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Fairy Tales Across Time #1
The Earl Finds a Bride
First in a series of fairy tale time travel romances called Fairy Tales Across Time! What’s a fairy godmother to do when she has too much time on her hands? She must meddle in the affairs of others, of course! So discovers the Earl of St. John when he encounters a strange little woman one evening at a ball who prophecies that he shall not, from that night forward, leave his castle until love finds him. Scoff as he might at her eccentricity, her prediction comes true, and the earl finds himself trapped, unable to venture beyond the boundaries of his estate. Mary Palmer, a twenty-first century lover of fairy tales, finds an old book of unfamiliar stories, and she dives into the first tale before bed one night. The story of a lonely earl trapped in his castle by the curse of a strange little woman captures her imagination. How can the earl find love if he cannot break the curse that binds him to his castle? How can Mary resist the compelling draw of an old book of fairy tales that draws her back in time? And where is a fairy godmother when one needs her?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2017
241 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Bess McBride
55 books147 followersI've been writing romance fiction since 2006 and have published 20 books. I write time travel romances, contemporary romances, romantic suspense, and light paranormal romances (lovelorn ghosty stuff).
A gypsy at heart, I've lived in Aruba, Venezuela, Arizona and California (thanks to my parents, and in Guam, Wyoming, Washington State, Belgium, Washington D.C., Maryland, Montana, Turkey and Alaska (thanks to my time in the U.S. Air Force. Since then, I've lived in Idaho, Nebraska and Alabama in addition to visiting many more countries and states, and I'm determined to Goodreads friend everyone from all those places plus many more!
Please stop by visit my website at www.bessmcbride.com and my blog at http://willtravelforromance.blogspot.com
A gypsy at heart, I've lived in Aruba, Venezuela, Arizona and California (thanks to my parents, and in Guam, Wyoming, Washington State, Belgium, Washington D.C., Maryland, Montana, Turkey and Alaska (thanks to my time in the U.S. Air Force. Since then, I've lived in Idaho, Nebraska and Alabama in addition to visiting many more countries and states, and I'm determined to Goodreads friend everyone from all those places plus many more!
Please stop by visit my website at www.bessmcbride.com and my blog at http://willtravelforromance.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 17, 2017
In need of a nice epilogue and a few romantic scenes.
My all time favorite time travel book is Forever Mine. The sizzling chemistry, the heart breaking separation, and the timeless love made for an unforgettable story. This book was well written but never tried to go beyond the surface...it needed a few more chapters of separation and angst a more worthy reunion filled with romance. I still enjoyed it but I wish I could come across another book like FM....
My all time favorite time travel book is Forever Mine. The sizzling chemistry, the heart breaking separation, and the timeless love made for an unforgettable story. This book was well written but never tried to go beyond the surface...it needed a few more chapters of separation and angst a more worthy reunion filled with romance. I still enjoyed it but I wish I could come across another book like FM....
November 1, 2018
Very cute, improbable, regency time travel romance based on fairy tales. Great distraction from our current news cycle.
October 16, 2018
I was looking for a good time travel romance and I thought this would be a good series to try. I have to say I wasn’t in love. The story I guess was okay but I wasn’t over the moon about the characters. The fairy godmother was kind of not a nice person with what she does to the two main characters. I also didn’t like that the characters barely spent anytime together but fell in love? Yeah, just not in love.
August 25, 2019
This is a fairy godmother retelling that I really enjoyed. The Earl of St. John doesn't want to love so the fairy godmother pulls Mary back in time where she lands in his beautiful garden. Lord St. John has been cursed so to speak and can not leave the grounds of his castle. He doesn't really know what to do with the young woman who has basically landed on his doorstep, but he lets her stay. Love will bloom in the unlikelyist of places so to speak and if you want to know the ending you will have to read the book.
Bess McBride is absolutely brilliant. The way she told this story had me from the get go and sucked me in. I read this book in a day and really had fun reading it.
Bess McBride is absolutely brilliant. The way she told this story had me from the get go and sucked me in. I read this book in a day and really had fun reading it.
July 1, 2019
While I enjoyed the concept, I found that the characters lacked depth and the story did not convince me that they were in love. Didn’t like the switching from third to first person POV. Made it confusing at times. Needs some tweaking and it would be a great story!
December 2, 2017
Mary snuggled into her bed, in a warm pair of pajamas. She had started out for the mall, but something had made her stop at a few garage sales. She had purchased a book of fairy tales. The beautiful look of the ,book appealed to her, but it was, by an author she had never heard of. The first story was about an Earl, who could not leave his property until his true love found him. Mary fell asleep ,after just starting the story, to awake in the middle of a strange garden. Sir John had spent several years confined to his property. He had done nothing wrong, but was cursed anyway. How was he to find love, or love find him, if he stayed confined. He heard someone yelling hello, and walked toward the sound. Why would what sounded to be a woman, be in his gardens so late at night ? The lady in question stood there in pink, seeming as confused, as he felt. She introduced herself to the earl. Her name was Mary, and she was not from England, but from America.,and in her bare feet. This was a charming tale about a little magic, time travel, a fairy Godmother, and finding out about the need for love. I really enjoyed this book, yet I felt it could use an epilogue. It is a clean romance, and a sweet story, with very interesting characters, and a vivid description, of how time was in Regency England. I gave this a 4 .5 since the ending seemed rushed, an ended abruptly. It ended well, but did not flow , as well as the rest of the story.
September 28, 2018
This is the first in a series of time travel fairy tales (Fairy Tales Across Time).
England 1806
We have a Fairly Godmother with not enough to do. One who has decided to help her chosen ones to find love, for their own good – of course.
Our Fairly Godmother shows up at the same house gather as the Earl of St. John. As she stands behind the Earl in the receiving line she tells him he will not leave Alvord Castle until love finds him. Of course he questions her how it wold be possible to find love if he cannot leave his grounds.
Present Day, America
Mary Palmer, earlier in the day at a yard sale, found a book of children’s fairy tales. She was looking forward to revisiting the stories from her childhood. Getting comfortable in bed she opens the book and looking at the contents does not see a familiar fairy tale.
Even though disappointed not to find familiar fairy tales she decides to read the first story in the book, “The Earl Finds a Bride.” Mary starts reading the tale but could not keep her eyes open.
Not in Kansas any more.
She woke with a start and believed she was dreaming. She realized a few things: the smell of dirt, gravel under her cheek, and the moon shining down on her. She was pretty sure she was dreaming, even after encountering Thomas Brown, Earl of St. John
Of course there is confusion all around. But reading this delightful fairy tale will straighten everything out.
England 1806
We have a Fairly Godmother with not enough to do. One who has decided to help her chosen ones to find love, for their own good – of course.
Our Fairly Godmother shows up at the same house gather as the Earl of St. John. As she stands behind the Earl in the receiving line she tells him he will not leave Alvord Castle until love finds him. Of course he questions her how it wold be possible to find love if he cannot leave his grounds.
Present Day, America
Mary Palmer, earlier in the day at a yard sale, found a book of children’s fairy tales. She was looking forward to revisiting the stories from her childhood. Getting comfortable in bed she opens the book and looking at the contents does not see a familiar fairy tale.
Even though disappointed not to find familiar fairy tales she decides to read the first story in the book, “The Earl Finds a Bride.” Mary starts reading the tale but could not keep her eyes open.
Not in Kansas any more.
She woke with a start and believed she was dreaming. She realized a few things: the smell of dirt, gravel under her cheek, and the moon shining down on her. She was pretty sure she was dreaming, even after encountering Thomas Brown, Earl of St. John
Of course there is confusion all around. But reading this delightful fairy tale will straighten everything out.
July 11, 2019
Mary falls asleep reading fairy tales in Washington in the 21st Century, and awakens in 1806 in England in the Earl of St. John's garden. For a while, she thinks she's dreaming, then realizes she isn't. St. John's been trapped inside his estate for 2 years, and thinks she's there to force a proposal. Hickstrom is the fairy godmother who brought them together to find love.
This is a cute story. We learn why St John doesn't know how to love, but we don't learn anything about Mary's background, other than she works at the local food bank. It was delightfully fun to see 21st mannerisms and speech throw off 19th century aristocrats.
Stand alone HEA. I feel there should have been an epilogue because there was no denouement.
Contains no sex scenes, no swear words, and no violence.
This is a cute story. We learn why St John doesn't know how to love, but we don't learn anything about Mary's background, other than she works at the local food bank. It was delightfully fun to see 21st mannerisms and speech throw off 19th century aristocrats.
Stand alone HEA. I feel there should have been an epilogue because there was no denouement.
Contains no sex scenes, no swear words, and no violence.
September 25, 2020
Enjoyable
A nice, easy-read, fun romance. Its missing some of the interesting elements of time travel ie: the 19th century meets 21st century and the clash of manners, class, etc. A 21st century American woman arrives in the dead of night in her pyjamas and there’s little in the way of outrage, embarrassment, and inquisition. I won’t go into the lack of research regarding the power and position of an Earl at this time, the influence he would wield locally (even in his hermit-like status), and the demands of his tenants and estate. Still...it’s a nice story, so try it anyway.
I’m off to try the second book.
A nice, easy-read, fun romance. Its missing some of the interesting elements of time travel ie: the 19th century meets 21st century and the clash of manners, class, etc. A 21st century American woman arrives in the dead of night in her pyjamas and there’s little in the way of outrage, embarrassment, and inquisition. I won’t go into the lack of research regarding the power and position of an Earl at this time, the influence he would wield locally (even in his hermit-like status), and the demands of his tenants and estate. Still...it’s a nice story, so try it anyway.
I’m off to try the second book.
November 8, 2018
This book was so much fun. Imagine having a fairy godmother. This is what two lonely souls find in this book. The Earl St. John, from the 19th century and the young Mary from the 21st century get thrown together in Hopes that, together they can find love.
This story was a little different from Bess McBrides other series, but I loved it still. It gives romance, time travel, and the magic from fairy tales. I was very pleased with this first book in this series and can not wait to read the others. <3
This story was a little different from Bess McBrides other series, but I loved it still. It gives romance, time travel, and the magic from fairy tales. I was very pleased with this first book in this series and can not wait to read the others. <3
July 1, 2019
Had potential, but fell flat. The two main characters didn't even spend time together except to wonder about the fairy godmother. How did they fall in love? It wasn't shown at all. The characters didnt get to know each other. The neighbor instantly fell in love with the female MC. Why? He gave her a ride that's all. This story needs a lot of filler. It has potential but it reads like a rough draft.
July 14, 2017
Charming new time travel romance!
Bess McBride does it again! I can hardly await the sequels I hope come next. A beautiful plotline with a new method of time travel. A bit wordy, but overall an easy and delightful read that had me refusing to do anything until I finished it. I hope Halwell's story is next.
Bess McBride does it again! I can hardly await the sequels I hope come next. A beautiful plotline with a new method of time travel. A bit wordy, but overall an easy and delightful read that had me refusing to do anything until I finished it. I hope Halwell's story is next.
January 2, 2018
The Earl finds a Bride book 1 of fairy tales time book
This was another winner. I just love all of Bess McBride's books. Everyone of them are my favorite books to read which are time travel romances. The different series all are great. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves time travel stories. Diana Romanos
This was another winner. I just love all of Bess McBride's books. Everyone of them are my favorite books to read which are time travel romances. The different series all are great. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves time travel stories. Diana Romanos
September 15, 2018
This is a short (about 3 hrs) lighthearted romance. It is lighter on the time travel than I would like; my favorite thing in a time travel story is when the characters have trouble understanding the time that they were thrust into, and there isn't much of that in this book. Still, I found that I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting and immediately moving on to the next one.
October 11, 2019
Cute
I enjoyed the story. I liked the time travel a bit, I'm usually not a fan of time-travel. I wish there was more about their relationship and how they fell in love. I felt like it was just realized on one page that they fell in love, but I would have liked to see them find things in common and developed a relationship / friendship. Not sure if I will continue the series.
I enjoyed the story. I liked the time travel a bit, I'm usually not a fan of time-travel. I wish there was more about their relationship and how they fell in love. I felt like it was just realized on one page that they fell in love, but I would have liked to see them find things in common and developed a relationship / friendship. Not sure if I will continue the series.
November 29, 2022
Cursed by A Fairy godmother
Never knowing how to love or whatever is, because his parents never showed him. The Earl of St John was determined never to fall in love. But a fairy godmother has different ideas. So in comes Miss Palmer, who dosen't believe in love. Read how they find love with each other.
Never knowing how to love or whatever is, because his parents never showed him. The Earl of St John was determined never to fall in love. But a fairy godmother has different ideas. So in comes Miss Palmer, who dosen't believe in love. Read how they find love with each other.
July 19, 2017
Fairy Godmothers know...
Do you believe in fairy godmother? Well you will wish you actually got to meet one. Why? Because fairy godmothers know know what you truly need and what you secretly wish for! Great story Bess McBride as always it's a 5 star book review.
Do you believe in fairy godmother? Well you will wish you actually got to meet one. Why? Because fairy godmothers know know what you truly need and what you secretly wish for! Great story Bess McBride as always it's a 5 star book review.
July 20, 2017
The Earl Finds a Bride
Number one I love her books all of them, I thing I have all or most of them. She draws me into the storied and they are clean. Thank you again Bess. Ada G.
Number one I love her books all of them, I thing I have all or most of them. She draws me into the storied and they are clean. Thank you again Bess. Ada G.
July 23, 2017
The Earl Finds A Bride (Book 1) By Bess McBride
Five stars..This is an old-fashioned romantic novel, with a good ending. Good time travel author, she gives well rounded storyline..Cannot wait for book two
Five stars..This is an old-fashioned romantic novel, with a good ending. Good time travel author, she gives well rounded storyline..Cannot wait for book two
June 26, 2019
Read : June 26 2019
Rating : 5 Stars
OMFG soooo cute! This was the sweetest story ever, I'm so glad that I took a chance on a time travel romance, normally I dislike them but this was so worth it, super sweet !
June 27, 2019
Outstanding!
Time travel at its very best. This story is original and weaves a wonderful spell that I could not put down until the very last page. Don't miss this opportunity to loose yourself to time travel.
Time travel at its very best. This story is original and weaves a wonderful spell that I could not put down until the very last page. Don't miss this opportunity to loose yourself to time travel.
June 29, 2019
The book was nice and refreshing from a general time travel book
The book was refreshing from a general time travel book and didnot contsin so much passion and lovemaking as the others do have. Clean and sweet
The book was refreshing from a general time travel book and didnot contsin so much passion and lovemaking as the others do have. Clean and sweet
July 6, 2019
When I first started the book, I was sure I was going to enjoy it as the beginning dialogue felt a bit immature and rushed and it was hard to stick with the going ons of the story. But as I read on, the dialogue lengthened and felt more natural. I enjoyed the. Hera tee development and twists in the book. Hickstrom was quite the rabble rouser.
Overall, it was enjoyable and entertaining.
Overall, it was enjoyable and entertaining.
November 29, 2019
A time traveler episode with an Earl being confined to his estate for two years by a “Fairy Godmother “. When Mary shows up on his estate in pajamas from the twenty first century, neither can explain how she got there. It drags a little but is a sweet story.
September 12, 2020
My first fairytale romance!
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It provided just the right amount of tension between the main characters. I also appreciate that it was rated (in movie terms) PG.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It provided just the right amount of tension between the main characters. I also appreciate that it was rated (in movie terms) PG.
July 21, 2017
Wondedful
A wonderful holdsome faerie tale Romance and so enjoyable . I loved it very much. A very enjoyable escape in to time. 😇💑👰💕
A wonderful holdsome faerie tale Romance and so enjoyable . I loved it very much. A very enjoyable escape in to time. 😇💑👰💕
August 3, 2017
Time travel meets fairy tale with clean romance, loved this book, and look forward to the rest of the series!
October 23, 2017
Sweet
A twist to a fairy tale story. This was a sweet story. It is clean , no vulgar language or sex scenes . Just a nice tale.
A twist to a fairy tale story. This was a sweet story. It is clean , no vulgar language or sex scenes . Just a nice tale.
December 16, 2017
I loved this book.
I have read all of Bess McBride's books and enjoyed them all but this one tops all I've read before. Thank you so much Bess for such great books.
I have read all of Bess McBride's books and enjoyed them all but this one tops all I've read before. Thank you so much Bess for such great books.
February 2, 2018
Enjoyed it
I enjoyed this book so much that I decided to skip house cleaning and shopping to just stay home and finish it up. Lol
I enjoyed this book so much that I decided to skip house cleaning and shopping to just stay home and finish it up. Lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews