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Maiden Lane #12.5
Once Upon a Maiden Lane
A stand-alone novella from New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Hoyt!
Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth - to the rakishly handsome aristocrat himself....
Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He's drawn to her sharp mind, her indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him - ladies simply don't dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can't help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry's world - or in his heart.
Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth - to the rakishly handsome aristocrat himself....
Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He's drawn to her sharp mind, her indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him - ladies simply don't dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can't help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry's world - or in his heart.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2017
116 people are currently reading
1615 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hoyt
49 books7,213 followersElizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three untrained dogs and one long-suffering husband.
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November 7, 2017
This novella was great. But now I'm sad. Because this is the last installment in the Maiden Lane series. 🙁😭😩 Such a wonderful series!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Once Upon a Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book 12.5 of the Maiden Lane series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: November 14, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth—to the rakishly handsome artistocrat himself.
Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He's drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him—ladies simply don't dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can't help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry's world—or in his heart.
What I Liked:
If you've been following my blog for any amount of time, you'll know that I absolutely adore this series. I have yet to not dislike a book in the series. This series wasn't originally planned to be twelve novels long (with a few novellas), and so every time I saw a new addition, I couldn't wait to read it. Sadly, this is the final installment in the series, which is a little heartbreaking. But it is an adorable and very sweet story that wraps up the series perfectly.
This novella takes us back to where it all begin - at least, back to a character who has been in the series from the start. Mary Whitsun is the beloved "Mary" of Temperance, who is now Lady Caire. Temperance is the heroine of Wicked Intentions, book one. She and her brother Winter ran an orphanage in St. Giles, and Mary Whitsun was one of the first girls to arrive. She had been at the orphanage for the longest, and she came with Lord and Lady Caire when they married. After years in the orphanage and years as the Caire children's nursemaid, life is about to change drastically for Mary Whitsun, when someone mistakes her to be Lady Joanna Albright.
The story begins with Mary in a bookstore, sensing someone watching her. Lord Henry Blackwell comes up to her and mistakes her for Lady Joanna, his fiancee. But he quickly realizes that while she looks like Lady Joanna, she isn't. The next day, Lord Blackwell arrives at the Caire residence with Lady Albright (the mother), and the grandmother. And thus, Mary is whisked into the life of Lady Cecilia Albright, the long-lost twin of Lady Joanna. She is to have lessons on comportment and dancing and all things nobility, and she is to be the one to marry Henry (since he was promised the eldest Albright sister). But a life among gentry isn't what Mary ever dreamed of - or wanted. Even if she has begun to fall for Henry, the dashing lord who she misjudged.
I always thought Mary Whitsun would end up with one of the other orphan boys, but I'm glad to be wrong. Mary is fiery and prickly, and she immediately dislikes Henry, even if she is also immediately attracted to him. She loves her independence and doesn't want to be a lady, even if she doesn't really mind not being the Caire children's nursemaid anymore. Mary has worked hard her entire life, but nothing is like working to be the perfect gently bred lady.
Lord Henry Blackwell is charming, sweet, and a little roguish. He seems playful and charismatic, every inch the aristocratic gentleman. Mary doesn't see this at first, but he is deeply devoted to his family and his family's title, and he is selfless about nearly everything. As Mary gets to know him better, she sees his selfless and noble side.
I love this romance because it is hate-to-love, which I adore! Mary doesn't like Henry on the spot at first, and she lets her prickly side show. Henry thinks she is hilarious, and he likes her from the start. The two of them have great chemistry and the tension builds between them, even when Mary thinks she doesn't want an aristocrat like Henry. They are a great match and they understand each other. It was so adorable to watch them fall for each other. The romance was sweet and so lovely!
The conflict of this novella mainly deals with Mary Whitsun being the long-lost Albright twin, who disappeared the day she was born. Is Mary the missing twin? And who is trying to kill her, just days after Henry discovers her? The book does not end as you think it might, for both Mary and Henry.
I loooove the ending of this novella, because it ties in literally EVERYONE from the original trilogy in this series. Meaning, most of the Makepeace family, and the Reading family, but we also see the Huntington family and extensions (like Bridget and Val). I can't remember if we see Silence and Michael. We see many members of the Wakefield family (like Phoebe and James), though I'm drawing a blank if we see Artemis and Maximus. I so wanted a cameo from them because of their little bundle of job that was hinted at, in one of Hoyt's holiday check-in extras. In any case, the ending of this book is perfect because everyone is a part of it. This made me so happy and a little sad too. Everyone is all grown up! These aren't even "my" book children and yet I'm so proud and happy. I can't even imagine how Hoyt feels!
What I Did Not Like:
I don't like that this series is officially over with this novella, okay? *cries*
Would I Recommend It:
I don't usually read novellas because they're so short and I often want them to be longer. But this novella was perfect in length of density - the story felt complete full. I definitely recommend the novella because it really makes the series feel final. I really recommend the entire series if you love historical romance.
Rating:
4 stars. I appreciate Hoyt for writing this novella, and the other novellas of the series, and the series in general. I am so sad to see the series go and I'm feeling nostalgic already, but I can't wait to read whatever new projects she has in the works. I thought her contemporary was just as good! (I've read Once and Always and loved it. Ah!)
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Once Upon a Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book 12.5 of the Maiden Lane series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: November 14, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth—to the rakishly handsome artistocrat himself.
Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He's drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him—ladies simply don't dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can't help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry's world—or in his heart.
What I Liked:
If you've been following my blog for any amount of time, you'll know that I absolutely adore this series. I have yet to not dislike a book in the series. This series wasn't originally planned to be twelve novels long (with a few novellas), and so every time I saw a new addition, I couldn't wait to read it. Sadly, this is the final installment in the series, which is a little heartbreaking. But it is an adorable and very sweet story that wraps up the series perfectly.
This novella takes us back to where it all begin - at least, back to a character who has been in the series from the start. Mary Whitsun is the beloved "Mary" of Temperance, who is now Lady Caire. Temperance is the heroine of Wicked Intentions, book one. She and her brother Winter ran an orphanage in St. Giles, and Mary Whitsun was one of the first girls to arrive. She had been at the orphanage for the longest, and she came with Lord and Lady Caire when they married. After years in the orphanage and years as the Caire children's nursemaid, life is about to change drastically for Mary Whitsun, when someone mistakes her to be Lady Joanna Albright.
The story begins with Mary in a bookstore, sensing someone watching her. Lord Henry Blackwell comes up to her and mistakes her for Lady Joanna, his fiancee. But he quickly realizes that while she looks like Lady Joanna, she isn't. The next day, Lord Blackwell arrives at the Caire residence with Lady Albright (the mother), and the grandmother. And thus, Mary is whisked into the life of Lady Cecilia Albright, the long-lost twin of Lady Joanna. She is to have lessons on comportment and dancing and all things nobility, and she is to be the one to marry Henry (since he was promised the eldest Albright sister). But a life among gentry isn't what Mary ever dreamed of - or wanted. Even if she has begun to fall for Henry, the dashing lord who she misjudged.
I always thought Mary Whitsun would end up with one of the other orphan boys, but I'm glad to be wrong. Mary is fiery and prickly, and she immediately dislikes Henry, even if she is also immediately attracted to him. She loves her independence and doesn't want to be a lady, even if she doesn't really mind not being the Caire children's nursemaid anymore. Mary has worked hard her entire life, but nothing is like working to be the perfect gently bred lady.
Lord Henry Blackwell is charming, sweet, and a little roguish. He seems playful and charismatic, every inch the aristocratic gentleman. Mary doesn't see this at first, but he is deeply devoted to his family and his family's title, and he is selfless about nearly everything. As Mary gets to know him better, she sees his selfless and noble side.
I love this romance because it is hate-to-love, which I adore! Mary doesn't like Henry on the spot at first, and she lets her prickly side show. Henry thinks she is hilarious, and he likes her from the start. The two of them have great chemistry and the tension builds between them, even when Mary thinks she doesn't want an aristocrat like Henry. They are a great match and they understand each other. It was so adorable to watch them fall for each other. The romance was sweet and so lovely!
The conflict of this novella mainly deals with Mary Whitsun being the long-lost Albright twin, who disappeared the day she was born. Is Mary the missing twin? And who is trying to kill her, just days after Henry discovers her? The book does not end as you think it might, for both Mary and Henry.
I loooove the ending of this novella, because it ties in literally EVERYONE from the original trilogy in this series. Meaning, most of the Makepeace family, and the Reading family, but we also see the Huntington family and extensions (like Bridget and Val). I can't remember if we see Silence and Michael. We see many members of the Wakefield family (like Phoebe and James), though I'm drawing a blank if we see Artemis and Maximus. I so wanted a cameo from them because of their little bundle of job that was hinted at, in one of Hoyt's holiday check-in extras. In any case, the ending of this book is perfect because everyone is a part of it. This made me so happy and a little sad too. Everyone is all grown up! These aren't even "my" book children and yet I'm so proud and happy. I can't even imagine how Hoyt feels!
What I Did Not Like:
I don't like that this series is officially over with this novella, okay? *cries*
Would I Recommend It:
I don't usually read novellas because they're so short and I often want them to be longer. But this novella was perfect in length of density - the story felt complete full. I definitely recommend the novella because it really makes the series feel final. I really recommend the entire series if you love historical romance.
Rating:
4 stars. I appreciate Hoyt for writing this novella, and the other novellas of the series, and the series in general. I am so sad to see the series go and I'm feeling nostalgic already, but I can't wait to read whatever new projects she has in the works. I thought her contemporary was just as good! (I've read Once and Always and loved it. Ah!)
November 15, 2017
So much better than the "final" book in the series. This was both unexpected and lovely; such a wonderful and sweet little happily ever after for her. As a result of this closed chapter I now have hopes for more novella additions for some of the younger side-characters we've seen throughout the series (Josephhhh).
November 1, 2017
3.5 Stars
*ARC provided by the publisher.*
I'm always a little weary of historical novellas cause I feel like it's not enough to really delve deep into the characters. I want to see their journey, their heartaches, their pain and their happiness. But as you know I love my Maiden Lane series so I decided to jump on this one.
Even though I wasn't wowed, I still enjoyed this story and it was a nice happily ever after. I do think this is a good read if you're looking for that quickie fix and to maybe catch up on some of the earlier characters in this series. I recommend it for all historical lovers:)
*ARC provided by the publisher.*
I'm always a little weary of historical novellas cause I feel like it's not enough to really delve deep into the characters. I want to see their journey, their heartaches, their pain and their happiness. But as you know I love my Maiden Lane series so I decided to jump on this one.
Even though I wasn't wowed, I still enjoyed this story and it was a nice happily ever after. I do think this is a good read if you're looking for that quickie fix and to maybe catch up on some of the earlier characters in this series. I recommend it for all historical lovers:)
December 23, 2017
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars
While Duke of Desire is the final full-length book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s long-running and incredibly popular Maiden Lane series, that wasn’t quite The End, as the author is treating us to a novella or two to round the series off and, in Once Upon a Maiden Lane, brings us back to where it all began – the streets and slums of the St. Giles area of London.
Some of the reviews I’ve read of Duke of Desire made mention of the fact that the book didn’t really feel like the end of a series; most of the time, such books feature cameos from characters from the previous books, filling pages with happy families as everyone catches up with each other. That doesn’t happen in Duke of Desire, and I, for one, was glad of it, because it would have been much too implausible and would have detracted from the main story. Instead, Ms. Hoyt kept her powder dry and has presented us with Once Upon a Maiden Lane – a novella featuring Mary Whitsun, who appeared regularly in the earlier books as one of the older orphan girls raised at the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children run by the Makepeace family. (This will be followed in December by Once Upon a Christmas Eve, which will feature a very long-awaited story for Viscount D’Arque).
As is implied by the title, this story has a bit of the fairy-tale about it. Mary is a young woman now, and resides in the household of Lord and Lady Caire (Wicked Intentions) where she is employed as a nursemaid to the Caires’ two young children.
On her afternoon off, she is browsing in a bookshop when she is approached by an extremely handsome young man – clearly an aristocrat – and addressed as Lady Joanna. Mary, who is distrustful of handsomeness and even more distrustful of it when it comes in an aristocratic package, makes clear to the gentleman, who introduces himself as Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, that she does not find his joke at all funny; but when his friend, John Seymour, also points out Mary’s strong resemblance to Lady Joanna Albright, she becomes very suspicious. It seems that the very same year she was left at the orphanage, the twin daughters of the Earl of Angrove were abducted, and while one of them, Lady Joanna, was subsequently returned to her family, the elder twin, Lady Cecilia, was not. Blackwell, who was betrothed to Cecilia as a boy, is expected to marry Joanna instead but isn’t keen. She’s like a sister to him, and besides, she’s in love with someone else. Enchanted by Mary’s loveliness and her spirited response to him, Blackwell is determined to prove that she is Lady Cecilia – and then to make her his wife as originally intended.
Once Upon a Maiden Lane is more or less your basic Cinderella story, although this being Elizabeth Hoyt, it’s not quite that simple. It seems that someone isn’t wild about Lady Cecilia’s return and doesn’t waste any time in trying to harm Mary; and while the ladies of the Albright family – her mother, sister and grandmother – welcome Mary with open arms, the Earl is less than friendly towards his long-lost daughter…
The romance between Mary and Blackwell is nicely done, if a little rushed, and, as one would expect of such an accomplished storyteller, the writing is deft, humorous, poignant and laced with the sort of earthy sensuality that is Ms. Hoyt’s trademark. I did, however scratch my head at the inclusion of the excerpts from The Curious Mermaid, the ‘legend’ which graces the opening of each chapter, which is basically The Little Mermaid subverted; and honestly, I didn’t quite see why it was there other than to preserve continuity with the rest of the books in the series.
Those hoping for the big Maiden Lane reunion that didn’t happen in Duke of Desire will find it here, although Ms. Hoyt very wisely doesn’t include speaking parts for everyone! I had to smile at the name bestowed upon Val’s (the Duke of Montgomery) three-year-old daughter, which is every bit as flamboyant as one would expect given who her father is; and it was nice to check in with some of the characters we haven’t seen or heard of for a while.
Once Upon a Maiden Lane is a charming little story that makes a nice coda to the series, but ultimately, it suffers from novella-itis – an underdeveloped story and characters. I was grateful for the chance to go back to where it all began, but ultimately, this is one for the fans.
While Duke of Desire is the final full-length book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s long-running and incredibly popular Maiden Lane series, that wasn’t quite The End, as the author is treating us to a novella or two to round the series off and, in Once Upon a Maiden Lane, brings us back to where it all began – the streets and slums of the St. Giles area of London.
Some of the reviews I’ve read of Duke of Desire made mention of the fact that the book didn’t really feel like the end of a series; most of the time, such books feature cameos from characters from the previous books, filling pages with happy families as everyone catches up with each other. That doesn’t happen in Duke of Desire, and I, for one, was glad of it, because it would have been much too implausible and would have detracted from the main story. Instead, Ms. Hoyt kept her powder dry and has presented us with Once Upon a Maiden Lane – a novella featuring Mary Whitsun, who appeared regularly in the earlier books as one of the older orphan girls raised at the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children run by the Makepeace family. (This will be followed in December by Once Upon a Christmas Eve, which will feature a very long-awaited story for Viscount D’Arque).
As is implied by the title, this story has a bit of the fairy-tale about it. Mary is a young woman now, and resides in the household of Lord and Lady Caire (Wicked Intentions) where she is employed as a nursemaid to the Caires’ two young children.
On her afternoon off, she is browsing in a bookshop when she is approached by an extremely handsome young man – clearly an aristocrat – and addressed as Lady Joanna. Mary, who is distrustful of handsomeness and even more distrustful of it when it comes in an aristocratic package, makes clear to the gentleman, who introduces himself as Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, that she does not find his joke at all funny; but when his friend, John Seymour, also points out Mary’s strong resemblance to Lady Joanna Albright, she becomes very suspicious. It seems that the very same year she was left at the orphanage, the twin daughters of the Earl of Angrove were abducted, and while one of them, Lady Joanna, was subsequently returned to her family, the elder twin, Lady Cecilia, was not. Blackwell, who was betrothed to Cecilia as a boy, is expected to marry Joanna instead but isn’t keen. She’s like a sister to him, and besides, she’s in love with someone else. Enchanted by Mary’s loveliness and her spirited response to him, Blackwell is determined to prove that she is Lady Cecilia – and then to make her his wife as originally intended.
Once Upon a Maiden Lane is more or less your basic Cinderella story, although this being Elizabeth Hoyt, it’s not quite that simple. It seems that someone isn’t wild about Lady Cecilia’s return and doesn’t waste any time in trying to harm Mary; and while the ladies of the Albright family – her mother, sister and grandmother – welcome Mary with open arms, the Earl is less than friendly towards his long-lost daughter…
The romance between Mary and Blackwell is nicely done, if a little rushed, and, as one would expect of such an accomplished storyteller, the writing is deft, humorous, poignant and laced with the sort of earthy sensuality that is Ms. Hoyt’s trademark. I did, however scratch my head at the inclusion of the excerpts from The Curious Mermaid, the ‘legend’ which graces the opening of each chapter, which is basically The Little Mermaid subverted; and honestly, I didn’t quite see why it was there other than to preserve continuity with the rest of the books in the series.
Those hoping for the big Maiden Lane reunion that didn’t happen in Duke of Desire will find it here, although Ms. Hoyt very wisely doesn’t include speaking parts for everyone! I had to smile at the name bestowed upon Val’s (the Duke of Montgomery) three-year-old daughter, which is every bit as flamboyant as one would expect given who her father is; and it was nice to check in with some of the characters we haven’t seen or heard of for a while.
Once Upon a Maiden Lane is a charming little story that makes a nice coda to the series, but ultimately, it suffers from novella-itis – an underdeveloped story and characters. I was grateful for the chance to go back to where it all began, but ultimately, this is one for the fans.
November 8, 2017
3.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
"I want to learn all of you. I want you to know me in return. When I next kiss you, I want you to welcome my lips like a lover instead of a stranger."
A novella listed as #12.5 in the Maiden Lane series, you could still read this as a standalone. Mary grew up in the orphanage featured in the series and we've seen glimpses of her and a couple other characters before but the hero and their romance is a new introduction.
With some Cinderella inspiration, nursemaid Mary is identified in a bookstore by our hero Lord Henry Blackwell to be the missing Albright twin. Twin babies stolen by their nursemaid, while Johanna was recovered Cecilia was never found. Henry is taken aback by how much Mary looks like Johanna and immediately claims she is Cecilia. Now, this is a novella, so the tempo gets pushed up. Henry's immediate claim Mary is Cecilia and the family accepting it is a bit side-eyeing but the relationship Henry and Mary have, made up for it for me.
He looked at her, at her straight black brows and the big brown eyes regarding him so seriously, and yet with a spark of humor, and it was as if something turned over in his chest. She was playing with him, this woman.
I instantly felt a spark between the two, Hoyt's skill with sexual tension was evident but the friendship and sheer compatibility between the two won the show for me. Mary's guardedness but also strength paired with Henry's charm provided a delightful give and take between them.
"And you? Did you have a pet as a child?"
"Yes, several," he replied. "Dogs and cats. Now I've got two hounds---Mole and Timberline."
"Mole?"
"His ears are very soft," he said a tad defensively.
I also thought this story was laced with skillful writing moments that a top author like Hoyt can provide; showing, instead of being told, little nuances of a character make the reading so much richer. You'll also get a pretty good feel for the times (1700s) as Hoyt focuses on the clothing through Mary being dressed as a lady for the first time.
As I mentioned, the Cinderella story, and all it’s in and outs, has some forced and awkward moments and the ending was a tad rushed but there is an epilogue that works to soothe that (you'll see a lot of past characters show up here). This is a novella and if you're looking for a quick hit of romance warmth, Once Upon a Maiden Lane would provide that and a friendly return to the Maiden Lane world.
It was like a fairy tale come true.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
"I want to learn all of you. I want you to know me in return. When I next kiss you, I want you to welcome my lips like a lover instead of a stranger."
A novella listed as #12.5 in the Maiden Lane series, you could still read this as a standalone. Mary grew up in the orphanage featured in the series and we've seen glimpses of her and a couple other characters before but the hero and their romance is a new introduction.
With some Cinderella inspiration, nursemaid Mary is identified in a bookstore by our hero Lord Henry Blackwell to be the missing Albright twin. Twin babies stolen by their nursemaid, while Johanna was recovered Cecilia was never found. Henry is taken aback by how much Mary looks like Johanna and immediately claims she is Cecilia. Now, this is a novella, so the tempo gets pushed up. Henry's immediate claim Mary is Cecilia and the family accepting it is a bit side-eyeing but the relationship Henry and Mary have, made up for it for me.
He looked at her, at her straight black brows and the big brown eyes regarding him so seriously, and yet with a spark of humor, and it was as if something turned over in his chest. She was playing with him, this woman.
I instantly felt a spark between the two, Hoyt's skill with sexual tension was evident but the friendship and sheer compatibility between the two won the show for me. Mary's guardedness but also strength paired with Henry's charm provided a delightful give and take between them.
"And you? Did you have a pet as a child?"
"Yes, several," he replied. "Dogs and cats. Now I've got two hounds---Mole and Timberline."
"Mole?"
"His ears are very soft," he said a tad defensively.
I also thought this story was laced with skillful writing moments that a top author like Hoyt can provide; showing, instead of being told, little nuances of a character make the reading so much richer. You'll also get a pretty good feel for the times (1700s) as Hoyt focuses on the clothing through Mary being dressed as a lady for the first time.
As I mentioned, the Cinderella story, and all it’s in and outs, has some forced and awkward moments and the ending was a tad rushed but there is an epilogue that works to soothe that (you'll see a lot of past characters show up here). This is a novella and if you're looking for a quick hit of romance warmth, Once Upon a Maiden Lane would provide that and a friendly return to the Maiden Lane world.
It was like a fairy tale come true.
January 3, 2023
Mary, an orphan turned nursemaid, was browsing in a bookstore when Henry, a nobleman, mistakes her for someone else. It turns out that Mary is a dead ringer for Johanna, a noblewoman whose twin sister was kidnapped as a baby and never found.
Henry was originally betrothed to the missing twin sister, but when she went missing the betrothal changed to Lady Johanna. He and Johanna have been friends since childhood and neither of them wants to marry the other. When he runs into Mary at a bookshop, he is very excited to get to know her.
The premise for this novella is really interesting, but it ended up falling flat. The main characters were nice, but their personalities and the romance didn't have much dimension.
Henry was originally betrothed to the missing twin sister, but when she went missing the betrothal changed to Lady Johanna. He and Johanna have been friends since childhood and neither of them wants to marry the other. When he runs into Mary at a bookshop, he is very excited to get to know her.
The premise for this novella is really interesting, but it ended up falling flat. The main characters were nice, but their personalities and the romance didn't have much dimension.
November 29, 2017
A cute addition to the maiden Lane series!
This is the story of Mary Whitsun who we met in the previous books.
Hers is a Cinderella-kind story. There's a twist, obviously, and it was short, but I liked it.
This is the story of Mary Whitsun who we met in the previous books.
Hers is a Cinderella-kind story. There's a twist, obviously, and it was short, but I liked it.
November 13, 2017
I was pleased one of the Mary’s from the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children got her own romance!
Mary Whitsun may have grown up in an orphanage, but she didn’t grow up without love thanks to Lady Caire and all the others running the home. But still, the possibility of being a lady, and having a family sounds too good to be true, yet that’s what has happened to Mary. Out on a day off she runs into the impossibly handsome Lord Henry Blackwell, and her life forever changes.
While out shopping Lord Henry Blackwell mistakes Mary for Lady Joanna the daughter of the Earl of Angrove, but quickly realizes he’s mistaken. This woman has spunk and life, and stirs up desires in him that Joanna never has. Henry thinks he must have discovered the lost Angrove twin, the twin who was to be his wife.
Mary may have been hesitant at first, but as she got to know Henry and realized he wasn’t just a pretty, spoiled aristocrat, her reservations melted. Heat and desire spark between them every time they’re close! Henry was lovely, so I knew Mary couldn’t help but fall for him.
There’s a little mystery and danger as someone is either out to kill Henry or Mary. They’re not sure of the intended target, but when it was all revealed I felt bad for Henry and Mary.
Once Upon a Maiden Lane is short on pages, but rich with passion and feeling. Elizabeth Hoyt brings her characters to life with her beautiful writing, making you feel what they feel, and always delivers a sweet, happy ending!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mary Whitsun may have grown up in an orphanage, but she didn’t grow up without love thanks to Lady Caire and all the others running the home. But still, the possibility of being a lady, and having a family sounds too good to be true, yet that’s what has happened to Mary. Out on a day off she runs into the impossibly handsome Lord Henry Blackwell, and her life forever changes.
While out shopping Lord Henry Blackwell mistakes Mary for Lady Joanna the daughter of the Earl of Angrove, but quickly realizes he’s mistaken. This woman has spunk and life, and stirs up desires in him that Joanna never has. Henry thinks he must have discovered the lost Angrove twin, the twin who was to be his wife.
Mary may have been hesitant at first, but as she got to know Henry and realized he wasn’t just a pretty, spoiled aristocrat, her reservations melted. Heat and desire spark between them every time they’re close! Henry was lovely, so I knew Mary couldn’t help but fall for him.
There’s a little mystery and danger as someone is either out to kill Henry or Mary. They’re not sure of the intended target, but when it was all revealed I felt bad for Henry and Mary.
Once Upon a Maiden Lane is short on pages, but rich with passion and feeling. Elizabeth Hoyt brings her characters to life with her beautiful writing, making you feel what they feel, and always delivers a sweet, happy ending!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2023
I’m crying this was literally an apology Hoyt gave us for writing book 12 💀 it was so fluffy for no reason besides saying SORRY I DID THAT also hiiiiiii Winter
*Spoilers*
Also I love how the end kinda reversed the “now you’re a lady” trope bc now he’s a secretary (for now at least) and that he didn’t even hesitate to get disowned and take a job like that’s a MAN
*Spoilers*
Also I love how the end kinda reversed the “now you’re a lady” trope bc now he’s a secretary (for now at least) and that he didn’t even hesitate to get disowned and take a job like that’s a MAN
February 2, 2018
I always liked Mary Whitsun from the very first book in the Maiden Lane series so it was great to see her finally get her own story.
This was a very cute tale that involves a long lost baby and an arranged marriage. I really liked Henry Collins. He wasn’t one of the normal dashing rogues that we have had in the past. He is just a good son and decent guy who has known his entire life who he is supposed to marry until he finds the woman that could be her twin the middle of a book store.
Harry is relieved that he might not have to marry the woman he grew up with and loves like a sister. He might actually have a shot at feeling some passion the woman he was intended to marry all along. That is of course if she is the long lost baby presumed dead.
The story went a different way than some of the others and I really appreciated that the couple didn’t get the traditional HEA that most couples get in this series.
The was a great bit of fun with an out of the ordinary bad guy and a hero I could really stand behind.
This was a very cute tale that involves a long lost baby and an arranged marriage. I really liked Henry Collins. He wasn’t one of the normal dashing rogues that we have had in the past. He is just a good son and decent guy who has known his entire life who he is supposed to marry until he finds the woman that could be her twin the middle of a book store.
Harry is relieved that he might not have to marry the woman he grew up with and loves like a sister. He might actually have a shot at feeling some passion the woman he was intended to marry all along. That is of course if she is the long lost baby presumed dead.
The story went a different way than some of the others and I really appreciated that the couple didn’t get the traditional HEA that most couples get in this series.
The was a great bit of fun with an out of the ordinary bad guy and a hero I could really stand behind.
October 31, 2023
feels like an afterthought, written because of reader pressure, but still good
This novella is an extremely sweet, lost princess-style romance, but it really irked me that Mary Whitsun was so impoverished and treated as a servant by Temperance. I had the impression, from earlier books, that Lady Claire (Temperance) had adopted Mary and raised her as her own, but this book shows us Mary slaving away as a nursemaid to Lady Claire’s actual *beloved* children. She gets half a day off a week, has to scrimp and save to buy a book and always longed for a pet but was never allowed one.
Way to destroy a character from previous books for me.
This book would have been better if it wasn’t Mary Whitsun but some other orphan from the home. Mary deserved better from Lady Caire. I was so sad for her and couldn’t get into this because of that.
I think I might just be sick of this series, and I think the author may have also been done with it. The last few books showed that she’d exhausted herself with this. At least we got some glimpses of the Duke of Montgomery being a doting daddy and still ridiculously terrible.
This novella is an extremely sweet, lost princess-style romance, but it really irked me that Mary Whitsun was so impoverished and treated as a servant by Temperance. I had the impression, from earlier books, that Lady Claire (Temperance) had adopted Mary and raised her as her own, but this book shows us Mary slaving away as a nursemaid to Lady Claire’s actual *beloved* children. She gets half a day off a week, has to scrimp and save to buy a book and always longed for a pet but was never allowed one.
Way to destroy a character from previous books for me.
This book would have been better if it wasn’t Mary Whitsun but some other orphan from the home. Mary deserved better from Lady Caire. I was so sad for her and couldn’t get into this because of that.
I think I might just be sick of this series, and I think the author may have also been done with it. The last few books showed that she’d exhausted herself with this. At least we got some glimpses of the Duke of Montgomery being a doting daddy and still ridiculously terrible.
February 22, 2018
Cute, refreshing. I was pretty impressed by the ability to get a sense of the characters in such a short time.
sigh. Novellas.
sigh. Novellas.
December 21, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (review live 11/14)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zxkXfV
Resist Elizabeth Hoyt? Surely not! When I saw Once Upon a Maiden Lane? I was all ohmigosh! I neeeeeeded it!
And, oh, it made me smile. And tear up a little, too.
The Gist: Mistaken identity! Well, not really. But kinda. But not. lol Henry is browsing a bookstore and spots his fiance except...it's not her. *confusion!* The plain but intriguing maid he's spotted, though, might hold the answers to a decades old mystery surrounding a stolen little girl. She might also be his real fiance. Oh dear.
I loved Mary. She's solid and a little lost now that her life has been turned upside down and she's gone from maid to Lady. But she has such a heart. Innocent and witty. Fierce in her own ways. I felt so much for her for all she'd been through. And Henry. I adored him, too. I liked how he watched out for Mary when he could and all his handsome sexy bits. I enjoyed watching them get to know one another and how they tried to make the best of an uncomfortable situation.
It's a really quick novella of Mary learning how to be a Lady with the help of her new found family and her sexy new fiance. Goodness but a girl's life can change! There's a little danger and mystery and a bit of heat and steam. Some sweet romance and a heart warming happily ever after.
All in all, a sweet novella that touched the heart and gave me a little more of the Maiden Lane series I so crave. It was a nice, light, heartwarming novella and a wonderful addition to a much loved series.
November 30, 2017
Fans of this series will be happy to see maidservant, Mary Whitsun, as our heroine. Raised in the orphanage on Maiden Lane, when Lady Caire wed (from book one, Wicked Intentions), Mary moved in with them and happily serves. She has a passion for reading and saves her wages for months to venture to the book store to select her next read. It’s there that a very strange thing happens – a gentleman swears she is Lady Cecelia, who was kidnapped along with her twin sister as babies. Joanna, the other sister, was returned, but Cecelia was never found. This man, Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, swears that Mary is Joanna’s twin.
The next day, the entire family comes calling to see what all the fuss is about. They declare Mary to be the missing Cecelia, and they welcome her into the family at once. This is all completely mind-boggling for Mary, as she was content in her little life. Now she is being moved to a grand house, fitted for a new wardrobe and the most shocking of all – she is betrothed. As a baby, her marriage was arranged to Henry! But when she went missing, his marriage then transferred to Joanna. But now Mary is back…and his family wants him wed.
While Henry would have done his duty and married the other sister, Joanna, he doesn’t romantically love her. But, Mary catches his eye and his heart. She is not only beautiful but fiery. While she very politely weaves her way through her new family, she has a passionate temper beneath that he loves. They share a love of books and have no problem conversing and debating. Henry feels like this match could really work. Mary, although not knowing Henry that well, is very physically attracted to him, and quickly comes to enjoy his company.
“I want to learn all of you. I want you to know me in return. When I next kiss you, I want you to welcome my lips like a lover instead of a stranger.”
She inhaled sharply. This was like a waking dream, for this man, this fascinating, handsome aristocrat to speak to her so bluntly.
So passionately.
“Do you want that as well?” He was in front of her now.
“Yes,” she said, opening her eyes to meet his gaze boldly. “Yes, I do.”
This is a novella, so it moves along quite quickly. Given the short amount of pages, we do get to know Henry and Mary quite well. I would have liked their romance to have played out longer. They have nice chemistry but Mary’s life is altered so much and so quickly, more pages devoted to her life-change would have been beneficial.
There is a small suspense plot as well. It’s a fun novella – especially for fans of this series. Once Upon a Christmas Eve comes out next month.
Grade: B
The next day, the entire family comes calling to see what all the fuss is about. They declare Mary to be the missing Cecelia, and they welcome her into the family at once. This is all completely mind-boggling for Mary, as she was content in her little life. Now she is being moved to a grand house, fitted for a new wardrobe and the most shocking of all – she is betrothed. As a baby, her marriage was arranged to Henry! But when she went missing, his marriage then transferred to Joanna. But now Mary is back…and his family wants him wed.
While Henry would have done his duty and married the other sister, Joanna, he doesn’t romantically love her. But, Mary catches his eye and his heart. She is not only beautiful but fiery. While she very politely weaves her way through her new family, she has a passionate temper beneath that he loves. They share a love of books and have no problem conversing and debating. Henry feels like this match could really work. Mary, although not knowing Henry that well, is very physically attracted to him, and quickly comes to enjoy his company.
“I want to learn all of you. I want you to know me in return. When I next kiss you, I want you to welcome my lips like a lover instead of a stranger.”
She inhaled sharply. This was like a waking dream, for this man, this fascinating, handsome aristocrat to speak to her so bluntly.
So passionately.
“Do you want that as well?” He was in front of her now.
“Yes,” she said, opening her eyes to meet his gaze boldly. “Yes, I do.”
This is a novella, so it moves along quite quickly. Given the short amount of pages, we do get to know Henry and Mary quite well. I would have liked their romance to have played out longer. They have nice chemistry but Mary’s life is altered so much and so quickly, more pages devoted to her life-change would have been beneficial.
There is a small suspense plot as well. It’s a fun novella – especially for fans of this series. Once Upon a Christmas Eve comes out next month.
Grade: B
March 29, 2023
A reverse Cinderella story and a nice edition to the Maiden Lane series.
Happy to see that the deliciously evil Valentine now has a little girl he's spoiling rotten.
Happy to see that the deliciously evil Valentine now has a little girl he's spoiling rotten.
November 15, 2017
This was a cute and lovely novella. I very much liked both the hero and heroine and felt their story fit into the novella setting well. They both have integrity and honor, and there is good tension between the two. My only reservation on this was the plot was a bit incredible. Also, and this is quite concerning but it is a novella so let's not worry yet, this was the second book in a row for Hoyt where the sex scene(s) felt lackluster. Is it me? I don't know, but it is typically one of the things that you can count on with Hoyt.
June 30, 2018
That was a nice bit of escape. First time reading it. I suppose it's 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt like too much intrigue was squeezed into one little novella, which made it too unbelievable. I would have liked it better had the author just focused on the love story and the interaction between the two main characters rather than trying to squeeze the plot of a whole novel into the shorter book.
That being said, I've always wanted Mary Whitsun to get her own story and I wondered when she would. Henry is perfect. Maybe a little too polite and gentlemanly for my liking. I like EH's heroes who are all but seething with hidden or overt passions. Henry was perfectly nice, but a little bland compared to her other full-length feature heroes.
But all in all, a good quick read.
That being said, I've always wanted Mary Whitsun to get her own story and I wondered when she would. Henry is perfect. Maybe a little too polite and gentlemanly for my liking. I like EH's heroes who are all but seething with hidden or overt passions. Henry was perfectly nice, but a little bland compared to her other full-length feature heroes.
But all in all, a good quick read.
November 5, 2025
As the final book of this series, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't some grand adventure. This series that gave us The Ghost of St. Giles, Charming Mickey O'Conner and other larger than life heroes. This final book wasn't an adventure, but it was a sweet tale of love at first sight for our favorite orphan, Mary Whitsun and a gentleman, Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, who recognized her worth with just a single encounter.
March 12, 2022
Setting. September 1747. London, England.
Main Characters.
Heroine: Mary Whitsun (20), orphan
Hero: Henry Collins (~28), Viscount Blackwell, heir to the Earl of Keating
A very sweet novella featuring Mary Whitsun; at first I thought she was the Mary that Silence had adopted, so I was very confused, but she's not—she was one of the "older" Mary's who stayed at the orphanage to help with the other children. (Another reason why it was so freaking stupid that they named all of the girls Mary and all the boys whatever-they-named-the-boys, don't remember).
Mary has lived with Lord and Lady Caire since she was 14 years old; she works for them taking care of their children. She's quiet and reserved on the outside, but has a definite mind of her own, and is very independent and opinionated. I loved her match with Henry and how sweet he was with her; she's facing all this upheaval in her life and whenever she retreats behind her reserved facade to hide her insecurity or turmoil, he bucks her up by teasing her or getting a rise out of her. Also always a nice change to have a hero who is responsible and not always a wild and crazy rogue sewing his wild oats.
One thing at the end didn't make sense though: .
Quote. Mary's first encounter with Henry is quite funny:
“I’m sorry to ask this, but were you dropped on your head as a child?” Mary inquired sweetly. “Because that would certainly explain the inability to follow a simple conversation.”
He grinned. “No, you’re not Lady Joanna at all, are you, sweetheart? You’re much too fiery.”
September 1, 2018
On her day off as nursemaid to the children of Lord and Lady Caire, Miss Mary Whitsun is visiting a local bookstore when she is interrupted by a handsome gentleman who has mistaken her for his fiancee. Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is shocked by the resemblance to Lady Joanna Albright. He believes he may have found her long lost twin sister who was kidnapped at a very young age. Mary was raised in an orphanage and doesn't know her family. Soon her life is turned upside down when she is believed to be Cecelia Albright, the oldest child of Lord and Lady Angrove.
Mary Whitsun was introduced as a child living in the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children in the first book of the series. I'm glad to see she finally got her own story. In this book she goes from nursemaid to heiress in a single day. Since she is the oldest child, she becomes engaged to Henry Collins instead of her sister Joanna. I loved both Henry and Mary in this story, and I was glad to see the happy ending. My rating: 4 Stars.
Mary Whitsun was introduced as a child living in the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children in the first book of the series. I'm glad to see she finally got her own story. In this book she goes from nursemaid to heiress in a single day. Since she is the oldest child, she becomes engaged to Henry Collins instead of her sister Joanna. I loved both Henry and Mary in this story, and I was glad to see the happy ending. My rating: 4 Stars.
February 10, 2018
Mary Whitsun looks like this Earl dude and also like this other chick so it's presumed she's the long-lost oldest twin from this aristocratic family. Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwood is fiancee of the missing girl and is immediately enamored of Mary. Soon, Mary finds herself with a bad case of hot pants, too. BUT THEN, A SHOCKING REVELATION. Will Henry and Mary's lust-feelings survive this totally foreshadowed turn of events? Or will they be parted forever by—OBVIOUSLY IT'S LOVE SO EVERYTHING IS FINE WHY DO YOU THINK I READ THESE THINGS.
1. Yeah, I found the "twist" a bit clunky but that's minor cheese.
2. The thing that really bothered me was the ... fluidity of class in this particular book. Basically, Mary is working as Lady Caine's nursemaid before it's discovered that she might be the missing daughter of an Earl. So then she's immediately 'elevated' to a lady. There are a few clumsy attempts to showcase Mary's confusion with her new situation (the interaction with Lane comes to mind right off the bat), but overall it's presented as a fait accompli. There's no examination of how her new position might impact or alter her relationships with existing characters, nor no thought given to how those characters interact with servants or those "beneath" them.
More thoughts, but this time with
3. ALSO, there's this aside near the beginning about how Mary had to save for WEEKS in order to afford a book / tea luncheon for herself which just...doesn't fit with how they want us to believe Lady Caire functions in relation to Mary.
4. If I had sat on this egg of a review for a longer period of time I might be able to better articulate why I'm so annoyed but I am impatient.
5. Gratuitous married coupling.
6. When I thought about Mary Whitsun's book, I honestly was looking forward to her finding love in a way that broke with the confines of the series thus far (i.e., someone not of the aristocracy). Hoyt's early books in this series did such a fascinating job of examining the very real class differences in London at the time, and to have them devolve into "and they all found a sexual partner in the nobility and boned, hotly, THE END" was...disappointing.
7. AND THEY BONED, HOTLY, THE END.
1. Yeah, I found the "twist" a bit clunky but that's minor cheese.
2. The thing that really bothered me was the ... fluidity of class in this particular book. Basically, Mary is working as Lady Caine's nursemaid before it's discovered that she might be the missing daughter of an Earl. So then she's immediately 'elevated' to a lady. There are a few clumsy attempts to showcase Mary's confusion with her new situation (the interaction with Lane comes to mind right off the bat), but overall it's presented as a fait accompli. There's no examination of how her new position might impact or alter her relationships with existing characters, nor no thought given to how those characters interact with servants or those "beneath" them.
More thoughts, but this time with
3. ALSO, there's this aside near the beginning about how Mary had to save for WEEKS in order to afford a book / tea luncheon for herself which just...doesn't fit with how they want us to believe Lady Caire functions in relation to Mary.
4. If I had sat on this egg of a review for a longer period of time I might be able to better articulate why I'm so annoyed but I am impatient.
5. Gratuitous married coupling.
6. When I thought about Mary Whitsun's book, I honestly was looking forward to her finding love in a way that broke with the confines of the series thus far (i.e., someone not of the aristocracy). Hoyt's early books in this series did such a fascinating job of examining the very real class differences in London at the time, and to have them devolve into "and they all found a sexual partner in the nobility and boned, hotly, THE END" was...disappointing.
7. AND THEY BONED, HOTLY, THE END.
October 7, 2017
A sensual and humorous novella set in Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series. Various familiar faces grace us with their presence when a servant of the Clare’s is thought to be a long-lost daughter of an aristocratic family. A sweet romance and a touch of mystery made this an enjoyable read.
March 1, 2018
I expected the ending to this to go very differently, but of course Elizabeth Hoyt never does the expected - which is a good thing! I adore Mary Witsun and I'm glad she wasn't required to change too much.
I've really enjoyed going through all the novellas, and I'm anxious for a new single title. Really terrific historical romance!
I've really enjoyed going through all the novellas, and I'm anxious for a new single title. Really terrific historical romance!
November 14, 2025
Hard to believe this is the end of this series. I loved the way she book ended this series with Lord Caire’s presence.
Hopefully sometime in the future another book will be added to the series.
Hopefully sometime in the future another book will be added to the series.
March 18, 2023
Improbable but sweet!
January 2, 2022
2.75
We first meet Mary Whitsun and Lord & Lady Caire in book 1 of this series (a loooonnnng time ago lol). She grew up as an orphan in the St. Giles orphanage that shows up often in this series. She is now a nursemaid in the household of Lord & Lady Caire. The beginning of this novella reveals that Mary is actually the long-lost daughter of an earl and has a twin! Her twin sister's fiance mistakes her for the twin at a bookstore. There is an instant attraction between the two. He tells her family so they can reclaim her and he can marry her instead of the twin since he only sees her as a sister. Fortunatley, the twin
We first meet Mary Whitsun and Lord & Lady Caire in book 1 of this series (a loooonnnng time ago lol). She grew up as an orphan in the St. Giles orphanage that shows up often in this series. She is now a nursemaid in the household of Lord & Lady Caire. The beginning of this novella reveals that Mary is actually the long-lost daughter of an earl and has a twin! Her twin sister's fiance mistakes her for the twin at a bookstore. There is an instant attraction between the two. He tells her family so they can reclaim her and he can marry her instead of the twin since he only sees her as a sister. Fortunatley, the twin
April 16, 2018
Se merece más estrellas porque me han parecidos enternecedores los dos. Pero se merecía un libro entero. No solo doce capítulos. Ha terminado tan así, que he dicho ¿ya?.
Eso sí, me he vuelto a emocionar con los recuentros de los personajes anteriores. ¡Que bonito!
Eso sí, me he vuelto a emocionar con los recuentros de los personajes anteriores. ¡Que bonito!
December 7, 2017
There are novellas and there are novellas. Most that I have read are average at best. Once Upon a Maiden Lane, however, was a damn fine novella. I cannot help but give it five stars regardless of it being of an abbreviated length. It was quite simply..... splendid!!!
Note: This was the story of Mary Whitsun. She has been a part of the Maiden Lane series from the very beginning. Reading her story, which was thankfully a HEA, was truly a delight. Bravo EH!!!!
Note: This was the story of Mary Whitsun. She has been a part of the Maiden Lane series from the very beginning. Reading her story, which was thankfully a HEA, was truly a delight. Bravo EH!!!!
November 14, 2017
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/mini-review-u...
The Maiden Lane series is officially completed as far as full length novels are concerned. However, I think Ms. Hoyt plans to publish novellas now and then so lovers of this series can revisit this world.
Blurb:
Remember Mary Whitsun? She now works for Lord and Lady Clare as a nanny to their children. She’s content with her life and place within the Clare household. Then she is mistaken for a missing woman and her life suddenly gets crazy.
In only about 100 pages, Ms. Hoyt managed to somewhat catch readers up on Mary’s life, introduce the hero, and then set Mary on a whirlwind adventure from nanny to aristocratic lady. She introduced several new characters and brought Mary and Henry together. This Cinderella type story was a quick and enjoyable read, I even think it was written in a way that readers new to this series would find easy to follow along.
Of course the love story is rushed a bit between the Mary and Henry, but I expected that with the page count. They do have a lovely courtship and the ending and their HEA couldn’t have been more perfect. This was a sweetly romantic, sensual read with just a touch of mystery to make things interesting. Here’s to hoping we see more novellas in this series in the future. Final Grade-C+
Favorite Quote:
The Maiden Lane series is officially completed as far as full length novels are concerned. However, I think Ms. Hoyt plans to publish novellas now and then so lovers of this series can revisit this world.
Blurb:
Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna’s long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth—to the rakishly handsome artistocrat himself.
Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He’s drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him—ladies simply don’t dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can’t help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry’s world—or in his heart.
Remember Mary Whitsun? She now works for Lord and Lady Clare as a nanny to their children. She’s content with her life and place within the Clare household. Then she is mistaken for a missing woman and her life suddenly gets crazy.
In only about 100 pages, Ms. Hoyt managed to somewhat catch readers up on Mary’s life, introduce the hero, and then set Mary on a whirlwind adventure from nanny to aristocratic lady. She introduced several new characters and brought Mary and Henry together. This Cinderella type story was a quick and enjoyable read, I even think it was written in a way that readers new to this series would find easy to follow along.
Of course the love story is rushed a bit between the Mary and Henry, but I expected that with the page count. They do have a lovely courtship and the ending and their HEA couldn’t have been more perfect. This was a sweetly romantic, sensual read with just a touch of mystery to make things interesting. Here’s to hoping we see more novellas in this series in the future. Final Grade-C+
Favorite Quote:
“You,” said Henry as he untied his neckcloth, “are more beautiful than the sun, the moon, and all the stars in the night sky.”
She could feel herself blushing. “Might that be a tad bit exaggerated?”
He knit his brow as if thinking. “No. No, I don’t think so.”
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