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The Cavensham Heiresses #3
The Luck of the Bride
Family secrets, mistaken identities…love and money make people do crazy things in The Luck of the Bride, the third Cavensham Heiresses novel.
March Lawson has never had much luck, and in a desperate move to save her family, she's been posing as the Marquess of McCalpin. But when she's summoned to a meeting with the Marquess himself, March expects jail time…not to be bewitched by dark hair and sapphire eyes.
Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin and heir to the Duke of Langham, finds himself drawn to March despite the judgments from his peers. He isn't sure he can trust March, especially since Michael has a secret that could ruin him and his family.
But society conspires to keep March and Michael apart, and when March is accused of not being who she says she is, will Michael toss her aside or fight for the woman he's come to love?
March Lawson has never had much luck, and in a desperate move to save her family, she's been posing as the Marquess of McCalpin. But when she's summoned to a meeting with the Marquess himself, March expects jail time…not to be bewitched by dark hair and sapphire eyes.
Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin and heir to the Duke of Langham, finds himself drawn to March despite the judgments from his peers. He isn't sure he can trust March, especially since Michael has a secret that could ruin him and his family.
But society conspires to keep March and Michael apart, and when March is accused of not being who she says she is, will Michael toss her aside or fight for the woman he's come to love?
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
225 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Janna MacGregor
30 books1,151 followersJanna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers.
Visit her at www.JannaMacGregor.com.
Twitter: @JannaMacGregor
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Sign up for her newsletter at www.JannaMacGregor.com
Visit her at www.JannaMacGregor.com.
Twitter: @JannaMacGregor
Facebook: Janna MacGregor
Sign up for her newsletter at www.JannaMacGregor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
May 1, 2018
Her luck was running a bit late…
I can’t believe my boys don’t love reading…where did I go wrong? I think my oldest is a lost cause, but I have a little hope that I can lead my youngest to the light. He’s eleven and his teacher has just set him the challenge of reading Harry Potter #5. If I had mentioned it, he would have scoffed, because Mr Teacher mentioned it, he’s all, *sure, Sir, whatever you say Sir*. Bloody kids.
Anyways, this afternoon I was reading The Luck of the Bride and in true Janna MacGregor fashion, she had me blubbering like a baby. In a house full of boys, I try to have my emotional book breakdowns in private. My hubby usually smirks at my tears but offers me hugs to feel better. My boys, they’re horrified, uncomfortable and completely confused. So, my little guy decided to come into my room to read his Harry Potter book. He’s sitting beside me, and I’m sniffling, wiping tears and blowing my nose. He's not sure what to think and decides to pretend ignorance. But, he’s also trying to distract me from my sadness with inane chatter and descriptions of what he’s reading.
Any other time, I would be encouraging this…BUT I’M A BLOODY MESS!!
I’m trying to be subtle and give hints that he should read somewhere else, but he just isn’t getting it. Luckily, hubby saved the day. He could see I was close to breaking point and sent him on a wild goose chase to distract him. The tears were coming faster, my nose was running, and I was sucking in deep breaths trying to compose myself before he comes back.
WHY DO I KEEP GOING BACK FOR MORE??? JANNA MACGREGOR ALWAYS MAKES ME CRY!!!
Well, obviously, I keep going back because she writes a bloody good historical romance. Sure, she makes me cry bucket loads, but, she also makes me smile, sigh, squirm, shake, shiver and sneer. All of my emotions are involved.
I really liked The Luck of the Bride. We meet March and her younger siblings who she has raised after her parents died when she was sixteen. Not more than a child herself, she takes on the responsibility of caring for them and pushes aside her own dreams. Luckily, her parents provided in case of an emergency and set up trusts for each of the children. The only problem is, after eight years, the nominated guardians and lawyers seem to have just stopped. With a wee bit of embezzlement, March takes it upon herself to save them all from financial ruin.
…and she nearly got away with it.
What follows was an interesting story that kept my attention from start to end. I loved March’s character and Michael, while afraid to show his vulnerabilities, was a hero I came to admire. The additional characters we meet brought the story to life. Some I loved and some I wanted to kick in the ding-ding and make them sing. There were the usual balls with scandals, waltzes and gentleman callers. Shopping trips for pretty dresses mixed with nasty chatter and gossip. Servings of brandy amid talks over estates and politics. These are all parts that come together and give me a historical romance that I enjoy.
Maybe, if I was going to pick on anything, I would say that it was just a bit too much. Goh blimey, March had the opposite of luck. For a while there, EVERYTHING went wrong. Her cousin is a douchewaffle, Michael's brother was a nincompoop and bombs kept dropping and exploding in March's face. I kept trying to remind myself that it was just a book but another bomb would drop and my tears would flow AGAIN.
I believed in March and Michael’s love story. Their battles were many but in most cases, they fought them together. There was one time where Michael drops the bundle and I thought March forgave him too quickly. I would have given him a good two weeks of silent treatment for his lack of trust. But, this is March’s love story, if she wants to forgive him, and let his kisses and sweet words soothe the pain, well, good for her.
If you’re a fan of historical romance and don’t mind shedding a tear or two (or three, or four), I highly recommend The Luck of the Bride.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I can’t believe my boys don’t love reading…where did I go wrong? I think my oldest is a lost cause, but I have a little hope that I can lead my youngest to the light. He’s eleven and his teacher has just set him the challenge of reading Harry Potter #5. If I had mentioned it, he would have scoffed, because Mr Teacher mentioned it, he’s all, *sure, Sir, whatever you say Sir*. Bloody kids.
Anyways, this afternoon I was reading The Luck of the Bride and in true Janna MacGregor fashion, she had me blubbering like a baby. In a house full of boys, I try to have my emotional book breakdowns in private. My hubby usually smirks at my tears but offers me hugs to feel better. My boys, they’re horrified, uncomfortable and completely confused. So, my little guy decided to come into my room to read his Harry Potter book. He’s sitting beside me, and I’m sniffling, wiping tears and blowing my nose. He's not sure what to think and decides to pretend ignorance. But, he’s also trying to distract me from my sadness with inane chatter and descriptions of what he’s reading.
Any other time, I would be encouraging this…BUT I’M A BLOODY MESS!!
I’m trying to be subtle and give hints that he should read somewhere else, but he just isn’t getting it. Luckily, hubby saved the day. He could see I was close to breaking point and sent him on a wild goose chase to distract him. The tears were coming faster, my nose was running, and I was sucking in deep breaths trying to compose myself before he comes back.
WHY DO I KEEP GOING BACK FOR MORE??? JANNA MACGREGOR ALWAYS MAKES ME CRY!!!
Well, obviously, I keep going back because she writes a bloody good historical romance. Sure, she makes me cry bucket loads, but, she also makes me smile, sigh, squirm, shake, shiver and sneer. All of my emotions are involved.
I really liked The Luck of the Bride. We meet March and her younger siblings who she has raised after her parents died when she was sixteen. Not more than a child herself, she takes on the responsibility of caring for them and pushes aside her own dreams. Luckily, her parents provided in case of an emergency and set up trusts for each of the children. The only problem is, after eight years, the nominated guardians and lawyers seem to have just stopped. With a wee bit of embezzlement, March takes it upon herself to save them all from financial ruin.
…and she nearly got away with it.
What follows was an interesting story that kept my attention from start to end. I loved March’s character and Michael, while afraid to show his vulnerabilities, was a hero I came to admire. The additional characters we meet brought the story to life. Some I loved and some I wanted to kick in the ding-ding and make them sing. There were the usual balls with scandals, waltzes and gentleman callers. Shopping trips for pretty dresses mixed with nasty chatter and gossip. Servings of brandy amid talks over estates and politics. These are all parts that come together and give me a historical romance that I enjoy.
Maybe, if I was going to pick on anything, I would say that it was just a bit too much. Goh blimey, March had the opposite of luck. For a while there, EVERYTHING went wrong. Her cousin is a douchewaffle, Michael's brother was a nincompoop and bombs kept dropping and exploding in March's face. I kept trying to remind myself that it was just a book but another bomb would drop and my tears would flow AGAIN.
I believed in March and Michael’s love story. Their battles were many but in most cases, they fought them together. There was one time where Michael drops the bundle and I thought March forgave him too quickly. I would have given him a good two weeks of silent treatment for his lack of trust. But, this is March’s love story, if she wants to forgive him, and let his kisses and sweet words soothe the pain, well, good for her.
If you’re a fan of historical romance and don’t mind shedding a tear or two (or three, or four), I highly recommend The Luck of the Bride.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
April 30, 2018
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
2.5 stars
This is my first book by this author. I didn't read the other titles in the series, so I can safely say this works as a stand-alone. I really liked the author's writing style, and will check out her other books in the future!
March Lawson has been taking care of her siblings ever since their parents died. Unable to contact their guardian to release funds that are needed to run her little brother's estate and put food on their table, she is driven to desperate means to access the dowry that cannot be released to her without her guardian's approval...
Unbeknown to him, Michael Cavensham has inherited the guardianship of the Lawson siblings from his uncle. When he is alerted that he has apparently approved of payment to the eldest Lawson, he is determined to find the embezzler, stunned to find a starving family in dire need of help...
At first, I really enjoyed this book. I really liked that both hero and heroine were unusual and complex. I thought they were wonderfully defined, and I could understand their actions:
March, working hard on a farm while raising her three siblings after their parents' death, was a wonderfully strong heroine who I could respect even though her desperation makes her steal someone's identity to get to the funding she needs to buy food for her family (don't worry, she doesn't steal the money, she "just" uses someone else's signature to access her dowry because her legal guardian is not reacting to any of her pleas for help). Surprisingly, this didn't make me dislike her, because her circumstances and what drives her to this action are explained very well. I liked that she was actually tall, physically strong, and capable of caring for her siblings all on her own. I found her independent and strong without being annoying, and liked that after everything she has been through she was still able to trust Michael enough to let him help her.
