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Fairweather Sisters #1
Regency Romance and Murder Mystery Box Set: Penelope / Wicked Wager / Murder at Rudhall Manor
Penelope
Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband.
Thus begins our heroine’s tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.
What follows is a series of misadventures, love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen, sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.
The Wicked Wager
The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride—the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey.
The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think things over.
Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green.
Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled situation on the estate—never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be so difficult.
His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.
Just when things seem to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient).
His simple plan for winning the wager suddenly becomes … a tad complicated.
Murder At Rudhall Manor
A murder and a theft have been committed at Rudhall Manor. A box of jewels has vanished and Lord Sedley, a lusty old aristocrat, has been stabbed six times in the chest.
It is all very mysterious, and the Sedley family and the servants have decided that Miss Lucy Anne Trotter, a recently employed governess, is to blame for the unfortunate events.
The legendary and wickedly handsome Marquis, Lord William Adair, learns of the matter and decides to uncover the truth.
Lucy, however, has little faith in blue blooded creatures—even if they possess dashing good looks— and, accompanied by two naughty pugs and a moody raven, decides to investigate and unmask the killer herself.
But the hunt for the killer turns out to be far more complicated than she anticipates—what with snooty servants, warts in odd places, mixed up love affairs, agitated chickens and dreadful disguises ruining her plans.
Soon she begins to wonder if, for once, she is in over her head….
Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband.
Thus begins our heroine’s tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.
What follows is a series of misadventures, love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen, sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.
The Wicked Wager
The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride—the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey.
The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think things over.
Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green.
Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled situation on the estate—never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be so difficult.
His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.
Just when things seem to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient).
His simple plan for winning the wager suddenly becomes … a tad complicated.
Murder At Rudhall Manor
A murder and a theft have been committed at Rudhall Manor. A box of jewels has vanished and Lord Sedley, a lusty old aristocrat, has been stabbed six times in the chest.
It is all very mysterious, and the Sedley family and the servants have decided that Miss Lucy Anne Trotter, a recently employed governess, is to blame for the unfortunate events.
The legendary and wickedly handsome Marquis, Lord William Adair, learns of the matter and decides to uncover the truth.
Lucy, however, has little faith in blue blooded creatures—even if they possess dashing good looks— and, accompanied by two naughty pugs and a moody raven, decides to investigate and unmask the killer herself.
But the hunt for the killer turns out to be far more complicated than she anticipates—what with snooty servants, warts in odd places, mixed up love affairs, agitated chickens and dreadful disguises ruining her plans.
Soon she begins to wonder if, for once, she is in over her head….
819 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2017
510 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Anya Wylde
68 books304 followersAnya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 8, 2017
I picked up Penelope during a promotion and the description was so intriguing that I started reading it the same day. The author has such a unique voice and I absolutely loved the ups and downs of Penelope while she's in London. There were so many places that I was laughing out loud at the outrageous predicaments that Penelope finds herself in. Is the plot a tad ridiculous? Yes, it is, but that's what make it such a delightful read. The Regency Period was full of so many rules for young ladies and society decorum was an absolute must that it was fun to see that period written about in a light-hearted way. The book was so enjoyable I read it in one long sitting. Suspend your beliefs for a while and delve into the zany world of Penelope Fairweather.
I loved the author's writing style so much that I immediately purchased her other books, The Wicked Wager and Murder at Rudhall Manor. I would definitely recommend this boxed set to romance readers who are looking for a bit of fun in their stories.
I loved the author's writing style so much that I immediately purchased her other books, The Wicked Wager and Murder at Rudhall Manor. I would definitely recommend this boxed set to romance readers who are looking for a bit of fun in their stories.
August 18, 2017
> PENELOPE = 4 Stars
This story contains some remarkable scenes as far as London seasons go, but overall I was quite entertained by the writer's creativity. The twists show up unexpectedly. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but once in awhile a strange bit of humor is greatly appreciated. Filled with historical fiction, humor, and romance. Would recommend.
> WICKED WAGER = 5 Stars
You will find this story was odd. The humor was hilarious! One scene made me laugh until I cried. It took quite some time to compose myself enough to continue reading the remainder of the book. Would definitely recommend if you like humorous entertainment!
> Murder at Rudhall Manor = 2.00 Stars
This book definitely was not my cup of tea, even though I thoroughly enjoyed the book entitled 'Penelope' by the same author.
Author's imagination went waaaay below my tolerance level. The attempt at quirkiness delved into the ridiculous over and over and over again. I was so tempted not to complete my reading of it. However, I trudged my way through and was left wondering why I even bothered.
Would not recommend.
May 9, 2020
#1 Penelope
This was definitely a "could not put down" type book. Plus, I laughed outrageously in a couple of places, so perhaps be warned, don't read some place that others will think you mad, when you rolling around in hilarious laughter.
Basic story, a young country girl is presented to society, through a contact of her late mother. To say she was country bumpkin, would be overstating her deportment and manners.
She charms almost all she comes in contact with, except the son of the woman sponsoring her.
So, you need to read the author's rendition of the tale, to really enjoy this entertaining story.
#2 The Wicked Wager
Only an English Aristocratic could make such a wager.
To hide as a head gardener in the estate of his fiancee, just to be able to see her. It just seems too ludicrous to contemplate.
Yes, it is a bit of a laugh, until things turn mortally serious.
Interesting tale!
#3 Murder at Rudhall Manor
There's a theft of jewelry, and the arrival of Lord Adair, featured in the Fairweather Sisters Trilogy, appears to also reveal that a murder had taken place.
Unfortunately, the governess is being blamed for it all.
So, who is responsible and how do they prove who culprits are??
Interesting and quirky tale.
This was definitely a "could not put down" type book. Plus, I laughed outrageously in a couple of places, so perhaps be warned, don't read some place that others will think you mad, when you rolling around in hilarious laughter.
Basic story, a young country girl is presented to society, through a contact of her late mother. To say she was country bumpkin, would be overstating her deportment and manners.
She charms almost all she comes in contact with, except the son of the woman sponsoring her.
So, you need to read the author's rendition of the tale, to really enjoy this entertaining story.
#2 The Wicked Wager
Only an English Aristocratic could make such a wager.
To hide as a head gardener in the estate of his fiancee, just to be able to see her. It just seems too ludicrous to contemplate.
Yes, it is a bit of a laugh, until things turn mortally serious.
Interesting tale!
#3 Murder at Rudhall Manor
There's a theft of jewelry, and the arrival of Lord Adair, featured in the Fairweather Sisters Trilogy, appears to also reveal that a murder had taken place.
Unfortunately, the governess is being blamed for it all.
So, who is responsible and how do they prove who culprits are??
Interesting and quirky tale.
June 12, 2017
A fantastic collection
It is very rare that three books in a collection are good, but it is with this one. The first one I had read and loved before and the last two were new reads. Each of the book are filled with lovable, little whacky characters. Except the first, the next two are cracking detective stories as well.
The second book wicked wager was especially interesting to me because the plot line is somewhat same to a very hit 60s bengali movie called "Chadabeshi" (The imposter) remade in Hindi as Chupke chupke. So it was fun to imagine it in a different time era but the writer has so well transported it.
The last book is a mixture of ghost and detective and has the whackiest characters in all but is a bit boring in parts. And the fact it does not end up in a love story is a surprise and very practical. The love story could have been looked forced. I want another adventure of Lord Adair, Lucy and the ghost of Aunt Sedley.
It is very rare that three books in a collection are good, but it is with this one. The first one I had read and loved before and the last two were new reads. Each of the book are filled with lovable, little whacky characters. Except the first, the next two are cracking detective stories as well.
The second book wicked wager was especially interesting to me because the plot line is somewhat same to a very hit 60s bengali movie called "Chadabeshi" (The imposter) remade in Hindi as Chupke chupke. So it was fun to imagine it in a different time era but the writer has so well transported it.
The last book is a mixture of ghost and detective and has the whackiest characters in all but is a bit boring in parts. And the fact it does not end up in a love story is a surprise and very practical. The love story could have been looked forced. I want another adventure of Lord Adair, Lucy and the ghost of Aunt Sedley.
September 16, 2017
This was nothing of not bizarre. Thankfully, I like bizarre.
First book was odd. Heroine kept reminding me of Chummy in Call the Midwife--socially awkward misfit. Even after the happy ending, I wasn't sure WTF I'd just read.
Second book made it all clear. This was a Wilde-worthy farce and great fun, the best of the trio. Would read again, it was so fun.
Third installment was most strange of all. I'm fresh from closing the cover and may have to digest a while to come up with more than that.
Wish I got credit for reading three books after all this, but I think I've met my goal so whatever.
First book was odd. Heroine kept reminding me of Chummy in Call the Midwife--socially awkward misfit. Even after the happy ending, I wasn't sure WTF I'd just read.
Second book made it all clear. This was a Wilde-worthy farce and great fun, the best of the trio. Would read again, it was so fun.
Third installment was most strange of all. I'm fresh from closing the cover and may have to digest a while to come up with more than that.
Wish I got credit for reading three books after all this, but I think I've met my goal so whatever.
January 9, 2018
I only read Murder at Rudhall Manor from this box set as I'd already read the other books separately. I did not enjoy the story. Usually, I'd find the antics of the heroine and hero hilariously funny but for this book, all I could think was "Why is she so dumb?" Maybe it was because this was supposed to be a murder mystery rather than a fantasy rom-com but the rom-com elements were very out of place in this story for me. There was practically no sleuthing and the answer seemed to be pulled out of a hat. I guess that's why I was reading this author, I bypassed this story when I was collecting books by her.
October 21, 2023
very good
I really really enjoyed the first two books, they were well written with good plots and characters, fun romantic and interesting. Though predictable. The last book in this series was completely different. Almost like it was written by someone else entirely. There were also errors.
I’ve not been in the imaginations of such a character as the main one in the third book. The language used was entertaining and often made me smile. The outcome was unpredictable. All in all a very entertaining book, if you can stomach the imaginations.
These set of three books is completely clean, no lurid, crude thoughts, language or behaviour.
I really really enjoyed the first two books, they were well written with good plots and characters, fun romantic and interesting. Though predictable. The last book in this series was completely different. Almost like it was written by someone else entirely. There were also errors.
I’ve not been in the imaginations of such a character as the main one in the third book. The language used was entertaining and often made me smile. The outcome was unpredictable. All in all a very entertaining book, if you can stomach the imaginations.
These set of three books is completely clean, no lurid, crude thoughts, language or behaviour.
June 19, 2017
Three books for the price of one in this box set.
Penelope, the wicked wager and Murder at Rudhall Manor.
I had already read the first two books and they were definitely 3 to 4 star quality reading so I snapped up this freebie so that I can finally read the Murder at Rudhall Manor.
In that mystery we find the very dead Lord Sedley and the new governess, Miss Lucy Anne Trotter gets thrown down to take the 'rap' for the murder but is defended by the sexy rich Marquis, Lord William Adair. There is no 'romance' in this mystery although there is a ghost aunt fantasy aspect that is funny. Always a light refreshing read with this author, Anya Wylde. It is 224 pages.
I re-read Penelope which was just as good as the first time!
In summary, I really like this author and her solid HEA style.
819 pages and kindle freebie
Penelope, the wicked wager and Murder at Rudhall Manor.
I had already read the first two books and they were definitely 3 to 4 star quality reading so I snapped up this freebie so that I can finally read the Murder at Rudhall Manor.
In that mystery we find the very dead Lord Sedley and the new governess, Miss Lucy Anne Trotter gets thrown down to take the 'rap' for the murder but is defended by the sexy rich Marquis, Lord William Adair. There is no 'romance' in this mystery although there is a ghost aunt fantasy aspect that is funny. Always a light refreshing read with this author, Anya Wylde. It is 224 pages.
I re-read Penelope which was just as good as the first time!
In summary, I really like this author and her solid HEA style.
819 pages and kindle freebie
February 1, 2018
Good bundle bargain
If I had to rate these three books separately the first one, Penelope, would be five stars. It is cleverly written and witty. The second one, The Wicked Wager, would be three stars. The conclusion to the mystery was too drawn out. The third book, Murder At Rudhall Manor, four stars. I'm not a huge fan of paranormal books. It reminded me of the play Blithe Spirit because of the time period. I kept losing interest. Overall they are a good bargain as a bundle.
If I had to rate these three books separately the first one, Penelope, would be five stars. It is cleverly written and witty. The second one, The Wicked Wager, would be three stars. The conclusion to the mystery was too drawn out. The third book, Murder At Rudhall Manor, four stars. I'm not a huge fan of paranormal books. It reminded me of the play Blithe Spirit because of the time period. I kept losing interest. Overall they are a good bargain as a bundle.
July 2, 2017
Wodehousesque
I was away and had run out of books so took a chance on this book as it looked light and entertaining. It was a revelation as it reminded me of one of my favourite author Darling P.G. the comic twists and turns, feisty females and besotted males getting into seemingly ungettoutable troubles were very enjoyable and I couldn't stop reading. Great holiday read.
I was away and had run out of books so took a chance on this book as it looked light and entertaining. It was a revelation as it reminded me of one of my favourite author Darling P.G. the comic twists and turns, feisty females and besotted males getting into seemingly ungettoutable troubles were very enjoyable and I couldn't stop reading. Great holiday read.
May 23, 2017
I loved this box set. This writer is an amazing writer. When I read Penelope I literally fell out my chair laughing. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. And the stories that followed were equally entertaining. This set has officially become one of my favourites.
June 15, 2017
Penelope, which I had read elsewhere as a free offering, was by far the best. The other two didn't really hold my interest and I only skimmed them. They had a... slapstick feel? If you like that, you might love them.
June 24, 2017
Delightful
I love Ms Wylde's books! She takes the prim and proper regency period writing and throws in a bit of the absurd and she ends up with a delightfully funny and entertaining story. Well worth the read.
I love Ms Wylde's books! She takes the prim and proper regency period writing and throws in a bit of the absurd and she ends up with a delightfully funny and entertaining story. Well worth the read.
July 19, 2017
I loved the first book in this box set, it was 5 stars and it was excellent.
The second book in this box set, I didn't care for and never really got into and just skimmed through it. I liked the characters, but the story was a bit thin I thought. I gave it 2-1/2 to 3 stars.
The third book in the set, I like better than the second book but not as well as the first book. The end left something to be desired. I give it three stars.
So overall, I gave the whole set 3 stars.
The second book in this box set, I didn't care for and never really got into and just skimmed through it. I liked the characters, but the story was a bit thin I thought. I gave it 2-1/2 to 3 stars.
The third book in the set, I like better than the second book but not as well as the first book. The end left something to be desired. I give it three stars.
So overall, I gave the whole set 3 stars.
June 7, 2017
Lovely
Great collection of romance and mystery. Must read. All three stories are completely different and fully enjoyable.
Free from Amazon
Great collection of romance and mystery. Must read. All three stories are completely different and fully enjoyable.
Free from Amazon
June 14, 2017
Three stories. The first very well written and entertaining. The second and third stories not so well written. The third was a little out there.
June 19, 2017
Excellent box set because of it's variety. The last one was definitely not factual but it made me smile over and over because of the heroine's impossible antics.
June 25, 2017
Great
Each book was one I couldn't put down. The stories were funny, thrilling and kept me interested to the last word
Each book was one I couldn't put down. The stories were funny, thrilling and kept me interested to the last word
July 19, 2017
Not a favourite book
Story to long so most interest ending up fast forwarding to the end.. A little disappointing. Will try another of her books and see if it holds my interest
Story to long so most interest ending up fast forwarding to the end.. A little disappointing. Will try another of her books and see if it holds my interest
October 18, 2017
A good read
I enjoyed this collection. It was pretty good.it was suitable for young readers as well as old. A good find
I enjoyed this collection. It was pretty good.it was suitable for young readers as well as old. A good find
February 25, 2018
Boxed Set
Tanya Wylde has published three books that are so different from one another. The characters are absolutely amazing. I definitely recommend them.
Tanya Wylde has published three books that are so different from one another. The characters are absolutely amazing. I definitely recommend them.
April 26, 2018
A joy to read
An unexpected treasure of reading enjoyment. The set has three different and entertaining stories that were fun and a true joy to read
An unexpected treasure of reading enjoyment. The set has three different and entertaining stories that were fun and a true joy to read
August 16, 2018
Ridiculously entertaining cover to cover
A thoroughly funny, entertaining, well written story. Colorful characters brought to life in a 'hate to put it down' book.
A thoroughly funny, entertaining, well written story. Colorful characters brought to life in a 'hate to put it down' book.
September 21, 2018
Read Penelope and really enjoyed it. The blurbs of the others didnt interest me so I haven't read the others.
October 19, 2018
First book was ok. Next two were ridiculous. The monkey did it. I wish I were kidding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
Left me wanting more
I I really loved the book about Penelope it was fantastic, the one that left me wanting more was the murder one was not satisfied with the end.
I I really loved the book about Penelope it was fantastic, the one that left me wanting more was the murder one was not satisfied with the end.
April 8, 2020
Different
The 3rd book was not at all what I expected after the 1st two books. I have enjoyed five of Anya Wylde's books so far and look forward to the next.
The 3rd book was not at all what I expected after the 1st two books. I have enjoyed five of Anya Wylde's books so far and look forward to the next.
May 4, 2020
Very Entertaining!
Anya Wylde can spin a really fabulous story. Her books are very amusing and the characters are entertaining. Love her books!
Anya Wylde can spin a really fabulous story. Her books are very amusing and the characters are entertaining. Love her books!
August 5, 2020
Good books
I read these books a long time ago and I forgot or I know I didn't give a review then.
I read these books a long time ago and I forgot or I know I didn't give a review then.
April 15, 2023
Completely ridiculous and utterly enjoyable. It's only regency in a very relaxed way, and if you like Robyn Peterman, you'd like these books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews