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Sisters of Woodside Mysteries #2
The Chaperon
A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Poor and widowed, Lucy finds a post as chaperon to two young ladies while their mother is awaiting the birth of her child. It sounds like easy work, well suited to her sociable nature, but the sisters squabble over their suitors, and there are tensions below the surface of the seemingly happy family. Then there is the charming Mr Audley, who is more interested in flirting with Lucy than in discovering where his sisters have disappeared to. And as for Lucy’s uncle, who lives nearby, she’s quite convinced he is hiding something. Curiosity is Lucy’s abiding sin, and one day it will get her into trouble. Mr Leo Audley is rich, handsome and very successful with the ladies - until he meets widow Lucy Price, who isn’t the least bit susceptible to his flirtatious charm. His pride is piqued - surely he can find a way to seduce her? But Lucy challenges everything about him, and he finds himself unexpectedly falling for her. He’s never been in love before, but can he convince her that he’s more than a heartless rake? And when she draws him into her investigations of the mysteries surrounding his family and hers, they find themselves in deeper trouble than they could have imagined, and facing the possibility that someone in the family is a murderer. Book 2 of the 5-book Sisters of Woodside Mysteries series, each a complete story with a HEA, but read all of them to find out all the secrets of the Winterton family!
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2018
878 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
68 books479 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 4, 2023
I read the first book in the series and gave it 5* but it was before I was writing reviews (I have found that they help me remember the plot). This book was crazy. It may be a case of me not the book as many have given it a higher rating than my 2*. I realize that if I like a book, I can let things slide about being anachronistic but so much happened in this one that I throw up my hands and give this a 2* I mean it has everything, but the kitchen sink thrown into it. The first half really grabbed my attention, and I was really enjoying the book then the middle started to drag a bit. The second half.....I don't know what happened, but the book went totally off the rails into crazy.
July 4, 2022
4 STARS
This was delightful. Even Lucy's chattering didn't take away from it. Her reluctance to admit her feelings though, did rankle, but thankfully Leo made up for her short-comings. My only complaint was that the punishment didn't match the crimes in this one. But I will not say more than that. On to book 3. :)
This was delightful. Even Lucy's chattering didn't take away from it. Her reluctance to admit her feelings though, did rankle, but thankfully Leo made up for her short-comings. My only complaint was that the punishment didn't match the crimes in this one. But I will not say more than that. On to book 3. :)
December 27, 2018
.
'The Chaperon’ is the second installment of a new Regency romance series, 'The Sisters of Woodside Mystery's', by Mary Kingswood. I read the Kindle edition of this Romantical/Mystery series. The Winterton sister's lives were torn apart when their wastrel father died, after expending resources foolishly and self-indulgently, leaving them in poverty. In turn, they were forced to leave their childhood home and each had to turn to work for other families to support themselves.
"Lucy did not feel up to explaining how close she and her sisters were, and how comforting it was to have another body to share blankets, warmth, and gossip with, but it surprised her that the Kingsley sisters, so close in age, felt no similar affinity."
In this gentle, read, Mrs. Lucy Price is the chatterbox of the Winterton family and was a widow. I felt engaged in the life of Mrs. Price, as a chaperone to the two Kingsley sisters, that lived at Longmere Priory, and whom she found out, squabble at the drop of a hat. Then there comes the charming, Mr. Leo Audley, the brother of her charge's step-mother. Mr. Audley is a known rake, so his sister warns Lucy about his beguiling manner.
Even ordinary families have secrets
This story is engrossed with mystery for certain. However, it lacked a certain level captivation or ample humor, that I sorely crave. This tale surely had secrets, horrors, and thrills. It was a pleasant sort of entertainment, keeping the anxiety level of the reader more evenly keeled than in some other stories. This would have dropped a star in my rating, except the non-sexual aspect bumps it back upward.
The house was every bit as thrilling at Lucy had hoped."
I appreciated that there wasn't an overbearing obstruction to the romance brewing. Sometimes those are just too over to the top to be credible. Each installment includes several twists, an investigation, and a well-developed cast. I enjoyed getting to know the sisters through their letters to Lucy throughout the book. I look forward to their stories in the future! This is a "clean" romance and becomes appropriate for all ages, which may be boring for those who desire the explicitly of sexual scenes included. I, however, found it refreshing! I don't feel a romance novel needs explicit sex. This book is definitely able to stand on its own. I appreciate it is a clean version and that there was a wonderfully appropriate H.E.A.
'The Chaperon’ is the second installment of a new Regency romance series, 'The Sisters of Woodside Mystery's', by Mary Kingswood. I read the Kindle edition of this Romantical/Mystery series. The Winterton sister's lives were torn apart when their wastrel father died, after expending resources foolishly and self-indulgently, leaving them in poverty. In turn, they were forced to leave their childhood home and each had to turn to work for other families to support themselves.
"Lucy did not feel up to explaining how close she and her sisters were, and how comforting it was to have another body to share blankets, warmth, and gossip with, but it surprised her that the Kingsley sisters, so close in age, felt no similar affinity."
In this gentle, read, Mrs. Lucy Price is the chatterbox of the Winterton family and was a widow. I felt engaged in the life of Mrs. Price, as a chaperone to the two Kingsley sisters, that lived at Longmere Priory, and whom she found out, squabble at the drop of a hat. Then there comes the charming, Mr. Leo Audley, the brother of her charge's step-mother. Mr. Audley is a known rake, so his sister warns Lucy about his beguiling manner.
Even ordinary families have secrets
This story is engrossed with mystery for certain. However, it lacked a certain level captivation or ample humor, that I sorely crave. This tale surely had secrets, horrors, and thrills. It was a pleasant sort of entertainment, keeping the anxiety level of the reader more evenly keeled than in some other stories. This would have dropped a star in my rating, except the non-sexual aspect bumps it back upward.
The house was every bit as thrilling at Lucy had hoped."
I appreciated that there wasn't an overbearing obstruction to the romance brewing. Sometimes those are just too over to the top to be credible. Each installment includes several twists, an investigation, and a well-developed cast. I enjoyed getting to know the sisters through their letters to Lucy throughout the book. I look forward to their stories in the future! This is a "clean" romance and becomes appropriate for all ages, which may be boring for those who desire the explicitly of sexual scenes included. I, however, found it refreshing! I don't feel a romance novel needs explicit sex. This book is definitely able to stand on its own. I appreciate it is a clean version and that there was a wonderfully appropriate H.E.A.
January 13, 2025
These books have such a nice balance between romance and mystery. I’m used to historical mysteries that have very slow burn romances. I’m used to waiting three or four books before my main characters come together. What’s so satisfying about these is that every book has one of the sisters finding her partner and solving a mystery.
Equally delightful is that once again we have cameos from characters we first met in previous Mary Kingswood series. I almost want Captain Edgerton to become a main character because he’s in so many of these books.
Equally delightful is that once again we have cameos from characters we first met in previous Mary Kingswood series. I almost want Captain Edgerton to become a main character because he’s in so many of these books.
September 6, 2018
This book was a very entertaining read. It started off as a nice Regency romance with a touch of mystery which intrigued me. The hero, Leo, I liked from the beginning. He thought he was a rake but was just roguish really and when he met Lucy and knew it was love he was quite happy to change. Lucy is charming and sensible and well able to manage her two charges but she's also girlish and a bit silly at times which is acceptable for a woman her age and made me like her all the more.
Then the mystery really kicked in and I have to say it started to read like a Gothic melodrama. It was way over the top and at times I thought the author had lost the run of herself.
It was almost like it was two different stories in one book. There was a huge cast of characters and these were added to in the second half. There are still parts of it that I don't think I got the complete picture of.
I gave it four stars because even though at times my eyebrows were nearly up in my hairline, it kept me reading and wanting to know what was going to be the outcome. So worth a read if you're into this kind of book.
I'd like to thank the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Then the mystery really kicked in and I have to say it started to read like a Gothic melodrama. It was way over the top and at times I thought the author had lost the run of herself.
It was almost like it was two different stories in one book. There was a huge cast of characters and these were added to in the second half. There are still parts of it that I don't think I got the complete picture of.
I gave it four stars because even though at times my eyebrows were nearly up in my hairline, it kept me reading and wanting to know what was going to be the outcome. So worth a read if you're into this kind of book.
I'd like to thank the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2018
Rambling and unbelievable
Annabelle's story, in the Governess, was fairly nice, so i decided to read this remainder of the series.
However this story defies even the most flexible credulity.
First, the author apparent has little idea of historical fiscal concerns. 100,000 pounds can't even be called a kingly sum because the Prince Regent during the regency period was often lacking in funds. No way was there going to be no accounting of those funds in a dowry.
Second, these stories seem to exist in a vacuum. There is no society to speak of. If he were accused of dishonoring a vicar's daughter, he would have been called into account as he has no title. Also the vicar's daughter would have been cast out in shame.
There are just so many anachronistic behaviors occurring throughout this novel that render it mind numbing.
The entire story is just mired in ridiculous circumvention. Unfortunately, the romance, which was a bit sweet, is overshadowed by all this nonsense. The hero and heroine are the only things saving this novel from total loss.
Unless you're reading this book for free, I'd stay clear of this one.
Annabelle's story, in the Governess, was fairly nice, so i decided to read this remainder of the series.
However this story defies even the most flexible credulity.
First, the author apparent has little idea of historical fiscal concerns. 100,000 pounds can't even be called a kingly sum because the Prince Regent during the regency period was often lacking in funds. No way was there going to be no accounting of those funds in a dowry.
Second, these stories seem to exist in a vacuum. There is no society to speak of. If he were accused of dishonoring a vicar's daughter, he would have been called into account as he has no title. Also the vicar's daughter would have been cast out in shame.
There are just so many anachronistic behaviors occurring throughout this novel that render it mind numbing.
The entire story is just mired in ridiculous circumvention. Unfortunately, the romance, which was a bit sweet, is overshadowed by all this nonsense. The hero and heroine are the only things saving this novel from total loss.
Unless you're reading this book for free, I'd stay clear of this one.
January 19, 2020
'Poor and widowed, Lucy finds a post as chaperon to two young ladies while their mother is awaiting the birth of her child. It sounds like easy work, well suited to her sociable nature, but the sisters squabble over their suitors, and there are tensions below the surface of the seemingly happy family. Then there is the charming Mr Audley, who is more interested in flirting with Lucy than in discovering where his sisters have disappeared to. And as for Lucy’s uncle, who lives nearby, she’s quite convinced he is hiding something. Curiosity is Lucy’s abiding sin, and one day it will get her into trouble.
Mr Leo Audley is rich, handsome and very successful with the ladies - until he meets widow Lucy Price, who isn’t the least bit susceptible to his flirtatious charm. His pride is piqued - surely he can find a way to seduce her? But Lucy challenges everything about him, and he finds himself unexpectedly falling for her. He’s never been in love before, but can he convince her that he’s more than a heartless rake? And when she draws him into her investigations of the mysteries surrounding his family and hers, they find themselves in deeper trouble than they could have imagined, and facing the possibility that someone in the family is a murderer.'
____________________________
The Chaperon is the second book in Mary Kingswood's Sisters of Woodside Mysteries series. Each book tells the story of another of the Winterton sisters lives in the aftermath of their seperation, this one follows the widowed Lucy.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I did enjoy this one as well, but I did not find this one as compelling as the first. Mainly because this one's plot swung too far into extremes as to become overwhelmingly unrealistic.
I thought the situation going on at the home of her relatives was going to be much more sinister and unnerving than it was, so therefore I found the reveal to be a bit anti-climatic. Obviously this was more of an issue of me getting ahead of myself with the reading than with the plot itself. But I just thought it was going in one very sinister and intentional direction, but it turned out to be far less evil and a bit more making the best out of unfortunate circumstances.
Additionally I found the legal repercussions for such a heinous crime to extremely disappointing. I kind of understand his reasoning and I know that many a highborn crime were brushed under the rug, but I found this unacceptable and infuriating. More than anything though, what a stupid, stupid young man to then shackle himself to her for life. Man won't make old bones.
I will be continuing on to the third book in the series, The Companion. I am especially curious to discover the truth in regards as to what happened to Jeremy.
This is a clean romance.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Mr Leo Audley is rich, handsome and very successful with the ladies - until he meets widow Lucy Price, who isn’t the least bit susceptible to his flirtatious charm. His pride is piqued - surely he can find a way to seduce her? But Lucy challenges everything about him, and he finds himself unexpectedly falling for her. He’s never been in love before, but can he convince her that he’s more than a heartless rake? And when she draws him into her investigations of the mysteries surrounding his family and hers, they find themselves in deeper trouble than they could have imagined, and facing the possibility that someone in the family is a murderer.'
____________________________
The Chaperon is the second book in Mary Kingswood's Sisters of Woodside Mysteries series. Each book tells the story of another of the Winterton sisters lives in the aftermath of their seperation, this one follows the widowed Lucy.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I did enjoy this one as well, but I did not find this one as compelling as the first. Mainly because this one's plot swung too far into extremes as to become overwhelmingly unrealistic.
I thought the situation going on at the home of her relatives was going to be much more sinister and unnerving than it was, so therefore I found the reveal to be a bit anti-climatic. Obviously this was more of an issue of me getting ahead of myself with the reading than with the plot itself. But I just thought it was going in one very sinister and intentional direction, but it turned out to be far less evil and a bit more making the best out of unfortunate circumstances.
Additionally I found the legal repercussions for such a heinous crime to extremely disappointing. I kind of understand his reasoning and I know that many a highborn crime were brushed under the rug, but I found this unacceptable and infuriating. More than anything though, what a stupid, stupid young man to then shackle himself to her for life. Man won't make old bones.
I will be continuing on to the third book in the series, The Companion. I am especially curious to discover the truth in regards as to what happened to Jeremy.
This is a clean romance.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
November 24, 2018
Ok
Lucy and Leo are very sweet. Both seem remarkably cheerful given their lives. I found it all a bit much. The murderer of two children, the insane hidden relatives and the fake reformed rake. It was if every gothic device ever heard of was thrown into this story. I wasn’t sure if it was meant to be a farce or serious.
Lucy and Leo are very sweet. Both seem remarkably cheerful given their lives. I found it all a bit much. The murderer of two children, the insane hidden relatives and the fake reformed rake. It was if every gothic device ever heard of was thrown into this story. I wasn’t sure if it was meant to be a farce or serious.
June 4, 2021
I liked it but not as much ass book 1 - 3*
Lucy is the second of the unmarried sisters of woodside. She is a very young widow who has gone to become the chaperone of the teenage step-daughters of Augusta, a relative of a relative. Augusta is quite nice but the step-daughters are wicked. The H is Augusta's brother Leo. I liked Lucy and Leo a lot. They move quite slowly in the romance department but it was very well written. I was less fond of the mystery portion of the book. Or more I should say the conclusion to the mystery.
The only other thing that really bothered me was at one point Leo goes off to make contact with Lucy's sister Margaret who has failed to write to anyone in rather a long time. Lucy is worried so lovely Leo is off to set her mind at ease. When he returns he lets her know Lucy is fine but pretty much nothing else. This did not ring true at all. Little did I know I would hate it even more in Margaret's book. Still in this book it is a minor point at the end of an otherwise pleasant read.
Lucy is the second of the unmarried sisters of woodside. She is a very young widow who has gone to become the chaperone of the teenage step-daughters of Augusta, a relative of a relative. Augusta is quite nice but the step-daughters are wicked. The H is Augusta's brother Leo. I liked Lucy and Leo a lot. They move quite slowly in the romance department but it was very well written. I was less fond of the mystery portion of the book. Or more I should say the conclusion to the mystery.
The only other thing that really bothered me was at one point Leo goes off to make contact with Lucy's sister Margaret who has failed to write to anyone in rather a long time. Lucy is worried so lovely Leo is off to set her mind at ease. When he returns he lets her know Lucy is fine but pretty much nothing else. This did not ring true at all. Little did I know I would hate it even more in Margaret's book. Still in this book it is a minor point at the end of an otherwise pleasant read.
April 20, 2025
More like 3.5…the audio, again like the first not great. Our chattery heroine came across shrill and obnoxious rather than charming. Mystery a bit secondary and not as well developed as the first. A LARGE cast of characters that was underdeveloped and hard to keep straight. Weird approach to both the identity and the punishment for the baby killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2018
Enjoyable read
This is a clean suspenseful romance.
The only part I didn't enjoy was when Leo and Lucy kept insisting the other was more worthy and they were not. That part was annoying. The rest was nicely done.
This is a clean suspenseful romance.
The only part I didn't enjoy was when Leo and Lucy kept insisting the other was more worthy and they were not. That part was annoying. The rest was nicely done.
January 23, 2019
2.5 bizarre
Romance was sweet, leads were charming. The rest of it was creepy and weird. Plus, no consequence for the villain other than “moving away”. Given the nature of the crimes committed this was both unwise and negligent.
Romance was sweet, leads were charming. The rest of it was creepy and weird. Plus, no consequence for the villain other than “moving away”. Given the nature of the crimes committed this was both unwise and negligent.
September 13, 2018
Am excellent clean historical with a definite touch of suspense.
Well worth reading.
Well worth reading.
February 4, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable
I enjoyed this second book in this series. These are sweet, clean Regency romances that are just my style. On to the next book now. Looking forward to Margaret's store.
I enjoyed this second book in this series. These are sweet, clean Regency romances that are just my style. On to the next book now. Looking forward to Margaret's store.
March 3, 2022
This could be read alone, although I read the first one and enjoyed it just as much. Regency romance with a little mystery thrown in. Excellent story, fun characters, and the audiobook narration by Joanna Stephens was terrific.
December 30, 2024
Some people have a gift of chat. Wish i had lucys.
November 24, 2018
Weaker entry in the series
I enjoyed the first book in the series more than this one mostly because both protagonists Lucy and Leo, got on my nerves. Ms. Kingswood writes Regency romances reminiscent of Jane Austen’s but they lack the subtlety in both humor and romance.
This was evident in both Lucy’s regard for Leo as well as Leo’s reactions to her repeated rejections of his proposals of marriage. Rather than the witty, often biting repartee of the Austen novels in which the main characters’ feelings are couched in often dry wit, this played out in Lucy’s internal musings and Leo’s whipped puppy feelings of rejection.
For Leo’s part, he mooned about and wrung his hands a bit too much for my taste as he hung around hoping to convince Lucy to love/marry him. On several occasions Leo went out of his way to prove the depth of his character and demonstrate his regard for Lucy. She would thank him, acknowledge his efforts and then proceed to reject his tender regard. One minute she was asking him to kiss her, the next she was calling him a scoundrel lacking in honor. In MHO, she swung too many times between flirting with and mooning over Leo and rejecting him rather insultingly.
With regard to the “mystery” at the center of the story, I felt that the “who dunnit” revelation was predictable and the consequences for the double murderer unrealistic. I won’t go into details but the mystery element took much more of a back seat than in the first novel in this series.
Bottom line: I appreciate Ms. Kingwood’s efforts but if this had read this one first I doubt I would have read any further.
I enjoyed the first book in the series more than this one mostly because both protagonists Lucy and Leo, got on my nerves. Ms. Kingswood writes Regency romances reminiscent of Jane Austen’s but they lack the subtlety in both humor and romance.
This was evident in both Lucy’s regard for Leo as well as Leo’s reactions to her repeated rejections of his proposals of marriage. Rather than the witty, often biting repartee of the Austen novels in which the main characters’ feelings are couched in often dry wit, this played out in Lucy’s internal musings and Leo’s whipped puppy feelings of rejection.
For Leo’s part, he mooned about and wrung his hands a bit too much for my taste as he hung around hoping to convince Lucy to love/marry him. On several occasions Leo went out of his way to prove the depth of his character and demonstrate his regard for Lucy. She would thank him, acknowledge his efforts and then proceed to reject his tender regard. One minute she was asking him to kiss her, the next she was calling him a scoundrel lacking in honor. In MHO, she swung too many times between flirting with and mooning over Leo and rejecting him rather insultingly.
With regard to the “mystery” at the center of the story, I felt that the “who dunnit” revelation was predictable and the consequences for the double murderer unrealistic. I won’t go into details but the mystery element took much more of a back seat than in the first novel in this series.
Bottom line: I appreciate Ms. Kingwood’s efforts but if this had read this one first I doubt I would have read any further.
December 9, 2019
This is my third Mary Kingswood novel, and I'm beginning to notice a pattern. The heroine is always an older (older meaning over 20), experienced woman who has very little to recommend her to a future spouse besides her mind and manners (meaning she has no money, no title, etc.). Her heart is initially unavailable, usually due to recovering from the loss of a previous sweetheart. The hero--who is everything good and perfect in this world--falls head over heels in love with her regardless of how unsuitable a partner she is (and his friends and family all try to convince him she is indeed very unsuitable). He offers for her, but she rejects him--one of the reasons being that she doesn't think she loves him. However, after they share their first kiss, she suddenly realizes she loves him after all, and they get their happily ever after.
Now, there is nothing wrong with the above plotline. In fact, I think it's a refreshing change from the usual Regency romances, which generally feature one or more of the following: a girl just out of the schoolroom who is gorgeous, rich, titled (or all three); a handsome, rich, brooding rake; and a plotline revolving around danger and unbearable passion. So, I appreciate how realistic and romantic Kingswood's romances are. However, when you read three books in a row by the same author, and they ALL have the same template romance, it begins to lose a bit of its sparkle.
One of the points I enjoy most about Kingswood's novels are their realism. The main characters face realistic problems such as reputation, fortune, family disapproval, etc. Besides the mystery-centered portions of the novels, there is very little melodrama. Unfortunately, The Chaperon diverges from this pattern. As many other reviewers mentioned, this novel has some ridiculous, unbelievable plot points--especially in terms of skeletons in family closets. After the 75% mark, things get seriously bizarre. If this was my first Kingswood novel, I don't think I would want to pick up another.
I have no idea what Audley saw in Lucy. She's neither beautiful, rich, imaginative, spunky nor sensible. Her defining features seem to be her curiosity and her endless prattling (i.e. she has to fill the silence with endless talking). For some reason, the hero, among other characters, find this quality quite endearing. I have no idea why.
Because I was quite impressed with the previous two Kingswood novels I read (The Widow and The Governess for those who'd like to check them out) I will pick up the next novel. However, if the writing doesn't improve, I may end up putting Kingswood down for good.
Now, there is nothing wrong with the above plotline. In fact, I think it's a refreshing change from the usual Regency romances, which generally feature one or more of the following: a girl just out of the schoolroom who is gorgeous, rich, titled (or all three); a handsome, rich, brooding rake; and a plotline revolving around danger and unbearable passion. So, I appreciate how realistic and romantic Kingswood's romances are. However, when you read three books in a row by the same author, and they ALL have the same template romance, it begins to lose a bit of its sparkle.
One of the points I enjoy most about Kingswood's novels are their realism. The main characters face realistic problems such as reputation, fortune, family disapproval, etc. Besides the mystery-centered portions of the novels, there is very little melodrama. Unfortunately, The Chaperon diverges from this pattern. As many other reviewers mentioned, this novel has some ridiculous, unbelievable plot points--especially in terms of skeletons in family closets. After the 75% mark, things get seriously bizarre. If this was my first Kingswood novel, I don't think I would want to pick up another.
I have no idea what Audley saw in Lucy. She's neither beautiful, rich, imaginative, spunky nor sensible. Her defining features seem to be her curiosity and her endless prattling (i.e. she has to fill the silence with endless talking). For some reason, the hero, among other characters, find this quality quite endearing. I have no idea why.
Because I was quite impressed with the previous two Kingswood novels I read (The Widow and The Governess for those who'd like to check them out) I will pick up the next novel. However, if the writing doesn't improve, I may end up putting Kingswood down for good.
November 15, 2018
The Chaperon book 2 Sisters of Woodside Mysteries by Mary Kingswood. Story is slow but picks up. There are a few surprises and twists to keep you entertained. Pleasure to read.
My free opinion. Thanks.
My free opinion. Thanks.
October 14, 2021
It starts out kind of slow but does pick up it's pace. Mrs. Lucy Price is a twenty year old widow. Lucy's husband died a year ago and then her father died and she was back in morning clothes. Mr. Leonard Audley dresses very well, wealthy and has great legs according to Lucy. Lucy and her sisters are destitute thanks to her father gambling away all their money. Her oldest sister is married, she is going to be a chaperon, Margaret is going to be a companion to their aunts, Fanny is going to Yorkshire and Anabelle. Mrs. Kingsley was pregnant, again. Her first two babies died after a few days and no one knew why. Leo really liked Lucy, she was everything he wanted in a woman. But she would not agree to marry him because their stations in life were vastly different.
I enjoyed this story of a lot of families having problems and the people who loved them. It is well written, moves smoothly and is paced evenly. A good read.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I enjoyed this story of a lot of families having problems and the people who loved them. It is well written, moves smoothly and is paced evenly. A good read.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 16, 2018
I received an ARC of this book. I have read another series by Mary Kingswood which I quite enjoyed and found this book to be in a similar vein. It switches POV between the main characters, so you know a lot of what's going on in their heads when they interact with one another. The story included a few mysteries which later become resolved in the course of the book, along with the romance. It was a quick read (only took me a few hours), and it had some interesting twists/revelations about certain storylines and characters in it. If you have read any of Kingswood's other books and enjoyed them, you'll probably like this one, too. If you like a bit of crossover between the genres of historical fiction, romance, and mystery, then this should prove an enjoyable read for you.
May 15, 2025
May 2025
3.5 Stars because the mysteries and resolutions were not satisfying for me.
Lucy and Leo
Actually read the book this time. I really like Lucy and Leo. I love their interactions. The “mysteries” are still insane to me (haha) but I read these books out of order so I’ve ‘met’ Mr Exton and Deirdre before and it’s makes that (later) book so much more intriguing now that I know the characters’ backstory. Mr Kingsley was irritating in his “love” and hate for his wife. He’s a horrible parent too.
So far I’m learning I didn’t like the audiobook versions of this series.
2022
3 Stars. Listened to Audiobook. More likable characters than first book. The way they resolved the mystery seemed implausible but I was more interested in Lucy and Leo so… whatever.
3.5 Stars because the mysteries and resolutions were not satisfying for me.
Lucy and Leo
Actually read the book this time. I really like Lucy and Leo. I love their interactions. The “mysteries” are still insane to me (haha) but I read these books out of order so I’ve ‘met’ Mr Exton and Deirdre before and it’s makes that (later) book so much more intriguing now that I know the characters’ backstory. Mr Kingsley was irritating in his “love” and hate for his wife. He’s a horrible parent too.
So far I’m learning I didn’t like the audiobook versions of this series.
2022
3 Stars. Listened to Audiobook. More likable characters than first book. The way they resolved the mystery seemed implausible but I was more interested in Lucy and Leo so… whatever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2018
Fun with a bit of mystery.
Loved the story of Lucy's first marriage and husband; Lucy's and Leo's first impressions on each other and the way their friendship and love developed; that Lucy was such a chatterbox, and how her mind's workings was so well shown -- so many times we see a chatterbox side character change that personality trait when they become the main character.
As for the mystery, the truth was not a surprise, but it was also not so indisputable from early on as not to allow for other possibilities.
(I received an ARC copy of this book, this is my honest review)
Loved the story of Lucy's first marriage and husband; Lucy's and Leo's first impressions on each other and the way their friendship and love developed; that Lucy was such a chatterbox, and how her mind's workings was so well shown -- so many times we see a chatterbox side character change that personality trait when they become the main character.
As for the mystery, the truth was not a surprise, but it was also not so indisputable from early on as not to allow for other possibilities.
(I received an ARC copy of this book, this is my honest review)
August 16, 2020
The hero and heroine were delightful. No complaints there. The problem is the mystery element of the story. It would be better if the author didn't attempt this. Stick to strictly romance. The subplots are bizarre. I've never read a Regency romance so full of baby murderers. Not one of them pays for their evil deed either. The revelation of the murders isn't met with any particular horror either. Everyone just kind of shrugs off this knowledge and carries on with making preparations for weddings and balls. Bizarre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2018
I like Mary Kingswood's books. They remind me of the novels of Jane Austen, and unlike so many Regency novels (including many I like very much), they contain no sex scenes. As I prefer to read (and write) period novels that are true to the period, I'm always happy to find one without the obligatory, inauthentic bodice-ripping.
March 24, 2021
I enjoyed the romance. Some bits did not feel Regency plausible to me, and I think the insanity stuff was a bit overdone. But I still enjoyed it and intend to keep reading the series. I liked getting into Lucy's personality in ways I wouldn't have expected to from having read the first book - the sisters are quite distinct.
August 14, 2022
I thought this would be a 4 star book for me but since I wanted to strangle Lucy for about the last third of the book it turns out it’s 3. I honestly couldn’t figure out why Leo wanted to marry her at the last bit since her idiocy seemed to know no bounds. However I did find the mysteries interesting!
September 13, 2018
A beautiful story with some mystery and surprises!
A book that will entrainment until the last page with incredible characters ... and new development until the end!
I received a free book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
A book that will entrainment until the last page with incredible characters ... and new development until the end!
I received a free book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 16, 2018
An intriguing story
Five sisters has been left destitute when their father dies. The eldest has married so the others must find jobs. This is the story about the one who is a widow who although young becomes a chaperon to two sisters who are not very nice.
Five sisters has been left destitute when their father dies. The eldest has married so the others must find jobs. This is the story about the one who is a widow who although young becomes a chaperon to two sisters who are not very nice.
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