Michael too, was a nice character. I liked how he managed to work around his problem , and how he learned to trust March enough to tell her about it.
But, unfortunately, there were some things that kept me from enjoying this book.
First: I never really understood how Michael inherited the financial responsibility to the Lawsons and how March's letters to his (diseased) uncle and predecessor weren't forwarded to him. At some point I stopped questioning things and just went with it.
Second: I found the evil cousin and all his many plots to make the Lawson family miserable a bit too much. I thought the plot had enough drama without any of his machinations.
Third: Michael's brother. While I liked Michael, and found his sister and parents wonderful, the brother's attempts to keep March and Michael apart were, again, just too much. I get that he was trying to protect Michael against anyone taking advantage of him, but I don't like how he went about this.
And then there were the last 20%. I really liked the first half of the book. I really did. I loved how Michael and March slowly started to trust one another, and when they finally opened up to each other and got engaged at around 70%, I was more than happy! But the last 30% of the book I found too crammed with people getting between them, lying, and manipulating them into a separation. For all his protestations of loving March, Michael was sure quick to believe the absolute worst of her there for a while. It made it hard to believe their hasty reconciliation in my opinion. But that's on me, because I really really REALLY don't like this sort of forced drama. Also, their marriage (in the epilogue) takes place one day (!) after their reconciliation. Even for the first son of a Duke, that would've involved pulling a lot of strings, just saying...
Anyway. If you're looking for a romance novel that is not quite as light and fluffy as your average historical romance, this might be the book for you! Don't let my grumpiness dissuade you from it!
2.5 stars
This is my first book by this author. I didn't read the other titles in the series, so I can safely say this works as a stand-alone. I really liked the author's writing style, and will check out her other books in the future!
March Lawson has been taking care of her siblings ever since their parents died. Unable to contact their guardian to release funds that are needed to run her little brother's estate and put food on their table, she is driven to desperate means to access the dowry that cannot be released to her without her guardian's approval...
Unbeknown to him, Michael Cavensham has inherited the guardianship of the Lawson siblings from his uncle. When he is alerted that he has apparently approved of payment to the eldest Lawson, he is determined to find the embezzler, stunned to find a starving family in dire need of help...
At first, I really enjoyed this book. I really liked that both hero and heroine were unusual and complex. I thought they were wonderfully defined, and I could understand their actions:
March, working hard on a farm while raising her three siblings after their parents' death, was a wonderfully strong heroine who I could respect even though her desperation makes her steal someone's identity to get to the funding she needs to buy food for her family (don't worry, she doesn't steal the money, she "just" uses someone else's signature to access her dowry because her legal guardian is not reacting to any of her pleas for help). Surprisingly, this didn't make me dislike her, because her circumstances and what drives her to this action are explained very well. I liked that she was actually tall, physically strong, and capable of caring for her siblings all on her own. I found her independent and strong without being annoying, and liked that after everything she has been through she was still able to trust Michael enough to let him help her.
Michael too, was a nice character. I liked how he managed to work around his problem , and how he learned to trust March enough to tell her about it.
But, unfortunately, there were some things that kept me from enjoying this book.
First: I never really understood how Michael inherited the financial responsibility to the Lawsons and how March's letters to his (diseased) uncle and predecessor weren't forwarded to him. At some point I stopped questioning things and just went with it.
Second: I found the evil cousin and all his many plots to make the Lawson family miserable a bit too much. I thought the plot had enough drama without any of his machinations.
Third: Michael's brother. While I liked Michael, and found his sister and parents wonderful, the brother's attempts to keep March and Michael apart were, again, just too much. I get that he was trying to protect Michael against anyone taking advantage of him, but I don't like how he went about this.
And then there were the last 20%. I really liked the first half of the book. I really did. I loved how Michael and March slowly started to trust one another, and when they finally opened up to each other and got engaged at around 70%, I was more than happy! But the last 30% of the book I found too crammed with people getting between them, lying, and manipulating them into a separation. For all his protestations of loving March, Michael was sure quick to believe the absolute worst of her there for a while. It made it hard to believe their hasty reconciliation in my opinion. But that's on me, because I really really REALLY don't like this sort of forced drama. Also, their marriage (in the epilogue) takes place one day (!) after their reconciliation. Even for the first son of a Duke, that would've involved pulling a lot of strings, just saying...
Anyway. If you're looking for a romance novel that is not quite as light and fluffy as your average historical romance, this might be the book for you! Don't let my grumpiness dissuade you from it!
December 27, 2023
I’ve been through so much
- self sacrifice
- horrible relation
- horrible fucking embarrassment
- incredibly frustrating third act whatever the fuck
- super long wait for relationship payoff
- they had no reason not believe that she couldn’t afford to feed her family and yet it took him so long to accept it??
- she had so much pride
- she literally wanted to save money but also wouldn’t accept generosity from others willingly
- idk I guess the ending was cute but I was so done by that point
- Bennett was great
- the sex scene was good
- there’s not much else positive
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️/5
- self sacrifice
- horrible relation
- horrible fucking embarrassment
- incredibly frustrating third act whatever the fuck
- super long wait for relationship payoff
- they had no reason not believe that she couldn’t afford to feed her family and yet it took him so long to accept it??
- she had so much pride
- she literally wanted to save money but also wouldn’t accept generosity from others willingly
- idk I guess the ending was cute but I was so done by that point
- Bennett was great
- the sex scene was good
- there’s not much else positive
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️/5
April 4, 2021
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel. It has likable, engaging characters, family secrets, a heart-warming romance, an adorable younger brother, a wonderful sense of family, and a happily ever after ending. I enjoyed the cat's antics tremendously! I am looking forward to reading the other entries in Ms. MacGregor's outstanding Cavensham Heiresses series with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel and the narrator, Ms. Elaine Wise, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the voices and expressing the personalities of the characters.
April 21, 2018
4.5 Stars!
The Luck of the Bride was an excellent read with a wonderful romance and characters that pulled me in from the start.
In the eight years since her parents died, March Lawson has dedicated herself to ensuring her three younger siblings have a good life. This is made difficult by the fact the person in charge of her family's trust, the Marquess of McCalpin, has been ignoring her requests for funds. In an act of desperation, March forges a letter posing as the Marquess in order to secure the release of funds she desperately needs to take care of her family. When March is summoned to London by the Marquess, she's sure she's been found out. Michael Cavensham is determined to find out who has been forging his signature, but never expected to fall for the woman. When scandal touches March, Michael will have to determine how far he's willing to go for the woman he loves.
March has spent the last eight years focusing all of her energy on raising her siblings that she has a tendency to neglect herself. She's completely selfless and I admired how much she was willing to sacrifice to give her siblings a good life. March is an incredibly strong woman and is quite clever when it comes to finding ways to keep everything going. She has a head for figures and earns money helping local businesses with their books.
Michael is very close to his family and is closest with his brother William. As the heir to the Duke of Langham, Michael is expected to take a place in the House of Commons, something he doesn't wish to do. Michael fills his time with the usual pursuits of a man of his station and spends most of his time managing his estates. Michael has a secret he's kept hidden since his childhood that he worries will effect his ability to carry out his duties as Duke.
March and Michael don't exactly see eye to eye when they first meet as he believes her a thief and she believes him to have neglected his duties as manager of her family's trust. Michael has a tendency to raise March's ire and the two get into some spirited conversations that were a delight to read. Slowly March and Michael begin to trust one another and start to confide in each other. The two have great chemistry and the physical scenes between them are incredibly sexy and well done. There was one aspect to their relationship that kept this book from being a full five stars for me. A series of events unfold that are meant to cause Michael to doubt March and I didn't like how easily he was swayed to distrust her. Thankfully it doesn't take too long for things to get back on track, but I was a bit frustrated by what happened.
In The Luck of the Bride we see the return of the couples from the first two books in the series. It was wonderful seeing them all again and I enjoyed the scenes where they spent time with the new main characters. Emma's friendship with March was wonderful and I enjoyed how Emma become a champion for March. March's siblings Julie, Faith, and Bennett were an absolute delight and I loved how close the siblings were. There is a plot line involving the Lawson's cousin Rupert causing scandal for March and I have to say the author does a great job making him someone you can hate.
The Luck of the Bride is my favorite book in the series thus far and I'm looking forward to the next book, The Good, the Bad, and the Duke, releasing later this year. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a new historical romance series to check out.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
The Luck of the Bride was an excellent read with a wonderful romance and characters that pulled me in from the start.
In the eight years since her parents died, March Lawson has dedicated herself to ensuring her three younger siblings have a good life. This is made difficult by the fact the person in charge of her family's trust, the Marquess of McCalpin, has been ignoring her requests for funds. In an act of desperation, March forges a letter posing as the Marquess in order to secure the release of funds she desperately needs to take care of her family. When March is summoned to London by the Marquess, she's sure she's been found out. Michael Cavensham is determined to find out who has been forging his signature, but never expected to fall for the woman. When scandal touches March, Michael will have to determine how far he's willing to go for the woman he loves.
March has spent the last eight years focusing all of her energy on raising her siblings that she has a tendency to neglect herself. She's completely selfless and I admired how much she was willing to sacrifice to give her siblings a good life. March is an incredibly strong woman and is quite clever when it comes to finding ways to keep everything going. She has a head for figures and earns money helping local businesses with their books.
Michael is very close to his family and is closest with his brother William. As the heir to the Duke of Langham, Michael is expected to take a place in the House of Commons, something he doesn't wish to do. Michael fills his time with the usual pursuits of a man of his station and spends most of his time managing his estates. Michael has a secret he's kept hidden since his childhood that he worries will effect his ability to carry out his duties as Duke.
