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Sisters of Woodside Mysteries #4
The Seamstress
A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Miss Fanny Winterton has only one wish in her romantic heart — to surrender to overwhelming love. She will accept nothing less than to be struck by the thunderbolt of everlasting passion. Real life isn’t quite so obliging, however, so while she waits for the fires of love to ignite, she is content to ply her needle as a lowly seamstress for her noble patroness. The Honourable Ferdinand Makenham has no wish at all to marry, until one glimpse of Fanny’s sweet expression convinces him that he has found the love of his life. Now all he has to do is to persuade her to accept him, but is he romantic enough to win her affection? As he sets about his courtship, he and Fanny are drawn into the mysterious death of a young woman and life gets complicated. Book 4 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!
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
724 people are currently reading
196 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 81 reviews
July 27, 2022
3.75 STARS
I did enjoy this one, but it was my least favorite in the series. Fanny, the star-gazer, was just a tad too ridiculous for me. Always expecting that thunderbolt of love to strike her, and in her situation, she should have been much more accepting of the good fortune that had fallen in her lap. She is young... quite young, actually, I think only 17, and here lies the problem. Child romance, LOL what was I expecting. Anyway, I loved Ferdie, and his perfect neckcloth, so honest and kind. Always wearing his heart on his sleeve. I have really been enjoying the series though and look forward to the final book.
I did enjoy this one, but it was my least favorite in the series. Fanny, the star-gazer, was just a tad too ridiculous for me. Always expecting that thunderbolt of love to strike her, and in her situation, she should have been much more accepting of the good fortune that had fallen in her lap. She is young... quite young, actually, I think only 17, and here lies the problem. Child romance, LOL what was I expecting. Anyway, I loved Ferdie, and his perfect neckcloth, so honest and kind. Always wearing his heart on his sleeve. I have really been enjoying the series though and look forward to the final book.
January 15, 2025
I don't think it's an accident that the youngest sister in the Winterton family is named Fanny because she's a lot like the beloved Jane Austen character, Fanny Price. Fanny Winterton is so sweet and excited about meeting new people and learning new things that you can't help but love her. As she navigates her change in station, from gentleman's daughter to seamstress, she's resilient and kind without even a hint of resent. Luckily, her love interest, Ferdinand, is a way more appealing character than Edward was in Mansfield Park!
Mary Kingswood has used time jumps effectively in this series and it's used beautifully here. The story starts at Christmas, when Ferdinand is given a family home. This might be the year he finds a wife and we get to see the months pass throughout the book, with the story ending one year later.
The mystery in this book is related to three murders. While the culprit is evident to the reader early on, it's entertaining to see the investigation unfold, especially because the secondary characters from past books show up to help. On top of that, the entire cast from Kingswood's prior series are present, with the Marford brothers playing larger roles than usual.
Mary Kingswood has used time jumps effectively in this series and it's used beautifully here. The story starts at Christmas, when Ferdinand is given a family home. This might be the year he finds a wife and we get to see the months pass throughout the book, with the story ending one year later.
The mystery in this book is related to three murders. While the culprit is evident to the reader early on, it's entertaining to see the investigation unfold, especially because the secondary characters from past books show up to help. On top of that, the entire cast from Kingswood's prior series are present, with the Marford brothers playing larger roles than usual.
January 21, 2019
A delight
The manners, civility, language, fashions. I am in love with the trip back in time to the Regency. This is my favorite in the Woodside series. The romance of Ferdinand and Fanny is well crafted and full of mischance. The moment of self revelation for Fanny was perfect and his family is charming and fun.
The manners, civility, language, fashions. I am in love with the trip back in time to the Regency. This is my favorite in the Woodside series. The romance of Ferdinand and Fanny is well crafted and full of mischance. The moment of self revelation for Fanny was perfect and his family is charming and fun.
January 20, 2019
Not a cookie-cutter regency romance. If you want a book with an Adonis hero who is an impossibly perfect rogue and a brilliant, independent, daring “diamond of the first water” heroine, Mary Kingswood is not the author for your taste. If you enjoy a cleverly written novel in the style of Jane Austin and characters in the style of Charles Dickens, grab your your Kindle and enjoy! I have just experienced three wonderful weeks reading all the Mary Kingswood regency romances. I was thrilled that this book came out just as I finished the previous thirteen. I will read these again, because I loved the characters even with all their foibles. I especially loved Fanny. When reading her conversations I felt she was a mixture of George Burns’s Gracie Allen and Jane Austen’s Catherine Moreland. Mary Kingswood, thank you for creating these characters that make you smile, love their faults, and wonder how they will ever get their happy endings.
January 22, 2019
Nicely woven tales.
Thank you for another fine read. Enjoyed the characters and families. The suspense and outcome. Thank you for another enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one.
Thank you for another fine read. Enjoyed the characters and families. The suspense and outcome. Thank you for another enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one.
January 24, 2019
Terrific story!
Luv the series. They are well written and clean, what a novel idea. I look forward to reading #5, Woodside.
Luv the series. They are well written and clean, what a novel idea. I look forward to reading #5, Woodside.
January 20, 2019
I was worried that that this would be an insta-love story I’m glad that that was not the case. While Ferdy falls instantly for Fanny, Fanny does not fall for Ferdy. I love how they become friends and do everything in the proper and correct way. The mystery wasn’t very mysterious which was kind of refreshing. I can’t wait to read the last book of the series which I hope resolves the Jeremy issue once and for all.
January 17, 2019
This is the story of Fanny, the youngest of the Winterton sisters. She can sew like an angel and is waiting for love to hit her like a thunderbolt. Unfortunately, it is Ferdy Makenham living next door to her that gets hits with a thunderbolt on first sight of Fanny. The story is centred around Ferdy's courtship, a mystery that includes a murder/s, and Fanny gradually realising what her heart truly desires. The story is well written with a good storyline, interesting dialogue and does not depend on sex. Most you get is a kiss. I am looking forward to reading the final part of the Winterton family saga about the long missing brother presumed dead. I received a pre-release copy of the book.
January 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book. The writing reminds me of the style of Georgette Heyer. Fanny and Ferdie are very proper (too proper at times). At times you want to shake them both. Good mystery, and a good look at the life of a woman who is no longer in polite society, but does not belong with the commoners, either. It also gives a glimpse of how society treated women who were ruined through no fault of their own. I received an ARC of this book.
January 17, 2019
Delightful story
Well - plotted, we know there's going to be a happy ending, but never lose interest in how it gets to that point. I liked the idea that the heroine has to work for a living and enjoys doing the work, as she is so skilled at it......and how she learns to have sympathy with those less fortunate than herself.
Well - plotted, we know there's going to be a happy ending, but never lose interest in how it gets to that point. I liked the idea that the heroine has to work for a living and enjoys doing the work, as she is so skilled at it......and how she learns to have sympathy with those less fortunate than herself.
January 14, 2019
I enjoyed this addition to the Sisters of Woodside Mysteries. I liked it better than some of the previous ones (particularly Margaret's story) Fanny's story was engaging with interesting details about life in this time period for a single lady left without home due to the death of her father. I enjoy Kingwood's writing style. It has been interesting to read all of the sisters stories and see how they are intertwined. I look forward to the last one in the series about the brother Jeremy. I would recommend this series and this book in particular. I received an ARC of the book for an unbiased review.
January 17, 2019
Old style regency romance, it was a nice read. However, the characters didn‘t really get to me and the story wasn‘t very interesting, as I enjoyed reading it over all, I give 3 stars.
January 28, 2019
Weak characters, weak story, strong disappointment
Fanny is the last of the Winterton sisters to have her story told as part of the Woodside Mysteries series. My only reaction to this knowledge is thank goodness because Had her story come at the start of the series I wouldn’t have read any of the others which were much, much better. Let me make my case.
Fanny: a rather insipid young lady who mewls incessantly about not marrying until she is struck by a “thunderbolt” of recognition of the man with whom she will be “violently” in love. In fact, both the desire for violent love brought on by a love-at-first-sight thunderbolt were mentioned 8 and 13 times respectively. Holding out for love is a trope as old as time in romance novels, but this anemic Miss takes it to a new level given that she wouldn’t recognize love and devotion if it bit her on the backside.
Ferdie: In many ways, Ferdie, our hero, is the brightest spot in this novel. Ferdie is an atypical romantic hero in that he is NOT tall, athletic, dashingly handsome, or terribly intellectual. He is however, supremely well mannered and IMPECCABLY dressed at all times. His deep interest and appreciation of clothing and correct manners coupled with his non-alpha personality traits set him apart and make him a good match for Fanny who shares his interest in fashion. In fact, that is their first and most enduring connection.
Fanny + Ferdie: Together they are not too annoying but separately they make me want to call down thunderbolts and not those of the love-at-first-sight variety. Fanny routinely fails to see that Ferdie has gone to extraordinary efforts to make her happy and has all but turned himself inside out to secure it. Ferdie has no spine when it comes to claiming and fighting for his lady love. Whenever ANY man shows interest Her and she so much as smiles back at him, Ferdie assumes that man to be THE ONE. Between Fannie’s obtuseness and Ferdie’s spinelessness, they are a pretty uninteresting pair. Even though I knew how this novel was going to end, I didn’t much care.
As for the mystery in this novel, it really didn’t add too much to the story and it wasn’t too hard to pick out the murderer.
Bottom line: this was a very weak offering in an otherwise solid series and I found myself very disappointed. I know there’s one more coming...the story of the younger brother and Mama’s missing jewels but at this point I’m not sure if I’ll read it.
Fanny is the last of the Winterton sisters to have her story told as part of the Woodside Mysteries series. My only reaction to this knowledge is thank goodness because Had her story come at the start of the series I wouldn’t have read any of the others which were much, much better. Let me make my case.
Fanny: a rather insipid young lady who mewls incessantly about not marrying until she is struck by a “thunderbolt” of recognition of the man with whom she will be “violently” in love. In fact, both the desire for violent love brought on by a love-at-first-sight thunderbolt were mentioned 8 and 13 times respectively. Holding out for love is a trope as old as time in romance novels, but this anemic Miss takes it to a new level given that she wouldn’t recognize love and devotion if it bit her on the backside.
Ferdie: In many ways, Ferdie, our hero, is the brightest spot in this novel. Ferdie is an atypical romantic hero in that he is NOT tall, athletic, dashingly handsome, or terribly intellectual. He is however, supremely well mannered and IMPECCABLY dressed at all times. His deep interest and appreciation of clothing and correct manners coupled with his non-alpha personality traits set him apart and make him a good match for Fanny who shares his interest in fashion. In fact, that is their first and most enduring connection.
Fanny + Ferdie: Together they are not too annoying but separately they make me want to call down thunderbolts and not those of the love-at-first-sight variety. Fanny routinely fails to see that Ferdie has gone to extraordinary efforts to make her happy and has all but turned himself inside out to secure it. Ferdie has no spine when it comes to claiming and fighting for his lady love. Whenever ANY man shows interest Her and she so much as smiles back at him, Ferdie assumes that man to be THE ONE. Between Fannie’s obtuseness and Ferdie’s spinelessness, they are a pretty uninteresting pair. Even though I knew how this novel was going to end, I didn’t much care.
As for the mystery in this novel, it really didn’t add too much to the story and it wasn’t too hard to pick out the murderer.
Bottom line: this was a very weak offering in an otherwise solid series and I found myself very disappointed. I know there’s one more coming...the story of the younger brother and Mama’s missing jewels but at this point I’m not sure if I’ll read it.
June 4, 2021
Very lovely. Heyer-esque at points. 3.5* rounded up.
Fanny is the fourth of the unmarried sisters and she has gone north to work in a clothing shop that employs fallen women in the back room. Fanny is perhaps not the smartest but it is hard to tell. She is certainly sheltered and naïve. But she is kind and does think for herself as much as she is able. She lives next door to Ferdy who is thunderstruck the moment he sees her. He was a delight. Always proper in both thought and action. When his mothers and sisters descend on his house he can not understand why his friends think he could be unhappy about it. For him it is as simple as loving them so of course he is pleased that they have arrived without notice to poke their noses into his courtship. Unfortunately for Ferdy Fanny is pretty certain she does not love him. She likes him, trusts him, depends on him, looks forward to seeing him every day, can imagine a happy life with him. But she was not thunderstruck so she figures it is not true love. While this could have been annoying I just found them sweet. I believe that I felt this way due to skillful writing by Ms. Kingswood. My second favourite of this series.
Fanny is the fourth of the unmarried sisters and she has gone north to work in a clothing shop that employs fallen women in the back room. Fanny is perhaps not the smartest but it is hard to tell. She is certainly sheltered and naïve. But she is kind and does think for herself as much as she is able. She lives next door to Ferdy who is thunderstruck the moment he sees her. He was a delight. Always proper in both thought and action. When his mothers and sisters descend on his house he can not understand why his friends think he could be unhappy about it. For him it is as simple as loving them so of course he is pleased that they have arrived without notice to poke their noses into his courtship. Unfortunately for Ferdy Fanny is pretty certain she does not love him. She likes him, trusts him, depends on him, looks forward to seeing him every day, can imagine a happy life with him. But she was not thunderstruck so she figures it is not true love. While this could have been annoying I just found them sweet. I believe that I felt this way due to skillful writing by Ms. Kingswood. My second favourite of this series.
February 23, 2020
Not my favorite, but very satisfying
Of the four sisters Fanny, I’m sorry to say, is my least favorite. For most of the book I just wanted to slap her. But Ferdy and Edgar, and particularly Aunt Agatha, made up for Fanny’s nonsense. As usual with our beloved author, the settings, the relationships, the beautiful depiction of the era make the book a delightful read. She fell short on the mystery, but the resolution was much more satisfying, and tearful, than The Chaperon, which I found completely horrifying. So, read it to fall in love with The Makenham family and wish you had an Auntie Agatha of your own. Enjoy!
Of the four sisters Fanny, I’m sorry to say, is my least favorite. For most of the book I just wanted to slap her. But Ferdy and Edgar, and particularly Aunt Agatha, made up for Fanny’s nonsense. As usual with our beloved author, the settings, the relationships, the beautiful depiction of the era make the book a delightful read. She fell short on the mystery, but the resolution was much more satisfying, and tearful, than The Chaperon, which I found completely horrifying. So, read it to fall in love with The Makenham family and wish you had an Auntie Agatha of your own. Enjoy!
April 29, 2020
Oy Vey! And the saddest thing is: I’ll be getting Book 5 when it comes out on audio…
My Full Review
My Full Review
May 22, 2025
Fanny Winterton and Ferdinand Markenham
Loved Ferdy even if he started getting annoying when he wouldn’t fight for Fanny’s attention then lament that he would never be happy again.
Plot points to remember:
Fanny moves in with Lady Harriet Hays nee Marford to work with her unfortunate women as a seamstress. At the same time Ferdy moves into the family house next door with the intention of finding a wife which is a tradition of the men in his family when they turn 25. He and Fanny arrive at their new homes at the same time. Ferdy sees her and she smiles at him. He is instantly smitten and decides that she will be his wife someday. Fanny is a hopeless romantic and is determined to only marry a man whom she falls in love with at first sight. So when she meets Ferdy and there is no “thunderbolt” of attraction for her she is not as smitten as he.
Fanny befriends one of the unfortunate women named Martha who tells her that her son was fathered (by force) by a noble who gave her the name Edgar Brant (who happens to be one of Ferdy’s favorite cousins). Martha swears she will find him and have her revenge. She finds out that Edgar is staying with Ferdy at the house next door and goes to confront him only to discover that he is not the man she is looking for because the culprit had shocking blue eyes. She was given a false name.
Ferdy is patiently trying to win Fanny over with the help of his Aunt Augusta and his sisters. His cousin Edgar and other cousin Ralph join him to support his endeavors in finding a wife while they enjoy the company of the local girls.
When Ferdy decides to propose he is turned down because she does not get the “thunderbolt” of emotion from him. Throughout the book she uses him as a confidante and counselor and comes to rely on him in almost everything aspect of her life but she does not see that as love.
At the annual Easter ball all the nobility and town folk go to party. Fanny is still in mourning so she doesn’t dance and ends up sitting out with Ralph. Her friend Martha is serving at the ball to make extra money and trips on the stairs and drops all her drinks. Fanny jumps up to help but Ralph grabs her and tells her to leave the maid to do it and not lower herself to help. When the ball starts getting too rowdy from excess drinking Fanny and the other ladies leave with Ferdy and Edgar. Three days later the ladies from the seamstress shop tell Fanny that they haven’t seen Martha since the ball and are worried because she never misses visiting her son. Ferdy goes out looking for Martha for 3 days but finds nothing. They call the constables to search and they find Martha’s body in the canal with a stab wound. The constables and lawyers are hired to investigate only to find 2 more women in the canal. Their search comes up empty and they drop the case. Meanwhile Harriet hires Capt Edgerton and Willerton-Forbes to resolve an ownership problem with her house. When Fanny meets Willerton-Forbes she tells him about the murders and he eagerly takes up the investigation after Ferdy fills him in and hires him. Fanny meets Martha’s son and immediately knows who his father is by the color of his eyes.
Ralph had left for London after proposing and being rejected by one of the local girls. But he suddenly returns and is very attentive to Fanny. Ferdy is upset but wants her to be happy so he watches in misery. At the next ball Ralph finds a way to get Fanny alone and forces her to kiss him. Ferdy finds them right when Fanny slaps Ralph. She runs into Ferdys arms and he escorts her home. When his cousin gets home Ferdy calls Ralph out in a duel for the next morning. Ferdy arrives at the appointed place for the duel but Ralph never shows. Fanny finds out about the duel and runs to Ferdys house in fear for his life. He had already arrived home and is eating breakfast when she rushes in to see him. She realizes that she loves him at that moment and tells Ferdy that she had a “thunderbolt” when she thought she might lose him. They agree to a berothal.
W-F interviews Fanny about what she knows of the murdered girls and she tells him about the blue eyed boy. W-F then tells her and Ferdy that he thinks they should go somewhere far away to avoid Ralph because he believes he is the murderer and may go after Fanny next for knowing too much.
F&f go to the family estate where F’s Gparents live. Ralph has a house near the estate and someone sees Ralph’s valet in town. They conclude that R must be at his rundown house in hiding and they plan an ambush. They find R in his house half dead from a gunshot wound. They hear all about his perfidy and they convince him to go to the estate to die with his family around him. R dies and F is sad but everyone is relieved to not have to deal with a murderer trial in the family. Oddly there is no mention about finding Ralph’s killer.
At Xmas the sisters converge on Westerlea (the Dalton estate) for a reunion and decision on whether or not to sell Woodside Manor. They all decide to sell. F&f live HEA.
Loved Ferdy even if he started getting annoying when he wouldn’t fight for Fanny’s attention then lament that he would never be happy again.
Plot points to remember:
Fanny moves in with Lady Harriet Hays nee Marford to work with her unfortunate women as a seamstress. At the same time Ferdy moves into the family house next door with the intention of finding a wife which is a tradition of the men in his family when they turn 25. He and Fanny arrive at their new homes at the same time. Ferdy sees her and she smiles at him. He is instantly smitten and decides that she will be his wife someday. Fanny is a hopeless romantic and is determined to only marry a man whom she falls in love with at first sight. So when she meets Ferdy and there is no “thunderbolt” of attraction for her she is not as smitten as he.
Fanny befriends one of the unfortunate women named Martha who tells her that her son was fathered (by force) by a noble who gave her the name Edgar Brant (who happens to be one of Ferdy’s favorite cousins). Martha swears she will find him and have her revenge. She finds out that Edgar is staying with Ferdy at the house next door and goes to confront him only to discover that he is not the man she is looking for because the culprit had shocking blue eyes. She was given a false name.
Ferdy is patiently trying to win Fanny over with the help of his Aunt Augusta and his sisters. His cousin Edgar and other cousin Ralph join him to support his endeavors in finding a wife while they enjoy the company of the local girls.
When Ferdy decides to propose he is turned down because she does not get the “thunderbolt” of emotion from him. Throughout the book she uses him as a confidante and counselor and comes to rely on him in almost everything aspect of her life but she does not see that as love.
At the annual Easter ball all the nobility and town folk go to party. Fanny is still in mourning so she doesn’t dance and ends up sitting out with Ralph. Her friend Martha is serving at the ball to make extra money and trips on the stairs and drops all her drinks. Fanny jumps up to help but Ralph grabs her and tells her to leave the maid to do it and not lower herself to help. When the ball starts getting too rowdy from excess drinking Fanny and the other ladies leave with Ferdy and Edgar. Three days later the ladies from the seamstress shop tell Fanny that they haven’t seen Martha since the ball and are worried because she never misses visiting her son. Ferdy goes out looking for Martha for 3 days but finds nothing. They call the constables to search and they find Martha’s body in the canal with a stab wound. The constables and lawyers are hired to investigate only to find 2 more women in the canal. Their search comes up empty and they drop the case. Meanwhile Harriet hires Capt Edgerton and Willerton-Forbes to resolve an ownership problem with her house. When Fanny meets Willerton-Forbes she tells him about the murders and he eagerly takes up the investigation after Ferdy fills him in and hires him. Fanny meets Martha’s son and immediately knows who his father is by the color of his eyes.
Ralph had left for London after proposing and being rejected by one of the local girls. But he suddenly returns and is very attentive to Fanny. Ferdy is upset but wants her to be happy so he watches in misery. At the next ball Ralph finds a way to get Fanny alone and forces her to kiss him. Ferdy finds them right when Fanny slaps Ralph. She runs into Ferdys arms and he escorts her home. When his cousin gets home Ferdy calls Ralph out in a duel for the next morning. Ferdy arrives at the appointed place for the duel but Ralph never shows. Fanny finds out about the duel and runs to Ferdys house in fear for his life. He had already arrived home and is eating breakfast when she rushes in to see him. She realizes that she loves him at that moment and tells Ferdy that she had a “thunderbolt” when she thought she might lose him. They agree to a berothal.
W-F interviews Fanny about what she knows of the murdered girls and she tells him about the blue eyed boy. W-F then tells her and Ferdy that he thinks they should go somewhere far away to avoid Ralph because he believes he is the murderer and may go after Fanny next for knowing too much.
F&f go to the family estate where F’s Gparents live. Ralph has a house near the estate and someone sees Ralph’s valet in town. They conclude that R must be at his rundown house in hiding and they plan an ambush. They find R in his house half dead from a gunshot wound. They hear all about his perfidy and they convince him to go to the estate to die with his family around him. R dies and F is sad but everyone is relieved to not have to deal with a murderer trial in the family. Oddly there is no mention about finding Ralph’s killer.
At Xmas the sisters converge on Westerlea (the Dalton estate) for a reunion and decision on whether or not to sell Woodside Manor. They all decide to sell. F&f live HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2021
I loved how this book turned the usual characters in Regency novels on their heads.
Ferdinand Makenham is the grandson of an Earl, the heir to the earldom, after his father. On his twenty-fifth birthday, Ferdy is given a home and told it is his year to marry. Not forced---no, this is not one of those stories. But instead, Ferdy is told, he will now, pouf, suddenly discover a woman who he will want for his wife—just as his father and grandfather did. And, indeed on the day he moves into the house, he sees a woman who is a resident of the house nextdoor, and pouf, he is mesmerized and knows he wants her to be his wife.
As it happens, it is Fanny Winterton, one of the sisters who lost everything when their brother died at sea. Except for the oldest sister, who was already married, the young women had had to move to various home across Britain, to serve as governesses, companions, chaperones, etc. Fanny is working for a charity run by a daughter of a peer, who has an establishment which hires fallen women. They do seamstress work for a shop, set up by the charitable lady, which caters to middle class women. Fanny was chosen for her seamstress skills but is expected, as a gentlewoman, to be the “face” of the shop as well as advising on what is fashionable and helping with the dress designs.
Fanny is also attracted to him but feels he cannot be interested in her because he is so above her touch.
So, what I really liked about this story was these MCs are exactly the type of characters usually maligned by characters in Regency romances as being too frivolous. For both of them, fashion is the most important thing in their lives. No readers of books are these MCs. Nor have they any interest in politics or the war or any such boring subject and he is not athletic. Instead, they talk about fabrics and bonnets and collars. Still, they are honorable, considerate, and kind---and so cute. And so different from the usual fare, it kept my interest quite well.
Ferdinand Makenham is the grandson of an Earl, the heir to the earldom, after his father. On his twenty-fifth birthday, Ferdy is given a home and told it is his year to marry. Not forced---no, this is not one of those stories. But instead, Ferdy is told, he will now, pouf, suddenly discover a woman who he will want for his wife—just as his father and grandfather did. And, indeed on the day he moves into the house, he sees a woman who is a resident of the house nextdoor, and pouf, he is mesmerized and knows he wants her to be his wife.
As it happens, it is Fanny Winterton, one of the sisters who lost everything when their brother died at sea. Except for the oldest sister, who was already married, the young women had had to move to various home across Britain, to serve as governesses, companions, chaperones, etc. Fanny is working for a charity run by a daughter of a peer, who has an establishment which hires fallen women. They do seamstress work for a shop, set up by the charitable lady, which caters to middle class women. Fanny was chosen for her seamstress skills but is expected, as a gentlewoman, to be the “face” of the shop as well as advising on what is fashionable and helping with the dress designs.
Fanny is also attracted to him but feels he cannot be interested in her because he is so above her touch.
So, what I really liked about this story was these MCs are exactly the type of characters usually maligned by characters in Regency romances as being too frivolous. For both of them, fashion is the most important thing in their lives. No readers of books are these MCs. Nor have they any interest in politics or the war or any such boring subject and he is not athletic. Instead, they talk about fabrics and bonnets and collars. Still, they are honorable, considerate, and kind---and so cute. And so different from the usual fare, it kept my interest quite well.
April 14, 2023
SPOILERS
This one might be my favorite so far. Sweet, romantic Fanny Winterton goes to Yorkshire to work as a seamstress for Lady Harriet's charity for disgraced women. She has considerable skill with a needle. Her arrival coincides with the arrival of Ferdy Makenham, heir to an earldom currently held by his grandfather, who has gifted him a house next door to Lady Harriet's. The moment he sees her he is thunderstruck and knows she's the one. It takes nearly 400 pages for Fanny to realize that she loves him.
The mystery surrounds the death of a maid in Lady Harriet's house, Martha Smith, who was assaulted by a man at a house party where she previously worked. It ruined her life. Her anger drives her to find the man and kill him. Unfortunately, the opposite happens. Her body is found in a canal, followed by the murders of two other women. Pettigrew Willerton-Forbes and Captain Edgerton get involved to solve the murder.
Ferdy's family is delightful and supportive of his choice, even though Fanny is now a lowly seamstress. They embrace her and try to help Ferdy win her over. He is very sweet and a consummate gentleman. Like Robin Dalton, he is a perfectionist with his clothing, a kind and considerate man who is always conscious of the needs of others, and a persistent suitor to Fanny.
I don't know how Mary Kingswood is able to create such complex worlds, full of fascinating characters. They are all well-written and keep me glued to the pages, ohhing and awwing all the way. So satisfying to read.
This one might be my favorite so far. Sweet, romantic Fanny Winterton goes to Yorkshire to work as a seamstress for Lady Harriet's charity for disgraced women. She has considerable skill with a needle. Her arrival coincides with the arrival of Ferdy Makenham, heir to an earldom currently held by his grandfather, who has gifted him a house next door to Lady Harriet's. The moment he sees her he is thunderstruck and knows she's the one. It takes nearly 400 pages for Fanny to realize that she loves him.
The mystery surrounds the death of a maid in Lady Harriet's house, Martha Smith, who was assaulted by a man at a house party where she previously worked. It ruined her life. Her anger drives her to find the man and kill him. Unfortunately, the opposite happens. Her body is found in a canal, followed by the murders of two other women. Pettigrew Willerton-Forbes and Captain Edgerton get involved to solve the murder.
Ferdy's family is delightful and supportive of his choice, even though Fanny is now a lowly seamstress. They embrace her and try to help Ferdy win her over. He is very sweet and a consummate gentleman. Like Robin Dalton, he is a perfectionist with his clothing, a kind and considerate man who is always conscious of the needs of others, and a persistent suitor to Fanny.
I don't know how Mary Kingswood is able to create such complex worlds, full of fascinating characters. They are all well-written and keep me glued to the pages, ohhing and awwing all the way. So satisfying to read.
May 26, 2019
Don't think that reading guilty pleasures is a breeze. So far all the books I have read in this series (4) are all over 400 pages and I am glad to say that Mary Kingswood has found her sense of humor. She is quite witty when describing the love story taking place between Mr Ferdy Makenham, a wealthy 25 year old man about town, who is not very fond of books, but loves talking about clothing, styles and hats, thus a perfect match for Fanny, the 4th Woodside sister who must now make her way in the world as a seamstress. Ferdy falls in love with her at first sight and it is rather touching to see how he hopes she will fall in love with him. However, Kingswood touches on other subjects of the times that Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen wouldn't have touched with a 10 foot pole (well, maybe Jane Austen when she has one of the sisters run off with Mr Wickham) and that is what becomes of young maids who are made pregnant by the sons of wealthy men and are then turned off without a farthing. Her research is amazing although I have read corrections on her website. No matter. These are very fine regency romances, if a bit overlong, but I did enjoy them very much and will go on to read her others.
October 9, 2021
Part four of the series is as diverting as it's predecessors.
I like the romance part of this one, though it could have been done with perhaps a hundred pages less. It's not that I am against slow and careful developement of characters and relationships, quite the opposite in fact, but this one dragged on a bit to slow even for my tastes.
The female lead is a goodhearted if a bit naive and fanciful young woman. One can not help but wonder a bit what made this pennyless girl who has to sew for her living so enticing to all those suitors who turn up at her doorstep one after the other.
The male lead is a decent guy who wins his lady's favour by being steadfast, reliable, amiable and honourable. And let us not forget his skill and willingness of conversing with her about fashion, lace and the tying of neckcloths :) I liked the pair of them quite well.
The mystery part is sadly underwhelming. I guessed the culprit immediately and I am usually not the quickest thinker.
I like the romance part of this one, though it could have been done with perhaps a hundred pages less. It's not that I am against slow and careful developement of characters and relationships, quite the opposite in fact, but this one dragged on a bit to slow even for my tastes.
The female lead is a goodhearted if a bit naive and fanciful young woman. One can not help but wonder a bit what made this pennyless girl who has to sew for her living so enticing to all those suitors who turn up at her doorstep one after the other.
The male lead is a decent guy who wins his lady's favour by being steadfast, reliable, amiable and honourable. And let us not forget his skill and willingness of conversing with her about fashion, lace and the tying of neckcloths :) I liked the pair of them quite well.
The mystery part is sadly underwhelming. I guessed the culprit immediately and I am usually not the quickest thinker.
June 24, 2023
Romance and Fashion
Ferdinand Makenham was struck as if by lightning when he first lay eyes upon Fanny Winterton, the impoverished seamstress living next door. She was so very delicate and proper, and that very first day Ferdy knew she would be his wife.
Ferdinand was to inherit a great deal of property and a title, and most families would have expected him to marry a woman with a dowry, but Ferdy’s mother agreed he should marry for love or comfort.
Fanny also wanted to marry for love, but wasn’t stuck quite as forcefully as Ferdy, so his wooing would not be an easy one.
This was not a bad book, but was drawn out a bit. Perhaps that was a good thing, but I did not enjoy some of the side bars of the story. It was well done, so it was probably me.
Ferdinand Makenham was struck as if by lightning when he first lay eyes upon Fanny Winterton, the impoverished seamstress living next door. She was so very delicate and proper, and that very first day Ferdy knew she would be his wife.
Ferdinand was to inherit a great deal of property and a title, and most families would have expected him to marry a woman with a dowry, but Ferdy’s mother agreed he should marry for love or comfort.
Fanny also wanted to marry for love, but wasn’t stuck quite as forcefully as Ferdy, so his wooing would not be an easy one.
This was not a bad book, but was drawn out a bit. Perhaps that was a good thing, but I did not enjoy some of the side bars of the story. It was well done, so it was probably me.
March 21, 2024
Adorable couple, humor, danger, delightful ending!
Fanny's and Ferdy's (Ferdinand) communications and responses to each other are adorable - funny, sweet, insecure, proper, puzzling, patient, insightful, frustrating, and admirable.
The ongoing letters from Fanny's sisters add glimpses into their lives for Fanny while reminding us of her sisters' tribulations, strenghts, and adventures in the previous three novels.
As in the previous novels, we're treated to the variety of the people around Fanny and Ferdy. Getting to know his large extended family is interesting and fun.
The happy grand finale is deeply satisfying. Reading this series in order delivers the maximum enjoyment.
Fanny's and Ferdy's (Ferdinand) communications and responses to each other are adorable - funny, sweet, insecure, proper, puzzling, patient, insightful, frustrating, and admirable.
The ongoing letters from Fanny's sisters add glimpses into their lives for Fanny while reminding us of her sisters' tribulations, strenghts, and adventures in the previous three novels.
As in the previous novels, we're treated to the variety of the people around Fanny and Ferdy. Getting to know his large extended family is interesting and fun.
The happy grand finale is deeply satisfying. Reading this series in order delivers the maximum enjoyment.
September 8, 2019
Enjoyable entry, though I keep forgetting who was who in the husbands up to this point. I really liked Ferdy as a hero, because he's certainly not *typical*. I do appreciate that Kingswood keeps on writing about families who are good to another, and that's a major aspect of what I liked about this novel. The fact that Ferdy loves his family - openly and unashamedly - is such a plus.
But I DO want to know what Ferdy's grandfather did to earn his "promotion". I especially loved his remarks: Other families like to LOOK intellectual, or political, or whatever. But their family just lets people think what they want and work behind the scenes. I WANT TO KNOW!
But I DO want to know what Ferdy's grandfather did to earn his "promotion". I especially loved his remarks: Other families like to LOOK intellectual, or political, or whatever. But their family just lets people think what they want and work behind the scenes. I WANT TO KNOW!
February 13, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series about the Winterton Sisters. In each of the stories, the sisters have written letters to one another that we can read and figure out the time sequences that tie the stories together. "The Seamstress" is Fanny's story. She is very practical and takes things as they come. However, she is very romantic and expects a "thunderbolt" to hit her concerning love. This makes things difficult for Ferdy, who is in love with her. Throw in a couple murders and you have a fun story.
February 16, 2019
E-Reader. Mystery / Romance/ Fiction
Miss Fanny Winterton wants get married. To someone she falls falls in love & the man she wants to marry feels the same.
The Honourable Ferdinand Makenham (he prefers to be called by Ferdy). He falls in love with Fanny Winterton on first sight, she's going into house next to his house.
There are to many characters in this book to list! But will tell you there someone gets murdered.
Will Miss Fanny Wintern fall in love with Ferdy?
I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did
Miss Fanny Winterton wants get married. To someone she falls falls in love & the man she wants to marry feels the same.
The Honourable Ferdinand Makenham (he prefers to be called by Ferdy). He falls in love with Fanny Winterton on first sight, she's going into house next to his house.
There are to many characters in this book to list! But will tell you there someone gets murdered.
Will Miss Fanny Wintern fall in love with Ferdy?
I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did
February 28, 2022
Sweet Regency with a side of murder:
The Seamstress is the fourth volume in The Sisters of Woodside Series and is a delightful installment. I am fascinated by how author Mary Kingswood has created such different protagonists for each book in the series, and how as a result, each entire book has a different tone and pace compared to the others. It has been a lovely reading experience.
I have to recognize one scene in this book as truly special, and this is the scene of the first kiss between heroine and hero. So sweet and true to the characters and thus so fulfilling!
The Seamstress is the fourth volume in The Sisters of Woodside Series and is a delightful installment. I am fascinated by how author Mary Kingswood has created such different protagonists for each book in the series, and how as a result, each entire book has a different tone and pace compared to the others. It has been a lovely reading experience.
I have to recognize one scene in this book as truly special, and this is the scene of the first kiss between heroine and hero. So sweet and true to the characters and thus so fulfilling!
February 5, 2019
I am loving this series and sad that there's only one more story to come. "The Seamstress" is about the the sweetest of the 4 sisters in my opinion. Fanny is young, naive, and romantic but still has a good sense of self. Ferdy seems to think that all he's good for is knowing how to dress and behave for social encounters. This was a sweet story with a tinge of mystery and mild peril for the H and h, altogether a very nice entry into the chronicles of the Woodside sisters.
April 21, 2019
5 stars
I've loved every single book in this series! Excellently crafted story with amazing characters! Such a sweet love story between our hero and heroine, and I rooted for Ferdy! I loved how he never gave up, and adored the suspense! Beautifully written, and a must read for Historical Romance lovers!
I've loved every single book in this series! Excellently crafted story with amazing characters! Such a sweet love story between our hero and heroine, and I rooted for Ferdy! I loved how he never gave up, and adored the suspense! Beautifully written, and a must read for Historical Romance lovers!
July 10, 2019
The Fairytale of Love
The sweet notion of thunderbolt love! Such a sweet and ridiculous idea. A kiss that makes your knees weak. Good grief! But for centuries poets and artists have professed the impossible dream and dreamers hang on to the illusion. Such is our heroine. She finds love but no thunderbolt. So she turns down suitor after suitor no matter how suitable they may be.
The sweet notion of thunderbolt love! Such a sweet and ridiculous idea. A kiss that makes your knees weak. Good grief! But for centuries poets and artists have professed the impossible dream and dreamers hang on to the illusion. Such is our heroine. She finds love but no thunderbolt. So she turns down suitor after suitor no matter how suitable they may be.
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