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Tales From Seldon Park #3.5
The Earl Who Loved Me
It's Twelfth Night and Lady Amelia Banbrook, the daughter of the esteemed Earl of Hollinworth, finds herself in a bit of quandary. She is in love with her family's country neighbor, the perennial bachelor, Lord David Rutledge, the Earl of Weatherby. Friends since their youth, Amelia is convinced that there is no possible way that David returns her love, no matter how much she might wish it or if he even remembers the night when her feelings for him changed.
As the renowned Earl of Weatherby, David Rutledge is used to women falling at his feet. All except for the one he most desires, of course - Lady Amelia. The house party he has planned for Twelfth Night has done little to help his cause with Amelia, much to his chagrin. With title-grasping women chasing after him, can he find a way to seduce the woman he loves and make her understand that his love is real and not just some fleeting Christmas infatuation? Or will fear keep them apart and drive him into the arms of another?
This 24,400-word novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
Original cover edition: ASIN B00R67MD3C
This is the new cover edition approved by the author in October 2016.
As the renowned Earl of Weatherby, David Rutledge is used to women falling at his feet. All except for the one he most desires, of course - Lady Amelia. The house party he has planned for Twelfth Night has done little to help his cause with Amelia, much to his chagrin. With title-grasping women chasing after him, can he find a way to seduce the woman he loves and make her understand that his love is real and not just some fleeting Christmas infatuation? Or will fear keep them apart and drive him into the arms of another?
This 24,400-word novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
Original cover edition: ASIN B00R67MD3C
This is the new cover edition approved by the author in October 2016.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
206 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Bethany M. Sefchick
79 books43 followersMaking her home in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, Bethany Sefchick lives with her husband, Ed, and a plethora of Betta fish that she’s constantly finding new ways to entertain. In addition to writing, Bethany owns a jewelry company, Easily Distracted Designs.
When not penning romance novels or creating sparkly treasures, she enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, and lavishing attention on any stray cats who happen to be hanging around. She always enjoys hearing from her fans at: bsefchickauthor@gmail.com
When not penning romance novels or creating sparkly treasures, she enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, and lavishing attention on any stray cats who happen to be hanging around. She always enjoys hearing from her fans at: bsefchickauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 22, 2019
Christmas Read
As a novella, everything happened a bit too quickly. Some thoughts and characters were also too one-dimensional. However, I liked the story overall. I would read another book by this author.
As a novella, everything happened a bit too quickly. Some thoughts and characters were also too one-dimensional. However, I liked the story overall. I would read another book by this author.
November 8, 2017
DNF at 23%. Perhaps I am being unfair here after reading a novella I adored, but this just isn't my cup of tea.
I've encountered typos, the author name dropped every character in the first chapter while the heroine is "reflecting," the dialogue was stilted, several of the scenes were repetitive (we get the lightning moment of the leads realizing their love (told twice, in each perspective), and everything about this story has been telling not showing.
I think the premise is a good one, but the writing style is not for me and I won't be able to finish this.
I've encountered typos, the author name dropped every character in the first chapter while the heroine is "reflecting," the dialogue was stilted, several of the scenes were repetitive (we get the lightning moment of the leads realizing their love (told twice, in each perspective), and everything about this story has been telling not showing.
I think the premise is a good one, but the writing style is not for me and I won't be able to finish this.
October 16, 2020
Sweet "Friends Become Lovers" Story
I really, really liked this little novella. It's nicely written, with an interesting storyline, which, while by no means unique, is quite entertaining. Lady Amelia, the daughter of an Earl, is in love with her neighbor and childhood friend, David, Earl of Weatherby. Unknown to Amelia, David shares her feelings, but is at a loss as to how to communicate that fact to her in a manner that she will believe. Amelia is extremely insecure, so David knows that she may very well misinterpret his attentions as pity. David comes up with the plan for a Twelfth Night house-party, during which he hopes to woo and win his lady. When the story begins the house-party has been well underway; as a matter of fact, there is only another two days until it ends. David is almost at his wits end, because up until then he has made no progress in his campaign to win Lady Amelia. The story that unfolds is sweet and engaging. As I mentioned before, there is nothing about the plot that is unique, but it provided this reader with a couple of hours of entertainment.
The story made me smile at times, at other times it made me laugh; although it is by no means a humorous one. I really liked David and Amelia. Amelia is a bit of a mouse; or rather I should say she's a lion in mouse clothing. At twenty-five, Amelia believes she is firmly on the shelf, despite her rather large dowry. The poor thing lives in despair of ever finding a man who will appreciate her for who she is, rather than what she has. Desperately in love with David, Amelia holds out no hope of ever having his regard in return. David is an extremely eligible bachelor, and has been much sought after by the ladies. He's a of a rogue; and has a bit of a scandalous reputation. Having his eyes open to the treasure that is his childhood friend, was a very disconcerting experience for him. But, he is determined to win Amelia to his side as his wife. A touch of tension is added to the plot by way of a young lady who hopes to win David for her own.
As much as I liked the story; however, I do have one observation to note. The story touched, in part, on a particular pet peeve of mine...incorrect forms of address! The main rival for David's affections, Lydia Parham, the daughter of a viscount, is incorrectly styled as Lady Lydia. Her correct title should be Honorable Miss, as children of a viscount are NOT lords and ladies. Perhaps this was a simple mistake on the author's part, because in terms of other titles/forms of address, she was spot on! David, Earl of Weatherby is correctly addressed as Lord Weatherby; Amelia, the daughter of an earl, is correctly styled as Lady Amelia, and Amelia's father is correctly referred to by his title, Hollinworth. It was a blissful experience reading a story where all, as far as titles are concerned, was as it should be. Sigh! But for that one mistake re the viscount's daughter, this would have been perfect! You may be wondering why I felt the need to mention this, but I like to give credit where credit is due. Too many authors get titles and forms of address incorrect, so when an author takes the time to get it right, well! I think it's worth mentioning!
So, bottom line, I really liked this book. It is one that I happily recommend. FYI it is the first in the Tales From Seldon Part series. Books two, three, and four, respectively, are Far Beyond Scandalous, At the Stroke of Midnight, and On A Cold Christmas Eve. In this story there are references to the characters of the subsequent three books (apparently the events in books 2 and 3 occur simultaneously with this one) which I found interesting. Enough to make me want to read those particular books. I also hope Ms. Sefchick writes Lady Diana's story, as I really liked her character in this book and would like to see her get her HEA. FYI, this is not a clean romance. As far as crude language goes, the only thing I noticed is the use of the 'c' word in reference to a man's private area. Happy reading!
I really, really liked this little novella. It's nicely written, with an interesting storyline, which, while by no means unique, is quite entertaining. Lady Amelia, the daughter of an Earl, is in love with her neighbor and childhood friend, David, Earl of Weatherby. Unknown to Amelia, David shares her feelings, but is at a loss as to how to communicate that fact to her in a manner that she will believe. Amelia is extremely insecure, so David knows that she may very well misinterpret his attentions as pity. David comes up with the plan for a Twelfth Night house-party, during which he hopes to woo and win his lady. When the story begins the house-party has been well underway; as a matter of fact, there is only another two days until it ends. David is almost at his wits end, because up until then he has made no progress in his campaign to win Lady Amelia. The story that unfolds is sweet and engaging. As I mentioned before, there is nothing about the plot that is unique, but it provided this reader with a couple of hours of entertainment.
The story made me smile at times, at other times it made me laugh; although it is by no means a humorous one. I really liked David and Amelia. Amelia is a bit of a mouse; or rather I should say she's a lion in mouse clothing. At twenty-five, Amelia believes she is firmly on the shelf, despite her rather large dowry. The poor thing lives in despair of ever finding a man who will appreciate her for who she is, rather than what she has. Desperately in love with David, Amelia holds out no hope of ever having his regard in return. David is an extremely eligible bachelor, and has been much sought after by the ladies. He's a of a rogue; and has a bit of a scandalous reputation. Having his eyes open to the treasure that is his childhood friend, was a very disconcerting experience for him. But, he is determined to win Amelia to his side as his wife. A touch of tension is added to the plot by way of a young lady who hopes to win David for her own.
As much as I liked the story; however, I do have one observation to note. The story touched, in part, on a particular pet peeve of mine...incorrect forms of address! The main rival for David's affections, Lydia Parham, the daughter of a viscount, is incorrectly styled as Lady Lydia. Her correct title should be Honorable Miss, as children of a viscount are NOT lords and ladies. Perhaps this was a simple mistake on the author's part, because in terms of other titles/forms of address, she was spot on! David, Earl of Weatherby is correctly addressed as Lord Weatherby; Amelia, the daughter of an earl, is correctly styled as Lady Amelia, and Amelia's father is correctly referred to by his title, Hollinworth. It was a blissful experience reading a story where all, as far as titles are concerned, was as it should be. Sigh! But for that one mistake re the viscount's daughter, this would have been perfect! You may be wondering why I felt the need to mention this, but I like to give credit where credit is due. Too many authors get titles and forms of address incorrect, so when an author takes the time to get it right, well! I think it's worth mentioning!
So, bottom line, I really liked this book. It is one that I happily recommend. FYI it is the first in the Tales From Seldon Part series. Books two, three, and four, respectively, are Far Beyond Scandalous, At the Stroke of Midnight, and On A Cold Christmas Eve. In this story there are references to the characters of the subsequent three books (apparently the events in books 2 and 3 occur simultaneously with this one) which I found interesting. Enough to make me want to read those particular books. I also hope Ms. Sefchick writes Lady Diana's story, as I really liked her character in this book and would like to see her get her HEA. FYI, this is not a clean romance. As far as crude language goes, the only thing I noticed is the use of the 'c' word in reference to a man's private area. Happy reading!
November 10, 2022
Cute and quick read. Didn’t really deliver on the Christmas holiday feel, but with a novella, there is only so much an author can do. I feel that the characters were fleshed out well and I liked the secondary character Diana, but when I looked to see what her HEA was in a future book, it took a bit of a turn I wasn’t expecting. Still, written better than the book my Buddy and I had first tried for our “For Science” Book Club, so no complaints here.
Also, for those who care, no bedroom stuff until after they were married, and it happened at the end, so if you don’t like those scenes, it is quite easy to skip and not miss anything related to the plot.
3, I will be trying other works by this author again, stars.
Also, for those who care, no bedroom stuff until after they were married, and it happened at the end, so if you don’t like those scenes, it is quite easy to skip and not miss anything related to the plot.
3, I will be trying other works by this author again, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2015
It was ok
It was simply an ok read. Nothing spectacular. It was well written but not a true page turner. It was free so I'm not complaining.
It was simply an ok read. Nothing spectacular. It was well written but not a true page turner. It was free so I'm not complaining.
January 25, 2015
Lovely sweet romantic read.
Lady Amelia Banbrook at twenty-five is well on her way to becoming a spinster, she's intelligent, shy but average looking, her huge dowry and impressive family line mean she's been dodging fortune hunters for years and she's in love with her neighbour Lord David Rutledge, she has been friends with David for years ever since they were children but at some point her feelings have changed and become so much more. Lord Rutledge is everything a woman could ever want, he's handsome, rich, intelligent and charming and women just throw themselves at him.
Amelia finds herself at David's house party where the viperous Lady Lydia has set her sights on having him as her husband, David is obviously looking for a wife, hence the party so what can Amelia do, how can she possibly compete with Lydia.
This is a lovely little romantic read and my 3 star rating is not a negative this is a short yet simple read and I feel that 3 stars is a fair rating.
Lady Amelia Banbrook at twenty-five is well on her way to becoming a spinster, she's intelligent, shy but average looking, her huge dowry and impressive family line mean she's been dodging fortune hunters for years and she's in love with her neighbour Lord David Rutledge, she has been friends with David for years ever since they were children but at some point her feelings have changed and become so much more. Lord Rutledge is everything a woman could ever want, he's handsome, rich, intelligent and charming and women just throw themselves at him.
Amelia finds herself at David's house party where the viperous Lady Lydia has set her sights on having him as her husband, David is obviously looking for a wife, hence the party so what can Amelia do, how can she possibly compete with Lydia.
This is a lovely little romantic read and my 3 star rating is not a negative this is a short yet simple read and I feel that 3 stars is a fair rating.
May 15, 2016
Quick read. Not bad. Several strange typos--"loose" for "lose," and a few others I can't remember at the moment. (Definitely
typos that should have been caught by a competent proofreader.) Still, this was an enjoyable story, but there's nothing new here. Childhood friends to grown-up lovers, so if that's your particular catnip, this may be the one for you.
typos that should have been caught by a competent proofreader.) Still, this was an enjoyable story, but there's nothing new here. Childhood friends to grown-up lovers, so if that's your particular catnip, this may be the one for you.
March 23, 2018
A very enjoyable novella about Amelia who has been friends with Lord David Rutledge, the Earl of Weatherby since they were both children but who now realizes that she loves him and about David who loves her, too. The problem is that each has no idea the other returns that love and so they must take a chance and risk their hearts.
February 5, 2019
Good
I found this a good book. Amelia is a quiet person who has fallen in love with her childhood friend but neither of them realise they love one another. Can they come together or will others force them apart.
I found this a good book. Amelia is a quiet person who has fallen in love with her childhood friend but neither of them realise they love one another. Can they come together or will others force them apart.
November 29, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. It makes me believe that true love does exist.
Want to read
August 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/20/2020)! 🎁
April 29, 2019
A little simpering but over all good.
December 31, 2019
I discovered this ebook in my Google Play Books app, while I was searching for short stories for free to read. The plot intrigued me and I decided to give this ebook a chance.
My Review......
It is an interesting read and I can kind of relate to the mc mood of being shy. Although, I came across some words that might seem not to fit or be misspelled. These words were just another way to refer to what the author was talking about. For example, the part when it says "ton" does mean town. I Google searched any questions of grammar on my mind when reading this. I think it was more like, old English terms used. Which, I'm not good at understanding, but do enjoy to read books like these. I did see some grammar mistakes of just some words that seem to either be not used correctly or looked over. They were just merely typos. Sometimes, I am a stickler for grammar. But, when I enjoy reading a book. I tend to look past it all.
My Review......
It is an interesting read and I can kind of relate to the mc mood of being shy. Although, I came across some words that might seem not to fit or be misspelled. These words were just another way to refer to what the author was talking about. For example, the part when it says "ton" does mean town. I Google searched any questions of grammar on my mind when reading this. I think it was more like, old English terms used. Which, I'm not good at understanding, but do enjoy to read books like these. I did see some grammar mistakes of just some words that seem to either be not used correctly or looked over. They were just merely typos. Sometimes, I am a stickler for grammar. But, when I enjoy reading a book. I tend to look past it all.
May 16, 2016
This book is a fast read and really a cookie cutter, steamy, regency. Lady Amelia Banbrook has known Lord David Rutledge since she was a wee girl. Having been through several seasons without finding love it isn't until she dances with David at a friend's wedding that she realizes that she loves him but fears it is unrequited.
Lord David Rutledge has known Lady Amelia Banbrook since she was a wee girl. Having been through several seasons without finding love it isn't until she dances with David at a friend's wedding that he realizes that he loves her but fears it is unrequited.
Got it? Super - she has a fight with a young Deb over David, she gets a Clueless style makeover, they have 24 hours to admit their love.
Lord David Rutledge has known Lady Amelia Banbrook since she was a wee girl. Having been through several seasons without finding love it isn't until she dances with David at a friend's wedding that he realizes that he loves her but fears it is unrequited.
Got it? Super - she has a fight with a young Deb over David, she gets a Clueless style makeover, they have 24 hours to admit their love.
July 26, 2023
Lady Amelia Banbrook and Lord David Rutledge, the Earl of Weatherby had been friends and neighbors since childhood. Now she has found she is in love with him, she isn't sure that he is The Earl Who Loved Me or not at a holiday house party at his home. Lady Lydia has attached herself to him for most of the activities so far at the party so she is ready to withdraw when David finds her and puts a plan in place to make her his bride.
He is considerate, kind and completely in love with Lady Amelia and proves it to her with his actions and care on the last day of the house party where they are wed on the last evening to start a life together. Lovely romantic historical fiction romance!
He is considerate, kind and completely in love with Lady Amelia and proves it to her with his actions and care on the last day of the house party where they are wed on the last evening to start a life together. Lovely romantic historical fiction romance!
January 7, 2019
Meh. It was okay. I liked that the romance was born of friendship and so not a love at first sight kind of thing. There was history between the two that supported the romance. The Lady Lydia thing was wrapped up neatly but as with bullies in general, standing up to them makes them back down. What is important is that Amelia learns to stand up for herself. The graphic sex scene at the end was completely gratuitous and I skipped to the end where the meaningful dialogue happened. The novella would have been rated higher had the graphic stuff been omitted and had an editor given the novella a closer read. There were several glaring issues that should not have made it into the publication.
February 19, 2018
Beautiful short read
I guess on this review i will go for the downfalls first.Alittle more play between the two charcters would have been nice...it had a few areas that wouldnt of made the book to long to add more of that cat and mouse theme.
I rated it a four because I did find it a cute quivk and sweet read. The ending was steamy and worth the wait! I loved the way the proposal went.
Reccomendation is yes read it...its easy to get into easy to keep reading and great for a rainy day or even on the beach. I especailly love oranges...😝
I guess on this review i will go for the downfalls first.Alittle more play between the two charcters would have been nice...it had a few areas that wouldnt of made the book to long to add more of that cat and mouse theme.
I rated it a four because I did find it a cute quivk and sweet read. The ending was steamy and worth the wait! I loved the way the proposal went.
Reccomendation is yes read it...its easy to get into easy to keep reading and great for a rainy day or even on the beach. I especailly love oranges...😝
January 6, 2018
My first book by the author and I loved it. Lady Amelia had been in love with Lord David Rutledge since she was in lending strings. Know at 25 she believes she will be a Spinster. David has other plans, he fell in love with Amelia during her cousins wedding. Know he’s having a house party just so she can be there and sees where everything goes. A sweet store that has a witch in Lady Lydia who will try and snag Lord David for herself.
December 30, 2021
Another sweet story
The third in the Christmas novellas series, this one was even sweeter than the previous two I believe. Lady Amelia Banbrook and the Earl of Weatherby had been friends since they were tots. She thought he could never love her after coming to the realization that she was in love with him. He realized he was in love with her and sought to prove it to her. Very sweet with of course the shrew Lady Lydia trying to steal him away.
The third in the Christmas novellas series, this one was even sweeter than the previous two I believe. Lady Amelia Banbrook and the Earl of Weatherby had been friends since they were tots. She thought he could never love her after coming to the realization that she was in love with him. He realized he was in love with her and sought to prove it to her. Very sweet with of course the shrew Lady Lydia trying to steal him away.
June 20, 2021
Knowing the Earl
Very enjoyable read! The author gave the story life!
Amelie was always on the sidelines, watching, and hoping for more. Her best friend and childhood companion David, was now an Earl. Can she possibly tell him her secreat? Would he believe what she says?
A short story filled with drama and possible love.
Enjoy!
Very enjoyable read! The author gave the story life!
Amelie was always on the sidelines, watching, and hoping for more. Her best friend and childhood companion David, was now an Earl. Can she possibly tell him her secreat? Would he believe what she says?
A short story filled with drama and possible love.
Enjoy!
November 28, 2021
As expected, this played to my favored tropes, but is far too short to do them justice. I like seeing insecure heroines heal and grow with the help of their hero, but with this low a page count (a fifth of which is sex scenes), there was no time for any angst. And the heroine goes from shy wallflower to seductress in pursuit in a blink. Not my cuppa, sadly.
August 18, 2017
You are indeed a writer with a wonderful gift
Short but beautiful and I will be seeking out your library to see what other goodies you have on your bookshelf. You have been bless and I wish you continue success. DH from New York City P.s.A must read you will be happy you did.
Short but beautiful and I will be seeking out your library to see what other goodies you have on your bookshelf. You have been bless and I wish you continue success. DH from New York City P.s.A must read you will be happy you did.
December 2, 2019
Info-dump heavy on the beginning, with a lot of names being thrown around for little reason. Odd typos scattered about. A bitchy antagonist who has the weirdest ideas and issues the most inane threats. Quick romance. Kinda cute, but a too clunky for real enjoyment.
April 26, 2023
The Love Of My Childhood
Well this is a short but very sweet love story about childhood neighbor's who grew up together and then have realized that they have loved each other for years.
Well this is a short but very sweet love story about childhood neighbor's who grew up together and then have realized that they have loved each other for years.
June 14, 2017
Loved this but wished she had ripped those bitches eyes out
November 8, 2017
I like that she is not one of those super pretty girls like other novels its nice to read someting new
January 5, 2018
Third book just as good as the first
I enjoyed this book as much as the first two different characters but same as far as the other ones. Easy read and enjoyable
I enjoyed this book as much as the first two different characters but same as far as the other ones. Easy read and enjoyable
January 25, 2018
The Earl Who Loved Me
This was a wonderful read I enjoyed reading this very much the characters where brilliant. I will be reading more of your books son
This was a wonderful read I enjoyed reading this very much the characters where brilliant. I will be reading more of your books son
December 19, 2018
Excellent!
A wonderful love story that began in childhood and finally culminates in a passion that defies the interference from another.
A wonderful love story that began in childhood and finally culminates in a passion that defies the interference from another.
September 2, 2022
‘Longish’ (although that is not the right word). It drags on and on ...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews