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Edenbrooke #0.5-1

Edenbrooke / Heir to Edenbrooke

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This edition pairs the bestselling Edenbrooke with the never-before-published novelette Heir to Edenbrooke, which is the prequel to the story, told from the point-of-view of the dashing suitor of Edenbrooke.

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plan can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne find herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

The prequel novelette, Heir to Edenbrooke, is told from Philip's point-of-view and includes his side of the story of when he met Marianne for the first time.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2017

104 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read

About the author

Julianne Donaldson

14 books4,695 followers
Julianne Donaldson grew up as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. She learned how to ski in the Italian Alps, visited East Berlin before the wall came down, and spent three years living next to a 500-year-old castle. After earning a degree in English, she turned her attention to writing. She writes historical romance when she is not busy with her four young children and husband. Edenbrooke is her first novel.

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5 stars
1,246 (76%)
4 stars
287 (17%)
3 stars
76 (4%)
2 stars
20 (1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
Profile Image for Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽.
1,880 reviews23.3k followers
May 6, 2018
99c Kindle special, May 5, 2018, for this cute, YA Regency romance. If you liked Edenbrooke (or if you generally like sweet, clean Regency romances and are more interested in romance feelz than historical accuracy), grab this Kindle special! It includes the related novelette "Heir to Edenbrooke." Review for both works below:

Edenbrooke is a sweet, unabashedly romantic story set in Regency era England. Marianne Daventry, age 17, has always felt overshadowed by her more confident and more beautiful twin sister Cecily. While Cecily is enjoying the social life in London, Marianne has been rusticating in Bath with their grandmother for the last fourteen months, since their mother died and their father took himself off to France to grieve alone.

Grandmother makes an unexpected offer to make Marianne her heir, to the tune of 40,000 pounds, if Marianne can learn to "behave like an elegant young lady." That's a big "if." Grandmother is fed up with Marianne's running around outdoors and ignoring social rules. In what may or may not be a coincidence, Marianne gets an invitation to go to the Wyndham family's estate, Edenbrooke, to visit their mother's old friend and her family, along with Cecily, who has befriended the family's daughter, Louisa Wyndham. Marianne's delighted to escape Bath and see her sister again.

On the way to Edenbrooke, a highwayman stops their carriage, ordering Marianne to come out. They escape after Marianne's maid Betsy takes a shot at the masked man and he disappears, but not before he shoots their coachman. They seek help at a nearby inn, where Marianne insults, but then befriends, a handsome young man named Philip ... who turns out to be part of the Wyndham family. But Marianne can't decide if he really likes her or is just flirting, and in any case she's unsure of her own feelings. Other complications ensue, and so the fun begins.

If you like your Regency romances light, squeaky clean and swooningly romantic, and aren't much of a stickler for authenticity, this is a book for you. Marianne is a brave and kindhearted heroine but - fair warning here - she can be a silly young girl at times. It's a little eye-rolling when she (a) twirls for joy (which luckily only happens two or three times), and (b) is so blind when it comes to relationships that she can't see her nose in front of her face. But she does have her moments; her initial, well-deserved insult to Philip is one.

Philip, though. Handsome, teasing, romantic, dedicated, buff, extremely likeable ... and he has a wicked smile. If I'm making a list of my favorite book boyfriends, he's definitely in the top 10!

Edenbrooke gets four stars from me not because it's great or deep literature but because it's such a fun, sweet read, with some unexpected humor and a romance that really sucked me in, which is all it's trying to be.

The novelette "Heir to Edenbrooke" is pretty much for Edenbrooke fans only. The first half of this novelette gives us some background into Philip's life before he meets Marianne (including his meetings with Marianne's twin Cecily during the London season). The second half is the story of Philip's first meeting with Marianne at the inn, where the same exact story that's in Edenbrooke gets retold from Philip's point of view.

Fans of the novel will enjoy seeing what's going on in Philip's mind during all of these events. It was mildly fun but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone but fans, and even if you're a fan I wouldn't recommend paying more than a dollar or two for it. Since I got it thrown in with the novel for a total of 99c, I can't complain!
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,158 reviews702 followers
August 1, 2018
I received this collectors edition as a gift, it is really a beautiful book and one I proudly have out on my shelf. I have been in a regency kick lately and decided last night to curl up and read this one again. I fell in love all over again. Such a sweet story, swoony romance, beautiful setting, memorable characters and all around wonderful regency. Highly recommend to everyone!
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews583 followers
October 10, 2017
I just got my hands on this beauty today! I love it! As much as I adore my well-read paperback version of Edenbrooke and it's lovely cover, this gorgeous hardcover comes with the companion novella Heir to Edenbrooke. Here are my reviews for both stories...

Edenbrooke:
Words cannot express how much I adore this book. I totally relate to Marianne, her insecurities and strengths, and Phillip is the perfect hero in my mind. The romantic tension is off the hook. I can't count how many times I've read it (especially my favorite parts).

Heir to Edenbrooke:
I absolutely adore Edenbrooke, and to have a novella from the hero's perspective is a dream come true :) I loved the insights it gives into Phillip's life before he meets Marianne, and it helped me more understand him and his actions in Edenbrooke. Of course I wish there was more of him and Marianne together from his point of view, but I think it's pretty perfect for what it is. My imagination can fill in the rest ;)
Profile Image for Laura.
622 reviews135 followers
November 3, 2017
Edenbrooke makes a wonderful comfort read. I enjoyed it even more the second time through. It's fun to laugh with a book; I lost count of all the goofy grins I know I had on my face while I reread these pages. That wicked, wicked man!



Profile Image for Anna Woolley.
13 reviews
July 15, 2021
I have stayed up into unholy hours to read this book over and over. It had literally captured my heart. It had me bound so tightly that page 224 to the end of the chapter makes my heart pound like Marianne’s. 100% recommend 😊
Profile Image for Courtney | Bookish Beach Babe.
490 reviews54 followers
February 21, 2023
Reread: February 2023

I think Edenbrooke was even better the second time around — maybe it’s because I already knew the outcome?! But gahhhh, just the way this story plays out is the reason I love books. This book is such a roller coaster of emotions. Philip is an absolute cinnamon roll of a hero. His feelings are so tangible, but it’s hard for Marianne to see those feelings as she always feels unwanted and puts her twin sister first…I mean, come on! How can your heart not break for her!? The way these two interact…ugh the banter and sweetness…just keeps you coming back for more. You end up living for their shared moments. And this story is so wholesome, but the chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥 — it’s truly a work of art. Add in some unexpected action here and there and this is the perfect book. READ IT. If you haven’t tried historical romance, this is the perfect story to get your feet wet!!

Also, Philip’s POV?! 😭😭😭
227 reviews
April 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, zero spice
Read Edenbrooke last May 2023 and loved it. Philip and Marianne (MMC , FMC) are ❤️❤️❤️. Decided to read this collector’s edition this year. It includes the prequel novella, Heir to Edenbrooke, told from Philips POV. Loved the novella too.
Profile Image for ECD.
212 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2024
Enthusiastic 5⭐️! I loved this book. It is the second book I’ve read by this author and she does not disappoint. No spice, just a fun and sweet story of two people falling in love with some obstacles. The most annoying of them being the FMC, Marianne being a bit clueless, followed by her sister Cecily having called dibs on the MMC Phillip. I loved Marianne and Phillip as characters. My only complaint with this book, other than an over the top plot twist, was the lack of time seeing the couple happy together at the end. The story builds deliciously from friends to more than friends but then ends promptly. I feel cheated and want more time with the MCs together as a couple. I want to see the HEA payout. I don’t mean spice, just give me an epilogue or a wedding day scene so I can bask in their happiness for a minute.

My edition of this book had a short prequel/novelette from the MMCs point of view that covers how he became the heir and also his first meeting with the FMC. It was nice for character building to see what his life was like before inheriting. I also enjoyed his state of mind when he met the FMC and his thinking as events played out. Phillip was likable enough that I really enjoyed his POV. Again I wish this prequel was longer or more specifically I would’ve enjoyed seeing more of the key scenes from his POV.

I will definitely read whatever Julianne Donaldson writes next. But please someone tell her to give fans more epilogue or time for the couple to be happy together at the end of the book. That would make this a perfect comfort read. 🥰
Profile Image for Richelle .
410 reviews33 followers
January 20, 2020
❤❤❤❤❤I've lost count of how many times I've read and reread this story. It is one of my absolute favorite stories. This is such a genuinely sweet and authentic coming together of two hearts and souls. I love seeing Phillip's mask that he's perfected melt away with Marianne's genuineness, and for all that Marianne has lost and endured, her HEA is so well deserved.

Romance - Sweet and Clean 🥰
Language - None
Violence - Mild
Recommendation - High
Reread - Absolutely
Profile Image for Brooke.
467 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It has just the right amount of everything your looking for in a book.
Profile Image for Emma | meadowroselibrary.
214 reviews25 followers
May 21, 2025
"...𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦'𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦...𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘢𝘮..."