March and Michael don't exactly see eye to eye when they first meet as he believes her a thief and she believes him to have neglected his duties as manager of her family's trust. Michael has a tendency to raise March's ire and the two get into some spirited conversations that were a delight to read. Slowly March and Michael begin to trust one another and start to confide in each other. The two have great chemistry and the physical scenes between them are incredibly sexy and well done. There was one aspect to their relationship that kept this book from being a full five stars for me. A series of events unfold that are meant to cause Michael to doubt March and I didn't like how easily he was swayed to distrust her. Thankfully it doesn't take too long for things to get back on track, but I was a bit frustrated by what happened.
In The Luck of the Bride we see the return of the couples from the first two books in the series. It was wonderful seeing them all again and I enjoyed the scenes where they spent time with the new main characters. Emma's friendship with March was wonderful and I enjoyed how Emma become a champion for March. March's siblings Julie, Faith, and Bennett were an absolute delight and I loved how close the siblings were. There is a plot line involving the Lawson's cousin Rupert causing scandal for March and I have to say the author does a great job making him someone you can hate.
The Luck of the Bride is my favorite book in the series thus far and I'm looking forward to the next book, The Good, the Bad, and the Duke, releasing later this year. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a new historical romance series to check out.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
March 10, 2018
Oh my! Oh my! Janna MacGregor, a new to me author, has hit my must-read author list with a bang. The Luck of the Bride, the 3rd in the Cavensham Heiresses series, (the 1st I’ve read) is chock full of emotion.
A hero with a secret. A heroine responsible for her siblings from a young age, who will do anything to protect them; even breaking the law and sacrificing her own happiness. A villain that I wanted to step in and clobber (and who got off way to easy in my honest opinion). These are just parts of this riveting story.
There’s so much I could put on paper about Ms. MacGregor’s fabulous read but alas, I don’t want to give any spoiler’s away. I will, however, give a word of warning – have plenty of hankies on hand; especially when Michael’s secret gets out. Be still my heart! Now, off to read more from this amazing author!!
A hero with a secret. A heroine responsible for her siblings from a young age, who will do anything to protect them; even breaking the law and sacrificing her own happiness. A villain that I wanted to step in and clobber (and who got off way to easy in my honest opinion). These are just parts of this riveting story.
There’s so much I could put on paper about Ms. MacGregor’s fabulous read but alas, I don’t want to give any spoiler’s away. I will, however, give a word of warning – have plenty of hankies on hand; especially when Michael’s secret gets out. Be still my heart! Now, off to read more from this amazing author!!
March 13, 2018
Three and a half
I do not read a lot of historical romance but when I do I prefer a more action packed story which unfortunately this is not . It is however a book that works as a standalone even though it is apparently part of a series.
I will give a different (for me) type of review here as I’m still a little undecided about exactly how much I enjoyed this story.
Things I didn’t really like include so many words and terms thrown in to make this feel of it’s time. Yes I know everyday parlance has changed but honestly if felt like the author tried too hard. I do get why March felt Michael was perfect as he’s apparently gorgeous, intelligent and charming. I just couldn’t believe in his feelings towards her as apart from him finding her beautiful and loyal to her family what else was there to like/love ? Plus nothing really happened very much in the first half apart from shopping and balls.
So what did I like and why did I keep reading ? I adored Bennett, the little brother who struggles valiantly to be a grown up. The interactions with him are frequently hilarious and oh so touching. The villain is just pants I’m afraid with revelations that tear apart the little family and it did feel a little like a pantomime. Yet still I read because by then I was intrigued as to just how the author could swing everything around. I’m still perplexed as to why the guardian thing fell to Michael and not his father but really enjoyed the scenes with the duke and his wife. As everything hurtled to its conclusion I’m afraid any sympathy I had for Michael completely disappeared and I wanted him to just man up. Yet there was a moment when Michael finally picked up the pace ( hint read a book !) and I found that I could emotionally connect with March, Michael and the feelings they shared.
So my review isn’t particularly a glowing one but perhaps I’m not the perfect target. I did enjoy it but alas for this reader it lacked the pace and action that I look for.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I do not read a lot of historical romance but when I do I prefer a more action packed story which unfortunately this is not . It is however a book that works as a standalone even though it is apparently part of a series.
I will give a different (for me) type of review here as I’m still a little undecided about exactly how much I enjoyed this story.
Things I didn’t really like include so many words and terms thrown in to make this feel of it’s time. Yes I know everyday parlance has changed but honestly if felt like the author tried too hard. I do get why March felt Michael was perfect as he’s apparently gorgeous, intelligent and charming. I just couldn’t believe in his feelings towards her as apart from him finding her beautiful and loyal to her family what else was there to like/love ? Plus nothing really happened very much in the first half apart from shopping and balls.
So what did I like and why did I keep reading ? I adored Bennett, the little brother who struggles valiantly to be a grown up. The interactions with him are frequently hilarious and oh so touching. The villain is just pants I’m afraid with revelations that tear apart the little family and it did feel a little like a pantomime. Yet still I read because by then I was intrigued as to just how the author could swing everything around. I’m still perplexed as to why the guardian thing fell to Michael and not his father but really enjoyed the scenes with the duke and his wife. As everything hurtled to its conclusion I’m afraid any sympathy I had for Michael completely disappeared and I wanted him to just man up. Yet there was a moment when Michael finally picked up the pace ( hint read a book !) and I found that I could emotionally connect with March, Michael and the feelings they shared.
So my review isn’t particularly a glowing one but perhaps I’m not the perfect target. I did enjoy it but alas for this reader it lacked the pace and action that I look for.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
March 1, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
When I read a book I look for certain points ,
What reactions do I have to the situations , characters, writing style etc.
My answers in this case are simple
The situations were perfect , I’ve laughed, cried , shouted at my kindle , but all these were the emotions I would expect from one of Janna’s books .
The characters had depth and personality, so much that I really felt for them when things went wrong or found myself smiling in times of joy .
The writing style was addictive, I could not put it down , now I’m off to read more by this author.
Definitely worth five stars in my mind , and highly recommended!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
💋💋
When I read a book I look for certain points ,
What reactions do I have to the situations , characters, writing style etc.
My answers in this case are simple
The situations were perfect , I’ve laughed, cried , shouted at my kindle , but all these were the emotions I would expect from one of Janna’s books .
The characters had depth and personality, so much that I really felt for them when things went wrong or found myself smiling in times of joy .
The writing style was addictive, I could not put it down , now I’m off to read more by this author.
Definitely worth five stars in my mind , and highly recommended!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
May 18, 2018
The Luck of the Bride by Janna MacGregor
Third in the Cavensham Heiresses series
3 stars
Whimsical Writing Scale: 2.5
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 3
Swoon Worthy Scale: 3
Villain Scale: 2
Character Scale: 4
Plotastic Scale: 3
Cover Thoughts: A wedding dress on a HR! I feel like I don’t see those often. There’s always a dress, but never a wedding one and this one is cute.
Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Third in the Cavensham Heiresses series
3 stars
March Lawson has been down on her luck. Her parents fell sick and died leaving her and her three siblings without a proper caretaker and destitute. She has raised her brother, the future heir, and hopes that her sisters can enter into a London season to find their match. However, she can’t access her trust until she is twenty-five and her family is starving. She takes upon herself to pose as the Marquess of McCalpin. When she is summoned to meet him, she is expecting her family to meet ruin, but she is charmed by Michael Cavensham. He isn’t sure if he can trust her, but he can’t stop thinking about her. The Luck of the Bride is your typical historical romance romp. It doesn’t offer a whole lot of substance to the genre and MacGregor’s writing style is simple and wracked with clichés. It’s not a horrible novel and it is a lot of fun, but I can’ see myself heralding this as a must read in the genre because it doesn’t stand apart from the countless romance novels within the market. It’s fluffy and fun, which is a plus in all HRs, but I must admit, I want substance with this genre. I want dark and gritty topics that are touched on and not just glazed over. The Lawsons live in poverty, but I don’t feel like MacGregor took much time to really portray its effect on the family as in individuals. The dialogue is forced and stilted. The most famous and cliché line in HRs is found here and repeated in a multitude of different ways:
“Even if it was his complete undoing.”
This novel gave me second-hand embarrassment, not only for the characters but for the lines that are written. Like this one:
“My God, she was a seductress without even knowing it. His little embezzler was temptation incarnate.”
How embarrassing to read and it is just laughable. It is a fun novel and it does read rather quickly. It’s biggest drawback besides the diction usage is its pacing. It can definitely feel a little boring at times and then all of a sudden, something will occur to change the game. It doesn’t change the game believably though. It just feels like an abrupt shift in the narration because it has to happen or else the story can’t go on. It doesn’t feel natural.
Whimsical Writing Scale: 2.5
The main female character is March. March is sassy and headstrong. She is incredibly compassionate and deeply loves her siblings. She is very much the mother hen character and I can relate to that. However, her stubbornness seems contrived at times and almost completely unfounded in reality. It doesn’t fit her sensible nature and just left me feeling annoyed.
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 3
The main male character is Michael. Michael isn’t a bad romantic lead, but he doesn’t really speak to me. He is just kind of there. He says all the right things (when they aren’t the cringey dripped lines in the throes of passion that haunts all HRs), but he feels just as frustrating as March. He is kind of dramatic and he contradicts his passions with others’ opinions. It became really annoying towards the end when the novel was reaching its climax. I don’t think he is bad by any means, but I am not swooning whenever he is on page.
Swoon Worthy Scale: 3
The Villain- Predictable. I have been reading HRs this year that have upped the ante when it comes to villains, but this one falls into the usual run-of-the-mill HR villain who is out to thwart true and everlasting love usually for money.
Villain Scale: 2
I did love the secondary cast of characters. Faith, Julia, and Bennett were wonderful and I would definitely read a novel that follows any of their perspectives because I adored them. Bennett was my favorite and towards the end he was the only character with any sense which says a lot because he’s still a kid. Also, he’s obsessed with sweets and has some of the funniest lines. Faith and her buddy romance with the Scottish doctor who was healing her had me shook. I was invested in them so hard. Kind of wish this novel had followed them. I also loved the Cavensham clan. They are so funny and they made the novel fun. The secondary characters are definitely where this novel shines and that is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to novels.
Character Scale: 4
Overall, The Luck of the Bride has its fair share of faults. I do think it will be loved by many HR fans, especially those who love the Cavensham series. I recommend for the hopeless romantics and anyone just looking for something fun that doesn’t require a lot of brain power and can transport to the London ton with balls, dresses, scandals, and romance.
Plotastic Scale: 3
Cover Thoughts: A wedding dress on a HR! I feel like I don’t see those often. There’s always a dress, but never a wedding one and this one is cute.
Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2018
I was hooked from the very first page.
Miss March Lawson was a very compelling heroine. Her sense of family, duty and responsibility were melded seamlessly with her underlying yearning for a love that she realistically felt would never materialize. She was no vapid little debutante. She was a woman full grown. A hard worker with the muscles and attendant calloused hands to prove it.
In the two previous books, Michael, Marquess of McCalpin struck me as a stalwart family man and the perfect ducal heir. Too perfect even. I loved the way that MacGregor gave him a vulnerability that humanized him and made me root for his eventual happily ever after.
This was a story that will stay with me. The storyline was original and riveting. Claire and Alex and Emma and Nick were welcome sights. I loved the Duke and Duchess of Langham in this story. March's siblings were delightful. I'd love to see more of them, especially, the Viscount Lawson. *swoon*
I did miss Lord Paul, but I console myself that he has the next story with Daphne. Maybe now I can discover his damage and he can get the healing and redemption he so desperately needs.
This entire series is a must read. If you haven't started, what are you waiting for?
The Bad Luck Bride
The Bride Who Got Lucky
The Luck of the Bride
Read them all, in that order, you won't be disappointed.📚❤️️📚
Miss March Lawson was a very compelling heroine. Her sense of family, duty and responsibility were melded seamlessly with her underlying yearning for a love that she realistically felt would never materialize. She was no vapid little debutante. She was a woman full grown. A hard worker with the muscles and attendant calloused hands to prove it.
In the two previous books, Michael, Marquess of McCalpin struck me as a stalwart family man and the perfect ducal heir. Too perfect even. I loved the way that MacGregor gave him a vulnerability that humanized him and made me root for his eventual happily ever after.
This was a story that will stay with me. The storyline was original and riveting. Claire and Alex and Emma and Nick were welcome sights. I loved the Duke and Duchess of Langham in this story. March's siblings were delightful. I'd love to see more of them, especially, the Viscount Lawson. *swoon*
I did miss Lord Paul, but I console myself that he has the next story with Daphne. Maybe now I can discover his damage and he can get the healing and redemption he so desperately needs.
This entire series is a must read. If you haven't started, what are you waiting for?
The Bad Luck Bride
The Bride Who Got Lucky
The Luck of the Bride
Read them all, in that order, you won't be disappointed.📚❤️️📚
September 9, 2021
“Luck is believing your lucky.” –Tennessee Williams
This review features book 3 in The Cavensham Heiresses series. I have not read books 1&2.
Book 1: The Bad Luck Bride [Claire and Alex]
Book 2: The Bride Who Got Lucky [Emma and Nick]
Book 3: The Luck of the Bride [March and Michael]
Book 4: The Good, the Bad, and the Duke [estimated pub Dec 4, 2018]
From the first paragraph, I was gripped by this story. Although it was the third in a series… it worked well as a stand-a-lone. The author did an excellent job of bringing the previous stories seamlessly into this book. I loved when Claire and Alex [book 1] were in a scene and Emma and Nick [book 2] were adorable. Emma’s friendship and trust went a long way in helping March during her troubles.
We open with the prologue… Lord and Lady Lawson have died from an influenza outbreak, leaving three children… March [barely 16], Faith [11], Julia [10] and the heir Bennet [1-year old]. Due to many mistakes and neglect, the children are nearly starving with a determined March that she will take care for her siblings.
Chapter one opens eight years later and the Lawson situation has now become desperate and no one is answering March’s letters for assistance. In an attempt to get to her trust fund… the roof is leaking, repairs have to be made on the estate, debts to merchants need to be paid… March began forging the signature of co-trustee Marquess of McCalpin in a request for funds.
Michael Cavensham, Marquess of McCalpin, heir to the Duke of Langham, was determined to find out who the embezzler was and what they were doing with the money. His brother William had brought the theft to his attention and they had refused to honor the latest request, which was rather substantial. When Michael arrived at Lawson Court he was stunned at what he found.
“I’m lucky in having found the perfect partner to spend my life with.” –Sara Paretsky
Our author has written a delightful story of survival, loyalty, love, secrets and family. I absolutely fell in love with the Cavensham family… from the Duke and the Duchess to their extended family. They made this story and gave the reader a feeling of “I want to know these people and be friends with them.”
There was angst, as you would expect in a good love story. The villain was clearly defined, and his object would disgust the reader, as we watched his plans unfold. The supporting cast were helpful to our hero as he fought for his love. The angst just tore my heart out… until the last minute and I was afraid all was lost. This was an I CNPID [could not put it down] type of book. I loved it. I look forward to the next book which is expected later in 2018. I loved these guys.
Rating: MA: mature audience, adult themes, explicit sex scenes between consenting adults
I volunteered to read an uncorrected digital galley from the publisher via NetGalley. The views expressed are my own. Projected publishing date May 1, 2018.
This review features book 3 in The Cavensham Heiresses series. I have not read books 1&2.
Book 1: The Bad Luck Bride [Claire and Alex]
Book 2: The Bride Who Got Lucky [Emma and Nick]
Book 3: The Luck of the Bride [March and Michael]
Book 4: The Good, the Bad, and the Duke [estimated pub Dec 4, 2018]
From the first paragraph, I was gripped by this story. Although it was the third in a series… it worked well as a stand-a-lone. The author did an excellent job of bringing the previous stories seamlessly into this book. I loved when Claire and Alex [book 1] were in a scene and Emma and Nick [book 2] were adorable. Emma’s friendship and trust went a long way in helping March during her troubles.
We open with the prologue… Lord and Lady Lawson have died from an influenza outbreak, leaving three children… March [barely 16], Faith [11], Julia [10] and the heir Bennet [1-year old]. Due to many mistakes and neglect, the children are nearly starving with a determined March that she will take care for her siblings.
Chapter one opens eight years later and the Lawson situation has now become desperate and no one is answering March’s letters for assistance. In an attempt to get to her trust fund… the roof is leaking, repairs have to be made on the estate, debts to merchants need to be paid… March began forging the signature of co-trustee Marquess of McCalpin in a request for funds.
Michael Cavensham, Marquess of McCalpin, heir to the Duke of Langham, was determined to find out who the embezzler was and what they were doing with the money. His brother William had brought the theft to his attention and they had refused to honor the latest request, which was rather substantial. When Michael arrived at Lawson Court he was stunned at what he found.
“I’m lucky in having found the perfect partner to spend my life with.” –Sara Paretsky
Our author has written a delightful story of survival, loyalty, love, secrets and family. I absolutely fell in love with the Cavensham family… from the Duke and the Duchess to their extended family. They made this story and gave the reader a feeling of “I want to know these people and be friends with them.”
There was angst, as you would expect in a good love story. The villain was clearly defined, and his object would disgust the reader, as we watched his plans unfold. The supporting cast were helpful to our hero as he fought for his love. The angst just tore my heart out… until the last minute and I was afraid all was lost. This was an I CNPID [could not put it down] type of book. I loved it. I look forward to the next book which is expected later in 2018. I loved these guys.
Rating: MA: mature audience, adult themes, explicit sex scenes between consenting adults
I volunteered to read an uncorrected digital galley from the publisher via NetGalley. The views expressed are my own. Projected publishing date May 1, 2018.
April 27, 2018
Series: The Cavensham Heiresses #3
Publication Date: 5/1/18
This new author is continuing to improve and refine her craft in this, her third book. While she still has issues with modern concepts and language creeping into the story, they are fewer than in the previous books – and maybe they’ll be caught and corrected before actual publication since I have an advanced copy. This book could have, so easily, been a full 5-star book, but the last part changed that. I thoroughly enjoyed the book up until about the 80-85% mark where there were some very contrived situations and some very unnecessary pain and suffering and the forgiving was much too easily won. I’d love to re-write that part of the story so that trust is unquestionably given and then working together to find the villain rather than the way it was written.
I loved all of the characters in the book. They were all fully developed, likable and very relatable. I particularly liked all of the Lawson family. They were so supportive, sweet and loving – everything a family should be. I particularly loved Bennett, the young Viscount, who was wise beyond his years. They were an awesome family and anybody would have loved to be a part of them.
March, Faith, Julia, and Bennett lost their parents eight years ago when March was just one week shy of her seventeenth birthday – Faith was eleven, Julia was ten and Bennett was just a one-year-old baby. They were now March’s responsibility to care for, raise and nurture. How was she going to do that when she was still a child herself, just getting ready to have her first season? She didn’t know how she was going to do it, but she definitely was going to. Unfortunately for them, her father named a man who was going mad as their guardian. That guardian also had very poor solicitors and as he descended into madness and subsequently died, the Lawson’s were forgotten and lost in the shuffle. No funds came in to support them or to maintain the estate. March was doing the best she could to keep food on the table and basic repairs done by raising sheep (she even sheared them herself) and offering her mathematical skills as a bookkeeper to various merchants in the village.
The Lawson’s situation was getting more and more desperate. Unexpected storm damage had caused major roof damage as well as damage to their only remaining tenant’s home. They had no food – and March was desperate. Why wouldn’t their new guardian answer their pleas for funds to manage the estate – after all, it was their money and his responsibility to see to their care. She’d written to the guardian as well as his solicitors as he had requested and still – no answers and no funds. Desperation leads to desperate acts – and March was desperate.
Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin and heir to the Duke of Langham has a warm and loving family. He also has a secret. His secret failing makes him feel unworthy and inadequate and therefore very insecure. His brother William is the only one who knows his secret and William is very, very protective of his older brother. This insecurity is what is supposed to be the driver behind his actions later in the book – but – well – I’ll let you read and decide what you think of it. I thought it could have been written differently.
McCalpin is stunned to discover that someone is using his name and seal to embezzle funds from a Trust account he is responsible for and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it. He summons March to London to make an accounting of herself – and is struck by her bravery and tenacity. As he meets the family to whom the Trust belongs, he is stunned to see how they live – and he can’t believe it. Their circumstances are dire – they have little food, a home in disrepair and a cousin who is bent on causing them harm. He immediately has himself declared their guardian as well as the one who is responsible for their Trust –and he takes those responsibilities seriously.
The first 80% or so of the book moves along quickly and you come to know and love all of the parties involved. Neither March nor McCalpin are prone to trust others, for very different, but very valid reasons. So, it is nice to see them grow to love each other and to trust each other. That is what made the last 20% so sad. This author does tend to choose the darker route when a much nicer uplifting route is available. While I am not an author, I certainly read enough to know that there was a much more uplifting way to handle the issues that were thrown in their path. Had McCalpin, who supposedly loved March beyond all else, chosen to believe in and trust her, then they could have worked together to find and identify the villain. That isn’t what happened. Since the author chose another path, I think she made the reconciliation and forgiveness much, much, much too easy. It was just basically an “I’m sorry, will you forgive me?” And a “Yes” and that was it. After what he did and the heartache and suffering he caused for March and her siblings because he couldn't/wouldn't trust – it should have been much harder than it was. Then – the villains – one is punished – probably more than he deserved given what he did and the other one was actually rewarded. Say what!!! The dude who was rewarded is the one who was actually responsible for the heartache, suffering, and damage that was done to March and her family -- yet -- because he had a sad story he is rewarded.
So – for my rating – the first 80% of the book gets a full 5-stars, but the last 20% gets a 3-star rating. That comes out to my rating of 4-stars. I’ll look forward to the next book.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 5/1/18
This new author is continuing to improve and refine her craft in this, her third book. While she still has issues with modern concepts and language creeping into the story, they are fewer than in the previous books – and maybe they’ll be caught and corrected before actual publication since I have an advanced copy. This book could have, so easily, been a full 5-star book, but the last part changed that. I thoroughly enjoyed the book up until about the 80-85% mark where there were some very contrived situations and some very unnecessary pain and suffering and the forgiving was much too easily won. I’d love to re-write that part of the story so that trust is unquestionably given and then working together to find the villain rather than the way it was written.
I loved all of the characters in the book. They were all fully developed, likable and very relatable. I particularly liked all of the Lawson family. They were so supportive, sweet and loving – everything a family should be. I particularly loved Bennett, the young Viscount, who was wise beyond his years. They were an awesome family and anybody would have loved to be a part of them.
March, Faith, Julia, and Bennett lost their parents eight years ago when March was just one week shy of her seventeenth birthday – Faith was eleven, Julia was ten and Bennett was just a one-year-old baby. They were now March’s responsibility to care for, raise and nurture. How was she going to do that when she was still a child herself, just getting ready to have her first season? She didn’t know how she was going to do it, but she definitely was going to. Unfortunately for them, her father named a man who was going mad as their guardian. That guardian also had very poor solicitors and as he descended into madness and subsequently died, the Lawson’s were forgotten and lost in the shuffle. No funds came in to support them or to maintain the estate. March was doing the best she could to keep food on the table and basic repairs done by raising sheep (she even sheared them herself) and offering her mathematical skills as a bookkeeper to various merchants in the village.
The Lawson’s situation was getting more and more desperate. Unexpected storm damage had caused major roof damage as well as damage to their only remaining tenant’s home. They had no food – and March was desperate. Why wouldn’t their new guardian answer their pleas for funds to manage the estate – after all, it was their money and his responsibility to see to their care. She’d written to the guardian as well as his solicitors as he had requested and still – no answers and no funds. Desperation leads to desperate acts – and March was desperate.
Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin and heir to the Duke of Langham has a warm and loving family. He also has a secret. His secret failing makes him feel unworthy and inadequate and therefore very insecure. His brother William is the only one who knows his secret and William is very, very protective of his older brother. This insecurity is what is supposed to be the driver behind his actions later in the book – but – well – I’ll let you read and decide what you think of it. I thought it could have been written differently.
McCalpin is stunned to discover that someone is using his name and seal to embezzle funds from a Trust account he is responsible for and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it. He summons March to London to make an accounting of herself – and is struck by her bravery and tenacity. As he meets the family to whom the Trust belongs, he is stunned to see how they live – and he can’t believe it. Their circumstances are dire – they have little food, a home in disrepair and a cousin who is bent on causing them harm. He immediately has himself declared their guardian as well as the one who is responsible for their Trust –and he takes those responsibilities seriously.
The first 80% or so of the book moves along quickly and you come to know and love all of the parties involved. Neither March nor McCalpin are prone to trust others, for very different, but very valid reasons. So, it is nice to see them grow to love each other and to trust each other. That is what made the last 20% so sad. This author does tend to choose the darker route when a much nicer uplifting route is available. While I am not an author, I certainly read enough to know that there was a much more uplifting way to handle the issues that were thrown in their path. Had McCalpin, who supposedly loved March beyond all else, chosen to believe in and trust her, then they could have worked together to find and identify the villain. That isn’t what happened. Since the author chose another path, I think she made the reconciliation and forgiveness much, much, much too easy. It was just basically an “I’m sorry, will you forgive me?” And a “Yes” and that was it. After what he did and the heartache and suffering he caused for March and her siblings because he couldn't/wouldn't trust – it should have been much harder than it was. Then – the villains – one is punished – probably more than he deserved given what he did and the other one was actually rewarded. Say what!!! The dude who was rewarded is the one who was actually responsible for the heartache, suffering, and damage that was done to March and her family -- yet -- because he had a sad story he is rewarded.
So – for my rating – the first 80% of the book gets a full 5-stars, but the last 20% gets a 3-star rating. That comes out to my rating of 4-stars. I’ll look forward to the next book.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
March 3, 2018
The book seemed very promising at the start. After her parents died due to an influenza outbreak, March at the young age of 17, even feeling devastated and overwhelmed herself assumes all responsibility for her young siblings and the estate. When their appointed guardian ignores them, including pleas for funds, it is up to March to figure out ways to survive. In desperation when they are near penniless, she resorts to forgery to enable monies from her trust fund to be released to her.
The guardianship of the Lawson family falls to Michael after their previous guardian dies. He’d initially passed it on to his solicitor to manage their affairs but when March’s forgery is discovered he is shocked to discover the state they have fallen into & immediately makes reparation by taking the whole family to London under the sponsorship and care of his parents.
Several things didn’t sit right with me in the writing which marred my enjoyment of the book.
Both characters were uneven at times. Michael is portrayed as a man of integrity yet even from the first seemed to behave rather uncharacteristically recklessly around March – kisses on the lips “to distract her” when she has an accident? With someone else in the room but whose back is turned? Incidences that were just too jarring.
Another thing that I did not like in the storytelling was the all too frequent references to March’s physical attributes:
“She rose from the chair with an inborn grace that enhanced the lush lines of her body”. I lost count of the number of times the word “lush” or luscious was used to describe her. Which didn’t go with her supposedly character, one of intelligence, independence and determination.
The writing seemed to go even more florid as the story continued.
Copy gifted by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The guardianship of the Lawson family falls to Michael after their previous guardian dies. He’d initially passed it on to his solicitor to manage their affairs but when March’s forgery is discovered he is shocked to discover the state they have fallen into & immediately makes reparation by taking the whole family to London under the sponsorship and care of his parents.
Several things didn’t sit right with me in the writing which marred my enjoyment of the book.
Both characters were uneven at times. Michael is portrayed as a man of integrity yet even from the first seemed to behave rather uncharacteristically recklessly around March – kisses on the lips “to distract her” when she has an accident? With someone else in the room but whose back is turned? Incidences that were just too jarring.
Another thing that I did not like in the storytelling was the all too frequent references to March’s physical attributes:
“She rose from the chair with an inborn grace that enhanced the lush lines of her body”. I lost count of the number of times the word “lush” or luscious was used to describe her. Which didn’t go with her supposedly character, one of intelligence, independence and determination.
The writing seemed to go even more florid as the story continued.
Copy gifted by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to read in exchange for a fair review. The Luck of the Bride is the third book in Janna MacGregor’s series The Cavensham Heiresses. It can be read as a stand alone but this is an excellent series so I recommend reading them all. March Lawson’s life was turned upside down 8 years ago when at the age of 17 she became responsible for her younger siblings after her parents death from influenza. After numerous request for funds are ignored by their guardian March is forced to forge his signature in order to access her own trust so that she can feed and care for siblings. Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of of McCalpin has struggles of his own and once he becomes aware of situation created by his predecessors neglect he acts quickly to rectify the problems. This a truly wonderful story about love between not only the main characters but also between siblings and parents and children. There is a nasty villainous cousin who’s machinations add twists and turns and a few tears to the road to HEA that kept me up reading late into the night. I was delighted to read this book and can’t wait for the next one. Quite steamy, publishing date May 1, 2018 #TheLuckOfTheBride #NetGalley
March 7, 2018
I received a free ARC from Netgalley.
The beginning was engrossing and I really felt along with the heroine and her siblings. The facts behind her 'stealing' made me sympathetic to her situation.
There were times I had to plod past something that I thought was uncharacteristic of the time period and gentle behavior. The H kisses the h while she is being treated for an injury by another person. What?! She is frequently described as lush/luscious even though the family are short on food and she works hard on the farm. No mention is made of preparing the girls for the Season except for clothing--wouldn't they need lessons on deportment and dancing after being stuck in the country without tutors?
If you can suspend disbelief, this story is full of heart and can be enjoyed.
The beginning was engrossing and I really felt along with the heroine and her siblings. The facts behind her 'stealing' made me sympathetic to her situation.
There were times I had to plod past something that I thought was uncharacteristic of the time period and gentle behavior. The H kisses the h while she is being treated for an injury by another person. What?! She is frequently described as lush/luscious even though the family are short on food and she works hard on the farm. No mention is made of preparing the girls for the Season except for clothing--wouldn't they need lessons on deportment and dancing after being stuck in the country without tutors?
If you can suspend disbelief, this story is full of heart and can be enjoyed.
July 14, 2018
An absolutely delightful heartwarming story with a loving mature heroine & her guardian hero. Both with secrets & insecurities but loving families to support them. Loved the way the author brought this all together.
5*****
I highly recommend!
5*****
I highly recommend!
April 25, 2018
All her life, things she cherished were taken away—fanciful wishes and whimsical wants and eventually, simple needs. Fate had been cruel before, but now it was downright hateful. After all she'd sacrificed, she could expect abject ruin. She swallowed the lingering pain. She'd do it all again—subject herself to the sacrifices and the pain and the shame—as long as her family was safe.Bottom Line (Up-Top). A really fantastic and emotional read, with two wonderful leading characters (especially the heroine) who are supremely lovable by themselves and are perfect together. It's #3 in a series, but it can stand alone and I would highly recommend skipping the first two books. Wish the last section had been tighter and and more cleanly done, but is a great book nonetheless. Enjoy!
The Cavensham Heiresses Series. This is the third book in the series, but you don't need to read either of the two prior books to enjoy this one—and thank goodness for that. I'm not sure what drove me to take a chance on this book, but I'm going to say it was hope. I received an early copy of Book 1 from NetGalley and the publisher and I absolutely abhorred it; I couldn't get past 1/3 of the book, before I had to DNF it (read my 1-star review). It was just horrible. I then got an early copy of Book 2 and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was definitely better than Book 1 (how could it not be), but it still wasn't great and I wouldn't recommend muddling through it just to get to this one (read my 3-star review).
Now why on earth I requested an early copy of this one, who knows, but I had made a crack in my Book 2 review that maybe the author was going to continue on this path and get better and better, and Book 4 would end up being an all-time favorite of mine. No way of knowing about Book 4 yet, but I was right in my hope/guess that MacGregor's books would continue getting better! Were it not for the very last section of this book, this would have been a 4.5 star-read for me.
Summary / Background. The book summary is pretty accurate, which they aren't always for romances. March (odd first name, anyone else find so?) has been forging Michael's signature to withdraw some money from her dowry—she's stealing, but not really, since the money is by law hers, now that she's of age (25). She is the head of the household, responsible for her two younger sisters and one younger brother, a viscount, and they have absolutely NO money. For years she has tried to access the money put aside for them, but due to irresponsible and negligent guardians and then unresponsive lawyers, they've been living hand to mouth for years. Complicated web, but Michael was recently appointed the trustee of the estate; unfortunately, he joined the ranks of irresponsible / unresponsive guardians. His first face-to-face with March is after discovering her forgeries, so needless to say, they don't exactly start off on the right foot (but it's a great foot, nonetheless ;-).
As Michael discovers the actual situation that March and her siblings are living in, he's troubled and determined to right the wrongs they've been dealt over the years. He and his family want to do all they can to help March's sisters claim their rightful place in society, see that Bennett is finally getting the tutoring and training he should as a peer of the realm, and that March finally have the come out that she never did, because her parents died right before it could happen. The more time they spend together, the closer Michael and March become, and it is clear to them and the close people around them that something is developing between them.
Complications arise, however, in the form of an evil cousin who has been plaguing March and her siblings for years. Rupert is a real nasty piece of work and he, along with the havoc he wreaks, serves as the main foil to our love story.
Thoughts. I really, really loved this book (ugh!!! if only that last part had been done better!!!!). I loved March's strength; she's a total boss lady. I also connected with her and felt for her so much: I never, and I mean NEVER , cry at romances—I can count the number on one hand and I've read probably 400+ romances—and I teared up ... oh, I'll be straight, okay I cried multiple times. March has such a difficult hand dealt to her ever since her parents died when she was just 17 and she had to take over responsibility of the estate and her siblings, including her younger brother who was just a baby at the time. When the hits just keep on coming, my heart broke for her and I felt her devastation and turmoil so vividly; MacGregor really did a fantastic job with her character.
At first I was a bit unsure of Michael; I liked him from the previous books, but I disliked him for being one more person to make March's life more difficult. Turns out he's actually a very good and decent guy. Michael suffers from some form of dyslexia; I say some form, because he's fine with letters and words, it's just numbers he has problems with—he can't do anything involving numbers, whether it's simple (let alone complex) calculations or even figuring out what time he has to leave someplace to get to another place at X time. His younger brother, William, serves as his right-hand man and helps him cover up his difficulties, basically taking over all number-related duties. Michael hates that his brother has to do so much for him, for both of their sakes, and as a marquess and heir to a duchy, he feels completely unworthy and like a complete failure and faker.
Michael is apparently drop-dead gorgeous and I have gotten to the point where I get a little annoyed with the obsession with looks, whether it's of the heroine or the hero. We like to have heroines who aren't perfect physically, so isn't it only fair that it be the same with our heroes. I'm not saying they have to be ugly, but this head-over-heels-because-he's-so-gorgeous-OMG gets on my nerves. Anyway, although this does happen and March is continually impressed by Michael's looks, it doesn't stop her from standing up to him, getting angry with him, etc., thankfully.
For his part, Michael is intrigued by March from the very beginning. He's attracted to her, but he's most interested by the way she treats him, which is very different than all the society ladies he usually interacts with, and by her strength and the sacrifice she continually makes for her siblings. She's extremely loyal and hardworking and he (rightfully) greatly admires that about her.
I loved March's siblings, and Bennett, her younger brother, is super cute (the letters he writes to Michael are HYSTERICAL!!!! Literally laugh-out-loud funny). Also loved William, Michael's brother, and how protective he is of his older brother. He's understandably wary of March and his brother's developing feelings for her, especially since he doesn't want Michael to end up trusting the wrong person, divulging his secret, and then finding himself embarrassed; he knows how distressed Michael is by his problem.
Unfortunately, in the last 20% or so, the MacGregor from previous books returns—in the last plot twist, it is completely unclear what March and Michael feel and think; they bounce back and forth and I couldn't get a handle on whether X believed Y or didn't, whether Y was mad at X or wasn't, etc. Just super simple things, that were completely, completely unclear, because they're written both/multiple ways. It's like MacGregor wrote multiple versions, and then a hybrid copy-and-paste one was created of all the different copies, making it a confusing mess. Also, and this was INSANE, there is NO GROVELING. Which on the one hand, I'm not sure how much was necessary, because again, I was not even clear on who thought or felt what, but regardless, some amount of groveling was DEFINITELY called for and that none occurred ... the asshole made me cry!! That's how much my heart broke for March, I cried, and yet the requisite having-it-out and groveling never occurred. It was honestly a travesty.
More Details About My Problems With the Book.
Quote
He stood and held out his hand to her. She hesitated a moment as if unsure what the gesture meant. As far as he was concerned, it could mean whatever she wanted. For him, the touch of her hand in his meant the world.*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.
February 27, 2018
May 1, 2018
The Luck of the Bride by Janna MacGregor is book Three in The Cavensham Heiresses series. This is the story of March Lawson and Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin. I have read the previous books (and Loved them!) but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
March is the oldest of her sisters and when their parents died she took charge to help keep food and a roof over their heads. Their Guardian at the time was not in his right mind really and they ended up being lost in the shuffle of things. So March has step up to raise her sister and keep them going.
McCalpin has a secret they would ruin things if it was found out so this makes him less trusting...guarded. But when he gets wind of someone using his name he calls them forward. McCalpin soon discovers that March is behind it and he learns her story and moves forward to help. But things are never easy when dealing with love.
March is the oldest of her sisters and when their parents died she took charge to help keep food and a roof over their heads. Their Guardian at the time was not in his right mind really and they ended up being lost in the shuffle of things. So March has step up to raise her sister and keep them going.
McCalpin has a secret they would ruin things if it was found out so this makes him less trusting...guarded. But when he gets wind of someone using his name he calls them forward. McCalpin soon discovers that March is behind it and he learns her story and moves forward to help. But things are never easy when dealing with love.
May 1, 2018
A hero with a learning disability, a smart and hardworking heroine, and a Big Misunderstanding resolved in a manner that reminds me of books by Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood - these are the reasons why I enjoyed this book.
March and McCalpin are both likable characters with complimenting qualities and enough flaws that you can't help but root for them to be together. I especially liked the vulnerability of McCalpin's inadequacy. It makes for a wonderful deviation from the normal Regency heroes who can do no wrong.
I also liked the secondary characters, especially the young Viscount Bennett. He brought a lightness to a story that sometimes gets maudlin. It was also lovely to see the other characters from previous books in the series like Lady Emma and Nick.
If I took out any points, it's for awkward forms of address, a couple of anachronisms, and a few "telling" and over-dramatic scenes that could have been toned down.
Note: I requested and received this ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
March and McCalpin are both likable characters with complimenting qualities and enough flaws that you can't help but root for them to be together. I especially liked the vulnerability of McCalpin's inadequacy. It makes for a wonderful deviation from the normal Regency heroes who can do no wrong.
I also liked the secondary characters, especially the young Viscount Bennett. He brought a lightness to a story that sometimes gets maudlin. It was also lovely to see the other characters from previous books in the series like Lady Emma and Nick.
If I took out any points, it's for awkward forms of address, a couple of anachronisms, and a few "telling" and over-dramatic scenes that could have been toned down.
Note: I requested and received this ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
May 2, 2018
Break my heart Janna MacGregor. Go ahead!
Apparently that is what I said before the book started since that is exactly what the author did. I am not kidding or exaggerating guys, I was teary every 20 pages or so. It wasn't a sad book at all, it was just very emotional and touching. I LOVED every single page and this is no doubt my favorite so far from her.
I laughed, cried, screamed at the book, swoon...
The Luck of the Bride was pure historical romance perfection!
FULL REVIEW AT Glimpses of my Books
Apparently that is what I said before the book started since that is exactly what the author did. I am not kidding or exaggerating guys, I was teary every 20 pages or so. It wasn't a sad book at all, it was just very emotional and touching. I LOVED every single page and this is no doubt my favorite so far from her.
I laughed, cried, screamed at the book, swoon...
The Luck of the Bride was pure historical romance perfection!
FULL REVIEW AT Glimpses of my Books
May 29, 2018
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/05/toris-t...
Family, perseverance, and a case of mistaken identity are the themes of MacGregor's delightfully feminist forward historical series, The Caversham Heiresses. In her third installment, MacGregor introduces us to a take-charge young heiress who is forced to commit fraud in order to secure her sibling’s well being after their parents’ deaths. Bold and bittersweet, MacGregor uses dry humor and striking narrative to draw attention to the inequalities of this era and the ease in which women and children were able to fall through the cracks after the death of parents and or guardians. A wealth of lively secondary characters offer plenty of humor and advice as a gentle romance slowly erupts between our hero and heroine. March’s brother steals the show on multiple occasions, showing wonderful wit and insight for one so young. Enchanting overall though readers may find the hero disappointing at times with his lack of forethought, condescending manner, and constant reminders of the heroine’s from grace.
When March Lawson’s repeated requests for money from her inheritance are left unanswered, she takes matters into her own hands and forges the trusty’s signature on the account. Left in charge of her brother and sisters at the age of sixteen, she has shouldered all the weight of their upbringing and the estate by herself. When her duplicity is discovered, she is summoned to London to answer for her crime. Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin, is shocked and enchanted by this woman who not only forged his signature but doesn’t appear all that sorry to have done so. In fact, she blames him for the whole situation. As Micheal works to win March and her siblings’ favor, not everyone is happy with the new romance and when secrets from March and Micheal’s pasts are brought into the public eye, Micheal must decide if pride or love will win the day.
Grade: B-
Family, perseverance, and a case of mistaken identity are the themes of MacGregor's delightfully feminist forward historical series, The Caversham Heiresses. In her third installment, MacGregor introduces us to a take-charge young heiress who is forced to commit fraud in order to secure her sibling’s well being after their parents’ deaths. Bold and bittersweet, MacGregor uses dry humor and striking narrative to draw attention to the inequalities of this era and the ease in which women and children were able to fall through the cracks after the death of parents and or guardians. A wealth of lively secondary characters offer plenty of humor and advice as a gentle romance slowly erupts between our hero and heroine. March’s brother steals the show on multiple occasions, showing wonderful wit and insight for one so young. Enchanting overall though readers may find the hero disappointing at times with his lack of forethought, condescending manner, and constant reminders of the heroine’s from grace.
When March Lawson’s repeated requests for money from her inheritance are left unanswered, she takes matters into her own hands and forges the trusty’s signature on the account. Left in charge of her brother and sisters at the age of sixteen, she has shouldered all the weight of their upbringing and the estate by herself. When her duplicity is discovered, she is summoned to London to answer for her crime. Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin, is shocked and enchanted by this woman who not only forged his signature but doesn’t appear all that sorry to have done so. In fact, she blames him for the whole situation. As Micheal works to win March and her siblings’ favor, not everyone is happy with the new romance and when secrets from March and Micheal’s pasts are brought into the public eye, Micheal must decide if pride or love will win the day.
Grade: B-
May 13, 2018
As I expected...an enjoyable read. Light hearted and sweet. A story about a young woman left to care for her siblings. She does so by taking over the care of the family estate, working as a shepherdess, a bookkeeper, a bill juggler, and the only mother figure for her two sisters and young brother (who’s heir). When she runs out of ideas she begins withdrawing from her trust, embezzling monies not yet considered hers.
In comes her future guardian when he finds out that she’s been signing his name to collect funds. It’s all for the good of her sisters. If she can give them the season they deserve, perhaps her sisters will find husbands.
What March finds in the end is Michael McCalpin, her now legal guardian until she turns 25. McCalpin needs a wife that will accept even his darkest and most humiliating secret, one who will stand by him in the political arena and help him with his growing estate. If he can just find it in his heart to trust March, she might be the answer. His little sheep herder and charming embezzler.
This is the third book in the series and I look forward to the complete Cavensham saga.
In comes her future guardian when he finds out that she’s been signing his name to collect funds. It’s all for the good of her sisters. If she can give them the season they deserve, perhaps her sisters will find husbands.
What March finds in the end is Michael McCalpin, her now legal guardian until she turns 25. McCalpin needs a wife that will accept even his darkest and most humiliating secret, one who will stand by him in the political arena and help him with his growing estate. If he can just find it in his heart to trust March, she might be the answer. His little sheep herder and charming embezzler.
This is the third book in the series and I look forward to the complete Cavensham saga.
November 28, 2018
The Luck of the Bride is a well crafted story. It was a page turner. I wanted to know how these beautifully written characters would survive and overcome horrendous circumstances. I feel in love with March Lawson daughter of a Viscount and her sisters and brothers Julia, Faith and Bennett. I really enjoyed reading about the 8 year old Viscount Bennett Lawson. At the age of 16 March parents died of influenza. They left 16 year old March alone to raise her 9 and 8 year sisters Faith and Julia and the baby brother Bennett 1 month old. These young children despite being Very Rich had to live the life of paupers. They had to overcome neglectful Guardians who refuse to dispense there trust funds money so they might live. This was so sad. But they learned to survive and overcome there circumstances.
When the Guardian Dies 8 years later there whole life changes and thank goodness it was for the Better!!
Michael Cavensham The Marquess of McCalpin is heir to his fatherthe Duke of Langham. Michael is the Marquess has numerous estate properties and he is very rich. But he has a secret and his brother William is there to cover for him. The brothers are very close and this was a nice feature of the storyline. They protected each other and they loved each other. The whole Cavensham family were very loving, generous and compassion people to be from such a Powerful Rich Duchecy!
Michael is now the new Guardian of the Lawson Siblings Fortune which is substancial. He meets March when he finds out she has been embezzling funds from her trust money by forging his name. The two have sparks flying immedialty. March tries to explane to Michael that her family are living in proverty and have nothing. Michael decides he better check this out. What he finds while visiting them is shocking on how the Lawson's have managed to survive. He immediatly sends a wagon of supplies, food and repairmen to them. To aid them while arranges for them to come to London and stay with his parents The Duke and Duchess of Langham. This begins the romance between March and Micheal and they both get there needed HEA. I loved these two together. They are the perfect couple.
The only problem I had with this story was I think the Cousin Rupert Lawson and the Accoutant Jameson should have been put in Jail!! What they did to the Lawson siblings was illigel and just plain mean and crule!! I am also, just tired of the Aged Spinister Herione. I would have liked it much better it March had been 20 instead of 25. I am just tired of the Spinister characters.
But I still Highly Recommend The LUck of the Bride!! A definite Re Read for Me!! Very Well Written Story!!
When the Guardian Dies 8 years later there whole life changes and thank goodness it was for the Better!!
Michael Cavensham The Marquess of McCalpin is heir to his fatherthe Duke of Langham. Michael is the Marquess has numerous estate properties and he is very rich. But he has a secret and his brother William is there to cover for him. The brothers are very close and this was a nice feature of the storyline. They protected each other and they loved each other. The whole Cavensham family were very loving, generous and compassion people to be from such a Powerful Rich Duchecy!
Michael is now the new Guardian of the Lawson Siblings Fortune which is substancial. He meets March when he finds out she has been embezzling funds from her trust money by forging his name. The two have sparks flying immedialty. March tries to explane to Michael that her family are living in proverty and have nothing. Michael decides he better check this out. What he finds while visiting them is shocking on how the Lawson's have managed to survive. He immediatly sends a wagon of supplies, food and repairmen to them. To aid them while arranges for them to come to London and stay with his parents The Duke and Duchess of Langham. This begins the romance between March and Micheal and they both get there needed HEA. I loved these two together. They are the perfect couple.
The only problem I had with this story was I think the Cousin Rupert Lawson and the Accoutant Jameson should have been put in Jail!! What they did to the Lawson siblings was illigel and just plain mean and crule!! I am also, just tired of the Aged Spinister Herione. I would have liked it much better it March had been 20 instead of 25. I am just tired of the Spinister characters.
But I still Highly Recommend The LUck of the Bride!! A definite Re Read for Me!! Very Well Written Story!!
September 25, 2021
4,5 - Questa è decisamente una serie in crescendo, quanto a trame e stile, o piuttosto sono io che sto affezionandomi ai personaggi e quindi mi piace leggere cosa accade dopo.
In realtà la coppia principale che appare qui è nuova.
March è una gentildonna che conosciamo a diciassette anni, rimasta orfana dei genitori e con tre fratellini da crescere, alla mercé di tutori ed esecutori testamentari che non offrono alcuno aiuto e lasciano i poveretti nella più completa indigenza.
Senza perdersi d'animo, lei s'inventa contadina e allevatrice per offrire un tetto e cibo per i propri familiari, sino a divenire falsaria per poter attingere alla propria dote vincolata (ed è palese l'assurdità delle usanze del tempo di bloccare i fondi sino al raggiungimento di una certa età o delle nozze, quando una ragazza poteva davvero morire di stenti prima).
Tutto sembra procedere tra mille difficoltà finché subentra un nuovo (affascinante) tutore, marchese ed erede di duchi, che non prende troppo bene la scoperta degli stratagemmi adottati dalla sua protetta. Tuttavia, quando McCalpin conosce finalmente la famigliola, non può chiudere gli occhi e non intervenire per proteggerli.
Diciamo che March e le sue sorelle sono Cenerentole molto speciali, baciate sì dalla fortuna improvvisa, ma sempre consapevoli della propria dignità.
Soprattutto la maggiore è dotata di iniziativa e numerosi talenti, ed è un esempio di una damina che non sa solo ballare e civettare, ma anche arrangiarsi. Non per nulla va subito d'accordo con Emma, la contessa che avevamo conosciuto nel secondo volume e che ha aperto un istituto di credito dedicato a una clientela femminile.
Da parte sua, anche McCalpin ha i suoi segreti e una fragilità molto umana, e a suo modo viene protetto e amato dalla sua famiglia.
Sono una bella coppia e si tifa per loro, tra scontri, scandali e brutte sorprese.
Un ottimo volume che invoglia a proseguire la serie (nel quarto, peraltro, c'è un "lui" che aspetto); menzione speciale anche per le sorelle, per Hart, per la duchessa madre (romanticissima) e per un visconte bambino (adorabile) con un altrettanto adorabile gattone.
In realtà la coppia principale che appare qui è nuova.
March è una gentildonna che conosciamo a diciassette anni, rimasta orfana dei genitori e con tre fratellini da crescere, alla mercé di tutori ed esecutori testamentari che non offrono alcuno aiuto e lasciano i poveretti nella più completa indigenza.
Senza perdersi d'animo, lei s'inventa contadina e allevatrice per offrire un tetto e cibo per i propri familiari, sino a divenire falsaria per poter attingere alla propria dote vincolata (ed è palese l'assurdità delle usanze del tempo di bloccare i fondi sino al raggiungimento di una certa età o delle nozze, quando una ragazza poteva davvero morire di stenti prima).
Tutto sembra procedere tra mille difficoltà finché subentra un nuovo (affascinante) tutore, marchese ed erede di duchi, che non prende troppo bene la scoperta degli stratagemmi adottati dalla sua protetta. Tuttavia, quando McCalpin conosce finalmente la famigliola, non può chiudere gli occhi e non intervenire per proteggerli.
Diciamo che March e le sue sorelle sono Cenerentole molto speciali, baciate sì dalla fortuna improvvisa, ma sempre consapevoli della propria dignità.
Soprattutto la maggiore è dotata di iniziativa e numerosi talenti, ed è un esempio di una damina che non sa solo ballare e civettare, ma anche arrangiarsi. Non per nulla va subito d'accordo con Emma, la contessa che avevamo conosciuto nel secondo volume e che ha aperto un istituto di credito dedicato a una clientela femminile.
Da parte sua, anche McCalpin ha i suoi segreti e una fragilità molto umana, e a suo modo viene protetto e amato dalla sua famiglia.
Sono una bella coppia e si tifa per loro, tra scontri, scandali e brutte sorprese.
Un ottimo volume che invoglia a proseguire la serie (nel quarto, peraltro, c'è un "lui" che aspetto); menzione speciale anche per le sorelle, per Hart, per la duchessa madre (romanticissima) e per un visconte bambino (adorabile) con un altrettanto adorabile gattone.
May 3, 2018
~3.5 stars~
This was a fun yet heart-melting story. I felt sad for March from the start. She’d been down on her luck for the longest and even though it shouldn’t have been like this, her family was about to hit rock bottom. The fact that her family stayed afloat for so long was a statement of how smart she was.
I liked all characters portrayals as they were all defined and complex. I especially liked March’s younger brother, Bennett. His innocence added that dash of humor at the most interesting of times. March and Michael were great as a couple (at least through most of the book and I’ll get to that later.) She was sweet-natured and compassionate, always worrying about her siblings and how she was going to provide for them. Michael was charming and unassuming. It was easy to see why March fell for him.
I dislike storylines that use unpremeditated secrets as another challenge to overcome. In this case, March and Michael had already made promises to each other but the moment such secret came to light, all promises were forgotten and even more drama was added. In addition, Michael’s attitude got me confused as I didn’t understand what exactly he was waiting for to correct his wrongdoings.
In short, it was a good story that will have you tearing up as much as inducing a laugh, and if you don’t mind an excessive amount of purple prose then you will definitely enjoy this book.
** I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher. **
This was a fun yet heart-melting story. I felt sad for March from the start. She’d been down on her luck for the longest and even though it shouldn’t have been like this, her family was about to hit rock bottom. The fact that her family stayed afloat for so long was a statement of how smart she was.
I liked all characters portrayals as they were all defined and complex. I especially liked March’s younger brother, Bennett. His innocence added that dash of humor at the most interesting of times. March and Michael were great as a couple (at least through most of the book and I’ll get to that later.) She was sweet-natured and compassionate, always worrying about her siblings and how she was going to provide for them. Michael was charming and unassuming. It was easy to see why March fell for him.
I dislike storylines that use unpremeditated secrets as another challenge to overcome. In this case, March and Michael had already made promises to each other but the moment such secret came to light, all promises were forgotten and even more drama was added. In addition, Michael’s attitude got me confused as I didn’t understand what exactly he was waiting for to correct his wrongdoings.
In short, it was a good story that will have you tearing up as much as inducing a laugh, and if you don’t mind an excessive amount of purple prose then you will definitely enjoy this book.
** I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher. **
April 30, 2018
This is a historical romance with a strong, determined young lady as the powerful lead character. March Lawson is an orphan who is struggling to care for her younger siblings after the tragic death or their parents eight years ago. They are supposed to have a suitable allowance to help maintain them home and keep them in the style to which nobility expects but their trustee seems reluctant to let them have any monies and March has to do more and more to just keep them fed and safe. She should have been given her own trust funds to manage when she was 25 years old - three months ago. However, the trustee isn’t responding to any communications so she decides to obtain her own money to help keep her siblings safe, warm and fed - she signs instructions for monies to be paid into her account but she signs them as the trustee, Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin. When he discovers what she has been doing he decides to investigate . . .
This is a well crafted story with brilliant characters - some you’ll love and others, well I’d better not type what I’d like to do with them! There’s mystery, intrigue and suspense, threats, danger, lies and disgrace as the story unfolds. There’s also a heartwarming romance that may well bring a tear to your eye as it develops with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you enjoy reading historical romance I recommend you don’t miss this - but keep the tissues handy whilst you read it!
I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
This is a well crafted story with brilliant characters - some you’ll love and others, well I’d better not type what I’d like to do with them! There’s mystery, intrigue and suspense, threats, danger, lies and disgrace as the story unfolds. There’s also a heartwarming romance that may well bring a tear to your eye as it develops with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing. If you enjoy reading historical romance I recommend you don’t miss this - but keep the tissues handy whilst you read it!
I requested and was given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
March 6, 2018
The Luck of the Bride’s synopsis was alluring; I looked forward to the melodrama ready to unfold. Unexpectedly, as my eyes swam through narration, my insides seized. I felt cold; incredulity became my closest relation and horror its cousin.
As the narrator, March, released her inner diatribe for the reader to witness-- in a book set in the earliest parts of the 1800s-- she used the phrase 'aka'. I am now going to stop and let that fact alone stand in for the rest of my inner thoughts and feelings towards this books presence in historical fictional literature.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As the narrator, March, released her inner diatribe for the reader to witness-- in a book set in the earliest parts of the 1800s-- she used the phrase 'aka'. I am now going to stop and let that fact alone stand in for the rest of my inner thoughts and feelings towards this books presence in historical fictional literature.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2018
A heart-warming story of a young girl, March Lawson, who is unexpectedly orphaned and who sacrifices her own happiness to take care of her three younger siblings. She struggles to keep the inheritance in tact for her brother and to provide the opportunity of a London season for her sisters.
With the help of their new guardian will March be able to fulfill their dreams in London and find a piece of happiness for herself?
The characters in this novel are charming and have unusual talents and flaws that will capture your heart. A very enjoyable read!
With the help of their new guardian will March be able to fulfill their dreams in London and find a piece of happiness for herself?
The characters in this novel are charming and have unusual talents and flaws that will capture your heart. A very enjoyable read!
January 21, 2019
The strength of this book is the very likable leads, March and Michael, and their love for their families. There are some predictable aspects of the story, but they are so engaging you want to see them get their happy ending.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
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