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Waltzing with the Earl
A wallflower's time to shine
The Earl of Shalford needs to marry into money to save his estate. Wealthy and beautiful Henrietta Buxted should be the perfect candidate. So why does his eye keep wandering to her quiet cousin, Charlotte Wyncroft?
Charlotte watches Henrietta's games of courtship with wry amusement. That is, until a stolen dance reveals a hidden side to the earl. Penniless Charlotte knows she's far from a suitable match, yet, in Adam's arms, she can dream of the happily-ever-after she's always wanted!
The Earl of Shalford needs to marry into money to save his estate. Wealthy and beautiful Henrietta Buxted should be the perfect candidate. So why does his eye keep wandering to her quiet cousin, Charlotte Wyncroft?
Charlotte watches Henrietta's games of courtship with wry amusement. That is, until a stolen dance reveals a hidden side to the earl. Penniless Charlotte knows she's far from a suitable match, yet, in Adam's arms, she can dream of the happily-ever-after she's always wanted!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 20, 2017
40 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Tinley
70 books91 followersCatherine Tinley writes witty, heartwarming Regency love stories for Harlequin Mills & Boon. She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings.
After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, Sure Start, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, and dog and can be reached at www.catherinetinley.com, as well as facebook.com/CatherineTinleyWriter and @CatherineTinley on twitter.
After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, Sure Start, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, and dog and can be reached at www.catherinetinley.com, as well as facebook.com/CatherineTinleyWriter and @CatherineTinley on twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 9, 2017
Kindly but henpecked Mr. Frederick Buxted is placed in the rather uncomfortable position of having to explain to his overbearing wife why he has agreed to the temporary guardianship of his deceased cousin’s attractive young daughter, Charlotte. Her father, Colonel Sir Edward Wyncroft, has some loose ends to tie up across the channel before he resigns his commission and finally settles down. Until now, and following the early death of her mother, his beloved Lottie has followed the drum with him; but now, although father and daughter are normally inseparable, the Colonel needs to know she is safe and cared for while he gives his full attention to his last duties. Mrs. Louisa Buxted is less than impressed by the arrival of her husband’s young and attractive relative; especially as she has two daughters of her own and sees all other young women as competition in her aspirations for them.
Charlotte arrives at the Buxted household amid a bustle of excitement at the thought of meeting and spending time with her female cousins and also at finally seeing and experiencing the delights of London. Her natural exuberance and unaffected beauty is refreshing and attractive – too attractive for Henrietta, the eldest Buxted daughter, her mother’s favourite child and generally the centre of attention. The contrast between Charlotte and Henrietta is vast; whereas Charlotte’s beauty is quiet and understated and her nature kind and conciliatory, Henrietta is stunningly beautiful and she turns heads wherever she goes – but she’s shallow and selfish with a penchant for cruel jibes. She and her social climbing mother are on the hunt for an advantageous match.
Adam Fanton, Earl of Salford is the chosen target for Mrs. Buxted’s machinations. He has a beautiful country estate and the title to go with it but is unfortunately not wealthy, meaning his priority is to find a well dowered wife. He is thus the ideal target for a conniving mama and a superficial, spoilt young lady. No fool, Adam realises what the two of them are up to, so he decides to open the field, so to speak, and hold a house party. Along with a few unattached men, Adam invites the Buxted family, including their unwelcome houseguest, Charlotte, and, much to Henrietta’s disgust, another rich family with a mama on the lookout for a titled husband for her daughter. Adam, however, is in a dilemma because the more he is in Charlotte’s company the more he realises how very much he likes and admires her. In an understated manner she shows herself to be kind, capable and helpful – especially in her dealings with his elderly great aunt who becomes easily flustered at her added responsibilities in being Adam’s hostess for the duration of the party. Charlotte’s lack of dowry is a deciding factor, however, and Adam is a man who knows his duty, a fact which is laboured throughout and quickly becomes annoying. Charlotte finds Adam rather aloof and arrogant to start with, but her opinion of him changes as she spends time in his company and realises that he is a rather serious young man. As her feelings develop she sees the futility of falling for him.
Up until this point the premise – although a well-worn one – is reasonably well-handled and the dialogue is nicely written, with some witty repartée. Unfortunately, however, the book goes downhill when plausibility is stretched to its limits after Henrietta, on discovering that she is not the only young lady to be considered as a suitable match for the earl – lies on the floor like a two year old having a tantrum – wailing and drumming her heels! Things further descend into the realm of the farcical as the storyline becomes more and more outrageous with so much packed in that the author’s only success is overcomplication. At about 4O% into the story, events begin to switch back and forth between France and the house party – all very confusing – and I actually back-tracked to check to see if I’d missed something. It all feels contrived – maybe the author wanted to inject some real drama into her story but it only succeeded in taking me out of it. There is a twist at the end which I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting but even then (and I know this is Romancelandia) everything is just a little too neatly tied off. Adam and Charlotte share a few close interactions, although this is a very gentle romance with nothing more than kissing and smouldering looks; but frustratingly, after each occasion one or the other of them misunderstands the situation and I wished that they would just talk to each other!
I ruminated over the grading for Waltzing with the Earl and finally decided on three stars because although I had some niggles, the characterisation is good, it’s nicely written and it does contain some genuinely amusing and witty moments, especially between Charlotte and Adam. The book held my interest for at least the first half before running away with itself, so while I can’t give it a ringing endorsement, there are at least some things about it to enjoy.
Charlotte arrives at the Buxted household amid a bustle of excitement at the thought of meeting and spending time with her female cousins and also at finally seeing and experiencing the delights of London. Her natural exuberance and unaffected beauty is refreshing and attractive – too attractive for Henrietta, the eldest Buxted daughter, her mother’s favourite child and generally the centre of attention. The contrast between Charlotte and Henrietta is vast; whereas Charlotte’s beauty is quiet and understated and her nature kind and conciliatory, Henrietta is stunningly beautiful and she turns heads wherever she goes – but she’s shallow and selfish with a penchant for cruel jibes. She and her social climbing mother are on the hunt for an advantageous match.
Adam Fanton, Earl of Salford is the chosen target for Mrs. Buxted’s machinations. He has a beautiful country estate and the title to go with it but is unfortunately not wealthy, meaning his priority is to find a well dowered wife. He is thus the ideal target for a conniving mama and a superficial, spoilt young lady. No fool, Adam realises what the two of them are up to, so he decides to open the field, so to speak, and hold a house party. Along with a few unattached men, Adam invites the Buxted family, including their unwelcome houseguest, Charlotte, and, much to Henrietta’s disgust, another rich family with a mama on the lookout for a titled husband for her daughter. Adam, however, is in a dilemma because the more he is in Charlotte’s company the more he realises how very much he likes and admires her. In an understated manner she shows herself to be kind, capable and helpful – especially in her dealings with his elderly great aunt who becomes easily flustered at her added responsibilities in being Adam’s hostess for the duration of the party. Charlotte’s lack of dowry is a deciding factor, however, and Adam is a man who knows his duty, a fact which is laboured throughout and quickly becomes annoying. Charlotte finds Adam rather aloof and arrogant to start with, but her opinion of him changes as she spends time in his company and realises that he is a rather serious young man. As her feelings develop she sees the futility of falling for him.
Up until this point the premise – although a well-worn one – is reasonably well-handled and the dialogue is nicely written, with some witty repartée. Unfortunately, however, the book goes downhill when plausibility is stretched to its limits after Henrietta, on discovering that she is not the only young lady to be considered as a suitable match for the earl – lies on the floor like a two year old having a tantrum – wailing and drumming her heels! Things further descend into the realm of the farcical as the storyline becomes more and more outrageous with so much packed in that the author’s only success is overcomplication. At about 4O% into the story, events begin to switch back and forth between France and the house party – all very confusing – and I actually back-tracked to check to see if I’d missed something. It all feels contrived – maybe the author wanted to inject some real drama into her story but it only succeeded in taking me out of it. There is a twist at the end which I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting but even then (and I know this is Romancelandia) everything is just a little too neatly tied off. Adam and Charlotte share a few close interactions, although this is a very gentle romance with nothing more than kissing and smouldering looks; but frustratingly, after each occasion one or the other of them misunderstands the situation and I wished that they would just talk to each other!
I ruminated over the grading for Waltzing with the Earl and finally decided on three stars because although I had some niggles, the characterisation is good, it’s nicely written and it does contain some genuinely amusing and witty moments, especially between Charlotte and Adam. The book held my interest for at least the first half before running away with itself, so while I can’t give it a ringing endorsement, there are at least some things about it to enjoy.
August 15, 2019
(2.5 stars) Why this won the 2018 RITA award for best short HR is beyond me. Okay, the writing is good enough. No glaring grammar mistakes. And there is a happy lack of anachronisms. The author knows the Regency period and dropped in lots of societal customs and behavior, culture, fashion, and current events of the time, enough to actually bore someone like me who knows much of this by now.
So it's historical and grammatical. What it's not is a story with a really good and interesting plot, really appealing characters, and a romance with actual "feels". Instead we have a very predictable romance with little to add to the genre. The characters are one-dimensional and the author uses that Misunderstandings and Failure to Communicate trope to an annoying degree.
Our heroine, Charlotte Wyncroft, is a soldier's daughter. She's English but has never lived in England, having followed her father around Europe during his career. But Colonel Wyncroft now asks a favor of the wealthy Buxted family, that they allow Charlotte to live with them in London for a few months while he ties up loose ends in Europe.
The Buxteds are relatives and Mr. Buxted is Colonel Wyncroft's good friend also, but Charlotte is not received with open arms at the Buxted residence. Overbearing Mrs. Buxted and lovely spoiled daughter Henrietta are busy trying to get Henrietta married off in the ton, preferably to someone high up in the peerage. They don't need any competition from Charlotte, so they do their best to keep Charlotte's interactions with the Upper Ten Thousand limited, using the excuse that she has not yet been presented to the queen.
Yep, it's a bit of a Cinderella story, except without the fairy godmother, mice or birds. Charlotte has to muddle through on her own. And our Prince Charming here lacks a lot of charm. He's a serious, sober, almost boring man who needs to marry money to get his estates in order after his late father's mismanagement.
Well, Henrietta is beautiful and wealthy and the Buxteds have property right next to the Earl's country estate. A match made in heaven? Maybe. And Charlotte, the more appealing cousin, would not bring any money to a marriage, it seems. Just a pleasant personality and kind heart.
The characters here are cookie-cutter and lacking complexity. Mrs. Buxted and daughter Henrietta, especially, are as much a caricature as the cartoon Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters, the former overbearing and unkind and single-minded and the latter unrelentingly spoiled and self-absorbed.
There is a subplot regarding Charlotte's father which adds a slight bit of interest to this otherwise predictable romance, but even the outcome of that was pretty easy to guess at.
I've been testing out more Harlequin HR authors lately because the "mainstream" popular authors such as Lisa Kleypas, Lorraine Heath, Mary Balogh, Eloisa James, etc., have been very disappointing to me lately. Unfortunately, so far I've found only one new-to-me Harlequin author that appeals to me and it isn't Tinsley.
So it's historical and grammatical. What it's not is a story with a really good and interesting plot, really appealing characters, and a romance with actual "feels". Instead we have a very predictable romance with little to add to the genre. The characters are one-dimensional and the author uses that Misunderstandings and Failure to Communicate trope to an annoying degree.
Our heroine, Charlotte Wyncroft, is a soldier's daughter. She's English but has never lived in England, having followed her father around Europe during his career. But Colonel Wyncroft now asks a favor of the wealthy Buxted family, that they allow Charlotte to live with them in London for a few months while he ties up loose ends in Europe.
The Buxteds are relatives and Mr. Buxted is Colonel Wyncroft's good friend also, but Charlotte is not received with open arms at the Buxted residence. Overbearing Mrs. Buxted and lovely spoiled daughter Henrietta are busy trying to get Henrietta married off in the ton, preferably to someone high up in the peerage. They don't need any competition from Charlotte, so they do their best to keep Charlotte's interactions with the Upper Ten Thousand limited, using the excuse that she has not yet been presented to the queen.
Yep, it's a bit of a Cinderella story, except without the fairy godmother, mice or birds. Charlotte has to muddle through on her own. And our Prince Charming here lacks a lot of charm. He's a serious, sober, almost boring man who needs to marry money to get his estates in order after his late father's mismanagement.
Well, Henrietta is beautiful and wealthy and the Buxteds have property right next to the Earl's country estate. A match made in heaven? Maybe. And Charlotte, the more appealing cousin, would not bring any money to a marriage, it seems. Just a pleasant personality and kind heart.
The characters here are cookie-cutter and lacking complexity. Mrs. Buxted and daughter Henrietta, especially, are as much a caricature as the cartoon Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters, the former overbearing and unkind and single-minded and the latter unrelentingly spoiled and self-absorbed.
There is a subplot regarding Charlotte's father which adds a slight bit of interest to this otherwise predictable romance, but even the outcome of that was pretty easy to guess at.
I've been testing out more Harlequin HR authors lately because the "mainstream" popular authors such as Lisa Kleypas, Lorraine Heath, Mary Balogh, Eloisa James, etc., have been very disappointing to me lately. Unfortunately, so far I've found only one new-to-me Harlequin author that appeals to me and it isn't Tinsley.
August 14, 2017
This debut novel of Tinley is rich in details for the era, what makes Tinley an exiting new to me author is how she builds up her characters, their history and personalities they are extremely likable even the irritating and snobbish Mrs Buxton and Henrietta .
Adam is a complex man who for me, took some warming to. He did at first came across as very pompous and a too starched man who was a bit callous with how he was going about things with getting the money he needed. But as you get to know him as the man instead of the Earl his stiff and guarded exterior melts away, you see just how caring, passionate and hugely protective he is.
I love the fact that Charlotte is very normal, she has been following the drum since childhood, due to her father being a Colonel who in my view he has raised an independent, intelligent woman who knows how to look after her self. She has grown a thick skin, she is sassy and opinionated and its been an absolute joy getting to know this spunky woman throughout the book.
For me the star of the show is Harry, oh my word! I absolutely adore Captain Harry Fanton he is a chipper, witty and highly sensual man who oozes sex appeal and he definitely has the best one liners. He is cheeky, sarcastic and loyal and such a great character and one that I am definitely looking forward to getting to know, he is fabulous!
really like how Tinley had mixed the Romance story with Sir Arthur’s mission in France, it’s a really pleasant change to see what the supporting characters are doing and I do really like Sir Arthur. He is blunt, straight to the point and practical he loves his daughter dearly, more than that, there is a true friendship between father and daughter. A friendship that has been born from first losing Charlotte’s mother too soon and secondly with Arthur keeping her with him to follow the drum, and I really like seeing that parent, child relationship.
This is an absolute success and a great introduction to this charming and talented author, I am really looking forward to reading more of Tinleys work.
Adam is a complex man who for me, took some warming to. He did at first came across as very pompous and a too starched man who was a bit callous with how he was going about things with getting the money he needed. But as you get to know him as the man instead of the Earl his stiff and guarded exterior melts away, you see just how caring, passionate and hugely protective he is.
I love the fact that Charlotte is very normal, she has been following the drum since childhood, due to her father being a Colonel who in my view he has raised an independent, intelligent woman who knows how to look after her self. She has grown a thick skin, she is sassy and opinionated and its been an absolute joy getting to know this spunky woman throughout the book.
For me the star of the show is Harry, oh my word! I absolutely adore Captain Harry Fanton he is a chipper, witty and highly sensual man who oozes sex appeal and he definitely has the best one liners. He is cheeky, sarcastic and loyal and such a great character and one that I am definitely looking forward to getting to know, he is fabulous!
really like how Tinley had mixed the Romance story with Sir Arthur’s mission in France, it’s a really pleasant change to see what the supporting characters are doing and I do really like Sir Arthur. He is blunt, straight to the point and practical he loves his daughter dearly, more than that, there is a true friendship between father and daughter. A friendship that has been born from first losing Charlotte’s mother too soon and secondly with Arthur keeping her with him to follow the drum, and I really like seeing that parent, child relationship.
This is an absolute success and a great introduction to this charming and talented author, I am really looking forward to reading more of Tinleys work.
March 23, 2017
4.5 Stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-w7
Charlotte Wyncroft has had an unusual life, growing up abroad in whatever city her father was stationed. Now the war is over, and Charlotte is returning home to England to wait while her father completes one last military assignment. In the interim, she’ll stay with her uncle, his wife, and their daughters, partaking in what society functions she is permitted to attend, since she hasn’t made her formal debut. The older of her cousins, Henrietta, is beautiful, spoiled, mean, immature, vain, totally self-centered, and has the full support of her equally awful mother. Henrietta has her eye on becoming the next Countess of Shalford, and is determined to succeed, no matter what it takes.
Adam Fanton, Earl of Shalford, learned how badly the earldom needs funds when he inherited the title upon his father’s death. Though the idea is abhorrent to him, he decides he must marry for money to restore his estates. He has two candidates in mind, one of them being Henrietta, and he plans to get to know the two ladies better to find out which one would be a more suitable fit. He calls upon Henrietta to invite her and her family to make an extended visit to his primary estate. Since Charlotte is staying with the family, she’s included in the invitation.
At first acquaintance, Charlotte doesn’t warm up to Adam. He’s certainly handsome, and proper in his conduct, but he’s somewhat aloof, and it just seems that his heart is not in his courting. The more Adam and Charlotte meet, though, they find they share the same sense of humor, and often meet each other’s eyes and share an amused smile over a comment or incident. The slow buildup of their attraction and liking for each other is delicious. Time and time again, Adam tells himself to stay away from Charlotte since he must marry another, but he can’t seem to resist her company. Aside from her beauty, she’s intelligent, and her unusual childhood has made her well versed and capable. She doesn’t flatter or fawn over him, and he knows she’s genuine.
Finally Adam decides that his future happiness is worth more than his estates, and he will just have to find another way. He must marry Charlotte, but before he can propose, tragedy strikes, then a terrible misunderstanding looks like it will tear them apart forever. WALTZING WITH THE EARL is a wonderful book, but the fact that it’s a debut for author Catherine Tinley makes it even more special. It has wonderful flow and great characters that I love, and villains that I detested. While I prefer some steam in my romances, I can honestly say that the lack of explicit detail did not detract from this lovely and romantic story. Adam and Charlotte manage to find their way to a satisfying happily-ever-after, and I highly recommend their journey getting there.
Charlotte Wyncroft has had an unusual life, growing up abroad in whatever city her father was stationed. Now the war is over, and Charlotte is returning home to England to wait while her father completes one last military assignment. In the interim, she’ll stay with her uncle, his wife, and their daughters, partaking in what society functions she is permitted to attend, since she hasn’t made her formal debut. The older of her cousins, Henrietta, is beautiful, spoiled, mean, immature, vain, totally self-centered, and has the full support of her equally awful mother. Henrietta has her eye on becoming the next Countess of Shalford, and is determined to succeed, no matter what it takes.
Adam Fanton, Earl of Shalford, learned how badly the earldom needs funds when he inherited the title upon his father’s death. Though the idea is abhorrent to him, he decides he must marry for money to restore his estates. He has two candidates in mind, one of them being Henrietta, and he plans to get to know the two ladies better to find out which one would be a more suitable fit. He calls upon Henrietta to invite her and her family to make an extended visit to his primary estate. Since Charlotte is staying with the family, she’s included in the invitation.
