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The Regency Brides Collection
A reissue of the original edition published by Barbour Books (Uhrichsville, Ohio. 2017).
971 pages, Library Binding
First published November 1, 2017
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About the author
Michelle Griep
42 books2,607 followersI hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 11, 2017
Romance? Check! Regency period? Check! Christian authors? Check! Well, then…. How could I possibly pass this one up? Not to mention that Michelle Griep and MaryLu Tyndall are two of my top five favorite authors!
The Regency Brides Collection: 7 Romances Set in England During the Early Nineteenth Century (2017, Barbour) is an anthology of novellas in the Christian Regency romance genre. As of this review, it's not listed on Goodreads' list of books in Barbour's Bride Collections Series , but Ms. Griep kindly confirmed for me that it is part of the series.
********************
Overall rating: 4.6 stars (I always round down for GR.)
(4.5+5+4.5+4.5+4.5+4.5+5)/7 =about 4.6
*All novellas in this collection are all set in Regency England and are very clean/chaste.
Be warned: this is a very long review, because I've given an individual review for each of the seven novellas. Please feel free to skim for the information you’re looking for! Barbour, if you're reading this, please allow the stories to be listed individually on Goodreads! These collections mess up my alphabetical reading scheme! ;-)
********************
Novella #1: 4.5 stars
First Comes Marriage (2017) by Amanda Barratt,
set in London, England in June 1811 (and then three years later)
The heroine: Charity Stanwood, 17, "found herself under the spell of Percy Browne." While at Vauxhall Gardens, Percy brings her to a secluded area and begins kissing her (with her consent). They're spotted by "London's most notorious gossipmonger" and … surprise, surprise… "Percy, her dashing soldier hero, had disappeared," leaving Charity's reputation in shreds.
The hero: Luke Warren, 22, newly the captain of his own ship, is due to be at sea the following morning. His father comes to him with the astonishing news that his family has "run into some difficulties." Charity's father, to whose bank Luke's father owes much money, has "offered to pay the debt out of his own pocket, in full" in return for Luke marrying Charity… in two hours. Luke does it resentfully. And then walks out of the wedding.
Christian elements: Charity and Luke both have some growing that they need to experience, and separately, during the three years following the wedding, they each mature and grow close to the Lord. "...it seemed hard to believe that he, a man who had never considered God as more than a crutch to provide comfort for the less fortunate, had given over his life in full surrender to the will of Someone greater than himself."
What I liked: Ms. Barratt realistically showed the consequences of Luke being gone for three years with no word to anyone. Also, the overall plot was wonderful.
What I didn’t like: There is some language in the Vauxhall scene which I don't appreciate in a Christian story. "The barest inhale [of Percy's scent] was enough to send scorching heat eddying through her body." "Scorching heat eddying"?!?
***********
Novella #2: 5 stars
Masquerade Melody (2017) by Angela Bell,
set in Brighton, England in June 1819
The heroine: Lady Adelaide Langley's father passed away two years ago, and her uncle now owns her home. Her uncle offered her the position of companion to her cousin Lydia, and Adelaide accepted because it was her father's wish and because she wanted to remain in her home. Unfortunately, Lydia holds Adelaide's position over her head. "...Father might dismiss you as my lady's companion…" Lydia feels like a blend of Lydia Bennet (from Pride and Prejudice ) and one of the wicked stepsisters in Cinderella.
The hero: Colonel Lord Walter Marlowe, Marquess of Glenmire - that's a mouthful - is at the Prince Regent's Royal Pavilion for the upcoming festivities, which is where Lady Adelaide and Lady Lydia are headed. The prince wishes him to compose an aria to be performed. But Walter lost his will to compose at the Battle of Waterloo.
Christian elements: Adelaide relies on God in her difficult situation, though a tragedy of sorts led to a loss of "a piece of her faith." Walter, on the other hand, feels that God abandoned him and his brother.
What I liked: I loved the overall musical theme. It was well done. The description of the Royal Pavilion was wonderful to read! This is something I've never read in a Regency before.
What I didn’t like: Sometimes, a male is used as a chaperone for a man and a woman. I don't think this would have been acceptable. Granted, there was some secrecy in this case, so they were limited in their resources, but to be historically accurate, the story should have at least commented on the issue, I think. I'd take off a quarter of a star for this, but I don't do things by quarters.
********************
Novella #3: 4.5 stars
Three Little Matchmakers (2017) by Susanne Dietze,
The summer of 1817 in Staffordshire, England
The heroine: Caroline Dempsey, 27, has always admired and loved Henry Graves, the future Earl of Marsden. She grew up near Marsden Hall as the vicar's daughter, and was a playmate to Henry and his deceased sister Esther. She is now the governess of Esther's three children - who have come to Marsden to live there. (Note the title of the story!)
The hero: Henry Graves, 30, master of Marsden Hall, is newly the guardian of his sister's three children. Henry was great fun when he and Caro were growing up together, but is now "stoic as stone, just as the gossips claimed." He changed much eight years ago after "his unfortunate incident in London."
Christian elements: Several prayers are in the story. "God, if You hear me, help me remain as calm as possible." "Lord, help." And others. There's also an interesting discussion about whether God approves corporal punishment.
What I liked: The three children were wonderful, felt authentic, and repeatedly amused me! The author wrote that she based them off the antics of three children she knows. My favorite description of one of the children's antics: "Rupert pretended to fall so he could roll down a small knoll, staining his nankeen pantaloons." And the actual writing delighted me repeatedly. "They [Henry's wards] were a gift as much as a responsibility."
What I didn’t like: There were a few times that a word felt wrong to me, or at the very least, odd.
********************
Novella #4: 4.5 stars
The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady (2017) by Michelle Griep,
Cornwall, England, 1815
The heroine: Helen Fletcher, of late a governess in Ireland, is returning to England by ship because of her father's failing health. On the point of reaching land, the ship is boarded by smugglers.
The hero: Issac Seaton is stealing back something that belongs to him, which makes him not quite the typical smuggler. He and his band of men have been boarding various ships to take what rightfully belongs to Seaton, and nothing more. This time, on his very last raid, he takes one thing more: Helen. The possible outcomes for Helen under the circumstances are not safe, and so he kidnaps her to in order to protect her. The oblivious Helen is not pleased.
Christian elements: "Thank God this was his last raid." "I know in my head God is always present, but in my heart? I cannot credit it." "Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything… even in man."
What I liked: I really liked the basic plot of the story. I'm sure it's a challenge to create a hero that seems like a villian..
What I didn’t like:
*"It would be wrong to lie -- but just as devious to reveal…." Truth-telling is a sticking point for me and I think this should have been worded a bit more carefully.
*The hero looks forward to "drinking a glass of Madeira." While this may be period appropriate, I think it's better not to include alcohol in Christian fiction.
********************
Novella #5: 4.5 stars
When I Saw His Face (2017) by Nancy Moser,
Chancebury, England in 1807
The heroine: 41-year-old Esther Horton has raised her thoughtless stepdaughter alone since she became a widow six years ago, and she now gladly has an empty nest. She's been living in Chancebury for eighteen years and owns the local pie shop. Now romance is going to come her way.
Christian elements: "Esther had done her best… but had cried herself to sleep on many a night, praying for wisdom, patience, and peace."
What I liked: This bit of advice: "If you don't love him, tell him so. Don't be cruel and leave him hanging." I have occasionally come across people who date "just because," while feeling that they are definitely not open to the possibility of marrying in the future. This is particularly horrible when only ONE person in a couple has this perspective. Such casual dating can be incredibly damaging.
What I didn’t like: I disliked some of Esther's choices, but thankfully there were some natural consequences -as well as grace given- so that turned out fine.
********************
Novella #6: 4.5 stars
The Highwayman's Bargain (2017) by MaryLu Tyndall,
Hertfordshire, England, 1811
The heroine: Sophia Crew, 21, is about to make a huge transition from "the daughter of a poor yeoman farmer to the wife of a nobleman, from a life of hard work to one of ease." However, she feels "as though she'd eaten rocks that morning instead of oatmeal." Sophia needs this marriage to secure better medical care for her mother. However, "every memory of her childhood included Nash," "the son of a gentleman farmer whose land bordered theirs."
The hero: Nash, who is NOT the second son of Lord Henley, to whom she is engaged to be married. He's the "boy who had proposed to her six years ago and who, after she had rejected him, had joined as East Indiaman, never to return."
Christian elements: Sophia's father quotes a favorite verse: “I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Sophia "envied his [her father's] strong faith in God, his belief that all things worked for good for God's people."
What I liked:
*The scenes depicting the sights of London and the inclusion bits about the customs of a masked ball
*The dialogue between the hero and heroine, especially at the end
What I didn’t like:
*“Stolen eggs taste far better."
*"...but the warmth of her body pressed so tightly against his chest…"
*In a Christian book, "Heaven's mercy" would be better off as something else. It feels like the equivalent of the expression "OMG."
*A lie by the hero
*********************
Novella #7: 5 stars
Jamie Ever After (2017) by Erica Vetsch,
London in 1813
The heroine: Lady Jamesina (Jamie) Everard and Polly Crofton are about to be brought out at the same time at their debut ball, courtesy of Polly's brother William Crofton, the Earl of Beckenham. On the morning of their ball, the ladies go rowing together on the St. James Canal and suffer a leak!
The hero: William's left hand and arm became deformed during the war, and he is "painfully conscious" of it. Jamie is of course, aware of the state of his hand, but does not treat him differently because of it. At the ball, William endures "the looks and deliberate 'not-looks.'" How very realistic that sounds!
Christian elements: "...No lesson learned was wasted and she'd just have to see what God had in store for her." "How immense the sea is, and how small I am, and yet, God is bigger than the sea and he still sees me."
What I liked: I loved the relationship between the hero and heroine. And I thought Ms. Vetsch did a masterful job of showing the two points-of-view and making them both relatable.
What I didn’t like: I thought the title was strange, but I won't be lowering the rating for that.
*********************
The bottom line: For those who like Christian (or traditional) Regency romances, this is a great collection. I consider all the stories to be excellent and the Christian element to be light. There are maybe a dozen errors I found in the advanced reader copy I received from Barbour, which may or may not have been fixed in the first edition.
Update: I forgot to mention that I got this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
The Regency Brides Collection: 7 Romances Set in England During the Early Nineteenth Century (2017, Barbour) is an anthology of novellas in the Christian Regency romance genre. As of this review, it's not listed on Goodreads' list of books in Barbour's Bride Collections Series , but Ms. Griep kindly confirmed for me that it is part of the series.
********************
Overall rating: 4.6 stars (I always round down for GR.)
(4.5+5+4.5+4.5+4.5+4.5+5)/7 =about 4.6
*All novellas in this collection are all set in Regency England and are very clean/chaste.
Be warned: this is a very long review, because I've given an individual review for each of the seven novellas. Please feel free to skim for the information you’re looking for! Barbour, if you're reading this, please allow the stories to be listed individually on Goodreads! These collections mess up my alphabetical reading scheme! ;-)
********************
Novella #1: 4.5 stars
First Comes Marriage (2017) by Amanda Barratt,
set in London, England in June 1811 (and then three years later)
The heroine: Charity Stanwood, 17, "found herself under the spell of Percy Browne." While at Vauxhall Gardens, Percy brings her to a secluded area and begins kissing her (with her consent). They're spotted by "London's most notorious gossipmonger" and … surprise, surprise… "Percy, her dashing soldier hero, had disappeared," leaving Charity's reputation in shreds.
The hero: Luke Warren, 22, newly the captain of his own ship, is due to be at sea the following morning. His father comes to him with the astonishing news that his family has "run into some difficulties." Charity's father, to whose bank Luke's father owes much money, has "offered to pay the debt out of his own pocket, in full" in return for Luke marrying Charity… in two hours. Luke does it resentfully. And then walks out of the wedding.
Christian elements: Charity and Luke both have some growing that they need to experience, and separately, during the three years following the wedding, they each mature and grow close to the Lord. "...it seemed hard to believe that he, a man who had never considered God as more than a crutch to provide comfort for the less fortunate, had given over his life in full surrender to the will of Someone greater than himself."
What I liked: Ms. Barratt realistically showed the consequences of Luke being gone for three years with no word to anyone. Also, the overall plot was wonderful.
What I didn’t like: There is some language in the Vauxhall scene which I don't appreciate in a Christian story. "The barest inhale [of Percy's scent] was enough to send scorching heat eddying through her body." "Scorching heat eddying"?!?
***********
Novella #2: 5 stars
Masquerade Melody (2017) by Angela Bell,
set in Brighton, England in June 1819
The heroine: Lady Adelaide Langley's father passed away two years ago, and her uncle now owns her home. Her uncle offered her the position of companion to her cousin Lydia, and Adelaide accepted because it was her father's wish and because she wanted to remain in her home. Unfortunately, Lydia holds Adelaide's position over her head. "...Father might dismiss you as my lady's companion…" Lydia feels like a blend of Lydia Bennet (from Pride and Prejudice ) and one of the wicked stepsisters in Cinderella.
The hero: Colonel Lord Walter Marlowe, Marquess of Glenmire - that's a mouthful - is at the Prince Regent's Royal Pavilion for the upcoming festivities, which is where Lady Adelaide and Lady Lydia are headed. The prince wishes him to compose an aria to be performed. But Walter lost his will to compose at the Battle of Waterloo.
Christian elements: Adelaide relies on God in her difficult situation, though a tragedy of sorts led to a loss of "a piece of her faith." Walter, on the other hand, feels that God abandoned him and his brother.
What I liked: I loved the overall musical theme. It was well done. The description of the Royal Pavilion was wonderful to read! This is something I've never read in a Regency before.
What I didn’t like: Sometimes, a male is used as a chaperone for a man and a woman. I don't think this would have been acceptable. Granted, there was some secrecy in this case, so they were limited in their resources, but to be historically accurate, the story should have at least commented on the issue, I think. I'd take off a quarter of a star for this, but I don't do things by quarters.
********************
Novella #3: 4.5 stars
Three Little Matchmakers (2017) by Susanne Dietze,
The summer of 1817 in Staffordshire, England
The heroine: Caroline Dempsey, 27, has always admired and loved Henry Graves, the future Earl of Marsden. She grew up near Marsden Hall as the vicar's daughter, and was a playmate to Henry and his deceased sister Esther. She is now the governess of Esther's three children - who have come to Marsden to live there. (Note the title of the story!)
The hero: Henry Graves, 30, master of Marsden Hall, is newly the guardian of his sister's three children. Henry was great fun when he and Caro were growing up together, but is now "stoic as stone, just as the gossips claimed." He changed much eight years ago after "his unfortunate incident in London."
Christian elements: Several prayers are in the story. "God, if You hear me, help me remain as calm as possible." "Lord, help." And others. There's also an interesting discussion about whether God approves corporal punishment.
What I liked: The three children were wonderful, felt authentic, and repeatedly amused me! The author wrote that she based them off the antics of three children she knows. My favorite description of one of the children's antics: "Rupert pretended to fall so he could roll down a small knoll, staining his nankeen pantaloons." And the actual writing delighted me repeatedly. "They [Henry's wards] were a gift as much as a responsibility."
What I didn’t like: There were a few times that a word felt wrong to me, or at the very least, odd.
********************
Novella #4: 4.5 stars
The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady (2017) by Michelle Griep,
Cornwall, England, 1815
The heroine: Helen Fletcher, of late a governess in Ireland, is returning to England by ship because of her father's failing health. On the point of reaching land, the ship is boarded by smugglers.
The hero: Issac Seaton is stealing back something that belongs to him, which makes him not quite the typical smuggler. He and his band of men have been boarding various ships to take what rightfully belongs to Seaton, and nothing more. This time, on his very last raid, he takes one thing more: Helen. The possible outcomes for Helen under the circumstances are not safe, and so he kidnaps her to in order to protect her. The oblivious Helen is not pleased.
Christian elements: "Thank God this was his last raid." "I know in my head God is always present, but in my heart? I cannot credit it." "Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything… even in man."
What I liked: I really liked the basic plot of the story. I'm sure it's a challenge to create a hero that seems like a villian..
What I didn’t like:
*"It would be wrong to lie -- but just as devious to reveal…." Truth-telling is a sticking point for me and I think this should have been worded a bit more carefully.
*The hero looks forward to "drinking a glass of Madeira." While this may be period appropriate, I think it's better not to include alcohol in Christian fiction.
********************
Novella #5: 4.5 stars
When I Saw His Face (2017) by Nancy Moser,
Chancebury, England in 1807
The heroine: 41-year-old Esther Horton has raised her thoughtless stepdaughter alone since she became a widow six years ago, and she now gladly has an empty nest. She's been living in Chancebury for eighteen years and owns the local pie shop. Now romance is going to come her way.
Christian elements: "Esther had done her best… but had cried herself to sleep on many a night, praying for wisdom, patience, and peace."
What I liked: This bit of advice: "If you don't love him, tell him so. Don't be cruel and leave him hanging." I have occasionally come across people who date "just because," while feeling that they are definitely not open to the possibility of marrying in the future. This is particularly horrible when only ONE person in a couple has this perspective. Such casual dating can be incredibly damaging.
What I didn’t like: I disliked some of Esther's choices, but thankfully there were some natural consequences -as well as grace given- so that turned out fine.
********************
Novella #6: 4.5 stars
The Highwayman's Bargain (2017) by MaryLu Tyndall,
Hertfordshire, England, 1811
The heroine: Sophia Crew, 21, is about to make a huge transition from "the daughter of a poor yeoman farmer to the wife of a nobleman, from a life of hard work to one of ease." However, she feels "as though she'd eaten rocks that morning instead of oatmeal." Sophia needs this marriage to secure better medical care for her mother. However, "every memory of her childhood included Nash," "the son of a gentleman farmer whose land bordered theirs."