I think I will forever hold this book in my heart now. 😭 Books like this one is what reminds me how much I love regency. And I've had some favorites, but this one just topped them all. 🩷

I immediately fell in love with the setting...it's full of summer vibes, and beautiful England countryside. You can just picture every bit of it, feel all the emotions of the characters, laugh with them, cry with them. And I just gets sweeter as it goes on. 🩷 I don't want to give out any spoilers, but I really didn't like Marianne's sister, Cecily, at first...but by the end, she brought tears to my eyes with her kindness and thoughtfulness towards Marianne. 🥰

It's so hard to find the words for a book that is just utterly perfect...so I recommend you just read it for yourself, I can't imagine anyone not loving this one. 🩷
Profile Image for Macy’s Bookcase.
40 reviews
February 26, 2025
I DON’T HAVE THE WORDS OH MY GOODNESS

Ok, so I borrowed this book from my friend, and I loved it so much that I had to buy the collectors edition!!! Oh my gosh it was so good!!! 😊🌷

I love books like this. Just look at my tbr list!! 1800s proper romance is just the best. Dresses and suites and beautiful beyond beautiful places, oh my gosh I didn’t want to put it down.

I just need to read the bit at the end from Philip’s point of view!!

Wish I could give it more stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


🌷🌷🌷Edit after reading the part from Philip’s point of view🌷🌷🌷

Oh my gosh. I started reading the part from Philip’s POV because I lost my book, and I couldn’t stop!!! It was amazing. So beautiful.
Profile Image for Georgie.
101 reviews50 followers
January 26, 2021
Oh where to start? This book is pure joy to me. I laughed, cringed and teared up reading this. This is the perfect proper romance book, perfection 😍 I'll definitely be re-reading this in the future❤ I loved the addition of Heir to Edenbrooke as well, giving you insight to Philips mind.
It's nice to read a story that just makes you happy.
Highly recommend 🥰
Profile Image for Brinley Carlson.
72 reviews
February 12, 2024
Loved it. Love love loved it. It was so sweet and pure and left me feeling so happy. Couldn’t recommend this book enough!
Profile Image for Amie.
455 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2020
Sometimes you just need a predicable, fluffy romance novel. Young, lovely, obtuse heroines and strong, handsome, love interests.
Profile Image for Valerie.
2,106 reviews7 followers
December 1, 2023
Perfectly fun and exciting and romantic. I love these characters and would love to read more of their story. So happy for the inclusion of the Heir to Edenbrooke novelette told from Phillip’s point of view. This is a great read!
Profile Image for Suzanna.
450 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2020
Just re-read this one... and I love it just as much as I did the first time. It's so good and this edition had Heir to Edenbrooke as well. I'm increasing my original rating from 4 to 5 stars because I loved reading the short Heir to Edenbrooke for insight into Philips' background and thoughts when he first met Marianne. Super fun seeing his point of view. Reading an old favorite was a great way to start off my reading for 2020.
Profile Image for Daisy Dandelion.
765 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2019
I had read Edenbrooke before, but since I wanted to read the little prequel as well, I reread it (after all, they came in the same book!).
It was just as good as the first time!
If you've never read a Regence Era novel before, this is the one to try.
Profile Image for Alantie.
259 reviews
April 15, 2023
It’s not the first time I’ve read this book, but it is the first time I’ve read this particular edition, and the bonus novella told from the leading man’s POV. I tried to reason with myself that I didn’t need another copy of this book but since I didn’t have one with the novella I decided to go for it anyway. It is a pretty edition and hardcover so it will definitely last.

Edenbrooke is delightful, a warm, sweet romance in a Regency setting, what’s not to like? The story is fairly compelling and the main character Marianne has a lot to deal with from being constantly outshined by her twin sister, her mother’s death, her father’s absence, and feeling unwanted wherever she goes. Oh, and the dashing, handsome, teasing Phillip too, of course. It’s a very emotional read, and one of my favorite Regency romances.

The Heir to Edenbrooke novella adds some new layers to the original story, mostly in understanding Phillip a little better. It’s in some ways a lot more sober than Edenbrooke, but considering the subject matter it makes sense. It’s a nice addition to the original story, and helps flesh Phillip and his family a bit more.
Profile Image for cathleen ッ.
116 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2021
“I hope you do not let anyone else's expectations direct the course of your life.”


[ 4.00 / 5.00 stars ]

My only problem with this book is that it's too perfect. I was looking for a palette cleanser after the damage that my previously read book left me. And I sort of wanted to rekindle my fondness over regency romances a.k.a the genre that dragged me into reading in the first place.

And by all means, this was surprising. Not only because of the plot which was solidly packed but also just the dynamics between the two main lead. For a regency romance, it wasn't smutty. It was very subtle on that regard and I did enjoy it. It just bothered me a little that Marianne is literally 17 and Philip's age was never revealed (or maybe it was I just wasn't paying attention). But that's how society rolled back then so okay I guess.

It's sweet, innocent, and swoony. What else could you possibly want?

07 08 21
Profile Image for Everlinet.
321 reviews
August 10, 2022
Honestly such an adorable regency romance! This vibe was just what I needed. Perfectly written romance full of naivity, misunderstandigns and surprisingly a bit of action, too. So sweet and right up my alley, as I adore regency period so much.
I would not compare it to the queen Austen, but I could see that the author really understand what made Austen´s novels so unique and fun, and took some inspiration from her to write this romance. Annoying characters, naivity, the "everyone knows you love each other but you two" trope, which I love. The main character was relatable to me. Funny, cute, full of heart.
Profile Image for Victoria.
113 reviews
July 23, 2025
Edenbrook was a reread for me and I loved it just as much as the first time!

This edition however, contains a short story from Phillip’s POV that takes place before the events of Edenbrook that I hadn’t read before. I liked it, but in my opinion it wasn’t as well written as the main story. It felt like it was a draft that hadn’t been fully edited yet. It also made me wonder why some of these details were never mentioned in Edenbrook - like Phillip’s time in military service and the details of his relationship with his older brother. Either way it was still nice to get to know Phillip a little more.
Profile Image for Morgan.
195 reviews42 followers
July 26, 2019
I needed a mindless yet enjoyable beach read, and "Edenbrooke" delivered. I knew from the first chapter what would happen in the end, but I reveled in the silly romance anyway. It was lots of fun to read a modern-day regency novel. Donaldson is certainly no Austen, but I don't think she was really trying to be, either. And admittedly, I was glad when I realized "Heir to Edenbrooke" was included in my library copy and I could just continue the story for a smidge longer, even though it wasn't great. Not a mind-blowing piece of literature, for sure, but certainly lots fun.
Profile Image for M.
136 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2021
5.

This is a work of art. I've never enjoyed a book for its entirety before.
The characters are also built to perfection, there was nothing that made me dislike or get annoyed at the characters besides from her implying that Philip was her happiness, but I get it, it's focusing on their love.
But dam the challenges she faces on a interpersonal level was extremely relateable. So I was completely able to empathise the characters, honestly making me cry.

Love this so much.
Profile Image for McKenna R.
531 reviews57 followers
April 23, 2022
Wanted: one good-hearted, handsome, witty gentleman who will love me instantly and unconditionally. British, titled, and wealthy not required but considered a strong plus.

Just for the record: Edenbrooke—as good as ever. Every time I read it I’m like “I bet I’m exaggerating how much I love this book” and nope, no I am not.

Also, this was my first time reading Heir to Edenbrooke and I really liked it. It gives some great insight into Phillip’s character, although in future I could see myself skimming through the beginning of it and mostly reading on from where Phillip and Marianne meet, because that’s when it’s really good. But also I’ve always loved split perspective love stories, and same scenes told from multiple points of view, so this is not surprising.
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
481 reviews437 followers
March 7, 2018
I loved it! I loved it! I LOVED it!

I want this story & world to be real or last forever.

The romance was amazing and pure and lovely and wonderful and YES it was grand!

Overall it was a 5/5 for me! Thank you to all who recommended this to me. ❤️ I now recommend this to everyone who hasn’t read it!
Profile Image for Lindsay Ercanbrack.
322 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2023
It’s been years since I read this, and I still love it! I hadn’t read Phillip’s back story, so that was a fun little addition this time. Every time I’m done with a proper romance, it gives me another reminder that I’ve got to make it to England before too long. So much to see!

Melinda + Phillip forever.
Profile Image for Lois.
96 reviews8 followers
February 15, 2018
I read it flipping pages back and forth between his and Marianne’s thoughts. It was actually more fun that way. I felt like it was much too short. I wanted to read more! I wanted to read the whole of “Edenbrooke” in Philip’s version.
Profile Image for Jenna Strong.
32 reviews
May 14, 2024
This will forever be my favorite book. Edenbrooke is such a feel good, happy story. I love Marianne and Phillip’s banter and the way their friendship develops through the story. This book always makes me swoon!
5 stars 10/10 honestly the best book over ever read!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
338 reviews
April 10, 2019
This is one of my all time favorite books. I love that this edition has both Edenbrooke and Heir to Edenbrooke so that I can read them together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews

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