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The Worthingtons #2.5
The Second Time Around
Can a beautiful Worthington widow find love again? Depends on who’s asking . . .
Before he died, Patience was the Earl of Worthington’s second wife. So why shouldn’t Patience be allowed a second chance at marriage, too? Of course, finding a new husband was not something the mother of four had ever planned on. But a surprise encounter with her first love has suddenly made the impossible seem possible all over again . . .
It seems like a lifetime ago that Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was halfway around the world, looking for adventure . . . while Patience, at her coming-out, was left with no choice but to take old Worthington’s hand. Richard never forgot the woman whose heart he yearned for—and now that he’s back, he’s not going to let her slip away again . . .
Before he died, Patience was the Earl of Worthington’s second wife. So why shouldn’t Patience be allowed a second chance at marriage, too? Of course, finding a new husband was not something the mother of four had ever planned on. But a surprise encounter with her first love has suddenly made the impossible seem possible all over again . . .
It seems like a lifetime ago that Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was halfway around the world, looking for adventure . . . while Patience, at her coming-out, was left with no choice but to take old Worthington’s hand. Richard never forgot the woman whose heart he yearned for—and now that he’s back, he’s not going to let her slip away again . . .
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
207 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Ella Quinn
53 books2,533 followersUSA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side (political science professor and lawyer). Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 6, 2019
Patience Worthington is Matt's stepmother, and the mother of the four younger sisters he's had custody of ever since his father died. Her marriage wasn't exactly a love match but it gave Patience her daughters and that's something she'll always be grateful for. When her old childhood sweetheart comes back to London he is determined to win back the only woman he ever loved, it was his fault she ended up in a loveless marriage and all he wants is to finally be able to claim her for himself. It's not quite that simple though, if Patience marries again she could lose her children, especially since the girls have become so close to Grace's siblings and the two families are living together so happily.
I really enjoyed this story, Patience was married young and although she has four daughters she's really not much older than her stepson Matt so she's far too young to be on her own forevermore. Richard missed his first chance with her because he was stupidly away travelling when she came out to society and he didn't return in time to stop her marriage to the old Duke. He never stopped loving her though so now that she's available again he will do whatever it takes to win her heart. Luckily Patience's children are on his side, they want their mother to be happy and along with the rest of their family they're willing to do a little plotting to help Richard win her hand.
It was really nice to see these two get a second chance at love, it would have been great to have had some flashbacks into their childhood together but for a novella we still had plenty of time to get invested in their relationship. It's always fun to spend time with the Worthington brood too and this was a great lighthearted read that I'm happy to recommend.
I really enjoyed this story, Patience was married young and although she has four daughters she's really not much older than her stepson Matt so she's far too young to be on her own forevermore. Richard missed his first chance with her because he was stupidly away travelling when she came out to society and he didn't return in time to stop her marriage to the old Duke. He never stopped loving her though so now that she's available again he will do whatever it takes to win her heart. Luckily Patience's children are on his side, they want their mother to be happy and along with the rest of their family they're willing to do a little plotting to help Richard win her hand.
It was really nice to see these two get a second chance at love, it would have been great to have had some flashbacks into their childhood together but for a novella we still had plenty of time to get invested in their relationship. It's always fun to spend time with the Worthington brood too and this was a great lighthearted read that I'm happy to recommend.
February 20, 2017
The Second Time Around is a novella (book 2.5) in the Worthingtons series by Ella Quinn. I have had the pleasure of reading the first 2 books in this series and think although not necessary, it would be a good idea to read those books before this one. You will have a better understanding of the characters in this novella, especially of the many siblings living in the same house!
Four of those children are girls and they are the children of Patience and the Earl of Worthington. He passed away and left the children under the guardianship of Matt, his son from a previous marriage. Patience and the children now live under his roof along with his new wife, and her assortment of siblings who came with the marriage. Their story can be read in Three Weeks to Wed.
Patience has never thought of remarrying, in fact, if she were to remarry she would lose her children because she would live with her new husband, and Matt being the children's guardian would keep them under his roof. Patience hasn't even really given love a second thought. Her first marriage was a loveless one, but at least she had her children from it, and she's content with her life as it is. That is until her first love comes back into her life. He broke her heart 19 years ago and she ended up marrying old Worthington.
Richard, the new Viscount Wolverton is Patience's first love, and he has returned to London for her. He lost his chance because he was away adventuring instead of coming to claim her for himself when she had her official London 'coming-out', and by the time he returned she was just days away from marrying somebody else. Her parents didn't let him see her, and he lost her. Now that she is a widow he has the opportunity to woo her again, and he intends to do that.
Patience is shocked to see Richard again and she can't help but feel all the old love for him come to the surface again. She has to ignore it for the sake of her children. Can she ignore it though. Is there any way she can be with Richard and not just have the occasional hidden liaison with him. She cannot and will not give up her children.
I enjoyed this novella a lot, although I must admit I would have loved for it to have been a longer story with perhaps a build up of Patience and Richard's relationship before he went galivanting around the world. A second chance at love is always better to read about when you have a more in depth understanding of just how much they loved each other the first time around and how heart broken both were when they lost each other. Imagine reading about Richard's anguish to return too late to claim her, and having her parents stopping him get to her to tell her he was back and that she should marry him instead of old Worthington. That's just my personal opinion though, and it certainly didn't stop me thoroughly enjoying this story. I was also absolutely fascinated with the facts that the author put at the end of the book about the rights, or lack of them for a woman with regards to her children if her husband dies before her. Thank goodness we don't live like that any more!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers' Copy of this book.
February 27, 2017
'The Second Time Around' by Ella Quinn is book 2.5 in "The Worthingtons series ". This is the story of Patience and Richard. I have read the other books in this series but feel this can be a standalone book. This is a Semi-Novella with about 105 pages and the story is a 'Second Chance at Love" theme.
Patience is now a widow with four children who are the ward of her Step-Son Matt. Matt we met in the first book "Three Weeks to Wed" who married a women with 7 younger siblings. So you can image that house is one busy place. Richard went on a World Tour but had promised to return for her coming out ball but failed to do so and when he did return Patience was days away from marrying and older man. Now several years later with Patience being a widower Richard has come to her wanting to start again. Patience is still hurt from him not returning but goes forward to spend time with him.
This was another good book by Ms. Quinn!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Patience is now a widow with four children who are the ward of her Step-Son Matt. Matt we met in the first book "Three Weeks to Wed" who married a women with 7 younger siblings. So you can image that house is one busy place. Richard went on a World Tour but had promised to return for her coming out ball but failed to do so and when he did return Patience was days away from marrying and older man. Now several years later with Patience being a widower Richard has come to her wanting to start again. Patience is still hurt from him not returning but goes forward to spend time with him.
This was another good book by Ms. Quinn!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
June 2, 2017
This one I did not like as much as the other ones - I am too much a mother to accept that she leaves her daughters behind... and too much a headstrong person to marry someone I do not love!
February 28, 2017
Second chances!
An engaging story based on the premise of the laws pertaining to guardianship in the Regency era. As Quinn explains in her Author's Note, 'Very few women were given sole guardianship of their own children, and almost never if one of the children happened to be a boy or an heir. ... Once a mother remarried, she could not have guardianship of her children at all ... married women were not legally allowed to have guardianship. ... Once she lost even partial guardianship, she could be barred from seeing her children.'
So, what is Patience the Dowager Countess of Worthington to do when widowed, unable to be guardian to her own children, re-meets the man she'd loved forever, Viscount Richard Wolverton. The man who'd left her heartbroken to travel thus having her lot cast by her father--wedding the bridegroom of his choice, Worthington! We do hear from Richard a slightly different version, although he does admit to his confused youth.
Now twenty years and four children later, the encounter shows that Patience that Richard still makes her feel giddy.
The thing is Patience doesn't want to be separated from her children Ah! It seems that she's damned if she does and damned if she doesn't!
Of course there's a cad sneaking around, lusting after Patience, witnessed in a most unpleasant encounter. I too was slightly shocked by the cad's verbal insinuations.
A succinct novella with a story that charms.
A NetGalley ARC
An engaging story based on the premise of the laws pertaining to guardianship in the Regency era. As Quinn explains in her Author's Note, 'Very few women were given sole guardianship of their own children, and almost never if one of the children happened to be a boy or an heir. ... Once a mother remarried, she could not have guardianship of her children at all ... married women were not legally allowed to have guardianship. ... Once she lost even partial guardianship, she could be barred from seeing her children.'
So, what is Patience the Dowager Countess of Worthington to do when widowed, unable to be guardian to her own children, re-meets the man she'd loved forever, Viscount Richard Wolverton. The man who'd left her heartbroken to travel thus having her lot cast by her father--wedding the bridegroom of his choice, Worthington! We do hear from Richard a slightly different version, although he does admit to his confused youth.
Now twenty years and four children later, the encounter shows that Patience that Richard still makes her feel giddy.
The thing is Patience doesn't want to be separated from her children Ah! It seems that she's damned if she does and damned if she doesn't!
Of course there's a cad sneaking around, lusting after Patience, witnessed in a most unpleasant encounter. I too was slightly shocked by the cad's verbal insinuations.
A succinct novella with a story that charms.
A NetGalley ARC
February 4, 2017
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC supplied to my by NetGalley and the Publisher*
What a sweet little second chance at love story.
Patience, the dowager Countess of Worthington and Richard, the Viscount Wolverton share a past, 19 years ago they were in love and Patience believed they would marry. But when Richard failed to return from his grand tour in time for her come out ball, Patience believed he had forsaken her and accepted the offer of marriage to the much older Earl of Worthington.
Richard has never forgiven himself for missing Patience's come out, he returned to find she was days away from marrying another and her parents refused to let him see or speak to her. Feeling defeated, he left England again and didn't return for 14 years.
He has returned and has waited for the last five years for Patience to come home, when she doesn't, he finally comes to claim her.
19 years has not dulled the attraction between them, but Patience can see no way for them to be together. She knows that they can have no future, but she can't help herself and agrees to spend time with him while he is in town. She plans to make the most of the little time they have and then walk away.
Richard has other ideas and he is not going to lose his love a second time.
The tale that follows is a very nice second chance love story. It has some steamy love scenes, some funny moments, a little bit of angst and finally a very well done HEA. Also, the author's notes at the end of the story were incredibility enlightening regarding widowhood in Regency England and really cleared away any doubts I may have had regarding the plot of this novella.
This series is outstanding and I can't wait for Lady Louisa's story!
What a sweet little second chance at love story.
Patience, the dowager Countess of Worthington and Richard, the Viscount Wolverton share a past, 19 years ago they were in love and Patience believed they would marry. But when Richard failed to return from his grand tour in time for her come out ball, Patience believed he had forsaken her and accepted the offer of marriage to the much older Earl of Worthington.
Richard has never forgiven himself for missing Patience's come out, he returned to find she was days away from marrying another and her parents refused to let him see or speak to her. Feeling defeated, he left England again and didn't return for 14 years.
He has returned and has waited for the last five years for Patience to come home, when she doesn't, he finally comes to claim her.
19 years has not dulled the attraction between them, but Patience can see no way for them to be together. She knows that they can have no future, but she can't help herself and agrees to spend time with him while he is in town. She plans to make the most of the little time they have and then walk away.
Richard has other ideas and he is not going to lose his love a second time.
The tale that follows is a very nice second chance love story. It has some steamy love scenes, some funny moments, a little bit of angst and finally a very well done HEA. Also, the author's notes at the end of the story were incredibility enlightening regarding widowhood in Regency England and really cleared away any doubts I may have had regarding the plot of this novella.
This series is outstanding and I can't wait for Lady Louisa's story!
January 31, 2017
This was a nice light read, I liked the plot & wish it could have been expanded on more with the author showing us the characters falling in love or being in love before the heroine had to marry someone else.
The only things I didn't really like and here I am nit picking are the amount of children in the family got a bit silly specially trying to remember which child belonged to which character. Also the book cover didn't match the heroes description (book cover: blonde book: dark brown hair) both silly things but thought they were worth mentioning
Overall I enjoyed reading this story & from reading the excerpt from the next book I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
4 stars - ARC received from Netgalley for a honest review.
Review also posted on: https://thebookandtheteapot.wordpress...
The only things I didn't really like and here I am nit picking are the amount of children in the family got a bit silly specially trying to remember which child belonged to which character. Also the book cover didn't match the heroes description (book cover: blonde book: dark brown hair) both silly things but thought they were worth mentioning
Overall I enjoyed reading this story & from reading the excerpt from the next book I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
4 stars - ARC received from Netgalley for a honest review.
Review also posted on: https://thebookandtheteapot.wordpress...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2017
A short but sweet story about lost love and finding it again years later. I would recommend to anyone who likes a good, sweet, historical romance and wants a quick and easy read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
February 2, 2017
This is a cute novella, but who's who was a little confusing at first, especially the 10 children. I have read some of Ella Quinn's books and some are in my TBR pile. If you have read the previous 2 of this series you will be fine. Patience, in her 30's, is the Dowager Countess of Worthington and lives with her step-son Matt, the current Earl and his wife. The household also includes her 4 children and his wife's 7 younger siblings.
Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was Patience's first love. As a young man, he went off to see the world and while he was gone her parents arranged her marriage to the now deceased Earl, not the best of husbands. Richard has never stopped loving her and is determined to marry her. Patience is worried about losing her children as Matt is their guardian. While the children want to stay together, they also want her to be happy. With Matt's help, they find a solution that's right for everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC.
Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was Patience's first love. As a young man, he went off to see the world and while he was gone her parents arranged her marriage to the now deceased Earl, not the best of husbands. Richard has never stopped loving her and is determined to marry her. Patience is worried about losing her children as Matt is their guardian. While the children want to stay together, they also want her to be happy. With Matt's help, they find a solution that's right for everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC.
February 4, 2017
Sweet, simple, short!
February 20, 2017
So they meet again. Patience had not expected to run into Richard at a ball. Nineteen years ago, Richard had missed his chance with the woman he loved, and Patience had to marry a man of her family’s choosing. Past the foolishness of youth, and Patience now a widow, Richard vows to finally conquer the heart of the woman he still loves and marry her.
It’s always nice to see a story featuring older characters in a romance and finding their happy-ever-after: both Richard and Patience are over 35. The real hurdle is that Patience’s stepson has the guardianship of her daughters, and she refuses to be separated from them; it’s a rather complicated family situation because of Regency law, however, it was satisfactorily resolved in the end. Both Richard and Patience are lovely people, who truly love each other, and always have; they were victims of circumstances, mostly due to Richard’s love of adventure.
Novellas can be restrictive, but I found that THE SECOND TIME AROUND could have been better balanced. I felt Patience and Richard were “rushed” into the initial sex scene. I would have preferred their rekindled romance to last longer before they hopped into bed, which was also a tad too convenient and somewhat unoriginal. The pages used for the second sex scene could have been put to better use, the above mentioned rushed courtship, especially since that second sex scene, while lovely, was unnecessary to the plot, as an event that had occurred previously was sufficient for storyline purposes. Another little issue was that, while perfectly charming, there were many superfluous details about the numerous children, and again this is because of the very short length of the material, otherwise it was delightful.
Ella Quinn’s writing is gorgeous, as usual; her attention to detail makes us participants in this beautiful story, and her eloquence conveys the myriad emotions the characters experience. I will never tire of honourable heroes who do what’s right and prove themselves to be worthy of a fine lady.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
It’s always nice to see a story featuring older characters in a romance and finding their happy-ever-after: both Richard and Patience are over 35. The real hurdle is that Patience’s stepson has the guardianship of her daughters, and she refuses to be separated from them; it’s a rather complicated family situation because of Regency law, however, it was satisfactorily resolved in the end. Both Richard and Patience are lovely people, who truly love each other, and always have; they were victims of circumstances, mostly due to Richard’s love of adventure.
Novellas can be restrictive, but I found that THE SECOND TIME AROUND could have been better balanced. I felt Patience and Richard were “rushed” into the initial sex scene. I would have preferred their rekindled romance to last longer before they hopped into bed, which was also a tad too convenient and somewhat unoriginal. The pages used for the second sex scene could have been put to better use, the above mentioned rushed courtship, especially since that second sex scene, while lovely, was unnecessary to the plot, as an event that had occurred previously was sufficient for storyline purposes. Another little issue was that, while perfectly charming, there were many superfluous details about the numerous children, and again this is because of the very short length of the material, otherwise it was delightful.
Ella Quinn’s writing is gorgeous, as usual; her attention to detail makes us participants in this beautiful story, and her eloquence conveys the myriad emotions the characters experience. I will never tire of honourable heroes who do what’s right and prove themselves to be worthy of a fine lady.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
February 11, 2017
Although this is technically listed as book 2.5 in a series, you do not need to have read the first books in order for this story to make sense, although the sheer number of children residing in the home may be somewhat confusing at first. If however, you have read the other books, you will be happy to see some familiar faces appearing in this story as well.
I adored this quick, and cute read! The chemistry between Richard and Patience was obvious, however, I really enjoyed the way Patience was able to walk that delicate line between following her heart and doing what was best for her children, knowing that to marry Richard meant living apart from them.
One of the things I really enjoyed is the fact that at the end of this story, there is a note from the author in which she explains some things about the time period that I was unaware of. This made the story as it pertained to Patience's children with her late husband make more sense.
Overall, I am sure this story will still appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance novella.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I adored this quick, and cute read! The chemistry between Richard and Patience was obvious, however, I really enjoyed the way Patience was able to walk that delicate line between following her heart and doing what was best for her children, knowing that to marry Richard meant living apart from them.
One of the things I really enjoyed is the fact that at the end of this story, there is a note from the author in which she explains some things about the time period that I was unaware of. This made the story as it pertained to Patience's children with her late husband make more sense.
Overall, I am sure this story will still appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance novella.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
April 26, 2017
My Musings
This is an excellent novella with surprisingly good character devs for such a short story. I read the next one in this series and wondered when Patience had married and who Richard was. I suggest reading this one before It Started with a Kiss. Happy reading!
This is an excellent novella with surprisingly good character devs for such a short story. I read the next one in this series and wondered when Patience had married and who Richard was. I suggest reading this one before It Started with a Kiss. Happy reading!
April 3, 2019
Loved it!
Love the Worthington family with its many members! Somehow, I had missed this book of how Patience found her husband and I wonder why it's not included in the list of Worthington books? But was happy to read the story! Great tale! Greatread!
Love the Worthington family with its many members! Somehow, I had missed this book of how Patience found her husband and I wonder why it's not included in the list of Worthington books? But was happy to read the story! Great tale! Greatread!
December 20, 2021
I really liked Patience and Richard. However, even with knowing the rights of widows (see very helpful author's note), her as well as Grace's concern that Matt won't let the girls live with their mother is not in keeping with the character Matt I came to know in his and Grace's story. "Three Weeks to Wed."
January 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Ella Quinn's characters in this book are amazing. Patience was the Earl of Worthington’s second wife and he has die. Now she wants to find a new husband.Richard, Viscount Wolverton never forgot the woman he loved and now he wants to win her. I will be definitely be reading the next book of the series.
February 28, 2017
Publisher's Description:
Can a beautiful Worthington widow find love again? Depends on who’s asking . . .
Before he died, Patience was the Earl of Worthington’s second wife. So why shouldn’t Patience be allowed a second chance at marriage, too? Of course, finding a new husband was not something the mother of four had ever planned on. But a surprise encounter with her first love has suddenly made the impossible seem possible all over again . . .
It seems like a lifetime ago that Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was halfway around the world, looking for adventure . . . while Patience, at her coming-out, was left with no choice but to take old Worthington’s hand. Richard never forgot the woman whose heart he yearned for—and now that he’s back, he’s not going to let her slip away again . . .
My Thoughts:
This delightful novella length continuation of the Worthington series tells us of the love of Richard and Patience. Before she married the old Earl of Worthington Patience had been in love with her childhood friend and companion Richard. Having decided to go abroad and promising to return before Patience's first season Richard left only to have his return delayed.
Now twenty years later he is back again and has come to claim his love.
Can Patience and Richard find love again in this second time around?
Again we find ourselves totally drawn into this madcap household with a combined group of ten children who belong to various family members and a young Great Dane all living and reeking havoc under the same roof.
This sometimes comical regency romance was a delight to read.
The storyline is as well developed as a novella can be and since we have met most of the characters in the previous installments we continue to grow to love them. This book is much better if read in series order rather than as a standalone but it is good enough to stand on it's own.
I gave this title 4.25 of 5 stars for characterization and story development.
There is a very sensual background crammed into this short novella getting 4 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion or review of this title.
Can a beautiful Worthington widow find love again? Depends on who’s asking . . .
Before he died, Patience was the Earl of Worthington’s second wife. So why shouldn’t Patience be allowed a second chance at marriage, too? Of course, finding a new husband was not something the mother of four had ever planned on. But a surprise encounter with her first love has suddenly made the impossible seem possible all over again . . .
It seems like a lifetime ago that Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was halfway around the world, looking for adventure . . . while Patience, at her coming-out, was left with no choice but to take old Worthington’s hand. Richard never forgot the woman whose heart he yearned for—and now that he’s back, he’s not going to let her slip away again . . .
My Thoughts:
This delightful novella length continuation of the Worthington series tells us of the love of Richard and Patience. Before she married the old Earl of Worthington Patience had been in love with her childhood friend and companion Richard. Having decided to go abroad and promising to return before Patience's first season Richard left only to have his return delayed.
Now twenty years later he is back again and has come to claim his love.
Can Patience and Richard find love again in this second time around?
Again we find ourselves totally drawn into this madcap household with a combined group of ten children who belong to various family members and a young Great Dane all living and reeking havoc under the same roof.
This sometimes comical regency romance was a delight to read.
The storyline is as well developed as a novella can be and since we have met most of the characters in the previous installments we continue to grow to love them. This book is much better if read in series order rather than as a standalone but it is good enough to stand on it's own.
I gave this title 4.25 of 5 stars for characterization and story development.
There is a very sensual background crammed into this short novella getting 4 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion or review of this title.
March 2, 2017
It has been several months since I read the first book in this series, THREE WEEKS TO WED, where we are introduced to Matt and Grace's story. I had a hard time figuring out who was who in THE SECOND TIME AROUND. Within the first couple of paragraphs, several characters were introduced and it made it difficult to follow. The heroine, Patience, now a widow living under her step-son Matt's roof with her 4 daughters has loved Richard Wolverton her whole life. Now 20 years later, he's back in her life and she finds that she still loves him. Richard has never forgiven himself for letting Patience get away and is determined to win her back again.
While the writing was well-done, the story is quite bland. Not much happens. There is one "evil" guy, but he is dispatched so quickly, it almost didn't make sense to include him in the story. I find Ms. Quinn's writing to be lacking in any kind of suspense of what will or will not happen next--everything is so nice and a bit boring. I'm all for happily ever after, but I'd prefer to read stories with a bit more meat to them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
While the writing was well-done, the story is quite bland. Not much happens. There is one "evil" guy, but he is dispatched so quickly, it almost didn't make sense to include him in the story. I find Ms. Quinn's writing to be lacking in any kind of suspense of what will or will not happen next--everything is so nice and a bit boring. I'm all for happily ever after, but I'd prefer to read stories with a bit more meat to them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 28, 2017
Ella is one of my favorite authors. She always seems to teach me something new. She gives us very real story lines and people. Patience is a widow. Her friend Matt is now the Earl of Worthington and his father made Matt the Guardian of Pae's four daughters. Richard,Lord Wolverton, has come home 20 years too late to marry Pae. Big Spoiler. She wants to stay away from him and he wants to spend all his time with her. Pae won't marry as she can't get her children. Now I love the Recency era but some of their rules are pure stupid. Matt now has a brood of 10 children between Grace's children and Pae's four girls. She won't leave her girls. This is a sad and happy book. Pae is followed by a Rake. Then Pae gets sick and only wants Richard. Now the children are cooking up something to help Pae. I like reading Ella's books. I especially like this series. This is a really good read. I hope you enjoy reading this book! I volunteered to read and review this book.
February 23, 2017
This book was a lovely follow on from books 1&2 of the Worthington series. This story follows Patience stepmum to Earl of Worthington and a young widow in her thirties. When an old family friend and old love returns to town for the season Patience must decide whether to pursue a second chance at love and if so how it will affect her children who are under the guardianship of her stepson.
It was lovely to get to hear Patience's story but just as enjoyable to reconnect with the Worthington family as a whole.
As a shorter story I was easily able to read this in one sitting, it includes the start of the next book in the series which I didn't read, I'd rather wait and read all together as a book.
It was lovely to get to hear Patience's story but just as enjoyable to reconnect with the Worthington family as a whole.
As a shorter story I was easily able to read this in one sitting, it includes the start of the next book in the series which I didn't read, I'd rather wait and read all together as a book.
February 15, 2017
This is a nice novella that features Patience and Richard. They were young lovers but when Richard went off to explore the world Patience married an older man. Now she is free but is she really. It was fun to watch Richard discover what he was up against with Patience. Times and laws were different then and Patience faces a choice between Richard and her children. This will stand alone but I think it would be better if you had read the previous Worthingtons books. Be sure to read the authors notes about the rights of women in Regency times at the back of the book. It is an eye opener.
February 1, 2017
Patience was the Earl of Worthington Dowager Countess of Worthington was a second wife. Pae has now found a place for herself in society & is looking forward to her four daughters having their seasons, the eldest Lady Louisa is already a debutante. Patience is content with her lot & has no thoughts of passion & marriage, that is until a surprise encounter with her first love, Richard, Viscount Wolverton has suddenly made the impossible seem possible all over again
It seems like a lifetime ago that Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was halfway around the world, looking for adventure, while Patience, at her coming-out, was left with no choice but to take old Worthington’s hand. Richard never forgot the woman whose heart he yearned for and now that he’s back, he’s not going to let her slip away again
A novella that left me wishing it was longer. The chemistry between Richard & Patience was hot but she was torn between her first love & her daughters. Of course the Vivers & Carpenter children have to have their say & of course the all seeing Matt is so possessive of his & Grace’s huge family of siblings. I love the Worthington series & so glad that Patience found happiness
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
It seems like a lifetime ago that Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was halfway around the world, looking for adventure, while Patience, at her coming-out, was left with no choice but to take old Worthington’s hand. Richard never forgot the woman whose heart he yearned for and now that he’s back, he’s not going to let her slip away again
A novella that left me wishing it was longer. The chemistry between Richard & Patience was hot but she was torn between her first love & her daughters. Of course the Vivers & Carpenter children have to have their say & of course the all seeing Matt is so possessive of his & Grace’s huge family of siblings. I love the Worthington series & so glad that Patience found happiness
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
February 4, 2017
A sweet novella. I thought at times a little slow and perhaps a little confusing if you have not read the other books prior to this one. However, all in all you will enjoy this sweet little read. I like the characters as she writes them and only wish this had a little more life in the plotting. However, taken for what it is , a sweet passionate romance novella it was great! So relax and enjoy. This author has a way of writing that is very interest catching. I shall back up and read the others in the line up for the characters are many and have caught my imagination. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
February 28, 2017
This is a novella that I fervently wish it was a full fledged novel, it was that good! I do hope y’all will read the first two books in this series because you’ll get a much better picture of these characters.
I just love it when authors give me mature, solid characters. They make the plot so much juicier, as is the case with Patience and Richard. Throughout the story you’ll be wondering will she, or will he?!
I have to say that second chance at romance are my favorite tropes and this one was so well told that it will melt your hearts and curl your toes.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
I just love it when authors give me mature, solid characters. They make the plot so much juicier, as is the case with Patience and Richard. Throughout the story you’ll be wondering will she, or will he?!
I have to say that second chance at romance are my favorite tropes and this one was so well told that it will melt your hearts and curl your toes.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
October 27, 2020
If Matt had such a good relationship with his stepmother, why would he insist that he would separate her from the kids if she married for love? That plot point made no sense to me and honestly irritated me as the main "sticking point" of why she hesitated to be with Richard. And the fact she agreed to the compromise of leaving her children on a partial basis also didn't sit well with me.
February 1, 2017
A sweet and passionate romance novella. I am so happy that Patience finally got to marry the love of her life, this was delightful to read.
March 13, 2018
No substance to this story. If your first love forgot the year you were to make a come out, would you still love him 20 years later? The story lacks for high passion which would explain a love that lasted 20 years inspite of the distance.
When Patience marries the first time around, Richard doesn't do enough to stop that marriage although he is back in England by then. Patience has been widowed for 5 years, but he makes no move to get her back. Then one fine day he comes to town and Patience just falls into his arms.
For a plot line that would suggest plenty of angst, the story is surprisingly shallow.
Patience's step-son is officially the guardian of her daughters. But why for goodness sake would he insist on separating the mother from her daughters in case she decides to remarry? Can he not be a guardian even if the daughters reside with the mother? This, the principal obstacle to Patience's remarriage, comes across as false and highly contrived.
And the hero calls the heroine 'Pae' - I mean really, that name is just irritating.
All in all, the book was not worth the time spent reading it.
When Patience marries the first time around, Richard doesn't do enough to stop that marriage although he is back in England by then. Patience has been widowed for 5 years, but he makes no move to get her back. Then one fine day he comes to town and Patience just falls into his arms.
For a plot line that would suggest plenty of angst, the story is surprisingly shallow.
Patience's step-son is officially the guardian of her daughters. But why for goodness sake would he insist on separating the mother from her daughters in case she decides to remarry? Can he not be a guardian even if the daughters reside with the mother? This, the principal obstacle to Patience's remarriage, comes across as false and highly contrived.
And the hero calls the heroine 'Pae' - I mean really, that name is just irritating.
All in all, the book was not worth the time spent reading it.
August 4, 2017
It's Mama's turn. Patience Worthington has been a constant fixture in the previous books in this series. She has been seen as the mother of four girls, a widow though only 36, and kind of a background stable. Little did we know she had a long lost love before her marriage to the Earl of Worthington. They were childhood sweethearts but she was too young so he sought adventure and promised to return before her come out, only he did not. Now he has returned to her life once again. What will she do about Richard Wolverton? This is a nice read, sort of a fill in between the books about the younger set. I so enjoy reading about this blended family, since I come from one as well though not as large. Like this family we tended to pair out according to age and interests, making this family scenario very plausible. Again I say a very enjoyable read. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
May 8, 2021
Love really is better the second time around!
For Patience, who was married at age 17 to the Earl of Worthingtons, a widower who was unable to give her love in their marriage because he had given his heart to his deceased first wife. After his death, she was raising her three daughters and sharing guardianship with her with her protective stepson, Worthington. Things got complicated when Worthington marries Grace, who has guardianship over her seven brothers and sisters combining the children into one big happy and loving family. Then at a party, she is introduced again to Richard, who was the man she always has always loved, from being childhood friends to making marriage plans. Richard had gone off to see some of the world before he got married and when he came home for her, he found his parents were marrying him off in a few days! What happens now when they both realize they are still in love with each other!
For Patience, who was married at age 17 to the Earl of Worthingtons, a widower who was unable to give her love in their marriage because he had given his heart to his deceased first wife. After his death, she was raising her three daughters and sharing guardianship with her with her protective stepson, Worthington. Things got complicated when Worthington marries Grace, who has guardianship over her seven brothers and sisters combining the children into one big happy and loving family. Then at a party, she is introduced again to Richard, who was the man she always has always loved, from being childhood friends to making marriage plans. Richard had gone off to see some of the world before he got married and when he came home for her, he found his parents were marrying him off in a few days! What happens now when they both realize they are still in love with each other!
March 1, 2017
The Second Time Around by Ella Quinn is all about a second chance for love. Patience had buried her husband and dedicated her life to raising their four daughters. Unfortunately, her husband left the guardianship to his eldest son (prior marriage) so that mean Patience would not be able to be married again and still live with her daughters. A hard choice that was not a choice as she loved her daughters. The choice became a double edged sword when Richard came back into the picture. He was her first love, but not her parents choice. Richard, Viscount Wolverton was not going to waste any more time, but what does that do to life with her daughters?
The Second Time Around by Ella Quinn was a shorter novel that did not revisit the past but moved forward from where Patience and Richard met again. It was a fun sexy novel.
The Second Time Around by Ella Quinn was a shorter novel that did not revisit the past but moved forward from where Patience and Richard met again. It was a fun sexy novel.
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