The hero: Nash, who is NOT the second son of Lord Henley, to whom she is engaged to be married. He's the "boy who had proposed to her six years ago and who, after she had rejected him, had joined as East Indiaman, never to return."
Christian elements: Sophia's father quotes a favorite verse: “I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Sophia "envied his [her father's] strong faith in God, his belief that all things worked for good for God's people."
What I liked:
*The scenes depicting the sights of London and the inclusion bits about the customs of a masked ball
*The dialogue between the hero and heroine, especially at the end
What I didn’t like:
*“Stolen eggs taste far better."
*"...but the warmth of her body pressed so tightly against his chest…"
*In a Christian book, "Heaven's mercy" would be better off as something else. It feels like the equivalent of the expression "OMG."
*A lie by the hero
*********************
Novella #7: 5 stars
Jamie Ever After (2017) by Erica Vetsch,
London in 1813
The heroine: Lady Jamesina (Jamie) Everard and Polly Crofton are about to be brought out at the same time at their debut ball, courtesy of Polly's brother William Crofton, the Earl of Beckenham. On the morning of their ball, the ladies go rowing together on the St. James Canal and suffer a leak!
The hero: William's left hand and arm became deformed during the war, and he is "painfully conscious" of it. Jamie is of course, aware of the state of his hand, but does not treat him differently because of it. At the ball, William endures "the looks and deliberate 'not-looks.'" How very realistic that sounds!
Christian elements: "...No lesson learned was wasted and she'd just have to see what God had in store for her." "How immense the sea is, and how small I am, and yet, God is bigger than the sea and he still sees me."
What I liked: I loved the relationship between the hero and heroine. And I thought Ms. Vetsch did a masterful job of showing the two points-of-view and making them both relatable.
What I didn’t like: I thought the title was strange, but I won't be lowering the rating for that.
*********************
The bottom line: For those who like Christian (or traditional) Regency romances, this is a great collection. I consider all the stories to be excellent and the Christian element to be light. There are maybe a dozen errors I found in the advanced reader copy I received from Barbour, which may or may not have been fixed in the first edition.
Update: I forgot to mention that I got this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
March 18, 2018
4.5
"And this was the woman he'd forsaken after their wedding?" - First Comes Marriage
"If you let that songbird fly away, you'll never get her back." - Masquerade Melody
"We were duped into participating in yet another matchmaking scheme." - Three Little Matchmakers
"Pretend that I am brave. Pretend that fear is strength." - The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady
"Perhaps God is answering my 'what now' question?" - When I Saw His Face
"I knew of no other way to stop you from making the gravest error of your life." - The Highwayman's Bargain
"The idea of the Marriage Mart was distasteful, but it seemed there would be no escape for him." - Jamie Ever After
Seven delightful novellas joined by a common thread; loving and being loved during the early nineteenth century was more than complicated, but just as satisfying in the end.
"And this was the woman he'd forsaken after their wedding?" - First Comes Marriage
"If you let that songbird fly away, you'll never get her back." - Masquerade Melody
"We were duped into participating in yet another matchmaking scheme." - Three Little Matchmakers
"Pretend that I am brave. Pretend that fear is strength." - The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady
"Perhaps God is answering my 'what now' question?" - When I Saw His Face
"I knew of no other way to stop you from making the gravest error of your life." - The Highwayman's Bargain
"The idea of the Marriage Mart was distasteful, but it seemed there would be no escape for him." - Jamie Ever After
Seven delightful novellas joined by a common thread; loving and being loved during the early nineteenth century was more than complicated, but just as satisfying in the end.
October 15, 2017
Even if I weren't an author in this collection, I'd still give this beauty a 5-star review. Why? Because Regency, romance, intrigue . . . do you need any more reasons than that?
October 21, 2017
I didn’t realize, when I picked this up for review, that it was published by an evangelical Christian publisher (Barbour Books). Their mission statement is ‘to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses’.
Now, there is a huge market out there for Christian romance. That audience… generally does not include me. While I was raised a Protestant, and I do still believe in God, organized religion isn’t something I care for.
Nonetheless, I’m no quitter and I resolved to give this anthology a go. There are many ways in which one can express faith without being heavy-handed and that’s what I was looking for here; a romance where two people who share a common faith find love and comfort in each other. Some of the stories did that much better than others, and consequently I’ve decided to write a quick individual review with star rating for each.
First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt
A hasty marriage between a young girl compromised by a rake and a young man ordered into it by his father is an inauspicious beginning, especially when the reluctant bridegroom immediately goes to sea with his Navy ship for three years. When he comes back, he has found God and is determined to make a go of his marriage.
To be honest, this was one of my least favourite stories in the book. We never did find out exactly how the hero ‘found God’ and at the first sign of a challenge to his authority, he reverted back to being extremely dislikable. I struggled to warm to him, and Charity was a little bit too good to be true. I’m rating this one three stars.
Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell
This was a gentle, heartwarming story about a young lady living in reduced circumstances after the death of her father forced her into service to her bossy cousin as a companion and chaperone. Adelaide reminded me of a caged bird, desperate to be free with her music, and Colonel Glenmire was a perfect hero for her even if the romance in the story didn’t really become apparent until the very end. Sweetly charming. Five stars.
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze
Caroline Dempsey meets her childhood friend Henry, the Earl of Marsden, once again, but this time she is nothing more than the governess for three orphaned children placed into his care. There were hints at abuse in Henry’s past which have conditioned him to guard his emotions, and watching his walls come down as Caroline and the children determinedly loved him was rather charming. There were some hilarious escapades - one particular one involving a sheep in the ballroom had me laughing out loud. A hardened heart has no chance with three determined plot moppets on the case.
Five stars.
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
If you like Poldark, you’ll enjoy this one set on the rugged Cornish coast with smugglers and excise men aplenty. While nicely written, I quibbled with a few things such as Helen’s becoming engaged immediately after her father’s death with no mourning period, and the fact that there was no real resolution with the invisible antagonist of the plot. Enjoyable but probably needed to be about double the length. Four stars.
When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser
A widow in her forties receives a proposal from an eligible bachelor once her stepdaughter marries and moves away, but meeting a handsome stranger makes her rethink her wishes for the future.
Anyone who reads my reviews knows that I’m not a fan of either insta-love OR love triangles, and this story featured both. Honestly I couldn’t get through it fast enough, and I had to go back to it to refresh my memory when writing this review. Two stars.
The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall
Kidnapped on the way to her own wedding, Sophia is shocked to find that the highwayman who took her is her childhood sweetheart, Nash, who tells her some unpalatable truths about her future husband.
Now, I liked Sophia well enough. She was doing what she felt she had to do for her family, and was truly caught between a rock and a hard place. Nash behaved like the worst kind of (censored) (bleeping) MAN, asking her to make the biggest call of her life without any information or reassurances from him whatsoever. I genuinely wanted her to push him off the cliff at the end. Two stars.
Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch
Absolutely my favourite story in the bunch, this was a really strong one to end on. William, the Earl of Beckenham, has returned from war with serious scars to a fiancee who immediately cried off their marriage. Convinced no woman would ever want him, when his sister asks him to offer marriage to her best friend, in danger from a determined rake, William does so… only to finally discover that the woman who can see past his scars has been right under his nose all along.
There’s nothing better than a scarred hero and the feisty heroine who sees the real man beneath. I adored this one. Five stars.
Overall I can only say that this was a very uneven collection. Depending on personal taste, you’ll probably find at least one story in here which hits the spot for you, but I honestly doubt that anyone would really enjoy all of them, even if Christian romance is your preferred genre. For an averaged rating, I’m giving it four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Now, there is a huge market out there for Christian romance. That audience… generally does not include me. While I was raised a Protestant, and I do still believe in God, organized religion isn’t something I care for.
Nonetheless, I’m no quitter and I resolved to give this anthology a go. There are many ways in which one can express faith without being heavy-handed and that’s what I was looking for here; a romance where two people who share a common faith find love and comfort in each other. Some of the stories did that much better than others, and consequently I’ve decided to write a quick individual review with star rating for each.
First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt
A hasty marriage between a young girl compromised by a rake and a young man ordered into it by his father is an inauspicious beginning, especially when the reluctant bridegroom immediately goes to sea with his Navy ship for three years. When he comes back, he has found God and is determined to make a go of his marriage.
To be honest, this was one of my least favourite stories in the book. We never did find out exactly how the hero ‘found God’ and at the first sign of a challenge to his authority, he reverted back to being extremely dislikable. I struggled to warm to him, and Charity was a little bit too good to be true. I’m rating this one three stars.
Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell
This was a gentle, heartwarming story about a young lady living in reduced circumstances after the death of her father forced her into service to her bossy cousin as a companion and chaperone. Adelaide reminded me of a caged bird, desperate to be free with her music, and Colonel Glenmire was a perfect hero for her even if the romance in the story didn’t really become apparent until the very end. Sweetly charming. Five stars.
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze
Caroline Dempsey meets her childhood friend Henry, the Earl of Marsden, once again, but this time she is nothing more than the governess for three orphaned children placed into his care. There were hints at abuse in Henry’s past which have conditioned him to guard his emotions, and watching his walls come down as Caroline and the children determinedly loved him was rather charming. There were some hilarious escapades - one particular one involving a sheep in the ballroom had me laughing out loud. A hardened heart has no chance with three determined plot moppets on the case.
Five stars.
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
If you like Poldark, you’ll enjoy this one set on the rugged Cornish coast with smugglers and excise men aplenty. While nicely written, I quibbled with a few things such as Helen’s becoming engaged immediately after her father’s death with no mourning period, and the fact that there was no real resolution with the invisible antagonist of the plot. Enjoyable but probably needed to be about double the length. Four stars.
When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser
A widow in her forties receives a proposal from an eligible bachelor once her stepdaughter marries and moves away, but meeting a handsome stranger makes her rethink her wishes for the future.
Anyone who reads my reviews knows that I’m not a fan of either insta-love OR love triangles, and this story featured both. Honestly I couldn’t get through it fast enough, and I had to go back to it to refresh my memory when writing this review. Two stars.
The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall
Kidnapped on the way to her own wedding, Sophia is shocked to find that the highwayman who took her is her childhood sweetheart, Nash, who tells her some unpalatable truths about her future husband.
Now, I liked Sophia well enough. She was doing what she felt she had to do for her family, and was truly caught between a rock and a hard place. Nash behaved like the worst kind of (censored) (bleeping) MAN, asking her to make the biggest call of her life without any information or reassurances from him whatsoever. I genuinely wanted her to push him off the cliff at the end. Two stars.
Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch
Absolutely my favourite story in the bunch, this was a really strong one to end on. William, the Earl of Beckenham, has returned from war with serious scars to a fiancee who immediately cried off their marriage. Convinced no woman would ever want him, when his sister asks him to offer marriage to her best friend, in danger from a determined rake, William does so… only to finally discover that the woman who can see past his scars has been right under his nose all along.
There’s nothing better than a scarred hero and the feisty heroine who sees the real man beneath. I adored this one. Five stars.
Overall I can only say that this was a very uneven collection. Depending on personal taste, you’ll probably find at least one story in here which hits the spot for you, but I honestly doubt that anyone would really enjoy all of them, even if Christian romance is your preferred genre. For an averaged rating, I’m giving it four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
August 3, 2017
The Regency Brides Collection: 7 Romances Set in England during the Early Nineteenth Century is a wonderful collection from seven wonderful authors. The collection includes:
First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt
Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady by Michelle Griep
When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser
The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall
Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch
I enjoyed all of these stories. My two favorites were MaryLu Tyndall's The Highwayman's Bargain and Erica Vetsch's Jamie Ever After.
Recommended.
5 stars.
First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt
Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady by Michelle Griep
When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser
The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall
Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch
I enjoyed all of these stories. My two favorites were MaryLu Tyndall's The Highwayman's Bargain and Erica Vetsch's Jamie Ever After.
Recommended.
5 stars.
November 13, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable.
7 novellas by 7 different authors.
I now have 6 new authors to add to my favorite authors list.
Michelle Griep, one of the authors, is already on the list!
7 novellas by 7 different authors.
I now have 6 new authors to add to my favorite authors list.
Michelle Griep, one of the authors, is already on the list!
September 20, 2017
Fans of Jane Austen, Poldark and anything British will want to read this lovely new collection of stories, all set in England from 1807 to 1819, during the Regency period.
The stories all have a charm of their own, some with action and risk, others more gentile and tender, but all quite good. An interesting cast of characters in each of these stories, representing nearly every level of society: musicians, wounded soldiers, highwaymen to noblemen, widows to young debutantes, a vicar's daughter and governess, to gentry. All of them had some inspirational aspect, with themes of faith, grace, redemption and forgiveness, trusting in God and looking to Him for guidance. A few marriage of conveniences for noble purposes, to some second chances at love, all with a tender, clean romance, and some with definite swoonworthy moments.
"I love you, more than life and air." Sigh.
If I must pick a favorite, it would be Michelle Griep's story set in Cornwall. Move over Poldark! Have to admit that all of the wounded gentlemen returning from war earned a soft spot in my heart too, especially the ones in MaryLu Tyndall's and Erica Vetsch's stories.
(For details on each story, see the attached comments.)
Recommend for readers who enjoy clean historical romances with faith. Enjoyable reading for any time of the year. 4.5 stars
(An e-book was provided me by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.)
The stories all have a charm of their own, some with action and risk, others more gentile and tender, but all quite good. An interesting cast of characters in each of these stories, representing nearly every level of society: musicians, wounded soldiers, highwaymen to noblemen, widows to young debutantes, a vicar's daughter and governess, to gentry. All of them had some inspirational aspect, with themes of faith, grace, redemption and forgiveness, trusting in God and looking to Him for guidance. A few marriage of conveniences for noble purposes, to some second chances at love, all with a tender, clean romance, and some with definite swoonworthy moments.
"I love you, more than life and air." Sigh.
If I must pick a favorite, it would be Michelle Griep's story set in Cornwall. Move over Poldark! Have to admit that all of the wounded gentlemen returning from war earned a soft spot in my heart too, especially the ones in MaryLu Tyndall's and Erica Vetsch's stories.
(For details on each story, see the attached comments.)
Recommend for readers who enjoy clean historical romances with faith. Enjoyable reading for any time of the year. 4.5 stars
(An e-book was provided me by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.)
October 26, 2017
This is a review for The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady by Michelle Griep.
What a delightful little story! I'm utterly convinced Michelle Griep can't write a bad story.
For being short, it sure packed a punch. The main characters are strong: Helen and Isaac don't meet under the best circumstances, and he doesn't leave a good impression on her. But then Helen finds out he's the landowner over the parish where her father lives. And although Helen wants to dislike Isaac, he's not the lawless smuggler she thought him to be.
Actually, I'm pretty sure Isaac Seaton is a friend of Ross Poldark. It wasn't mentioned (probably to keep Mr. Poldark's privacy), but it's hard to pretend it's not there. ;)
Beautiful, dramatic setting, engaging characters, a very sweet ending, and the kind of prose that grabs you with all the feels.
Could we perchance expect a story for Esther Seaton?
What a delightful little story! I'm utterly convinced Michelle Griep can't write a bad story.
For being short, it sure packed a punch. The main characters are strong: Helen and Isaac don't meet under the best circumstances, and he doesn't leave a good impression on her. But then Helen finds out he's the landowner over the parish where her father lives. And although Helen wants to dislike Isaac, he's not the lawless smuggler she thought him to be.
Actually, I'm pretty sure Isaac Seaton is a friend of Ross Poldark. It wasn't mentioned (probably to keep Mr. Poldark's privacy), but it's hard to pretend it's not there. ;)
Beautiful, dramatic setting, engaging characters, a very sweet ending, and the kind of prose that grabs you with all the feels.
Could we perchance expect a story for Esther Seaton?
October 20, 2017
Barbour Books is making their mark on the novella anthologies with the Regency Brides Collection, they have departed from their normal nine novella format to have only seven novellas in the book. This is a good thing in my mind. I just wish they'd come down to only four. From a reviewing standpoint, four seems to be my highwater mark for keeping the plots of the stories straight. That being said, this collection is quite light hearted and fun.
My favorite one of this collection includes a governess of three children and their guardian. The children's antics make the story fun and engaging.
The authors of this collection know what they are doing in preparing a full plot to go in a small package.
Five Star Collection, Two Thumbs Up, and an afternoon cup of tea while entertaining visitors.
My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
My favorite one of this collection includes a governess of three children and their guardian. The children's antics make the story fun and engaging.
The authors of this collection know what they are doing in preparing a full plot to go in a small package.
Five Star Collection, Two Thumbs Up, and an afternoon cup of tea while entertaining visitors.
My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
April 20, 2021
This is one of the best collections I have read! Each story kept my interest and there was much variety throughout the book! The authors did an excellent job with realistically presenting entire stories in a condensed way. I highly recommend this book!
September 13, 2017
The Regency Brides Collections includes seven short story romances fueled by the intermingling of love and faith. Though short in length, each tale presents a case of a character who is lost or the one who is finally found, ultimately resulting in a happily ever after ending. Readers looking for a light read with hope and redemption woven throughout will be pleased with this collection of faith-based romances.
I received this advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2017
For full review: https://joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com...
With a star-studded group of talented authors, and a central theme of love during the regency period, you can’t go wrong!
If you enjoy reading sweet love stories set during the Recency period then you will not want to miss out on picking up this wonderful book. Two of the authors in this collection were new to me, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed their stories as much as the stories written by my favorites.
Each story has it’s own dynamic cast of characters, with their own set of challenges, and a tender love story. Several of the stories I wished had been longer. But of course, there are limits to how long a story can be when it’s in a novella collection.
I would recommend this collection of stories to anyone who enjoys reading stories set during the Regency period. I give this collection 4.5 stars.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
With a star-studded group of talented authors, and a central theme of love during the regency period, you can’t go wrong!
If you enjoy reading sweet love stories set during the Recency period then you will not want to miss out on picking up this wonderful book. Two of the authors in this collection were new to me, and I can honestly say that I enjoyed their stories as much as the stories written by my favorites.
Each story has it’s own dynamic cast of characters, with their own set of challenges, and a tender love story. Several of the stories I wished had been longer. But of course, there are limits to how long a story can be when it’s in a novella collection.
I would recommend this collection of stories to anyone who enjoys reading stories set during the Regency period. I give this collection 4.5 stars.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
August 24, 2017
Thanks to Net Galley for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
It’s always hard to review a collection of stories because I enjoy some stories/authors more than others. They are all sweet romances set in the Regency time period in England. There were 7 stories in all, but I did have a few favorites—The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall, The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady by Michelle Griep, and Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze. I think most readers of Christian romance would find the stories enjoyable.
It’s always hard to review a collection of stories because I enjoy some stories/authors more than others. They are all sweet romances set in the Regency time period in England. There were 7 stories in all, but I did have a few favorites—The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall, The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady by Michelle Griep, and Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze. I think most readers of Christian romance would find the stories enjoyable.
October 25, 2017
Barbour Books brings us another great collection of Regency stories.
First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt
Young naïve Charity finds herself in a compromising situation and must marry Captain Luke Warren to save her reputation. As soon as the vows are read he returns to sea for 3 years without a word and he ignores her letters. When he finally returns, will they be able to have a real marriage or just a marriage of convenience?
Overall, I liked the main characters. However, Luke is supposed to have repented but he returns to his vices later in the story which is worrisome.
At the end of the story I was left with lots of questions, like what happens to the sister and the father.
Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell
After her father died and the estate is entailed, Lady Adelaide must become a companion to her spoiled cousin and hide her musical talents.
Colonial Walter comes back from Waterloo with a loss of faith in God after his brother’s death.
Can music help them overcome their past and provide a hopeful future?
Lydia was a mean selfish person but I didn’t like the captain deceiving her and pretending to like her.
I loved the main couple!
While this was a shorter story it felt very complete, though I would love a sequel with Quinby’s story.
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze
Caroline, Henry and Esther all play together as children. As they grow, Caroline becomes governess to Esther’s 3 children. After Esther and her husband die, Caroline brings the children to their uncle Henry who wants to dismiss her and send the children to school. Will the children’s matchmaking attempts make them a family again?
I found it strange the Henry was so worried about becoming his father, yet he tried to copy him by being boring and stoic all the time.
I loved the stories of Caro and Henry’s past and how the children tried to recreate their adventures.
This was such a cute story!
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady by Michelle Griep
Isaac smuggles to regain what was stolen from him. On his last run, he meets Helen who was arriving to tend to her sick father.
Helen locks away the negatives of the world by pretending that everything is fine even though her father is dying.
After finding out his enemy is involved, will Isaac lose Helen’s trust by going against his promise to not smuggle again?
This story had a strong theme of trusting in God to provide us with what we need.
When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser
Esther is thrilled when her step-daughter is married off and she can live a quiet life.
Chester has been waiting six years to marry Esther. She agreed that she would when her step-daughter married. Now that the time has come, will a stranger change their plans?
I had a really hard time finishing this story. Esther is everything that a Christian shouldn’t be. She is incredibly shallow and fickle. She complains about gossips, yet she trashes her step-daughter to anyone who would listen. Her step-daughter lost her father at a very young age and instead of helping her, Esther writes her off as a brat.
Instead of trying to get something out of the sermons and prayers she just tunes them out and later trashes the preacher to others.
Esther strings Chester along for six years and then only agrees to his proposal because she is afraid of losing him. Then she lies and cheats on him. Chester never had the opportunity to learn how to read. He justifies it by saying he doesn’t need to know how to read to do his work and Esther calls him an ignorant fool.
She meets a stranger and falls in “love” with him after a few days.
This story was my least favorite and I recommend skipping it.
The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall
While on her way to London to marry her fiancé, Sophie’s carriage is held up and she is kidnapped by her childhood friend who is trying to save her from marrying a moral less rake.
This was another story that had the theme of trusting in God and His time, even when life is hard.
Sophie thinks she has to choose between her parents’ health and a happy future.
I was surprised that Sophie couldn’t see her fiancé for what he was sooner and his reasons for wanting to marry her were awful.
I liked this story. I did predict the ending but still enjoyed it.
Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch
Jamie had been in love with her best friend’s brother William since she was a girl.
William was injured in the war and believes himself to be a shell of a man and no woman would love him.
During Jamie’s first season, William’s cousin threatens to compromise her and force her to marry him. Williams’s sister Polly begs her brother to marry Jamie and save her.
Will William be willing to believe in love and have a real marriage? Will Jamie get her happily ever after?
This story was about facing our biggest fears and overcoming them.
I loved William and Jamie and thought they were so good together. They needed each other.
I also loved the dogs in this book. Dogs seem to know people’s true selves even better than people.
This story had a great pace. I would love a continuation of it!
More reviews here: https://timelessnovels.wordpress.com/
First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt
Young naïve Charity finds herself in a compromising situation and must marry Captain Luke Warren to save her reputation. As soon as the vows are read he returns to sea for 3 years without a word and he ignores her letters. When he finally returns, will they be able to have a real marriage or just a marriage of convenience?
Overall, I liked the main characters. However, Luke is supposed to have repented but he returns to his vices later in the story which is worrisome.
At the end of the story I was left with lots of questions, like what happens to the sister and the father.
Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell
After her father died and the estate is entailed, Lady Adelaide must become a companion to her spoiled cousin and hide her musical talents.
Colonial Walter comes back from Waterloo with a loss of faith in God after his brother’s death.
Can music help them overcome their past and provide a hopeful future?
Lydia was a mean selfish person but I didn’t like the captain deceiving her and pretending to like her.
I loved the main couple!
While this was a shorter story it felt very complete, though I would love a sequel with Quinby’s story.
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze
Caroline, Henry and Esther all play together as children. As they grow, Caroline becomes governess to Esther’s 3 children. After Esther and her husband die, Caroline brings the children to their uncle Henry who wants to dismiss her and send the children to school. Will the children’s matchmaking attempts make them a family again?
I found it strange the Henry was so worried about becoming his father, yet he tried to copy him by being boring and stoic all the time.
I loved the stories of Caro and Henry’s past and how the children tried to recreate their adventures.
This was such a cute story!
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady by Michelle Griep
Isaac smuggles to regain what was stolen from him. On his last run, he meets Helen who was arriving to tend to her sick father.
Helen locks away the negatives of the world by pretending that everything is fine even though her father is dying.
After finding out his enemy is involved, will Isaac lose Helen’s trust by going against his promise to not smuggle again?
This story had a strong theme of trusting in God to provide us with what we need.
When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser
Esther is thrilled when her step-daughter is married off and she can live a quiet life.
Chester has been waiting six years to marry Esther. She agreed that she would when her step-daughter married. Now that the time has come, will a stranger change their plans?
I had a really hard time finishing this story. Esther is everything that a Christian shouldn’t be. She is incredibly shallow and fickle. She complains about gossips, yet she trashes her step-daughter to anyone who would listen. Her step-daughter lost her father at a very young age and instead of helping her, Esther writes her off as a brat.
Instead of trying to get something out of the sermons and prayers she just tunes them out and later trashes the preacher to others.
Esther strings Chester along for six years and then only agrees to his proposal because she is afraid of losing him. Then she lies and cheats on him. Chester never had the opportunity to learn how to read. He justifies it by saying he doesn’t need to know how to read to do his work and Esther calls him an ignorant fool.
She meets a stranger and falls in “love” with him after a few days.
This story was my least favorite and I recommend skipping it.
The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall
While on her way to London to marry her fiancé, Sophie’s carriage is held up and she is kidnapped by her childhood friend who is trying to save her from marrying a moral less rake.
This was another story that had the theme of trusting in God and His time, even when life is hard.
Sophie thinks she has to choose between her parents’ health and a happy future.
I was surprised that Sophie couldn’t see her fiancé for what he was sooner and his reasons for wanting to marry her were awful.
I liked this story. I did predict the ending but still enjoyed it.
Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch
Jamie had been in love with her best friend’s brother William since she was a girl.
William was injured in the war and believes himself to be a shell of a man and no woman would love him.
During Jamie’s first season, William’s cousin threatens to compromise her and force her to marry him. Williams’s sister Polly begs her brother to marry Jamie and save her.
Will William be willing to believe in love and have a real marriage? Will Jamie get her happily ever after?
This story was about facing our biggest fears and overcoming them.
I loved William and Jamie and thought they were so good together. They needed each other.
I also loved the dogs in this book. Dogs seem to know people’s true selves even better than people.
This story had a great pace. I would love a continuation of it!
More reviews here: https://timelessnovels.wordpress.com/
October 17, 2017
Seven authors come together to tell stories of romance and faith in England during the Regency period. Each young lady searches for a lasting love based on faith and friendship. Each author brings her distinct writing style to these faith based, romantic stories. Each story brings humor, suspense, drama, love of family, faith or intrigue that makes this an enjoyable and fun book.
I loved each of the stories, but one of them was my very favorite. A couple of them didn't have the distinct feel that regency romance typically has, but all of them were well written and had the feel of clean romantic relationships. I loved the romance of each of these stories. Whoever put these particular authors together did a great job, so that the reader enjoys a different type of story, but all the same genre. This book would be perfect for the busy person who has little time to read so needs a short story. It would also make an excellent gift for Christmas.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I loved each of the stories, but one of them was my very favorite. A couple of them didn't have the distinct feel that regency romance typically has, but all of them were well written and had the feel of clean romantic relationships. I loved the romance of each of these stories. Whoever put these particular authors together did a great job, so that the reader enjoys a different type of story, but all the same genre. This book would be perfect for the busy person who has little time to read so needs a short story. It would also make an excellent gift for Christmas.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.
May 22, 2021
I liked First Comes Marriage even though it was a bit too many stories for a novella,
I loved Masquerade Melody and Three Little Matchmakers.
Personally, the collection went downhill from there. A couple of the stories I had issue with. I'd say that I enjoyed the collection, but basically the first three only.
I loved Masquerade Melody and Three Little Matchmakers.
Personally, the collection went downhill from there. A couple of the stories I had issue with. I'd say that I enjoyed the collection, but basically the first three only.
January 17, 2018
4.5☆ almost 5☆
October 31, 2017
Wow, probably my favorite collection yet! Captivating stories, I love the time period and such variety of situations! Wonderful!
October 13, 2017
This book is like many compilations that I have read. There are stories that you can read and that you love and then there are stories that you wish you could skip all together. I love novellas for days that I am unable to sit down and read a full book. They allow you to read for an hour and experience a happily ever after so that you can go about your day.
I gave this book 4 stars because there are at least two stories in the book which are 5 star reads. I would recommend that you check out this book and read it for yourself.
I gave this book 4 stars because there are at least two stories in the book which are 5 star reads. I would recommend that you check out this book and read it for yourself.
October 2, 2017
If you’re a fan of Regency stories, this novella collection is sure to have something you’ll enjoy. Seven stories with characters who are members of the aristocracy, citizens of a small English town, a relative demoted to a servant, and even a highwayman and smuggler. From quickly and forcibly arranged marriages to love at first sight, the authors of Barbour Publishing bring the life and times of Regency England through on the pages.
These Barbour collections are some of my favorites because the novellas are short enough to read in one sitting and I’m often introduced to new-to-me authors. There’s just no way to go wrong with these books.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
These Barbour collections are some of my favorites because the novellas are short enough to read in one sitting and I’m often introduced to new-to-me authors. There’s just no way to go wrong with these books.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 23, 2017
The Regency Brides Collection is another novella collection released from Barbor publishers, this time with a Regency theme. I downloaded it as soon as I heard that there was a short story included by MaryLu Tyndall, as she is one of my favorite authors. While hers and Ms. Griep's were my favorites, the other five short stories were an enjoyable way to spend an hour as well. The story about the three little matchmakers was just adorable!
These novella collections are so fun; each with a common theme and they only take about an hour or so to read. They are perfect when you don't have the time or attention span for a full novel.
Thank you to Barbour publishers and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
These novella collections are so fun; each with a common theme and they only take about an hour or so to read. They are perfect when you don't have the time or attention span for a full novel.
Thank you to Barbour publishers and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
August 10, 2018
Set of seven short Regency stories. Some were better than others. I think I enjoyed 'Three Little Matchmakers' and Michelle Griep's 'The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady' and the final story 'Jamie Ever After' best. Though I should have paid a little more attention to the former, and may re-read it.
All the stories were good and clean, although the actions of the protagonists in a couple of the stories was a bit much. I did not always like the heroine in the fourth story 'When I saw His Face': she came over as inconstant and a little selfish, and the conclusion a little too convenient. A couple of the stories might have been a bit constrained by the short length required for this collection, and might have been better if they were a little longer.
Most of them had problems with some of the Americanisms common to this genre: characters eating with only forks, and one reference to putting cream in tea. Nevertheless though its an enjoyable collection which fans of Regency Romances would enjoy.
I requested a PDF from the publisher via Netgalley, and later purchased the ebook on sale. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
All the stories were good and clean, although the actions of the protagonists in a couple of the stories was a bit much. I did not always like the heroine in the fourth story 'When I saw His Face': she came over as inconstant and a little selfish, and the conclusion a little too convenient. A couple of the stories might have been a bit constrained by the short length required for this collection, and might have been better if they were a little longer.
Most of them had problems with some of the Americanisms common to this genre: characters eating with only forks, and one reference to putting cream in tea. Nevertheless though its an enjoyable collection which fans of Regency Romances would enjoy.
I requested a PDF from the publisher via Netgalley, and later purchased the ebook on sale. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
December 6, 2017
Seven stories by seven authors of Regency England and I loved everyone of them. I don't usually enjoy novellas but there were well written and each story was very interesting. A couple of authors I have never read before, but will be looking into more of their books. An arranged marriage to save a reputation. A ladies companion afraid of losing her position. Friends who have become the caregivers of three orphans. Gentleman smugglers. An unmentioned engagement causes a misunderstanding. A kidnapper to the rescue. And needing to marry to produce an heir. Fun to read stories during an interesting time in history.
I received this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
I received this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
August 29, 2017
It is hard to write a review of these books that are a collection of short stories. I find that when I finish the last one I can't really remember the first one anymore. That is what I found with this collection. The stories and characters came and went quickly and I can't say any of them really stood out more than the others. They were all pleasant and clean and sweet but nothing that was going to challenge me a whole lot or make me think about them all that much after I finished.
October 3, 2017
Collections of novellas like this remind me of a box of chocolates: They are small, sweet, and you get to sample new flavors (authors)!
I jumped at the chance to review a ARC of this book through Netgalley, because it contained stories from two of my favorite authors (Marylu Tyndall and Michelle Griep). While the stories from those two authors were my favorite, because they involved the most action, I did find a couple authors that I had not read before that I enjoyed.
I jumped at the chance to review a ARC of this book through Netgalley, because it contained stories from two of my favorite authors (Marylu Tyndall and Michelle Griep). While the stories from those two authors were my favorite, because they involved the most action, I did find a couple authors that I had not read before that I enjoyed.
May 23, 2023
If you're hungry for regency romances, you can enjoy this veritable feast! The Regency Brides Collection: Seven romances set in England during the early nineteenth century.
“First Comes Marriage” by Amanda Barratt
Wealthy Charity Stanwood's reputation has been compromised by a rake. Who will marry her now? Luke Warren's family is facing financial ruin. How will they survive?
Their fathers come to an arrangement, but neither Charity nor Luke is happy about it. What kind of a marriage will result?
“Masquerade Melody” by Angela Bell
When Adelaide's widowed father died, she was left to the mercy of the cousin's family who inherited the entailed estate. Her cousin Lydia loved lording it over her, especially making sure that Adelaide was never allowed to sing or play. When Lydia is invited to summer with the Prince Regent at the Royal Pavilion, Adelaide is forced to accompany her as an unwilling chaperone. But the wonderful concerts draw her in and lead to a showdown. Will she have the courage to trust God and free herself from her cousin's restraints?
“Three Little Matchmakers” by Susanne Dietze
Caroline the governess is escorting her three orphaned charges to their Uncle Henry's estate, where he is to become their guardian. Caroline and Henry have been friends since childhood, but now she is a servant, and he is the lord of the manor, and he has changed very much. The changes came about after he was rejected by a lady whom he courted, and Caroline wonders whether he will ever recover and be the man she used to adore. But three little matchmakers are watching and they have a few tricks up their sleeves.
“The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady” by Michelle Griep
Helen is on her way from her governess duties in Ireland to nurse her ailing father in Cornwall, when her ship is boarded by smugglers. It's a frightening welcome to her new home, but one of the smugglers, at least, seems to have a conscience. In fact, she would really like to know him better – but he's a criminal, isn't he?
“When I Saw His Face” by Nancy Moser
When Esther's difficult stepdaughter finally married and left home, Esther treasured her new beginning. She'd been widowed for years and was actually looking forward to some time alone to do what she wanted to do. She had a suitor – Chester, a farmer, who'd been after her for years, put off until the stepdaughter would be out of the house. Now he was front and center – but she wasn't sure she wanted to marry again. And did she love Chester? Or when a gentleman's carriage broke down beside her as she was walking down the road, and then they were forced to take shelter from a sudden storm together – was that falling in love? Esther has to figure it out. Does she want to marry again? And if she does, who is she really in love with?
“The Highwayman's Bargain” by Marylu Tyndall
Kidnapped on the way to her wedding by a daring highwayman! What does he REALLY want?
“Jamie Ever After” by Erica Vetsch
Jamie has been in love with her friend's older brother William since childhood. But William has been wounded in the war and believes that no woman will ever want his maimed and scarred body. In fact, his fiancee told him exactly that when she caught sight of his burns and his useless left hand, and left him for another man. Now he is bitter and reclusive. Will Jamie's love turn the tide?
“First Comes Marriage” by Amanda Barratt
Wealthy Charity Stanwood's reputation has been compromised by a rake. Who will marry her now? Luke Warren's family is facing financial ruin. How will they survive?
Their fathers come to an arrangement, but neither Charity nor Luke is happy about it. What kind of a marriage will result?
“Masquerade Melody” by Angela Bell
When Adelaide's widowed father died, she was left to the mercy of the cousin's family who inherited the entailed estate. Her cousin Lydia loved lording it over her, especially making sure that Adelaide was never allowed to sing or play. When Lydia is invited to summer with the Prince Regent at the Royal Pavilion, Adelaide is forced to accompany her as an unwilling chaperone. But the wonderful concerts draw her in and lead to a showdown. Will she have the courage to trust God and free herself from her cousin's restraints?
“Three Little Matchmakers” by Susanne Dietze
Caroline the governess is escorting her three orphaned charges to their Uncle Henry's estate, where he is to become their guardian. Caroline and Henry have been friends since childhood, but now she is a servant, and he is the lord of the manor, and he has changed very much. The changes came about after he was rejected by a lady whom he courted, and Caroline wonders whether he will ever recover and be the man she used to adore. But three little matchmakers are watching and they have a few tricks up their sleeves.
“The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady” by Michelle Griep
Helen is on her way from her governess duties in Ireland to nurse her ailing father in Cornwall, when her ship is boarded by smugglers. It's a frightening welcome to her new home, but one of the smugglers, at least, seems to have a conscience. In fact, she would really like to know him better – but he's a criminal, isn't he?
“When I Saw His Face” by Nancy Moser
When Esther's difficult stepdaughter finally married and left home, Esther treasured her new beginning. She'd been widowed for years and was actually looking forward to some time alone to do what she wanted to do. She had a suitor – Chester, a farmer, who'd been after her for years, put off until the stepdaughter would be out of the house. Now he was front and center – but she wasn't sure she wanted to marry again. And did she love Chester? Or when a gentleman's carriage broke down beside her as she was walking down the road, and then they were forced to take shelter from a sudden storm together – was that falling in love? Esther has to figure it out. Does she want to marry again? And if she does, who is she really in love with?
“The Highwayman's Bargain” by Marylu Tyndall
Kidnapped on the way to her wedding by a daring highwayman! What does he REALLY want?
“Jamie Ever After” by Erica Vetsch
Jamie has been in love with her friend's older brother William since childhood. But William has been wounded in the war and believes that no woman will ever want his maimed and scarred body. In fact, his fiancee told him exactly that when she caught sight of his burns and his useless left hand, and left him for another man. Now he is bitter and reclusive. Will Jamie's love turn the tide?
October 24, 2017
Overall this was a really enjoyable collection. There were a few minor hiccups but with a collection this large, that’s bound to be the case. I feel comfortable recommending this one to fellow Regency lovers. Each of the stories were unique and unrelated. That makes it easier to pick it up and read one story at a time in between larger novels. I enjoyed being drawn into the Regency world with each individual author. There were a couple stories that felt more shallow to me but overall the set falls into the 4-4.5 star category with some obvious 5 star stories. Here are some of the highlights:
First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt: Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago.
This was such a charming story and a great start to the set. If you enjoy a story where the couple marries before falling in love, this one fits the bill! And the spiritual theme was forgiveness.
Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell: Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism. There was a Cinderella type of quality to Bell’s novella that I found delightful. And her message on trusting God when things don’t go as you plan was spot on.
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze: Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans. This one was one of my favorites. Dietze is gifted at crafting an endearing story with equally endearing characters.
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady by Michelle Griep: Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret.
Griep brings a dose of excitement with her novella!! There’s certainly a message here on judging one another and on having a benevolent heart.
When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser: Esther is empowered to choose between two men.
I enjoyed reading about an older heroine. I struggled a bit more with this particular story but I felt at home with Moser’s writing and look forward to giving her other works a try! Moser focuses the reader on themes of understanding and following God’s specific plan for your life.
The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall: Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash. Tyndall treats the reader to another sweet romance. There was a great message here trusting Christ with your needs and not running ahead.
*I will note for like-minded readers, that the heroine’s salvation experience included feeling a hand on her shoulder while she was alone in the room and a gust of wind where there were no open windows. Otherwise, it was a very safe and clean story.
Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch: Jamie and William face a daunting London season together.
Vetsch wraps up the collection rather nicely. Jamie Ever After was another one of my favorites. Very nicely done!
~ I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for my review.
First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt: Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago.
This was such a charming story and a great start to the set. If you enjoy a story where the couple marries before falling in love, this one fits the bill! And the spiritual theme was forgiveness.
Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell: Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism. There was a Cinderella type of quality to Bell’s novella that I found delightful. And her message on trusting God when things don’t go as you plan was spot on.
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze: Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans. This one was one of my favorites. Dietze is gifted at crafting an endearing story with equally endearing characters.
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady by Michelle Griep: Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret.
Griep brings a dose of excitement with her novella!! There’s certainly a message here on judging one another and on having a benevolent heart.
When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser: Esther is empowered to choose between two men.
I enjoyed reading about an older heroine. I struggled a bit more with this particular story but I felt at home with Moser’s writing and look forward to giving her other works a try! Moser focuses the reader on themes of understanding and following God’s specific plan for your life.
The Highwayman’s Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall: Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash. Tyndall treats the reader to another sweet romance. There was a great message here trusting Christ with your needs and not running ahead.
*I will note for like-minded readers, that the heroine’s salvation experience included feeling a hand on her shoulder while she was alone in the room and a gust of wind where there were no open windows. Otherwise, it was a very safe and clean story.
Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch: Jamie and William face a daunting London season together.
Vetsch wraps up the collection rather nicely. Jamie Ever After was another one of my favorites. Very nicely done!
~ I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for my review.
January 31, 2018
The Regency Bride Collection by Amanda Barratt, Angela Bell, Susanne Dietze, Michelle Griep, Nancy Moser, MaryLu Tyndall and Erica Vetsch
As Described by the Publisher:
Romance is a delicate dance bound by rules and expectations in
Regency England
Seven couples must navigate society’s gauntlet to secure the hand of true love....
Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago.
Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism.
Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans.
Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret.
Esther is empowered to choose between two men.
Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash.
Jamie and William face a daunting London season together.
Will their faith grow and love prevail in a time when both were considered luxuries the elite could not afford?
my thoughts….
Seven authors came together to write seven novellas from the Regency period in England. I enjoyed the overall them of this collection, especially the moral dilemmas and duties the men and women characters were bound to adhere. As Regency England recovered from loss and war, men and women learned to pick up the fragments of their lives and remained constant to the lifestyles they left behind. Perhaps that helped them move forward.
In First Comes Marriage byAmanda Barratt, Charity and Luke marry for their father’s sake and are separated immediately after the ceremony for three years. When Luke returns from service he and Charity are bound together by an arranged marriage that takes a surprising twist in great Regency fashion!
In Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell, Walter and Adelaide are brought together in secret for a musical pact only to discover that they have more in common than the love of music. A sweet tale that is heartwarming.
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze will tug at your heartstrings when forgotten childhood attachments are forged anew by three little children who need a home and family much more than a room at boarding school. Sweet story with many happy returns.
The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady by Michelle Griep is a surprising tale with the smuggler being a well-respected man with Robin Hood like qualities. He is simply taking what is his and providing for those less fortunate than he. Alas, on his last run he had the misfortune of coming across the vicar’s daughter. Fearing for her safety, he proves much more gallant than she would have dreamed. As the story goes, they encounter each other again and both learn that all is not quite as things appear.
In the story When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser, Esther is at a turning point in her life. Widowed for eight years, her stepdaughter is newly married, leaving her on her own. Her neighbor, Chester has had his eye on her, waiting for his chance for marriage. Shall she give in or pursue a new dream? After a chance encounter with a man stranded along the road she can’t dismiss the attraction she felt. While visiting her dear friend she happens on this gentleman again and from then on an uncanny attraction causes her to think again about Chester’s intentions towards marriage. This is a story that could be a love triangle by many but for a significant turn of events that plays out in the end.
In The Highwayman's Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall true love can be a perception if the groom is a dandy bent thwarting his parents while fooling his bride. Having a sense of duty is wonderful but not at the expense of being wed to the wrong man. Pride and deception abound in this little tale but can a true hero be found to love her and care for her parents?
In Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch, lovely maidens Jamie and Polly are presented for the London season. Polly’s brother Walter, distant and remote, is hiding away his war injuries along with his heart. He is enamored by Jamie’s beauty and sweet spirit. She has long had feelings for him though he only saw her as his younger sister’s friend. He strikes a bargain with his sister to thwart attempts by their evil cousin to insinuate himself as a suitor for Jamie. Their marriage starts as a convenient arrangement on his part but circumstances seem to counter his plans. A nice plot with a sweet romance.
Grab a cup of tea and sip your way through the pages of this nice collection of novellas!
As Described by the Publisher:
Romance is a delicate dance bound by rules and expectations in
Regency England
Seven couples must navigate society’s gauntlet to secure the hand of true love....
Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago.
Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism.
Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans.
Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret.
Esther is empowered to choose between two men.
Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash.
Jamie and William face a daunting London season together.
Will their faith grow and love prevail in a time when both were considered luxuries the elite could not afford?
my thoughts….
Seven authors came together to write seven novellas from the Regency period in England. I enjoyed the overall them of this collection, especially the moral dilemmas and duties the men and women characters were bound to adhere. As Regency England recovered from loss and war, men and women learned to pick up the fragments of their lives and remained constant to the lifestyles they left behind. Perhaps that helped them move forward.
In First Comes Marriage byAmanda Barratt, Charity and Luke marry for their father’s sake and are separated immediately after the ceremony for three years. When Luke returns from service he and Charity are bound together by an arranged marriage that takes a surprising twist in great Regency fashion!
In Masquerade Melody by Angela Bell, Walter and Adelaide are brought together in secret for a musical pact only to discover that they have more in common than the love of music. A sweet tale that is heartwarming.
Three Little Matchmakers by Susanne Dietze will tug at your heartstrings when forgotten childhood attachments are forged anew by three little children who need a home and family much more than a room at boarding school. Sweet story with many happy returns.
The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady by Michelle Griep is a surprising tale with the smuggler being a well-respected man with Robin Hood like qualities. He is simply taking what is his and providing for those less fortunate than he. Alas, on his last run he had the misfortune of coming across the vicar’s daughter. Fearing for her safety, he proves much more gallant than she would have dreamed. As the story goes, they encounter each other again and both learn that all is not quite as things appear.
In the story When I Saw His Face by Nancy Moser, Esther is at a turning point in her life. Widowed for eight years, her stepdaughter is newly married, leaving her on her own. Her neighbor, Chester has had his eye on her, waiting for his chance for marriage. Shall she give in or pursue a new dream? After a chance encounter with a man stranded along the road she can’t dismiss the attraction she felt. While visiting her dear friend she happens on this gentleman again and from then on an uncanny attraction causes her to think again about Chester’s intentions towards marriage. This is a story that could be a love triangle by many but for a significant turn of events that plays out in the end.
In The Highwayman's Bargain by MaryLu Tyndall true love can be a perception if the groom is a dandy bent thwarting his parents while fooling his bride. Having a sense of duty is wonderful but not at the expense of being wed to the wrong man. Pride and deception abound in this little tale but can a true hero be found to love her and care for her parents?
In Jamie Ever After by Erica Vetsch, lovely maidens Jamie and Polly are presented for the London season. Polly’s brother Walter, distant and remote, is hiding away his war injuries along with his heart. He is enamored by Jamie’s beauty and sweet spirit. She has long had feelings for him though he only saw her as his younger sister’s friend. He strikes a bargain with his sister to thwart attempts by their evil cousin to insinuate himself as a suitor for Jamie. Their marriage starts as a convenient arrangement on his part but circumstances seem to counter his plans. A nice plot with a sweet romance.
Grab a cup of tea and sip your way through the pages of this nice collection of novellas!
February 10, 2018
The Regency Brides Collection is a compilation of seven Regency stories written by authors Amanda Barratt, Angela Bell, Susanne Dietze, Nancy Moser, Michelle Griep, MaryLu Tyndall, and Erica Vetsch. All set in Regency England, these stories are also heavily Christian oriented.
First, we meet Charity and Luke who are forced to marry by their respective parents. Luke leaves immediately after the ceremony and has no contact with Charity until he returns three years later. He finds things much changed in his old life and his wife isn’t really as bad as he thought.
Adelaide and Walter are thrown together at the Prince’s Royal Pavilion. He must compose an Aria for the Prince but can’t find his music since Waterloo. Adelaide has a brilliant voice but can’t use it for fear of her abusive and jealous cousin. Since the death of her father and her uncle inheriting the estate, Adelaide has nothing. She has been at the mercy of her cousin who threatens to send her away if she calls attention to herself.
When Henry’s beloved sister Esther and her husband are killed in a tragic carriage accident, he becomes guardian to his two nieces and his nephew. With them comes Caroline, Esther and Henry’s childhood friend who is now the governess to the children. The children have decided they want Caroline and Henry to get married and be their new parents and won’t stop their antics until they are successful.
Helen and Isaac meet when he is highjacking the cargo on the ship which brought her home. He endangers himself to keep her safe, she feels obliged to harbor his secret. But what is really going on, why is he playing the thief?
Esther is in the enviable position of being pursued by two men. Chester, a steady, unimaginative smithy has already proposed. Henry is a gentleman who encourages Esther to pursue her dreams of educating the local children. Who will she choose?
Soon Sophia will be married to a baron’s second son and will be able to take care of her poor, yeoman stock parents. She wanted to get her mother the medical attention she needs. But her childhood friend Nash has been trying to contact her. She knows marrying him will mean staying poor and she can’t do that to her parents.
Jamie and her best friend Polly will be making there come out together this year. Polly’s brother William is dealing with his war injuries and is facing the season with something akin to dread. Assured that the women of London will reject him for his wounds, he doesn’t notice the glances from Jamie.
Many Different Styles
Of course with all collections, the various authors bring their own styles. The differences were not, however, jarring but flowed together well. All of the authors have several other books, some in other genres. I will enjoy exploring their other works.
If you like the Regency period and are looking for a nice Christian tale, this is an excellent choice.
Reviewed for LnkToMi iRead in response to a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.
First, we meet Charity and Luke who are forced to marry by their respective parents. Luke leaves immediately after the ceremony and has no contact with Charity until he returns three years later. He finds things much changed in his old life and his wife isn’t really as bad as he thought.
Adelaide and Walter are thrown together at the Prince’s Royal Pavilion. He must compose an Aria for the Prince but can’t find his music since Waterloo. Adelaide has a brilliant voice but can’t use it for fear of her abusive and jealous cousin. Since the death of her father and her uncle inheriting the estate, Adelaide has nothing. She has been at the mercy of her cousin who threatens to send her away if she calls attention to herself.
When Henry’s beloved sister Esther and her husband are killed in a tragic carriage accident, he becomes guardian to his two nieces and his nephew. With them comes Caroline, Esther and Henry’s childhood friend who is now the governess to the children. The children have decided they want Caroline and Henry to get married and be their new parents and won’t stop their antics until they are successful.
Helen and Isaac meet when he is highjacking the cargo on the ship which brought her home. He endangers himself to keep her safe, she feels obliged to harbor his secret. But what is really going on, why is he playing the thief?
Esther is in the enviable position of being pursued by two men. Chester, a steady, unimaginative smithy has already proposed. Henry is a gentleman who encourages Esther to pursue her dreams of educating the local children. Who will she choose?
Soon Sophia will be married to a baron’s second son and will be able to take care of her poor, yeoman stock parents. She wanted to get her mother the medical attention she needs. But her childhood friend Nash has been trying to contact her. She knows marrying him will mean staying poor and she can’t do that to her parents.
Jamie and her best friend Polly will be making there come out together this year. Polly’s brother William is dealing with his war injuries and is facing the season with something akin to dread. Assured that the women of London will reject him for his wounds, he doesn’t notice the glances from Jamie.
Many Different Styles
Of course with all collections, the various authors bring their own styles. The differences were not, however, jarring but flowed together well. All of the authors have several other books, some in other genres. I will enjoy exploring their other works.
If you like the Regency period and are looking for a nice Christian tale, this is an excellent choice.
Reviewed for LnkToMi iRead in response to a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.
November 3, 2017
This is another winner put out by Barbour!! I really loved this collection because these stories are set in England, not in America. I think this was a nice change of pace and not your typical romance setting. The stories themselves are awesome, but I especially liked the story, First Comes Marriage by Amanda Barratt! This story reminded me of Poldark (Christian version of course) as the main character reminded me of Ross. He was your typical bad guy turned good. And he reformed quite nicely. I can tell that Barratt really knows her British lay of the land and does a great job making the scenes seems as if you're really there. I've read her other novella's and they are always well done!! She is quite the talent in Christian romance. And what can I say about Mary Lu Tyndall? Her writing is always excellent and you can tell her faith is true and strong as it comes through very well in all the characters she puts on the page. I loved this story she wrote in this collection as it was unique and well written and very challenging. Lastly, Angela Bell's story, Masquerade Melody, was very compelling and well written. She is a rising star in Christian fiction. I've only read one other of her stories, but her talent shines through and you can tell she has a bright future. Overall, this entire collection is filled with great works by great authors and you will be pleased to read the book and it would make a great gift this Christmas for everyone on your list who loves good clean, yet compelling, fiction. Thanks, Barbour for another great collection.
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