bit overbearing.
Reminders for future me:
The Allamont girls have been raised under their father’s heavy hand controlling every aspect of their lives even down to their dress. Their mother is indifferent with them because they remind her of their domineering father. Amy seems to be the only one to miss her dad but I wonder if it is more a psychological issue with her needing someone to control her life. Their fathers will specifies that the girls will get a £17000 each as s as dowry if they marry in order from oldest to youngest. If one does not marry or they marry out of turn then they get nothing. Amy feels the pressure to marry so her sisters can marry the men they’ve already found but the man she finds herself drawn to has always been attentive to sister Connie. Amy and sisters make up a list of eligible bachelors in the neighborhood and over the book they slowly fall off the list. Amy is quiet and unassertive, always worried about her sisters so she would never act on her feelings toward Ambleside but finds out that it was really her that Ambleside has been infatuated with all these years. He even tells her that he asked her father for permission to court her 3 times before a shocking confession has Amys father sending Ambleside out of the neighborhood for years. When Ambleside hears that Allamont is dead he rushes back to Amy only to find out that Connie is the one expecting a proposal from him. He tries to honor the expectation but is miserable. He contrived to get Connie to call it off by being more heavy handed than normal and she figured out what he’s about. She agrees that they aren’t suited and Ambleside is free to propose to Amy.
Amy is so meek and wishy washy. I can’t handle her sometimes. Ambleside is rash in his decisions and actions and a bit overbearing.
Reminders for future me:
The Allamont girls have been raised under their father’s heavy hand controlling every aspect of their lives even down to their dress. Their mother is indifferent with them because they remind her of their domineering father. Amy seems to be the only one to miss her dad but I wonder if it is more a psychological issue with her needing someone to control her life. Their fathers will specifies that the girls will get a £17000 each as s as dowry if they marry in order from oldest to youngest. If one does not marry or they marry out of turn then they get nothing. Amy feels the pressure to marry so her sisters can marry the men they’ve already found but the man she finds herself drawn to has always been attentive to sister Connie. Amy and sisters make up a list of eligible bachelors in the neighborhood and over the book they slowly fall off the list. Amy is quiet and unassertive, always worried about her sisters so she would never act on her feelings toward Ambleside but finds out that it was really her that Ambleside has been infatuated with all these years. He even tells her that he asked her father for permission to court her 3 times before a shocking confession has Amys father sending Ambleside out of the neighborhood for years. When Ambleside hears that Allamont is dead he rushes back to Amy only to find out that Connie is the one expecting a proposal from him. He tries to honor the expectation but is miserable. He contrived to get Connie to call it off by being more heavy handed than normal and she figured out what he’s about. She agrees that they aren’t suited and Ambleside is free to propose to Amy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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