At first acquaintance, Charlotte doesn’t warm up to Adam. He’s certainly handsome, and proper in his conduct, but he’s somewhat aloof, and it just seems that his heart is not in his courting. The more Adam and Charlotte meet, though, they find they share the same sense of humor, and often meet each other’s eyes and share an amused smile over a comment or incident. The slow buildup of their attraction and liking for each other is delicious. Time and time again, Adam tells himself to stay away from Charlotte since he must marry another, but he can’t seem to resist her company. Aside from her beauty, she’s intelligent, and her unusual childhood has made her well versed and capable. She doesn’t flatter or fawn over him, and he knows she’s genuine.
Finally Adam decides that his future happiness is worth more than his estates, and he will just have to find another way. He must marry Charlotte, but before he can propose, tragedy strikes, then a terrible misunderstanding looks like it will tear them apart forever. WALTZING WITH THE EARL is a wonderful book, but the fact that it’s a debut for author Catherine Tinley makes it even more special. It has wonderful flow and great characters that I love, and villains that I detested. While I prefer some steam in my romances, I can honestly say that the lack of explicit detail did not detract from this lovely and romantic story. Adam and Charlotte manage to find their way to a satisfying happily-ever-after, and I highly recommend their journey getting there.
June 30, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
August 20, 2017
Received in return for an honest review.
Naughtiness 1*
This is the first of Catherine's books I've read and I'm extremely happy I did because I very much loved it. I had to pace myself due to health reasons but wanted to enjoy it. I very much adore it and will most definitely be collecting more as they are captivating and very well written.
As always I will not give spoilers but what I will say about Catherine's debut is that it most surely has a full house of emotions a hugely diverting book and I can definitely say I wept more than once and was enraged more than once for both hero and heroine, as well as manically laughing at one point, though there are lots of reasons to giggle too, but if you read it you will know where. I very highly recommend you do read this book and the no doubt many more which will follow.
I can very easily say that anyone who loves regency high jinx and a hell of a good read to escape in to, will most definitely love this book. Thank you so very much Lady Catherine for writing it.
Naughtiness 1*
This is the first of Catherine's books I've read and I'm extremely happy I did because I very much loved it. I had to pace myself due to health reasons but wanted to enjoy it. I very much adore it and will most definitely be collecting more as they are captivating and very well written.
As always I will not give spoilers but what I will say about Catherine's debut is that it most surely has a full house of emotions a hugely diverting book and I can definitely say I wept more than once and was enraged more than once for both hero and heroine, as well as manically laughing at one point, though there are lots of reasons to giggle too, but if you read it you will know where. I very highly recommend you do read this book and the no doubt many more which will follow.
I can very easily say that anyone who loves regency high jinx and a hell of a good read to escape in to, will most definitely love this book. Thank you so very much Lady Catherine for writing it.
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April 14, 2017"Debut author Tinley infuses this touching love story with a sharp eye for detail and a keen knowledge of the Regency era. She matches an aristocratic earl needing to marry for money with an open-minded young woman in this nicely written and engaging traditional romance. A delightful and compelling read" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
February 5, 2019
I haven't read this author before but I really liked Catherine's story. In it we meet Earl Adam Shalford and Charlotte Wyncroft. Its a story that gives you a picture of what society was like at that time. It wasn't easy for a person if they were perceived to be poor. Watching Adam's true character cone out is like watching a flower bloom its quite neat to watch. I loved reading this story. Watching Catherine and Adam was really fun to do. At times it really hurt to see what Catherine was put thru. It reminded me of the movie the A little princess. It has some really neat things in it. I found myself turning the pages to see what the one sister Henrietta would do next. I look forward to finding my next book by Catherine. Hopefully its the brother.
April 4, 2017
I am very thankful to read this book. Thank you Catherine for this opportunity.
I liked the idea very much, still when reading it, the story of Cinderella came to my mind very often.
The cruel stepmother, and stepsister, who wont welcome their cousin, and judge her because of no reasons.
I like the character of Charlotte very much. A confident young lady, who lost her mother at young age, has a big love for her father. Because of war times it is quite hard for her family to stay together, still she goes throught everything with all her might and courage.
The character of Adam is quite mysterious at the beginning but still we know how their relationship will develop. Still I wanted to feel his character more. He only shows more of himself in the end of the book.
What I really loved about the book are the descriptions of the era. How people spend their times, how the titering ladies common problem was gossiping, and how marriage was a serious thing for a mother and girls. How man made a larg gap between their job and between the women.
Also for me a big plus came from the description of the war scenes where Charlotte father fought. The depictation of a soldier, the war, the struggle of life if we loss our beloved ones.
I liked the ending very much. But I dont want to spoil it for other readers. But it had a big turn over which I didnt expect so big plus for that!
All in all I gladly recommend this book for the lovers of historical romance books. The lovers of the Regency era before the victorian ages. Also for the lovers of Jane Austen novels.
I liked the idea very much, still when reading it, the story of Cinderella came to my mind very often.
The cruel stepmother, and stepsister, who wont welcome their cousin, and judge her because of no reasons.
I like the character of Charlotte very much. A confident young lady, who lost her mother at young age, has a big love for her father. Because of war times it is quite hard for her family to stay together, still she goes throught everything with all her might and courage.
The character of Adam is quite mysterious at the beginning but still we know how their relationship will develop. Still I wanted to feel his character more. He only shows more of himself in the end of the book.
What I really loved about the book are the descriptions of the era. How people spend their times, how the titering ladies common problem was gossiping, and how marriage was a serious thing for a mother and girls. How man made a larg gap between their job and between the women.
Also for me a big plus came from the description of the war scenes where Charlotte father fought. The depictation of a soldier, the war, the struggle of life if we loss our beloved ones.
I liked the ending very much. But I dont want to spoil it for other readers. But it had a big turn over which I didnt expect so big plus for that!
All in all I gladly recommend this book for the lovers of historical romance books. The lovers of the Regency era before the victorian ages. Also for the lovers of Jane Austen novels.
April 19, 2019
Waltzing With the Earl
What a wonderful story and cast of characters! I can see why it won an award.
There are a wide group of people in this book - each unique interesting. I loved it. The author gave each person a distinct personality. I laughed out loud at some of the quirky side characters. The tender little sisters, the loving maid, the sassy aunt - oh my. Really, really good. Even the characters, who were supposed to be unlikable, I loved how nasty they were. So well done!!
I will definitely read more from this author.
October 11, 2017
This was a lovely Regency Cinderella story.
February 27, 2019
3.5 out of 5 stars
July 30, 2017
3.5 stars
This sweet Regency story was a bit predictable but it had great character development and some of the supporting characters were hilarious.
This sweet Regency story was a bit predictable but it had great character development and some of the supporting characters were hilarious.
June 27, 2018
3,5 stars.
This book is a keeper, let me tell you. Well, actually I really like this book and the main characters were pretty much good, misunderstandings here and there but all's well what ends well.
This book is a keeper, let me tell you. Well, actually I really like this book and the main characters were pretty much good, misunderstandings here and there but all's well what ends well.
March 10, 2017
Excellent read. Great characters especially Charlotte.
Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for another book by this Author
Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for another book by this Author
April 18, 2017
For a debut book, this was amazing. I absolutely loved it. It was different to see other points of view besides the hero and heroine, not sure if I liked that or not (though at times it felt like it was randomly placed and messed with the flow of the story). Pleasantly surprised at the lack of sex scenes; not having any didn't detract from the story at all and actually I think having any sex scenes in this story would have detracted from the budding romance.
Some parts were a little bit predictable, but overall I loved this story and cannot wait for more from this author.
Some parts were a little bit predictable, but overall I loved this story and cannot wait for more from this author.
July 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book, although historical romances are not generally my favorite genre. The characters, however, were realistic and interesting and the situations brought history to life.
April 13, 2020
This book was a lot of fun and I thought the author did a great job of bringing readers into the books world and story. I loved Charlotte and the Earl's characters as well as Charlotte's cousin Faith and the Earl's brother Harry. There were several other characters in this book that I really liked and I enjoyed seeing how the story unfolded. I was very happy with how this book concluded and enjoyed the Epilogue. I am looking forward to reading more by Catherine Tinley, especially the next book "The Captain's Disgraced Lady" which according to the author's note in the front of this book is supposed to be about Harry and Charlotte's friend Juliana.
October 13, 2017
Such a lovely book the author is such a lovely writer.
It made me laugh and cry and enjoyed it so much. Look forward to reading more of her work
It made me laugh and cry and enjoyed it so much. Look forward to reading more of her work
March 29, 2018
Another RITA finalist, this one in the short historical category. It's a well-written traditional regency, with lots of traditional Regency references (superfine coats, overdressed dandies, etc.) and a rather bland, conventional plot. Twenty-year-old Charlotte, the daughter of an army Colonel, is sent to stay with her cousins, the Buxteds, while her father finishes up his army duties escorting Napoleon to exile (it's 1814). Charlotte is taken aback by the outspokenness of Mrs. Buxted, and by the self-involved behavior of Henrietta, the eldest daughter of the family, but resolves to grin and bear her difficult situation. It won't be long before her father returns, after all...
The Earl of Shalford, coming off a year of mourning, is thinking of take a wife, and halfheartedly pursues Henrietta. But as Henrietta is a spoiled shrew, and Charlotte a kind, lively girl with a sense of humor, of course he falls for her during the house party he arranges instead. But Charlotte, unlike Henrietta, is reputed to have a small dowry, and Shalford needs a wife with money to help him keep up the estate his grandfather nearly ran into the ground. Additional complications ensue when Charlotte's father is declared dead, and Mrs. Buxted starts acting like Cinderella's stepmother...
Really don't care for the stories with henpecked husbands who have to put their overbearing wives in their place by book's end. And stories which hold up a heroine for our admiration by using a nasty female foil to serve as contrast. It's mean to be funny, but the underlying sexism of the trope is not at all amusing.
Still, there were small touches of humor, and Charlotte and Adam are appealingly, if rather flatly, drawn. If you like your historicals in the fairy tale vein, with undeveloped characters and evil villains, this one should appeal.
The Earl of Shalford, coming off a year of mourning, is thinking of take a wife, and halfheartedly pursues Henrietta. But as Henrietta is a spoiled shrew, and Charlotte a kind, lively girl with a sense of humor, of course he falls for her during the house party he arranges instead. But Charlotte, unlike Henrietta, is reputed to have a small dowry, and Shalford needs a wife with money to help him keep up the estate his grandfather nearly ran into the ground. Additional complications ensue when Charlotte's father is declared dead, and Mrs. Buxted starts acting like Cinderella's stepmother...
Really don't care for the stories with henpecked husbands who have to put their overbearing wives in their place by book's end. And stories which hold up a heroine for our admiration by using a nasty female foil to serve as contrast. It's mean to be funny, but the underlying sexism of the trope is not at all amusing.
Still, there were small touches of humor, and Charlotte and Adam are appealingly, if rather flatly, drawn. If you like your historicals in the fairy tale vein, with undeveloped characters and evil villains, this one should appeal.
January 7, 2019
Waltzing with the Earl by Catherine Tinley was another new author and read for me. It was also listed as a RITA winner last year and looked well read. It was an historical romance with great main characters and I suspect there will be other books within the same characters.
The Earl, Adam Fanton, needs to marry someone with money. His property a generation ago was mishandled and needs a lot of work. Recently, his father died and Adam became the Earl of Salford. Unfortunately being an earl makes him a target for all the debutante who want/need to marry. He has caught the eye of Ms Louisa Buxted as she is looking for a husband for her beautiful and much indulged daughter Henrietta. The Buxted family also has an added member Charlotte. She is a distant relative to the Buxted. Louisa (mother) and Henrietta (daughter) are just pills, but at least Charlotte can be friends with Faith (the younger daughter).
As much as Adam tries to focus on Henrietta with her dowry and land, he finds himself more and more drawn to Charlotte instead. He decides to have a house party and invites the Buxted family as well as other marriageable ladies. That’s when Adam discovers the truth about himself and Charlotte.
I enjoyed Waltzing with the Earl. The story line has a mashup of Pygmalion, Cinderella and many other fairy tales. Charlotte and Adam are two main characters worth cheering and Louisa and Henrietta are just… well I can’t say what I really think. Waltzing with the Earl by Catherine Tinley was a good read.
The Earl, Adam Fanton, needs to marry someone with money. His property a generation ago was mishandled and needs a lot of work. Recently, his father died and Adam became the Earl of Salford. Unfortunately being an earl makes him a target for all the debutante who want/need to marry. He has caught the eye of Ms Louisa Buxted as she is looking for a husband for her beautiful and much indulged daughter Henrietta. The Buxted family also has an added member Charlotte. She is a distant relative to the Buxted. Louisa (mother) and Henrietta (daughter) are just pills, but at least Charlotte can be friends with Faith (the younger daughter).
As much as Adam tries to focus on Henrietta with her dowry and land, he finds himself more and more drawn to Charlotte instead. He decides to have a house party and invites the Buxted family as well as other marriageable ladies. That’s when Adam discovers the truth about himself and Charlotte.
I enjoyed Waltzing with the Earl. The story line has a mashup of Pygmalion, Cinderella and many other fairy tales. Charlotte and Adam are two main characters worth cheering and Louisa and Henrietta are just… well I can’t say what I really think. Waltzing with the Earl by Catherine Tinley was a good read.
July 27, 2018
What an absolutely beautifully written book by author Catherine Tinley. This is Ms.Tinley's debut book and it recently won the RITA Award by Romance Writers of America for Historical Romance: Short & nominee for Best First Book. There is no doubt after reading this book that it was a well earned reward!
I absolutely loved our heroine Charlotte Wyncroft from the very beginning. Charlotte lost her mother at a very young age and has been following the drum with her Father Colonel Sir Edward Wyncott. Our hero, Adam the Earl of Shalford does take a little getting to know and I actually liked how Ms. Tinsley let us gradually find out who this young man was. The secondary characters in this book are wonderfully described with fascinating personalities from the one's you loved to even the ones you might not like so much. I'm in awe that this is a debut novel and I look forward to reading more from author Catherine Tinley in the future! Excellent book & highly recommend!
I absolutely loved our heroine Charlotte Wyncroft from the very beginning. Charlotte lost her mother at a very young age and has been following the drum with her Father Colonel Sir Edward Wyncott. Our hero, Adam the Earl of Shalford does take a little getting to know and I actually liked how Ms. Tinsley let us gradually find out who this young man was. The secondary characters in this book are wonderfully described with fascinating personalities from the one's you loved to even the ones you might not like so much. I'm in awe that this is a debut novel and I look forward to reading more from author Catherine Tinley in the future! Excellent book & highly recommend!
September 17, 2018
The romance I've been searching for
Beautiful sweet romance, with well developed characters set into a stunning and accurate historical backdrop. This is not a story about two people swept away in the throes of passion, but a genuine and beautiful relationship which develops between two well suited people, with an undeniable bond.
For years I've been searching for an author who can make me believe in Romance again, and not just lust (as fun as that is). I believe I have found that author in Catherine Tinley. This was an excellent debut novel in the tradition of Georgette Heyer, and I look forward to many more.
Beautiful sweet romance, with well developed characters set into a stunning and accurate historical backdrop. This is not a story about two people swept away in the throes of passion, but a genuine and beautiful relationship which develops between two well suited people, with an undeniable bond.
For years I've been searching for an author who can make me believe in Romance again, and not just lust (as fun as that is). I believe I have found that author in Catherine Tinley. This was an excellent debut novel in the tradition of Georgette Heyer, and I look forward to many more.
September 4, 2021
2 stelle e 1/2 per questa copia sbiadita della favola di Cenerentola.
Non è un retelling, ma quasi un copia/incolla, perché gli elementi portanti ci sono tutti: leggere per credere, se volete perdere tempo.
La prima metà del libro procede lenta e soporifera, poi c'è il plot twist (?) che risolleva la situazione, ma niente di eccezionale. Non sono rimasta particolarmente impressionata.
Un libro facilmente dimenticabile, nonostante sia un vincitore dei RITA Award. Non oso immaginare gli altri finalisti...
Non è un retelling, ma quasi un copia/incolla, perché gli elementi portanti ci sono tutti: leggere per credere, se volete perdere tempo.
La prima metà del libro procede lenta e soporifera, poi c'è il plot twist (?) che risolleva la situazione, ma niente di eccezionale. Non sono rimasta particolarmente impressionata.
Un libro facilmente dimenticabile, nonostante sia un vincitore dei RITA Award. Non oso immaginare gli altri finalisti...
June 29, 2022
Lovely and unique Cinderella story take.
Charlotte has to move in with her cousins while her father finishes up in war service. The Earl of Shalford is looking to marry into money and shows interest in Charlotte spoiled cousin Henrietta.
Then he notices Charlotte, and Charlotte slowly comes to regard him highly as well.
When he finally decides he will marry for love regardless of money with the help of an outspoken aunt and a house party that shows Charlotte's true worth, it may be too late.
Very enjoyable story and highly recommend.
Charlotte has to move in with her cousins while her father finishes up in war service. The Earl of Shalford is looking to marry into money and shows interest in Charlotte spoiled cousin Henrietta.
Then he notices Charlotte, and Charlotte slowly comes to regard him highly as well.
When he finally decides he will marry for love regardless of money with the help of an outspoken aunt and a house party that shows Charlotte's true worth, it may be too late.
Very enjoyable story and highly recommend.
September 2, 2018
Frustrating
The entire book was based on misunderstanding after misunderstanding. Even attempts at communication were interrupted by stupid assumptions cutting off further attempts to clear things up. If you like stilted dialog and misunderstandings between the two main characters to take up 85 percent of the book, read on. I finally had to quit reading this painful mess. Too bad it was so "clean". A little bit of steam could only have helped.
The entire book was based on misunderstanding after misunderstanding. Even attempts at communication were interrupted by stupid assumptions cutting off further attempts to clear things up. If you like stilted dialog and misunderstandings between the two main characters to take up 85 percent of the book, read on. I finally had to quit reading this painful mess. Too bad it was so "clean". A little bit of steam could only have helped.
September 10, 2023
Lots of saying they’re in love and not enough SHOWING. There’s no real heat or connection. He’s interested in her because she’s a good person but it lacks fervor.
Honestly she showed just as much chemistry with his brother, in the few scenes they shared together. I want to give this book three stars so badly because I found the description of grief very affecting but the romance was so lacking in a romance book I just can’t.
Honestly she showed just as much chemistry with his brother, in the few scenes they shared together. I want to give this book three stars so badly because I found the description of grief very affecting but the romance was so lacking in a romance book I just can’t.
November 13, 2023
Na kai norisi visiškai saldžios saldžios ir tą patį per tą patį istorijos, tai ši kaip tik tokia. Truputėlį tikėjausi stipresnio siužeto, nes viskas jau labai buvo aišku ir nuspėja. Bet pūstos suknios, intrigos, pasipūtėlės damos - to čia apstu. Pagrindinės meilės linijos norėjosi labiau stipresnės, su mažiau dūsavimų, o daugiau paslapties. Nes kartais jau vargindavo tie “jis negali manęs vesti ir mylėti”.
July 8, 2018
This is a very nice story in the style of a traditional Regency romance. We have the usual elements -- a poor(ish) relation, an aggressive society mother, a spoiled debutante cousin, a stiff earl that needs to marry money, and some big misunderstandings. It is a clean story -- kissing only. There were likable characters and a little intrigue. It was a pleasant read.
August 4, 2018
I read this book because it got an award. It was a sweet traditional Regency romance with a typical Cinderella type of plot. However, the characterization of the hero and heroine was well done. The heroine Charlotte especially was interesting and reminded me of Sophy, one of Georgette Heyer's heroines. I enjoyed it.
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