The Queen's Ball

Timeless Victorian Collection #4

by Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, Jennifer Moore

THE QUEEN'S BALL: Three brand new Victorian Romance novellas by Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, and Jennifer Moore.

WALTZED by Anthea Lawson:
Eleanor Tremont never expected her father to pass away unexpectedly – leaving her with a horrible stepmother, two grasping step-sisters, and no dowry whatsoever. Relegated to a servant in her own home, she struggles to come to terms with her bleak new life. Summoned to Queen Victoria’s Stuart Ball, can Ellie find her happily-ever-after despite impossible odds? Add an absent-minded Godmother, an orange carriage, and a dancing-slipper mishap, and prepare to be swept away into this fairytale romance…

A LOVE TO CLAIM by Rebecca Connolly:
Abigail Sterling is not at all pleased to see that the man who broke her heart is in London, and even less pleased that he wants to renew their friendship. But, against her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to him, just as she always had been. Letters from a secret admirer keep her from completely giving into Matthew again, and soon her heart is torn between a familiar love and a mysterious one.

COMING HOME by Jennifer Moore:
After the sudden death of her father, Clara Brightly is sent far from her home in India to live with relatives on the Isle of Wight. The islanders are suspicious of newcomers, and none more so than a local landowner, Grant Mason who, at first meeting, considers Clara to be arrogant and disdainful of the island he loves. When the two are appointed to lead the church choir in an island-wide competition, Clara discovers that she may have a place on the island after all. Grant comes to realize that what he took as haughtiness was merely shyness, and Queen Victoria’s ball at Osborne house seems the perfect place to tell her. But when Clara is offered a chance to return to India, she must decide once and for all what “home” really means.


Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL

Books in the Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Victorian, Novella, Anthologies, Historical

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

Anthea Lawson, called "a new star of Historical Romance" by Booklist, has won readers with her combination of spicy love scenes and elegant prose. Her first novel, PASSIONATE, was a Best First Book finalist in the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA awards.

Anthea also writes award-winning YA Urban Fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun idea for another Timeless Victorian collection! The Queen's Ball. I even learned a little bit about it while I was reading these three novellas. The story doesn't focus solely around the Queen's Ball but it is mentioned throughout and at some point the characters in the novellas attend the Queen's Ball. I did like how the Queen acknowledged the characters while at the balls. That was pretty fun.

These novellas are packed with lots of fun aspects. Cinderella, eccentric characters, music, healing, friendship, orange carriages, secret letters, home, loss of loved ones, balls and social events, walks, carriage rides, heart palpitations, family, foreign lands, love, love and more love!

My favorite of the three was definitely "A Love to Claim" by Rebecca Connolly. How can you not like a story about a secret admirer, and hello, those letters were very swoon worthy! Abigail had better steel her heart for the final reveal.

Enjoyable, lighthearted and full of sweet and clean romance. Come get swept away to the ball with Cinderella, the secret admirer and the beautiful songbird!

Content: Clean

I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and adorable collection of stories! I've always been a fan of royalty and could just imagine the excitement of receiving an invitation to a ball hosted by the Queen of England herself. I enjoyed how each offering had that common event to revolve around, but had truly unique plots.

WALTZED is a Victorian Cinderella story and I loved the way that Ellie and Kit connected. They built upon a childhood friendship, while both trying to avoid some devious stepsisters. It was fun to see the fairy tale elements incorporated into this setting, giving it a sweet and hopeful flavor.

Swooning abounded in A LOVE TO CLAIM, especially as the mystery of a secret admirer and love letters captured the heart. Everyone makes mistakes and I loved the second chance idea as well, especially as beloved family members got involved. Matthew and Abigail are sure to steal your hearts!

Music and home are the general feelings of COMING HOME. This author always delivers a tale that isn't set in your typical England and the vivid descriptions of this island were great. I loved the musical theme that binds Clara and Grant together, especially as she comes to realize where her home really is.

This collection has it all when it comes to balls and was a very enjoyable read.

Content: mild, sweet romance; A LOVE TO CLAIM has mild language

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson
This was a well-done Cinderella story. Ellie has been mired in grief since the loss of her father. Her step-mother and step-sisters have gotten more critical and demanding. Ellie doesn't realize how much she has become a shadow of herself until Kit Newland reenters her life. He was a close childhood friend and home from India, looking for a wife before he returns. At first he writes Ellie off because she is not the vibrant girl he knew, but as they renew their friendship, Ellie sparks back to life, and now the only obstacle is her lack of a dowry.
I loved this story. I loved how Kit's friendship could help Ellie laugh again, and live again. I could picture these two getting into plenty of mischief as children!

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connelly
This story made me feel. I felt sorry for Abigail Sterling, that she had fallen in love with her neighbor, assumed by his words and actions that he felt the same, and was heartbroken when he up and married someone else. I felt shocked and outraged on her behalf that Matthew Weber-Gray would dare show his face three years later. I cheered when Abigail's relatives went to bat for her asking Matthew what his intentions were and threatening him if he dared break her heart again. I felt giddy as Matthew started earning Abigail's trust, and showing her that she had his love all along.
This was a great story about second chances, with a man willing to do everything he can to prove himself, and a woman who is trying to decide if she can let him. There was a great cast of amusing side characters, and I wanted to get to know them all.

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore
Clara Brightly is living with some distant relatives after the sudden death of her father. She longs to go home. To go back to India. Directing a children's choir might help change her mind and help her see that home is not a place, but where her heart is.

Overall, I loved the Victorian setting and the back drop of the Queen's Ball. The ball itself was handled differently in each story. I especially loved the ball in A Love to Claim. I would like to imagine that Victoria and Albert would have responded exactly like that. Beautiful dresses, stolen kisses, and true love, a perfect combination.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love great stories. Whenever I read one of the Timeless Collections, I know I am in for a treat. This collection of three novellas did not disappoint.

The stories were unique in plot and characters. The first book is a Cinderella retelling. I loved how Anthea Lawson incorporated many of the aspects of the original tale but added her own spin on them. She made the tale realistic in the Victorian Era.

Rebecca Connely's story is one of forgiveness and second chances. Matthew is meticulous on how he deals with the woman he loved years before. It really is sweet. It also illustrates how sometimes people put their families before the one they love.

The final story is by Jennifer Moore. A broken heart can be healed when one is accepted and cherished. Clara is in England due to the generosity of distant relatives. Life and opinions change when understanding and charity are given.

Each story has a common element, they all at some point go to the Queen's Ball. This is a great escape book. The stories are short and sweet. Perfect for when you don't have a lot of time to become invested in a longer book.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to love these collections and the themes that are chosen. The theme for this one isn't just any ball, but The Queen's Ball for Queen Victoria so we have three completely different stories about this wonderful occasion.

WALTZED by Anthea Lawson: A delightful re-telling of Cinderella. Eleanor Tremont (Ellie) has basically become a servant to her stepmother and stepsisters after her father's death. Her childhood friend Lord Christopher Newland "Kit" comes to visit from India. He's looking to wed to help save his family's plantation in India. Ellie gets permission to attend the upcoming Queen's ball but she has to make her own gown, if she can only find the time since her step-family's keeping her oh so busy. Of course her gown is ruined as the family's leaving for the ball, but Ellie gets a great surprise from her godmother, the Baroness Merriweather, complete with a pumpkin colored carriage.

Anthea Lawson is a new-to-me author, and I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of the classic fairytale. This one didn't involve magic but it did involve childhood friendship that turned into love and a surprise ending for Ellie and Kit, and of course the greedy, self-serving stepmother got what she deserved.

A LOVE TO CLAIM by Rebecca Connolly: Abigail Sterling is not at all happy to see Matthew Weber-Grey is back in London. She hasn't seen him since he chose to wed another three years ago. Matthew wants a chance to explain and to renew their friendship, but Abigail wants to protect her heart from being betrayed by him again. While Matthew tries to renew their friendship, Abigail starts receiving lovely letters from a secret admirer. When she starts to fall for Matthew's charms again, she's torn between the two men.

Rebecca Connolly is a fairly new author to me and this story had me feeling so many things--sad for Abigail, mad at Matthew for what he'd done to her, then sorry for Matthew after learning his wife and baby had died in childbirth. I loved how Abigail's family rallied around her to protect her if need be. Those letters sent by the secret admirer were certainly swoon worthy. No wonder Abigail read them over and over. I loved the proposal at the Queen's ball.

COMING HOME by Jennifer Moore: Clara Brightly is a shy young woman just arrived to the small town on the Isle of Wight to live with relatives she doesn't know. Her father died while they were on a trip and she couldn't make the return trip to India alone. Not only is she reserved and shy but she's homesick for her home and friends in India. Grant Mason, who's grown up on the Isle of Wight and knows everyone mistakes Clara's shyness as being standoffish and aloof. He's not very happy when he's asked to help her lead the children's choir in a competition. Grant starts to see Clara in a different light and decides to tell her how he feels at the Queen's ball. Before he can do so, a couple of Clara's friends from India come upon them and she finds out that her friends are returning to India in two days!! Will Clara return to India with her friends or has her time spent with Grant and the other residents of the Isle made her realize what "home" really is?

As usual, while reading a story by Jennifer Moore I can picture all the places she describes. I'm so glad Grant realized Clara was just shy and not a snob. She's been through a lot and everything on the Isle was new and so vastly different than in India. I loved the part where she went visiting with some of the women from church and ended up making friends with the crotchety, blind guy, and singing sea shanties with him! I'm glad Clara learned that "Home isn't just a place. It's where I'm loved and with the people I love."

All of these clean romances take place at the ball thrown by Queen Victoria but they're all so different. I love these collections.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun collection. Overall, I would give the collection 4.5 stars.

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson
This was my favorite. This was a re-telling of Cinderella in 1851 London. Ellie is the daughter of a deceased viscount who is treated like an unpaid servant by her stepmother and two stepsisters. Lord Christopher Newland - Ellie's childhood friend "Kit" - has returned to London from India to find a bride. Unfortunately, he needs to marry someone with money to save his family's business in India and so Ellie isn't a viable option for him. But he can be a good friend to her while he's in town and hopefully turn the sad, young woman she has become back into the sunny companion of his youth. When Baroness Merriweather, Ellie's rather absent and absent-minded godmother, enters into the picture, anything is possible at the Queen's Ball.

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly
In 1845 London, Abigail Sterling has convinced herself that three years after Matthew Weber-Grey jilted her to marry another woman, she is completely over him. Until she sees him at a ball. And now he's widowed and available and determined to right his wrong from three years ago. Matthew knows that he doesn't deserve her forgiveness, but he hopes she will give it to him anyway. He has plotted and strategized for months to construct a plan to try to win her heart back.

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore
Spring 1890; Isle of Wight, UK. Grant Mason is a single landowner suspicious of all overners, or mainlanders. Clara Brightly was raised in India and when her father recently passed away she found herself living with some distant, but very kind, relatives on his island. Her shyness further convinces him that she thinks she is better than the caulkheads (island residents) and he treats her badly. But when his mother recruits her to lead the children's choir, and appoints him as her assistant director, he is forced to spend more time with her and realizes that there is more to her than he could originally see.

Content: Clean, mild swearing in the second story
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)

[Kathleen Newberry Killgallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen's Ball was a wonderful to read, 3 stories and I can't pick a favorite as all were lovely and well written. The book was very entertaining and didn't take long to read.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson
In this Cinderella re-telling, Kit Newland returns to England from India to find a wife in order to save his family's finances. He pays a visit to his old friend Ellie and is saddened to see the once-vibrant girl is now missing her spark and being mistreated by her step-family. Although her lack of a dowry means he can't consider her as a potential spouse, he does hope he can bring a little cheer into her life.
This was a sweet story, and I think it was my favorite of the three. The friendship-to-romance theme was believable, and I always love seeing the villains in a story get a bit of a comeuppance.

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connelly
Abigail Sterling thought she and Matthew Weber-Gray would marry, so when he married someone else instead, it broke her heart. Three years later, Matthew appears before her and asks for a chance to explain. While part of her wants nothing to do with him, she does ultimately decide to let him explain. For his part, Matthew, a widower, is determined that this time, he isn't going to mess things up and that he will wait as long as it takes to win Abigail's heart again.

This was a nice story about second chances, and the emotions were believable, as Abigail's feelings were very conflicted and powerful.

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore
Grant Mason loves his home on the Isle of Wright. When Clara Brightly comes to stay with distant relatives, he initially thinks she's snobbish, but he quickly realizes she's painfully shy and homesick for India, where she lived prior to her father's death. As he sets out to make her fall in love with his home, he finds himself falling for her.

I wish the romance had been developed a little more--it seemed to happen very quickly--but at the same time, I really loved the characters. Clara is shy and wounded and Grant is just one of those good guys you can't help but love. Their story was very sweet and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Each of these stories features a scene at the Queen's Ball, and it was neat to see how that was worked into each story--and how that played out differently in each story. This is a satisfying collection of romances, great for those who like clean, well-written historical romances.

I read an ARC via the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, clean; period; series but stand alone read
This was a lovely collection of period novellas. Each varied, and interesting in their settings, characters, back story, and take on the premise, attendance at the Queen's Ball in England.
One was a Cinderella retelling, lovely, heartfelt, unique, and interesting in the conflict and how it resolved. The second, a mistake, and hurt in the past, hoping to be rectified, by a suitor, who chose another and married, but is now a widower. Again, strong characterization, interesting setting and premise. The third was by far my favorite, misunderstanding, prejudice, shyness, and a love of music and musical talent. Loved this last novella. Unique, heartfelt, and lovely read. Loved the India back story, and how that was blended into the Queen's ball as well. Very lovely read. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson: This was another take on the classic Cinderella story. Even though we all know how it ends, I was still sucked in and wanted Eleanor Tremont’s dream to come true.

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly: This was my favorite book out of the three. It is about second chances and opening your eyes to see what friendship is truly about. I enjoyed reading about Abigail and Matthew’s friendship and how they make amends when he shows up a few years after he broke her heart.

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore: I’ve been a longtime fan of her writing and enjoyed this short novella too. Clara Brightly misses India, but with the death of her father, all that is home to her is taken away as she’s sent to live with a far distant cousin who she’s never met before.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three wonderfully woven stories that throw the reader back into the Victorian era and doesn’t let them back until they have experienced the beauty firsthand.

Read full review in the 2018 holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

First story: Worst Cinderella retelling I've ever read!
Second story: Pretty good. Her past love comes back after his wife (who he never loved) dies. It would have been great if she had found out he was forced to marry her or did it to protect her, but he just did it because his family wanted him to. They do figure things out after she falls in love with a secret admirer who ends up being him anyway.
Third story: A little cheesy - falling in love while directing a children's choir that neither of them want to do.

[Jade Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it might be helpful to share the definitions I use for my ratings. To start with, a 3 is a really good rating. It means the story fully met my expectations for an enjoyable romance read and that I’ll happily read it again. A rating above a 3 is beyond my expectations, and a 5 means it affected me on a deeper level. I rarely give anthologies a rating of 5 because they’re usually too short to get that reaction from me. A rating below a 3 means I will avoid reading it again. If it’s a 1, I will absolutely never read it again.

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson—3.0 out of 5
The Cinderella theme made this story more predictable than most romance anthologies. Other than that, it was well told.

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly—3.5 out of 5
The beginning hints at some great scandal that ruins Abigail’s reputation, but once the actual back story is revealed, the level of social censure makes little sense. I very much liked the main characters and enjoyed this story.

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore—4 out of 5
I like the way the Isle of Wight is almost one of the characters in this story. Very enjoyable read.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can always count on the stories in these collections to be unique, creative, and very different from each other despite a common theme! I liked getting to know the writing style of a new-to-me author, Anthea Lawson, and her Cinderella retelling. Rebecca Connolly and Jennifer Moore are favorites, and I really felt they shined with bringing the emotions of the characters to life and making me hope for a happily ever after. Each story felt fully formed and took me through the obstacles the couples had to overcome in order to find their true love.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of three stories that have the Queen's Ball in each. Each story is unique and different. I enjoyed the 2nd story by Rebecca Connolly so much, I read it twice. It was so good. I just didn't want it to end. It made the last story not as great and the first story horrible. When they really weren't that bad, but in the same series as that one.....The 1st story was ok. I didn't really like the writing it was just a copy of the Disney Cinderella:/ The 3rd book was very cute. Both stories were 2-3 stars but the 2nd story was 5 stars, so I gave it a 4:}

[Yana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

I received a free ebook review copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a positive review

The Queen’s Ball has to be one of my least favorite Timeless Romance anthologies. Which is quite a shame:(
I love reading these collections, but unfortunately this one just underwhelmed me :/
The common denominator of the 3 short stories here is a ball held by the Queen which our heroes and heroines get to attend.
While the Queen’s ball holds a great potential for all sorts of entertaining encounters, mostly it felt to me like it didn’t hold any great significance and could have easily been replaced by any common ball of that era.
I dearly hope others find the collection better to their liking than I did.
I know loving every single collection is pretty much impossible, so I just get to hope I’ll like the next one better ;)

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson
3.5/5 stars
A very pleasant Cinderella retelling, Waltzed follows Ellie, the daughter of a late Viscount, who is living with her step-mother and step-sisters. True to a Cinderella story, Ellie is gravely mistreated by her family- especially her step-mother and is desperately looking for a way out. Even if it means taking a post as a governess.
One day Ellie is visited by her childhood friend and long lost crush, Kit. Kit came back to visit England after years of living in India, but his visit is not solely for enjoyments’ sake. Kit is in need of finding a wife, preferably one with a large dowry and even more desirable if she could be Ellie.
But what will become of the two once Ellie’s step-mother sets her eye on kit for one of her daughters and when Kit realizes that Ellie has no dowry?
A little fresh take on the Cinderella story, Waltzed is very entertaining and cute- sure to draw a smile or two ;)

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly
4/5 stars
A sweet love story about past regrets, mistakes and second chances.
Abigail was once deeply in love with Matthew. It was no secret and he adored her as well. Everyone knew the two will end up married. But then Matthew proposed and married another, leaving Abigail completely heartbroken.
Three years later, a widowed Matthew returns to Abigail in hopes to gain her understanding and forgiveness. He is determined to make her his again and she doesn’t want to get hurt again, but every time she sees him all her past emotions come flooding back.
On top of that Abigail started receiving anonymous love letters from a mysterious gentleman. Caught between her old love to Matthew and her growing feelings for a mystery writer- Abigail finds herself conflicted and unsure of what path she should choose.

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore
3/5 stars
Here we meet Grant Mason and Clara Brightly. When Grant first notices Clara he is immediately suspicious. He never really liked tourists and visitors to his beloved Isle of Wight.
Clara on the other hand can’t wait to return to the only home she ever knew- India, where up until recently she resided with her, now late, father.
When Clara is asked to lead the children’s choir and Grant is volunteered to help, the two can’t avoid spending time together.
Unfortunately, this last story was kind of disappointing to read:(
I felt like the plot was very much under-developed and lacked “legs to stand on”. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Clara and Grant and, to me at least, it felt like their romance was rushed.
Other than that, I enjoyed the setting of the Isle and its beauty. Plus, the cast of characters we get to meet along the way was very amusing, so it wasn’t all that bad ;)

Lastly, I would like to thank Kathy from “I am a Reader” for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable group of novellas in which each of the main characters attend a 'Queens Ball' hosted by Queen Victoria. It's not the main focus, just a similarity between the stories.

Each unique and different from the rest, you will find yourself transported back to Victorian London in the first two. For the third you will find yourself on the Isle of Wight, a beautiful island just off the south coast on England. Of course Queen Victoria has a summer home there, so an ideal setting for the third Ball.

Easy to read & engaging any fan of historical romance will enjoy this book.

Thanks to Wholesome Romance for the eARC. This is my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the Timeless Collections and the Queen's Ball is no exception. I enjoy getting to read new authors, this is the first I've read anything by Anthea Lawson and I enjoyed it. The theme of the Queen's Ball was a fun idea and I enjoyed the different ways the authors chose to use the ball. All of the stories were beautifully done, but I would have to say A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly was my favorite of the three. I loved to witty banter and friendship between Matthew and Abigail.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three very sweet novellas. I enjoyed them all.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 star rating. The first story was a 1 Star. I don’t like the Cinderella story and this was a retelling of that story. The second story was a 2 star. I usually like Rebecca Connolly’s stories more. The third one was a 3 stars. It was a good story.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen's Ball is the fourth installment from the Timeless Victorian Collection. It includes three stories:
Waltzed by Anthea Lawson
A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly
Coming Home by Jennifer Moore
I enjoyed all three of them. If I could choose one, it would have to be Jennifer Moore's Coming Home. I give this collection four and a half stars.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all these timeless romance series books. Particularly nice when I don't have time to commit to a whole novel. I can just do one novella at a time. That was not the case with this book though. I went straight through the book.

WALTZED by Anthea Lawson is a cute retelling of Cinderella. I liked that Eleanor was preparing to "save" herself from the wicked stepmother rather than waiting around for Prince Charming (although in this story he isn't a prince but a land owner in India). Lawson wrote this in such a way to keep all the main characters but not necessarily have things play out the same making the story her own even though it is the timeless tale of Cinderella. The Fairy God-Mother has no magic powers (unless you say having money is magical- I can accept that). She is simply her Godmother. I was happy to see the stepmother be found out but would have liked to know what happens next to her. Does she have any money of her own?

A LOVE TO CLAIM by Rebecca Connolly is a little bit of a You've Got Mail story. Kinda. At least part of it. It is a second chance story which I tend to prefer over insta-love. This novella is a little edgier than the others as it has some language in it and pretty passionate kisses.

COMING HOME by Jennifer Moore didn't remind me of another story. Maybe since it is about wanting to go home we could liken it to the Wizard of Oz but that is about as far as the similarities go. After the death of her father, Clara is sent about as far away from home as she can get. She misses her home in India and her father desperately. At the same time Grant loves his home on the Isle of Wight and wants Clara to love it as well. The story is actually pretty deep when you contemplate what "home" is and why it is important to us.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review.

[Daphne · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF ~66%
I only read 2 of the 3 stories in this collection, but I really hated the first two so I just lost interest. The ideas behind the stories were interesting, but the execution was lacking. I didn't like the characters, their interactions, or the romance. I definitely plan to pick up more anthologies in this series, so hopefully this one was just a miss and not indicative of the other books.

[Lida May Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: The Queen’s Ball
Series: Timeless Victorian Collection, Book #4
Author: Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, Jennifer Moore
Genre: Sweet Victorian Historical Romance Anthology
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📝 My Thoughts: Ballroom Beauty & Bliss
The Queen's Ball is a quick, fun read featuring three sweet novellas centered around the social season and Queen Victoria's grand affairs. It offers a variety of love stories, each with a focus on good, uplifting messages. For readers who enjoy historical romance that explores nuanced relationship challenges, this collection is definitely worth picking up! 💖

👑 WALTZED by Anthea Lawson: This Cinderella retelling follows Ellie as she navigates life with a cruel stepfamily and crosses paths with Kit, a nobleman searching for an heiress to marry. Their high-stakes romance unfolds gradually, with Kit ultimately choosing love over duty. While the chemistry between them develops slowly, the story builds to a twist: Ellie was an heiress all along, a secret her stepmother kept. Though satisfying, the reveal feels convenient and slightly undercuts Kit’s selfless choice.

✉️ A LOVE TO CLAIM by Rebecca Connolly: This second-chance romance is unique in its plot, exploring complex emotions. Matthew broke Abigail’s heart years ago and married another woman, only to seek Abigail out after his wife’s passing. This emotional complexity is the core of the story, and the tension is palpable. I especially loved the confrontation scene where Abigail finally lays bare her long-held resentment, it’s a powerful moment of accountability. Ultimately, readers need to accept that the second chance is a result of tragedy, but the emotional journey to acceptance is well worth the read.

🏡 COMING HOME by Jennifer Moore: This was a clear favorite! After the sudden loss of her father, Clara Brightly is sent to live on the Isle of Wight, desperate to return to India which she considers her “Home”. Her clashes with local landowner Grant Mason lead to a truly lovely, uplifting slow-burn romance. Their journey beautifully illustrates that home isn’t just a place; it’s the people we choose to be with. The ending is wonderfully earned and heartwarming.

I recommend this book to: Readers who love clean, sweet Victorian romance and enjoy anthologies that explore complex character choices and the true meaning of home. Ideal for a quick, feel-good escape! 🤗

🔖 Favorite Quote:
"For I am and ever have been yours to claim."

📌 Final Verdict:
A collection of good stories that are a fun, quick read. While some plots are more satisfying than others, you’ll enjoy being swept away to Queen Victoria’s social season! ✨

#RNreads #HistoricalRomance #SweetRomance #VictorianRomance #CleanRomance #BookReview #TheQueensBall #Anthology #SecondChanceRomance

[Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each of these stories features a scene at the Queen's Ball for Queen Victoria, but are three completely different stories. They are all sweet, clean historical romances set in Victorian England.

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson
I really loved this Cinderella story. Kit Newland returns to England from India to find a wife because he needs money to save his family's plantation. He visits his childhood friend and former best friend, Ellie, hoping to marry her. However, she's missing her spark and obviously being treated as a servant by her step-family. He discovers she has no dowry, so he can't consider her as a potential spouse. As his friend he wants to help bring happiness into her life. She wants to go to the ball, and tries to make a dress, which is ruined, just as in the original story. No Cinderella story is complete without the help of a Godmother, fairy or not.

This was sweet, interesting, and I loved how the story turned out. It's my favorite of the 3 books. I'd rate this one 5 stars.

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connelly

Abigail Sterling was in love with Matthew Weber-Gray and thought they'd marry, but he broke her heart when he married someone else without warning. Three years later, Matthew shows up asking for a chance to explain. She wants nothing to do with him, but ultimately lets him become a friend again. Matthew, had actually always loved Abigail, and is asking for a second chance. While Matthew tries to renew their friendship, Abigail starts receiving lovely letters from a secret admirer. When she starts to fall for Matthew again, she's torn between Matthew and her secret admirer. I loved how this played out and I loved the romance, but Abigail was a bit too dramatic for my taste, so I'd rate this 4 stars.

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore
Grant Mason loves his home on the Isle of Wight. Clara Brightly, who grew up in India, has recently tragically lost her father. She comes to stay with distant relatives. Grant mistakes her shy, emotionally fragile demeanor as snobbery, but he quickly realizes he's mistaken about her. He loves his island so much, he's determined to help her find happiness there, and quickly finds himself falling for her. There were some really fun, cute parts to this book. However, the romance just happened too quickly for me. It didn't have the character development the other two books did. I read the other two quickly, but this one dragged a bit. I'd rate this one 3 stars.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waltzed - Anthea Lawson (4 stars)
A Cinderella retelling!
After he father dies, Ellie (Eleanor) is treated as a servant by her nasty stepmother and 2 stepsisters. While Abby her younger stepsister is quite amicable, Delia is spiteful and delights in being as nasty as possible to Ellie & making her live miserable.
When her beloved childhood friend, Kit, on a trip home from India where he has lived for several years comes calling, Ellie has a brief moment of hope that he will offer for her. But despite their mutual affection, Kit is looking for a well dowered wife to save his family’s finances.
An enjoyable, sweet story.

A love to claim - Rebecca Connolly (3 stars)
Abigail and Matthew grew up as childhood friends which turned into something more as they grew older. But just when an unspoken understanding is made, Matthew offers for the daughter of a neighbouring family instead leaving Abigail crushed, hurt and bewildered.
After 3 years living away from society, Abigail rejoins her family in London only to meet Matthew and learns that he is a widower having lost his wife in childbirth together with their child.
An unusual story. I was rather disconcerted with Matthew having married another while loving Abigail, even if he tries to make his marriage work. Still, an overall good read.

Coming Home - Jennifer Moore (3 stars)
Clara, orphaned after her father suddenly dies during one of their travels is passed from one relative to another but finally ends up with the kindly Wickershams. After living most her life in India she finds it hard initially to adapt to life on the Isle. Her shyness is initially mistaken for arrogance by Grant, whose mother recruits Clara into leading their choir after hearing her sing in church. His opinion soon changes the more they interact & he soon realizes that the reason why he so wants to change her opinion of the island is really because he doesn’t want her to leave.

Set in the Isle of Wright. I enjoyed the insight into how tight knit the islanders are; caulkheads & their opinion of overners (mainlanders) and strangers in general. The story did feel a bit rushed at the end but overall a good read.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun romance anthology, this time set in the Victorian era with each story featuring a ball held in honor of the Queen. I always enjoy these collections of charming novellas and The Queen’s Ball was no exception.

* Waltzed ~ This was a charming “Cinderella” retelling between childhood friends reunited after many years but unable to be together due to the heroine Ellie’s lack of dowry. It was fun seeing all the elements of the classic fairy tale woven throughout this sweet story, although I’d have liked to have seen more of the relationship development between Ellie and Kit, as well as had a few more unique twists from the original story. Still, a cute romance.

* A Love to Claim ~ A second chance story with a heartbreaking premise of two in love who had been separated due to the hero being forced into a marriage of convenience. Now that he’s widowed, Matthew is determined to finally be able to be with the woman he loves, but his marrying another left Abigail broken hearted and she’s unsure she can trust her heart to him again. This story was well told but very emotional. I couldn’t imagine being in either characters' position— of not being able to be with the one I loved or being forced to watch the man I loved choose another. I’m glad the characters were able to heal in order to come back together, for they were perfect for one another.

* Coming Home ~ A romance where wrong first impressions strive to keep a couple meant to be together apart, all set on the beautiful Isle of Wight. Despite liking both characters and enjoying watching them come together, I thought their romance was a bit too quick, not to mention I wasn’t enthralled with the plot of their getting to know one another while being directors for a children’s choir. Still, their relationship was sweet, if a bit underdeveloped, and I enjoyed watching Clara learn the true meaning of home, as well as Clara and Grant’s time spent touring of the beautiful island.

Overall, The Queen’s Ball was another enjoyable collection of fun stories, none I’d likely reread, but all a pleasant way to pass an evening.

[Amy S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Waltzed - 1 star, A Love to Claim - 4 stars, Coming Home - 2 stars

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson-
Seemed to me it was almost a retelling of the Disney movie scene for scene. The Cinderella story was a bit of a disappointment. Sad beginning, step-sisters "A & D", the terrible music recital, the best-effort ball gown destroyed by the step-mom, the late arriving pumpkin coach and fancy dress from an eccentric old lady, misplaced slippers, happy ending. The "prince" was at least a little bit creative but also kind of wishy-washy leading man.

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly-
A young man who married his first wife due to the pressures of finance and family is finally free to seek out a love match. A young woman deeply hurt by crushed expectations in the past finds herself sought after by two admirers who help her open back up to the possibility of romance. I liked this one, it had a little depth to it and the characters were interesting. The ending was so very happy that it hit cheesy levels but whatever.

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore-
This story was sweet and a gentle romance. I'm not sure why I just couldn't get into it. I started out fine but then started sort of skimming for dialogue around the internal stuff and the descriptions of the Isle of Wight. The ending was a bit of a shift and leap after the story led us to an entirely different outcome. I guess the author ran out of time to have the female main character both achieve her goals and also have romance. I lost all interest and respect for the young lady at that point as she gave up what she wanted for some guy she'd just met. They could have exchanged lovely correspondence for a while, gotten to know each other, then had a very happy epilogue where she returned to him a better stronger person. Nope. *shrug*

All three stories are pretty clean with some kissing/makeout scenes.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these three stories. I wouldn't say they were my favorite of all time, but definitely at least a four star set.
The first story is a Victorian version of Cinderella. She is the unwanted step-child of a mean spirited woman and is asked to do many menial, annoying tasks by the step-sisters. He is her old friend who has been living in India. He came intending to propose, but she was so changed by mourning and mistreatment that he almost didn't even come back to see her a second time.
I really loved this one. I'd give it 5 stars by itself. It was so sweet and fun to read. Definitely a great Cinderella remake.
The second was of a couple who also knew each other from before, but he had broken her heart by marrying another woman. She'd never gotten over it and was stunned that he would show his face and attempt to get to know her again. She was a spinster by this time and confused by his attempts to rekindle their friendship. She also started getting letters from an admirer that gave her confidence and added a great twist to the story. I enjoyed this story a lot as well.
The third was of a man and woman who meet and give off the wrong impression. She seemed arrogant to him, but was actually painfully shy and mourning the death of her father and missing her childhood home of India. He seemed angry and mean, but he was just suspicious of "overners" or people not from his home island. They are forced together a few times, and their opinions of course, change.
All three books have an element of going to the "Queen's Ball." They take place during Queen Victoria's reign, which is sometimes a nice change from the frequent regency books written. I thought it was a fun set.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. Waltzed by Anthea Lawson ~ a re~telling of Cinderella.

2. A Love To Claim by Rebecca Connolly ~ the best in this collection. This is about love lost and love regained. Matthew was the one at fault... that while having an understanding with Abby (his childhood friend and sweetheart)... he then turned around and married another for financial reasons and he did achieve that for his family but he lost his wife and daughter during childbirth. After 3 years in his country estate, he was back in town as he embarked on an all out campaign... an assault on all available fronts using all the weapons in his arsenal to win Abby back. Penitent... remorseful and determined... and for a one~line or one sentence letter~writer he turned prose into poetry to make her fall in love with him again with the added mystique of mystery in anonymity while openly being the omnipresent gracious and helpful family~friend. A bit of a Stalker element there but since this is not a sinister murder~mystery...

3. Coming Home by Jennifer Moore ~ I did not feel the Love here... too short a time for it to develop between them plus there was her recent bereavement... her feelings of isolation and abandonment in a strange and cold country... thus her longing for the familiar and constant ~ the urgent need for the warmth of India. In the real world, everything would have been Too Much to process... ergo, not a proper time to fall in love... any feelings of that nature would have been dubious, at the very least. Unrealistic at this point... healing must come first, he could offer her his friendship and the comforting presence of a friend. There were some precious moments though, like the one with the blind sailor and Grant with the drooling baby then there was Annie who could not sing.