What do you think?
Rate this book
The Spinster Chronicles #1
The Merry Lives of Spinsters
Spinster is as spinster does...
Georgiana Allen is a spinster and everybody knows it. She also happens to be one of the writers for the Spinster Chronicles, and everybody knows that as well. She’s accepted her lot in life, and, along with the other spinsters in her circle, takes great pride in the articles she writes and the influence she has. Then Captain Anthony Sterling infiltrates their group, and her life, and Georgie impossibly begins to hope once more.
Tony Sterling had no idea what to expect when he agreed to break up the Spinsters for his cousin, but he certainly did not expect Georgie Allen. From the very first meeting, she upends everything he thought a spinster would be, and her beauty and wit keeps him on edge in thrilling ways. The more he gets to know the Spinsters, the less he wants to break them up. And the more he wants Georgie in his life. Permanently.
Georgiana Allen is a spinster and everybody knows it. She also happens to be one of the writers for the Spinster Chronicles, and everybody knows that as well. She’s accepted her lot in life, and, along with the other spinsters in her circle, takes great pride in the articles she writes and the influence she has. Then Captain Anthony Sterling infiltrates their group, and her life, and Georgie impossibly begins to hope once more.
Tony Sterling had no idea what to expect when he agreed to break up the Spinsters for his cousin, but he certainly did not expect Georgie Allen. From the very first meeting, she upends everything he thought a spinster would be, and her beauty and wit keeps him on edge in thrilling ways. The more he gets to know the Spinsters, the less he wants to break them up. And the more he wants Georgie in his life. Permanently.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
447 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
93 books1,260 followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
August 5, 2018
This is such a great idea for a series of books! I already can't wait to read the next one. It was fun to get to know each of the very different young women in the group that has bonded together as friends and supporters. By today's standards, mid-twenties are not old maids, but in Regency times they are past their prime. Each woman has a unique personality and situation that has brought them to this point, whether it's too selective, too shy, too opinionated, too independent, too cynical, or undesirable family. For some it's a mystery why no man has taken an interest. Georgie has had a desire to marry and have a family, but she never received any offers, despite her beauty and moderate dowry. We get to see her conflict and angst over her pride in what she has created with the Spinsters, but also her regrets and unfulfilled dreams. The first part of the book was slow for me and I felt it was too wordy, with lots of inconsequential conversation, even though it was giving a good feel for the dynamic of the group of friends. I would have liked to see more plot-based action with their role as Spinsters and models/mentors for the younger girls of Society. Tony really livened things up and the more time he and Georgie spend together, the more I became interested and involved in the book and their relationship. Their romance was unexpected for both and their delight in those falling-in-love feelings was a pleasure to read. They both revel in the affection they have for each other and the joy in expressing it, especially with sweet kisses ;) I liked the first part of the book okay, but I loved the second part!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
July 10, 2018
This was a cute and unique regency. I liked the take of the Spinster Chronicles, a series of articles written by a group of spinsters, giving advice and trying to help the women of the ton navigate the marriage mart. Of course, the gentlemen of the ton don't care for this one bit!
I thought this set up the rest of the series well, I'm assuming each of the spinster will eventually get their own books. Which I look forward to. Each spinster, Georgie, Prue, Charlotte, Izzy and Grace were unique and it'll be fun to see how each of their stories unfold and what man will sweep them off their feet! Georgie is the star of this book and the designated leader of the pack. I liked Georgie and thought she was easy to relate to. Our hero, Anthony Sterling, was the perfect gentleman. Very kind, understanding and charming. I thought he and Georgie had fun chemistry and banter.
Overall, this was a fun read. I did feel like there were a LOT of characters to keep track of. To the point I almost wish I had a notepad handy so I could keep everyone straight. It was a tad predictable, but still pleasant and a fun afternoon read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon
I thought this set up the rest of the series well, I'm assuming each of the spinster will eventually get their own books. Which I look forward to. Each spinster, Georgie, Prue, Charlotte, Izzy and Grace were unique and it'll be fun to see how each of their stories unfold and what man will sweep them off their feet! Georgie is the star of this book and the designated leader of the pack. I liked Georgie and thought she was easy to relate to. Our hero, Anthony Sterling, was the perfect gentleman. Very kind, understanding and charming. I thought he and Georgie had fun chemistry and banter.
Overall, this was a fun read. I did feel like there were a LOT of characters to keep track of. To the point I almost wish I had a notepad handy so I could keep everyone straight. It was a tad predictable, but still pleasant and a fun afternoon read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon
May 14, 2018
This was really sweet. I love books with love interests who treat each other well.
It did take me a little while to get into it, because there were so many characters introduced in the beginning that I was trying to keep track of. I assume that's because the author needed to put things in place for the rest of the series.
Overall, good characters, really sweet story. Lovely, vulnerable romance.
Content: Clean.
It did take me a little while to get into it, because there were so many characters introduced in the beginning that I was trying to keep track of. I assume that's because the author needed to put things in place for the rest of the series.
Overall, good characters, really sweet story. Lovely, vulnerable romance.
Content: Clean.
November 10, 2018
Fresh, sweet, and even sometimes witty. I enjoyed this tale of a group of women in their 20's who band together for support in Regency England. They even publish a monthly column in which they anonymously offer advice to young ladies, warn them about cads and reprobates who might try to compromise their virtue, and discuss fashions of the day. But when a gentleman newly arrived to London becomes curious and starts investigating them, he finds that not only are they largely misunderstood by society, but that he himself is growing ever fonder of them...of one of them in particular.
----------------------------------------
Tony spotted a dashing looking young man who was too eager for his own good. "Why not marry him?"
Georgie snickered softly. "Not that one."
"Oh, poor lad," Tony pitied. "Why ever not?"
"Because he's an idiot and I'd find a better husband on the docks."
Tony tsked and shook his head. "You are rather selective."
Georgie gave him a bewildered look. "No idiots, no old men, and no cads. What in the world is selective in that?"
"You just ruled out the entire right side of the room," he told her, gesturing grandly.
------------------------------------------------------------
This is pretty cute. Some things about it felt a tad too modern. But what took it down to three stars for me were a few unfortunate things:
1. Too many scenes of kissing in secluded corners (this was as far as it went, but still, could have been dialed back)
2. The requisite misunderstanding that separates the couple near the end. You know, where some third person randomly "reveals" something and the girl doesn't give the guy a chance to explain but just storms off? Yeah, I don't like that.
3. A weird description that popped up more than once: whenever any of the girls were disturbed by something, they were said to "hiss." What?
But, other than that, it was pretty engaging and lively reading, and I would recommend it to anyone in the mood for Regency rom-com.
This is evidently my 1,000th book that I've read.
----------------------------------------
Tony spotted a dashing looking young man who was too eager for his own good. "Why not marry him?"
Georgie snickered softly. "Not that one."
"Oh, poor lad," Tony pitied. "Why ever not?"
"Because he's an idiot and I'd find a better husband on the docks."
Tony tsked and shook his head. "You are rather selective."
Georgie gave him a bewildered look. "No idiots, no old men, and no cads. What in the world is selective in that?"
"You just ruled out the entire right side of the room," he told her, gesturing grandly.
------------------------------------------------------------
This is pretty cute. Some things about it felt a tad too modern. But what took it down to three stars for me were a few unfortunate things:
1. Too many scenes of kissing in secluded corners (this was as far as it went, but still, could have been dialed back)
2. The requisite misunderstanding that separates the couple near the end. You know, where some third person randomly "reveals" something and the girl doesn't give the guy a chance to explain but just storms off? Yeah, I don't like that.
3. A weird description that popped up more than once: whenever any of the girls were disturbed by something, they were said to "hiss." What?
But, other than that, it was pretty engaging and lively reading, and I would recommend it to anyone in the mood for Regency rom-com.
This is evidently my 1,000th book that I've read.
January 22, 2020
I was so excited to see one of my favorite authors have a new series!!!! New Characters to love, how awesome. This book had a lot of characters to introduce and I knew I would want to remember them, so yes like the book nerd that I am I took notes:} I had so much fun putting each characters down and writing little info about each. It will be so great to read there stories in the coming years:}! Now onto this story! Tony and Georgie! Oh this was such a good story. So English and proper and amazing:} SIGH***** This was so true to life with real feeling and depth, with some deep issues without the depression that this subject sometimes brings. AHH and the humor! I loved the banter and humor between all the characters but especially, Tony and Georgie! This author has a true gift with romance:}
Clean regency with no religion.
Merged review:
Such a fun series! Love the originality of each story.
Clean regency with no religion.
Merged review:
Such a fun series! Love the originality of each story.
June 3, 2018
The Merry Lives of Spinsters is an absolute pleasure to read. The pages are expertly written and wonderfully romantic. I loved this book. It was so clever, sweet, and just all-around fun. I delighted in each chapter heading of the Spinster Chronicles. I smiled and laughed many times. The characters are very fun and each have a wonderful whit and charm to them. Tony, Georgie, Charlotte, Miranda, Izzy, Prue... each of them I treasured. There are so many sweet and tender moments, it's hard to pick a favorite. I especially loved the development of Georgie and Tony's relationship. They are truly perfect for each other.
February 20, 2023
This is the first book in the Spinster Chronicles. This is my second series in my Mad About Series challenge for HRBC on Goodreads. The h is the Oldest and Leader of the Spinsters with a capital S, Georgiana (Georgie) Allen. She lives with her cousin and her family Isobel Lambert. Isobel (Izzy) is also a member of the Spinsters.
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 8, 2018
I haven’t read very many of Rebecca Connolly’s books yet, but the ones I’ve read have been great! This book is great, I loved her characters and the cleverness! There are so many things to love about it.
The main heroine of this one is Georgie. She and her group of friends, the Spinsters with a capitol S, write a page in the paper. Their columns are generating plenty of talk among the ton, including young men, who want to get rid of the group. I laughed out loud at some of the witty things these young ladies came up with, both in the snippets from their columns and in their lives. Strong women characters are some of my favorites and these young ladies are!
I love all of Georgie’s friends, Izzy, Prue, Charlotte, Grace and Elinor. They each have their own personality and crazy character flaws. I loved the way each of them shines in her own way. And they’re all going to get their own story. That just makes me happy!
Then there’s Tony. Tony gets involved with the Spinsters because of his cousin Hugh. Hugh is one of the ones who want to get rid of the group. He tasks Tony with infiltrating the women and getting rid of them once and for all. Tony is happy to check things out, but it’s never his goal to do what Hugh says. I didn’t like Hugh at all! I hope he mends his ways.
Tony on the other hand is a gentleman. I loved the way he looks after all of these young women as best as he can. One of my favorite scenes is a ball where he tries to confuse all of London in regard to these young women. It works too!
This is such a fun Regency Romance. I didn’t want to stop reading it. And I’m so glad that the next book in this series is out so I can read it as well!
The main heroine of this one is Georgie. She and her group of friends, the Spinsters with a capitol S, write a page in the paper. Their columns are generating plenty of talk among the ton, including young men, who want to get rid of the group. I laughed out loud at some of the witty things these young ladies came up with, both in the snippets from their columns and in their lives. Strong women characters are some of my favorites and these young ladies are!
I love all of Georgie’s friends, Izzy, Prue, Charlotte, Grace and Elinor. They each have their own personality and crazy character flaws. I loved the way each of them shines in her own way. And they’re all going to get their own story. That just makes me happy!
Then there’s Tony. Tony gets involved with the Spinsters because of his cousin Hugh. Hugh is one of the ones who want to get rid of the group. He tasks Tony with infiltrating the women and getting rid of them once and for all. Tony is happy to check things out, but it’s never his goal to do what Hugh says. I didn’t like Hugh at all! I hope he mends his ways.
Tony on the other hand is a gentleman. I loved the way he looks after all of these young women as best as he can. One of my favorite scenes is a ball where he tries to confuse all of London in regard to these young women. It works too!
This is such a fun Regency Romance. I didn’t want to stop reading it. And I’m so glad that the next book in this series is out so I can read it as well!
June 16, 2018
Ok, I’ve given this spinster series two books and I just handle any more of them. As much as I love Regency England stories, (and having enjoyed other books by Rebecca Connolly) this rapidly became a chore to read. Yes, I did read the whole thing.
It’s the story of a group of age 20-ish spinsters who form a group to psychoanalyze their unfortunate predicament by way of writing a “newssheet devoted to reaching out to the females in London making poor choices with the men in their circles” (pg. 222). They cautiously let Anthony Sterling join the group because he seems genuinely interested in their cause. However, the handsome Captain Sterling has his cousin’s motives secretly in hand: to break them up. It’s an adventure for “Tony”, (everybody’s on first name/nickname basis, which is unconventional in Regency times) but what he doesn’t plan on is the ringleader, “Georgie” Allen, becomes rather intriguing.
I agree with many other reviewers: too many characters and the story drags. I like Regency women who stand up for themselves when called for, but this whole spinster-group-thing just doesn’t work for me. I guess the group needs an early 18th century Dr. Phil…
I’ll wait for other Rebecca Connolly books that aren’t in this series.
It’s the story of a group of age 20-ish spinsters who form a group to psychoanalyze their unfortunate predicament by way of writing a “newssheet devoted to reaching out to the females in London making poor choices with the men in their circles” (pg. 222). They cautiously let Anthony Sterling join the group because he seems genuinely interested in their cause. However, the handsome Captain Sterling has his cousin’s motives secretly in hand: to break them up. It’s an adventure for “Tony”, (everybody’s on first name/nickname basis, which is unconventional in Regency times) but what he doesn’t plan on is the ringleader, “Georgie” Allen, becomes rather intriguing.
I agree with many other reviewers: too many characters and the story drags. I like Regency women who stand up for themselves when called for, but this whole spinster-group-thing just doesn’t work for me. I guess the group needs an early 18th century Dr. Phil…
I’ll wait for other Rebecca Connolly books that aren’t in this series.
May 4, 2018
Disappointing
I'm a fan of Rebecca Connolly, but I couldn't even finish this one. I found the characters annoying and the storyline shallow and boring. This seemed more like a first effort of a young writer, not at all on the level of her Arrangements series.
I'm a fan of Rebecca Connolly, but I couldn't even finish this one. I found the characters annoying and the storyline shallow and boring. This seemed more like a first effort of a young writer, not at all on the level of her Arrangements series.
June 5, 2018
Super cute beginning to a new series by Rebecca Connolly! I can’t wait to read the stories about the other spinsters.
June 7, 2018
This book just went on and on until finally we reached...The Big Conflict! Unfortunately, The Big Conflict was poorly done; it just made me hate the heroine. Run, Tony! You can do better!
August 27, 2019
3.5
predictable and slow, and a bit cheesy, but not a bad read. The good parts were still very good.
predictable and slow, and a bit cheesy, but not a bad read. The good parts were still very good.
September 4, 2021
The Spinster Chronicles (6 bk series)
The Merry Lives of Spinsters, bk #1, 3.75 stars
The Spinster and I, bk #2, 3 stars
Spinster & Spice , bk #3, 4 stars
******
I read the above books in reverse order. I declined
to read Hugh's story b/c I doubted he could redeem
himself.
England, 1815, onward. Tony (former military captain)
& Georgiana "Georgie" both had cleverness & wit to
spare. Her cynical persona kept men at bay. But Tony,
who usually displayed maturity, bungled the revelation
of his secret.
Georgie lead the Spinsters (whose personalities ranged
from shy to bold and in between) in the writing of their
Chronicles. Some in the ton considered them men-haters,
but this was untrue. Two older ladies acted as their life
mentors; Lady Hetty & Miranda, the hero's step-mom.
The mentors added perspective and humor.
The Merry Lives of Spinsters, bk #1, 3.75 stars
The Spinster and I, bk #2, 3 stars
Spinster & Spice , bk #3, 4 stars
******
I read the above books in reverse order. I declined
to read Hugh's story b/c I doubted he could redeem
himself.
England, 1815, onward. Tony (former military captain)
& Georgiana "Georgie" both had cleverness & wit to
spare. Her cynical persona kept men at bay. But Tony,
who usually displayed maturity, bungled the revelation
of his secret.
Georgie lead the Spinsters (whose personalities ranged
from shy to bold and in between) in the writing of their
Chronicles. Some in the ton considered them men-haters,
but this was untrue. Two older ladies acted as their life
mentors; Lady Hetty & Miranda, the hero's step-mom.
The mentors added perspective and humor.
December 27, 2021
4.5 🌟 rounded up.
This entire series is a delight. The women in this series have a purpose and they aren't just sitting around bemoaning their single state. They are called Spinster with a 'S' because of the weekly they are producing. Each of these women have a certain talent that is evident in their gossip mag.
I specifically loved how all the men they fell for bonded too and they just banded up to help - whether it's matchmaking or chaperoning. It's also a very inclusive group so newer members are welcomed jnto their fold easily.
Yes, there are books better than the others, but on an average this series ranks at 3.75🌟🌟. Read them in order its definitely helpful to do so.
Recommended :👍👍
This entire series is a delight. The women in this series have a purpose and they aren't just sitting around bemoaning their single state. They are called Spinster with a 'S' because of the weekly they are producing. Each of these women have a certain talent that is evident in their gossip mag.
I specifically loved how all the men they fell for bonded too and they just banded up to help - whether it's matchmaking or chaperoning. It's also a very inclusive group so newer members are welcomed jnto their fold easily.
Yes, there are books better than the others, but on an average this series ranks at 3.75🌟🌟. Read them in order its definitely helpful to do so.
Recommended :👍👍
May 23, 2018
Very slow
February 14, 2023
After reading "A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice" (2022) by this author whom I'd never read anything or heard of before now, I was looking forward to enjoying this book, one of her earlier works which was published in 2018. However, this weak plot was all wrapped up by chapter 14 (there are 21 chapters total) and by that point, for this reader, this book was very much over. This is the first in what is supposed to be a fun, lighthearted even whimsical series about a group of single women who get married off, one by one.
It did start off promising.
A large group of mostly forgettable single women, way past their expiration date for the time period in which it is set, 1815, London England who publish articles about their experiences in the local papers. Except for the main heroine of this novel, Georgiana Allen (Georgie) all of her single friends and fellow Spinsters "with a capital S" were hard to root for or follow thanks to all the stereotypes this book couldn't seem to get away from. There's a "shy" spinster, a "play the field having too much fun to commit" spinster, a "plain and homely" spinster...You get it. And it seemed on every single page one of these women was either: scoffing, smirking, hiding a laugh in her sleeve, choking back a laugh, groaning, snorting or huffing as they discussed their single state with each other, the lack of eligible men and usually doing so with the only male character of any importance in this book, Captain Anthony Sterling. Naturally, Tony is your typical romantic novel male who never looked at another woman in his life until he saw our heroine.
One of Tony's friends wants him to break up the Spinsters, they are throwing off the groove of all the carefree bachelors who don't want to settle and commit. These wholesome women must be stopped! If Tony were to get into their inner circle, get the ringleader Georgie to fall in love with him, then all the eligible maidens in Society would again be fair game for the single men to pursue without the cynical, rain-on-our-parade influence of these old maids who, nevertheless, hold a place of general respect in upper-class Society with their opinions and articles. Not a bad story idea by the author but even a 21st century reader knows such women have NEVER held such a place in culture or society. Childless women who have never married achieve their fame by CHOOSING such a life, which was unheard of in 1815 and these women are most certainly NOT single and childless by choice. They just haven't found a husband yet and are the victims of skewed numbers in the dating circles of their day. Even today, such women never make headlines, are treated like second-class citizens and largely ignored and forgotten by everyone. I'm speaking from personal experience here.
This explains why this book by an LDS author was NOT published by Deseret Book or Covenant like "Brilliant Night" was. Not sure exactly why, maybe because of the weak plot and story idea, maybe the fact one character dropped the forbidden "D" word, the only place in the book I noticed while reading-sorry I can't find the reference. Or perhaps when Georgie and Tony realized they couldn't swipe left and hold out for their nine or ten to come along and decided to get together that they couldn't stop sneaking off into corners to steal kisses and passionate embraces. Nothing offensive, don't worry it was all good, clean wholesome fun but, again, just not as well written as "Brilliant Night" which I highly recommend.
Pick this up if you need something to read but I recommend waiting for this author's next book to come out as published and edited by more professional houses than the one this came from.
It did start off promising.
A large group of mostly forgettable single women, way past their expiration date for the time period in which it is set, 1815, London England who publish articles about their experiences in the local papers. Except for the main heroine of this novel, Georgiana Allen (Georgie) all of her single friends and fellow Spinsters "with a capital S" were hard to root for or follow thanks to all the stereotypes this book couldn't seem to get away from. There's a "shy" spinster, a "play the field having too much fun to commit" spinster, a "plain and homely" spinster...You get it. And it seemed on every single page one of these women was either: scoffing, smirking, hiding a laugh in her sleeve, choking back a laugh, groaning, snorting or huffing as they discussed their single state with each other, the lack of eligible men and usually doing so with the only male character of any importance in this book, Captain Anthony Sterling. Naturally, Tony is your typical romantic novel male who never looked at another woman in his life until he saw our heroine.
One of Tony's friends wants him to break up the Spinsters, they are throwing off the groove of all the carefree bachelors who don't want to settle and commit. These wholesome women must be stopped! If Tony were to get into their inner circle, get the ringleader Georgie to fall in love with him, then all the eligible maidens in Society would again be fair game for the single men to pursue without the cynical, rain-on-our-parade influence of these old maids who, nevertheless, hold a place of general respect in upper-class Society with their opinions and articles. Not a bad story idea by the author but even a 21st century reader knows such women have NEVER held such a place in culture or society. Childless women who have never married achieve their fame by CHOOSING such a life, which was unheard of in 1815 and these women are most certainly NOT single and childless by choice. They just haven't found a husband yet and are the victims of skewed numbers in the dating circles of their day. Even today, such women never make headlines, are treated like second-class citizens and largely ignored and forgotten by everyone. I'm speaking from personal experience here.
This explains why this book by an LDS author was NOT published by Deseret Book or Covenant like "Brilliant Night" was. Not sure exactly why, maybe because of the weak plot and story idea, maybe the fact one character dropped the forbidden "D" word, the only place in the book I noticed while reading-sorry I can't find the reference. Or perhaps when Georgie and Tony realized they couldn't swipe left and hold out for their nine or ten to come along and decided to get together that they couldn't stop sneaking off into corners to steal kisses and passionate embraces. Nothing offensive, don't worry it was all good, clean wholesome fun but, again, just not as well written as "Brilliant Night" which I highly recommend.
Pick this up if you need something to read but I recommend waiting for this author's next book to come out as published and edited by more professional houses than the one this came from.
May 3, 2018
Why I Thought I Would Be Able To Put This Down Is Beyond Me!
Georgiana Allen is the leader of a group called the Spinsters (with a capitol S). She and her friends are single for reasons they don’t understand, and some they do. They are determined to make the most of their situation, and to share their wisdom with the younger debutantes. I loved this group of women who were dealing with the loneliness and stigma of being single, but found a way to support one another, and found a purpose.
When Anthony Sterling resigns his commission in the Army and comes to town, he is intrigued by all he hears about the Spinsters. His cousin urges him to break up the group, but Tony finds himself joining their cause instead.
There were so many strong female leads in this story. The kind that banter with the best of them, and speak their mind, much to my amusement. Tony was not a dullard either, he could give as well as he got! He and Georgie were perfect for each other. I loved their sparring, but also seeing them open up and be vulnerable with one another. I also loved the kissing, and how they thought everyone around them didn’t know what was going on, when of course, everyone does.
This was a great start to a new series. I was overwhelmed by all of the characters at the very beginning, once I got passed that, I couldn’t put it down!
If you like Regency romances full of wit, unconventional women, and sweet kisses, this is the book for you!
Content: clean (some kisses, one mild curse word)
Georgiana Allen is the leader of a group called the Spinsters (with a capitol S). She and her friends are single for reasons they don’t understand, and some they do. They are determined to make the most of their situation, and to share their wisdom with the younger debutantes. I loved this group of women who were dealing with the loneliness and stigma of being single, but found a way to support one another, and found a purpose.
When Anthony Sterling resigns his commission in the Army and comes to town, he is intrigued by all he hears about the Spinsters. His cousin urges him to break up the group, but Tony finds himself joining their cause instead.
There were so many strong female leads in this story. The kind that banter with the best of them, and speak their mind, much to my amusement. Tony was not a dullard either, he could give as well as he got! He and Georgie were perfect for each other. I loved their sparring, but also seeing them open up and be vulnerable with one another. I also loved the kissing, and how they thought everyone around them didn’t know what was going on, when of course, everyone does.
This was a great start to a new series. I was overwhelmed by all of the characters at the very beginning, once I got passed that, I couldn’t put it down!
If you like Regency romances full of wit, unconventional women, and sweet kisses, this is the book for you!
Content: clean (some kisses, one mild curse word)
August 31, 2018
I LOVED this book! Of course, I've loved every one of her books, and thus new series promises to be as good as her others.
Can I just tell you how much I adore our leading man, Tony. He is everything a gentleman ought to be. And the Spinsters, talk about an eclectic group of women. As this is the first book in the series, we were introduced to a whole gambit of characters that will of course have subsequent books of their own and all making appearances in them. That can be a difficult task to manage, setting up so many characters and personalities so we feel intimately connected with them all. Yet this author does it magnificently. I can't wait to read the next in this series.
No spoilers here, just know Tony is AMAZING and I just love him. Highly recommend this, and all her other books as well.
CONTENT
Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - Almost none existent
Violence - None
Can I just tell you how much I adore our leading man, Tony. He is everything a gentleman ought to be. And the Spinsters, talk about an eclectic group of women. As this is the first book in the series, we were introduced to a whole gambit of characters that will of course have subsequent books of their own and all making appearances in them. That can be a difficult task to manage, setting up so many characters and personalities so we feel intimately connected with them all. Yet this author does it magnificently. I can't wait to read the next in this series.
No spoilers here, just know Tony is AMAZING and I just love him. Highly recommend this, and all her other books as well.
CONTENT
Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - Almost none existent
Violence - None
January 12, 2019
Huge fan of Rebecca Connolly and London League series, in part because of the friendship between the characters is so believable and funny, even with such a large cast.
The Spinster Chronicles books are off to a rockier to start for me, though. The cast was huge, and I couldn't keep the spinsters separated in my mind. I also found a lot of the drama manufactured unnecessarily.
Once I got past 25% I really enjoyed the book, but I almost quit multiple times before I got there. I'll keep reading because the next book features Prudence, who I enjoyed quite a bit, and Connolly keeps the price point very affordable for all her books, which I SO appreciate.
The Spinster Chronicles books are off to a rockier to start for me, though. The cast was huge, and I couldn't keep the spinsters separated in my mind. I also found a lot of the drama manufactured unnecessarily.
Once I got past 25% I really enjoyed the book, but I almost quit multiple times before I got there. I'll keep reading because the next book features Prudence, who I enjoyed quite a bit, and Connolly keeps the price point very affordable for all her books, which I SO appreciate.
July 28, 2023
I didn’t love how it started with a spinster meeting and there were all of these names being thrown out and you don’t know who is who- keeping track of the women’s conversations was hard for me for the rest of the book (because all 5 friends chime back and forth in each conversation). Other than that I did enjoy the book, except the resolution of the conflict at the end was a touch too neat and unrealistic.
June 27, 2025
I liked this book…these women are strong and realistic. MMC a little TOO perfect, but there is some good character development and slow building friendship here. The premise about the weekly news column is creative.
January 17, 2023
Delightful and fun!
October 28, 2025
3.5 Stars. Predictable for the genre. Entertaining but not especially notable.
September 11, 2025
This is the first book in the Spinster Chronicles series. It is a kisses only Regency era romance.
I love so many of Rebecca Connolly's books! This one is no exception. I listened to the audio and thoroughly enjoyed it! The only issue I had was that this book introduces us to the Spinsters (with a capital S) and it took me awhile to be able to keep them straight. That may have been due to the fact that I was listening rather than reading, so my mind may have wandered a bit.
But if that's your situation....KEEP LISTENING! This is a marvelous series!
I love so many of Rebecca Connolly's books! This one is no exception. I listened to the audio and thoroughly enjoyed it! The only issue I had was that this book introduces us to the Spinsters (with a capital S) and it took me awhile to be able to keep them straight. That may have been due to the fact that I was listening rather than reading, so my mind may have wandered a bit.
But if that's your situation....KEEP LISTENING! This is a marvelous series!
May 9, 2018
Sweet, fluffy, humorous. And clean! That's important with Regency novels.
September 16, 2021
I've truly enjoyed some of Rebecca Connolly's books, but, in my opinion, this one was painfully drawn out. If the two main characters' internal debates were eliminated, it would have been about six chapters total. It began with a fun premise and the potential to develop into a love story with the added depth of strong friendships with quickly supporting characters. But then nothing happened. It just kept going. And nothing happened. And yet the not-happening was intensely dramatic. There so much catching of breath and frozen expressions of shock and stifled chokes of laughter and barely contained emotion that by time something significant actually occurred (in Chapter 20), the boy had cried wolf for days on end so I couldn't muster up much ability to care.
The book was mainly one of of discussion and thought. Things were planned and debated and analyzed and regretted and wished for and imagine and scorned, but rarely anything happen. That being said, I always prefer books with language that shows rather than tells. If you're in the mood for some juicy yet harmless gossip, burgeoning emotions, and dramatic romantic tension, give it a go. This might be just your cup of tea.
I will end with this disclaimer:
This opinion is likely skewed by my current long-distance relationship, in which communication is extremely difficult. So my desire to shake the star-crossed lovers while bellowing "OH MY GRACIOUS WOULD YOU JUST STOP BROODING AND START COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER SO SOMETHING CAN ACTUALLY HAPPEN?!?!?!" may in fact be a projection of my own emotions.
The book was mainly one of of discussion and thought. Things were planned and debated and analyzed and regretted and wished for and imagine and scorned, but rarely anything happen. That being said, I always prefer books with language that shows rather than tells. If you're in the mood for some juicy yet harmless gossip, burgeoning emotions, and dramatic romantic tension, give it a go. This might be just your cup of tea.
I will end with this disclaimer:
This opinion is likely skewed by my current long-distance relationship, in which communication is extremely difficult. So my desire to shake the star-crossed lovers while bellowing "OH MY GRACIOUS WOULD YOU JUST STOP BROODING AND START COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER SO SOMETHING CAN ACTUALLY HAPPEN?!?!?!" may in fact be a projection of my own emotions.
July 14, 2018
I debated between two and three stars. This story just felt flat to me. A lot of the behavior- everyone on first name/nickname basis, tons of sneaking off to smooch- just didn’t seem very realistic to the time period. The character annoyed me, especially Georgie and I didn’t understand what made Tony fall for her... Charlotte seemed a lot more likeable.
January 7, 2020
Loves this book!! Excited for this series!!
This was awesome!! I love all her other books too! And I was nervous to read a new series but I am already in love with this new set of spinters!!! LOVE and pick it up for a lovely clean Regency romance!!
This was awesome!! I love all her other books too! And I was nervous to read a new series but I am already in love with this new set of spinters!!! LOVE and pick it up for a lovely clean Regency romance!!
November 24, 2018
The Merry Lives of Spinsters
The Spinster Chronicles #1
By Rebecca Connolly
Georgiana Allen is determined to keep foolish young women from ruining their lives either by marriage by ruination or a life of shame by allowing her reputation to be reduced by scandal. Too many a young woman was lost to the momentary fancy of a rake with no consequence to the "gentleman"! Well, Georgie is determined to help out these poor innocents if at all possible and with her friends in the Spinsters (with a capital S, mind you,) she's going to offer what advice she can. The Spinster Chronicles is a much talked about column in the paper. A column that offers advice on social settings, fashion, and the like.
The gentlemen of London society are tired of the interference of the Spinsters when it comes to their entertainment. And it is to this setting that Captain Anthony (Tony to his friends) Sterling returns. HIs younger cousin Hugh begs him to enter the fray and stop these meddling spinsters before they know what has hit them. But upon reading The Spinster Chronicles for himself, Tony makes other plans. He determines to infilter this band of women and discover for himself just what is true and if possible to offer his services to these ladies.
Georgie is suspicious of this captain who happens to offer to join the Spinsters and to be their eyes and ears in society. What follows is a battle of wits and words as Georgie and Tony spar at every meeting but soon both are looking forward to these encounters. But marriage, not a thought on the mind of either. But when Tony's stepmother comes to town, he better be on guard because she's determined to see him married by autumn! And the lady she's chosen for him..., well, Georgie had better watch out or her status as Spinster may soon be at an end.
This is a delightful and fun read as society is tested by a group who should just stick to quiet corners makes its presence known. And known they are. Those who like anything Jane Austen will enjoy this book, which has a mention of her works and is set in the Regency era. This is a clean read and so is appropriate for most readers.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations other than to give my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.
The Spinster Chronicles #1
By Rebecca Connolly
Georgiana Allen is determined to keep foolish young women from ruining their lives either by marriage by ruination or a life of shame by allowing her reputation to be reduced by scandal. Too many a young woman was lost to the momentary fancy of a rake with no consequence to the "gentleman"! Well, Georgie is determined to help out these poor innocents if at all possible and with her friends in the Spinsters (with a capital S, mind you,) she's going to offer what advice she can. The Spinster Chronicles is a much talked about column in the paper. A column that offers advice on social settings, fashion, and the like.
The gentlemen of London society are tired of the interference of the Spinsters when it comes to their entertainment. And it is to this setting that Captain Anthony (Tony to his friends) Sterling returns. HIs younger cousin Hugh begs him to enter the fray and stop these meddling spinsters before they know what has hit them. But upon reading The Spinster Chronicles for himself, Tony makes other plans. He determines to infilter this band of women and discover for himself just what is true and if possible to offer his services to these ladies.
Georgie is suspicious of this captain who happens to offer to join the Spinsters and to be their eyes and ears in society. What follows is a battle of wits and words as Georgie and Tony spar at every meeting but soon both are looking forward to these encounters. But marriage, not a thought on the mind of either. But when Tony's stepmother comes to town, he better be on guard because she's determined to see him married by autumn! And the lady she's chosen for him..., well, Georgie had better watch out or her status as Spinster may soon be at an end.
This is a delightful and fun read as society is tested by a group who should just stick to quiet corners makes its presence known. And known they are. Those who like anything Jane Austen will enjoy this book, which has a mention of her works and is set in the Regency era. This is a clean read and so is appropriate for most readers.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations other than to give my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews