Spinster and Spice

The Spinster Chronicles #3

by Rebecca Connolly

Spinster, sweet Spinster 

Isabella Lambert is a nice person. She is biddable, polite, soft-spoken, and eager to please. She also happens to be a spinster, and one of the writers of the infamous Spinster Chronicles, where she is less polite, more outspoken, and may not please anyone. Izzy also has a secret that only one person knows, and that one person may hold the key to its success. 

Sebastian Morton finds Izzy Lambert fascinating. She is the perfect mentor for his younger sister as well as a capable and charming friend for him. When opportunity strikes to spend more time with her, her secret becomes his. But will this secret, and others, ruin their connection?

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Clean Romance, Fiction

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2019

About the author

I was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.

Reviews

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

The Spinster Chronicles is a fun series full of friendly banter and vibrant personalities. It was nice to get to know Izzy better and learn about why she has found herself as a doormat for her family, which bled into her social life in Society as well. I loved that Sebastian recognizes that there is more to her and encourages her to stand up for herself and her feelings. It takes some effort and some practice, but eventually she is able to demonstrate to herself and others that just because she's nice doesn't mean that she can be taken advantage of. While mentoring his sister during her debut brings them together more often, it is her storytelling talent that she has turned into a secret endeavor to be published that draws them even closer together. Their sweet romance is charming and full of chemistry, but not without conflict. This installment of the Chronicles kept me entertained and happy with the development of both plot and characters.

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

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this next Spinsters book! With every story I get more wrapped up in these characters and I want them all to get there love story. This is the story of Izzy and Sebastian:] Izzy is just about the nicest person and Sebastian the most proper. Izzy has a secret she doesn't want anyone to know about and Sebastian needs her help. They get put in one another paths and start to believe there might be something there that neither of them ever planned for.  The way the story unfolds is so well done. The way Rebecca writes two people falling in love is fun and unique. She also can write amazing tension between two people. The way she has built this regency world of spinsters and given them all there own love stories is just my cake! I can not get enough! Edith's story is going to be amazing! But I think we are going to get Grace's story next....Can't wait:

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

The Spinster's are difficult for me to keep track of in my head. It's probably because I don't read them close together. They are an eclectic group of ladies who write a column in Regency Era London.

This was a cute addition to the series.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I loved Izzy and Sebastian – as a couple and as individual characters. Sebastian has a tender side when it comes to his sister and, as it turns out, Izzy. I loved their secret work together – and how Sebastian’s side of it played a sweet role in settling their major spat at the end. It was very romantic and made me a little teary, in fact. They’ve got some delicious banter and some breath-stealing kisses too, not to mention a brief and really footsie scene & a very swoonworthy hand holding scene during a party that had me searching for my trusty fan! Oh… and when they sneak out of a soiree because they just have to kiss eac other – after exchanging heated & longing glances across the room? Where’s my freezer?? Has anyone seen it? The depth of their feelings for each other is very well-written, and I also loved the aspect of helping Izzy – and Kitty – find their true voice and stand up for themselves. It did drag a bit in some places but overall this is a delightful, sweet romance between characters you’ll cheer for.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book in this series. The characters personalities and flaws were interesting and I enjoyed watched the hero fall for the heroine despite himself.

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency England.

Sebastian knew nice, thoughtful, biddible Isabella as a
friend of friends. Seb wanted his shy sister Kitty to make
friends & be more comfortable in society. He asked Izzy
to mentor Kitty, even though she and her friends wrote
the Spinster Chronicles. Seb noted Iz (his eventual name
for her) acted as a "habitual submissive" & didn't say 'no'
IE fetched beverages and shawls, sat at the kids table for
dinner & he encouraged her to assert herself. Later she
sought his help on her children's book in progress.

Seb, former military, displayed his reserved nature, but
also his wit and protectiveness. He kissed Izzy senseless.
Izzy became more comfortable ea. time she asserted her-
self. But Seb overreacted & he and Iz exchanged heated
words & then parted ways. I rooted for this couple.

Each chapter had a sample of the Spinster Chronicles, but
dated in a mish-mash manner ; Chap. #1 1817, #2 1818, #3
1816, #4 1815, #5 1818. Why create confusion?

Shy Prue & bold Cam enchanted me. I'll now go backwards
to bk #2 to read 'their story.'

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay for me. Likable characters, but didn’t enjoy it as much as others in the series. Pleasant enough read and one you’ll want to read if you’re going to read the whole series. Full review to come.

Content: Clean

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3😍🫠😇 Spinster Chronicles with a capital S. The h is Isabel Lambert 27 and first cousin to Georgie. She is known as the nice one who everyone takes advantage of as she never says no. The H is Sebastian Morton a fellow officer of Captain Tony Sterling. Sebastian is looking for a positive female companion for his sister Kitty who just turned 18 and she has come to London for her first season. People suggest Izzy as she is kind and sensitive and puts everyone at ease. Izzy is also writing Children’s stories secretly. Her cousin Frank asks her to write 20 childrens stories and have them illustrated and he will publish them. She finds out Sebastian is a talented artist and asks him to assist with the books. He agrees. As they work together spending more and more time together they start to fall in love. Kitty starts writing in the Spinster Chronicles and when Sebastian finds out he is furious and he and Izzy have a huge fight and break up. After a week he finally sees he was wrong. He sends her a drawing of them together with 5 children where she is telling their children stories. Beautiful story because of the friends in the book.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Emily Yager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency England. Sweet yet swoon-worthy romance. Fun banter and witty remarks. Are all hallmarks of Rebecca Connolly’s entertaining writing style.

Every time I pick up one of Rebecca’s stories, I know I am going to love it. Izzy is such a sweet and charming character though not without her faults, by far my favorite character in this story. The dynamics between Izzy and Sebastian was well written and has a slow, steady pace. It is always fun to catch up with the character from the other stories as they make an appearance in this one.

While not my favorite story in this series. It is still a nice addition to this set.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our romantic duo in this volume are both very, very likable which made this a very easy and comfortable book to read, if a little tame in action. The big event of the novel was actually so out of character for both of them that I had to reread the section just before it to figure out the reason for it as I had not read it closely enough the first time through and the disruption seemed to come out of the blue. I was quite surprised that Connolly had two heroes in a row with a similar, and not all that common, talent. (Perhaps it is something she admires in a man?) Nice, light reading to while away an afternoon.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of IZZY as her close friends call her. She has a secret, and does not share it with the rest of the Spinsters, with a capital,S.. These ladies all write in the Spinster Chronicles. It has become very popular in the yrs. since they first began. IZZY is the most kind, and sweet, and patient, and careful of others needs than any of the ladies combined. This is why Sebastian has asked her to introduce his sister Kitty, who is terribly shy, and terrified to join the Marriage Mart, for her fist season , in London. The two adults end up spending time together, and an attraction forms.The reason this is not a five, is simply that she takes every compliment, or intended remark as him just being nice. He is to proper to act on his feelings, and when he does he breaks the rules of society, but does not think marriage. The rules were so strict that just being alone together, in a private room, ruined a lady. Kissing or furthering that kiss to her neck, and shoulders, would definitely not happen, by a true gentleman. Sebastian was known to be a very proper gentleman, who expected the best care, and well chapperoned company at all times for Kitty, his sister. That was a total break of regency etiquette, and would have made him the worst of rakes. I will not tell her secret, and how that unfolds. It has a great ending, and an epilogue that is always appreciated These books in the series are fun to read, and I love the stories, but something so dire, in that era ,with a true gentleman would never have unfolded, that way in proper society. 4.25 stars.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read right after reading books #1 and #2 in the series. There are so many side characters, I couldn’t keep track of their past histories, personalities, life details, etc.
That being said, I felt everyone was just going through the motions of life in London during the season. I had a hard time staying interested, although I was curious about Lizzie’s growth. Then at around 90%, there was finally conflict! That’s when I couldn’t put the book down.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I had a really hard time getting through the first half of this book. I'm glad I kept going though, because I did enjoy the 2nd half.

[Shale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Sebastian is very dreamy :) I wish the resolution of the fight had lasted a little longer than one chapter and have him actually grovel. The rest of the book was fantastic!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this series! Each time I read one of Rebecca Connolly’s books I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy it. Each series she has created has completely enthralled me & left me wanting more! I can hardly wait for the next book in this series. We are given a little teaser about it at the end of this one - in fact... I am so looking forward to reading the stories of so many other characters mentioned in these books.
Ms. Connolly does a superb job of bringing laughter & drama together in her Regency novels. Whilst I always recommend reading them in order, you could pick up any one of her books & be happily engrossed in it right from start to finish. I know I am! They’re all clean & feel good reads with happy endings... if you can call them endings - I’m always eager to read the next as guaranteed, the characters from one will be mentioned in another. Which I love. It feels like meeting up with old friends again ☺️
I can definitely recommend this book & the whole series.

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐One of my favorite series, this book was fantastic! I love Izzy and Sebastian. With each book we are further enriched with the cast of characters from the past stories, while also being introduced to new players.

Izzy is sweet, and unfailingly kind. Unfortunately, everyone around her abuses her kindness in one way or another. In many ways, she is overlooked and forgotten, until Sebastian begins to see her in a new light. He gives her the strength and courage to see her unique gifts and value, and the importance of standing up for herself.

What unfolds is a sweet and heartwarming love story.

***This is a series and should be read in order for best understanding of story and characters***

Romance - ❤ Clean (passionate kissing)
Violence - None
Language - Mild

[Heather (The Book Squirm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Be as bold as you like with me, love. I’ll love you just as you are and just as you wish to be, nice or cruel, sweet or spiteful, and you can yell and scold and hurl breakable things, if you like, and I’ll only love you more.”

I love, love, love The Spinster Chronicles. The books are clever, and the characters all make me smile and laugh. This one really got me. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy reading about Isabella, but she proved just as amusing as her cousin (or well, close to it). From the beginning you want good things for Izzie. You want her to succeed and find her dreams attained. I felt like a mini cheerleader in my reading corner cheering her own with every step.

[Poppy Hochstetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the spinster Chronicles and it follows the same format as the other two. I like this series. However this book was not my favorite. Giving it four stars because I believe it is still right in line with what Rebecca Connolly is writing and there's a girl out there that's going to connect with this book as I connected with the others two in the series.

This book follows Isabel Lambert or is Izzy, She is trying to find her place in the world as a spinster and among her friends. She is shy but not overly shy... More agreeable than anything else and so agreeable that it seems everyone takes extreme advantage of her kindness. She often is asked to do things that servants would do or that other people could do, but they refuse to ask and they ask Izzy instant.

Izzy meets Sebastian Morton and he has a sister who is coming to her first season and he would like Izzy to mentor her as she's rather shy and has not had much experience with society. The word shy is thrown around a lot and I believe that only Prudence was really shy. She had a stammer and was emotionally stunted by people. Everyone else is just not used to being around people. So I don't love the word shy as they use it because I think it only applies in the second book to Prudence. That being said, Catherine or Kitty is put under Izzy's care to learn about society.

Sebastian is nothing but a gentleman. Very orderly and very very posh... He is very protective of his sister and only puts her under Izzy's care because of her good nature and agreeability. He comes to find that he doesn't care for the way her family treats her and wishes for her to stand up for herself more. Over time Izzy shares with him that she is trying to write children's books and has all the ideas but doesn't have an illustrator. What are the chances? He's a great drawer and loves the ideas of drawing with her.. And talking to... And being around her... And oh dear, is he falling in love? Yes...

This book overall stays true to the spinster's Chronicles. It just was not my favorite of the three. I feel like we were introduced to more characters than was needed and it was really only half about Izzy and her journey. Also, it's kind of the same format. Will they fall in love? Will they realize they love each other? Slight drama at the end? Immediate wrap up- marriage!

I still think it's a cute book and I think someone is going to really connect with the person that always gives and never asks for anything in return and how that can build up and traumatize you. I don't really connect with Izzy as much as I did with the other characters and I care a little bit more about how they're going to turn out than Izzy... I felt she just kind of fell flat... But overall it's in line with what she writes and I think it was a good book and I enjoyed it.

[Kiley · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I don't mind books that lack a great deal of passion, I do detest a book that portrays itself as a romance novel, yet lacks even one iota of chemistry between the main characters. Unfortunately, the more books I read in this series, the more difficult the reading becomes. This third segment seemed intent in dwelling on the mundane and was in no hurry to get to the point of the story. I think the only saving grace (if, indeed there can be any) for this story would have to be the humor the author infused into it. It was ample and, in my opinion, much needed for, without it, the story would be a tremendous flop.
The angst, the drama and the romance were, at best, almost non-existent. There lacked a chemistry between the main characters that a reader would want to see. It was almost as if this book was more about the relationship between the Hero's sister and the Heroine, and not the romance between the Hero and Heroine. I was somewhat disappointed to see that. The Hero and Heroine hardly had any interaction at all.
What irked me the most is how obsolete the Heroine was, even to her own family. It didn't matter what occurred, the Heroine took a back seat...in everything and to everyone else. It pissed me off. The longer the story droned on, the more bored I became. The lack of romance ... or even any kind of relationship beyond friendship between the Hero and Heroine was a bit disappointing. Not even a hint of it for most of the book.
It took a long time for the Heroine and Hero to start romancing each other...and even longer for the Heroine to grow a backbone and stand up for herself. Because of the fact it took so long for the romance to develop, I found the final chapters to be a tad too ... exuberant in nature. For the lack of feeling throughout the book, there was way too much feeling in the end. It was overdone whereas the rest of the book's emotions were underdone. Not "Keeper of the Shelf" worthy.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the majority of the book, it's a quiet story. There's no kidnappings or assassinations plots, but just every day problems, and I loved that. Give me 100% quiet, every day problems in a historical romance. I guess the author felt like she need to prove that the course of true love never did run smooth, and threw in a conflict. Which, I get it, but doesn't mean I liked it. Why can't everything be hunky-dory? Bright side, it was resolved quickly. Groan worthy is the fact the Izzy felt she needed to apologize too. Luckily, the Sebastian was there to say, don't be sorry.

I jumped right into this series, which meant that I had to learn the whole cast of the Spinsters, which I'm not sure if I got everyone right or not, it doesn't really matter. I think I may go back and read Prudence's story. Still, I felt like I knew the main characters at least and kept them all sorted in my head with the exception of Horrible Hugh, who I knew was related to Georgie's husband, Tony. I think it finally describes him as a cousin, and since I hadn't read the first book didn't quite know why he hated them, but he did. My point being there's a large cast of characters.

Do I think this book was historically accurate? Probably not. Didn't mind it too much.

I wish there would have been more information about the book they wrote, maybe in another part of the series?

The main couple was cute and I like their love grew out of a quiet appreciation of each other.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the titles of the books in this series. Very clever.

How can a person possibly be as nice and compliant as Izzy is and still be happy in life? I mean she is so taken advantage of that it is embarrassing. I can't say that her family was truly abusive but she kind of ends up being the Cinderella character at their beck and call. None of them seem vindictive but they all take advantage of it. I wanted someone to step in and intervene but aside from a few comments that no one heeds she is completely stepped on.

Sebastian was generally likable but I could see the conflict coming before it arrived. He can encourage Izzy to speak up for herself all he wants but will he be able to handle when it happens with him?

I liked that his younger sister was able to see clearly how she had grown and become more confident yet still completely accept herself as being shy.

I'm not sure how many books are planned for this series but we are starting to run low on spinsters. They are all getting married off. And happily so. I'm glad that only one of the spinsters is surly about men in general. It would be an unpleasant read if all the ladies did was gripe.

Looking forward to #4.

Sex: some kisses
Language: a little, mild
Violence: no

[Helga Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

So rich, in the fullest sense of that word!

Sweet, sweet Izzy and wonderful Sebastian! Their story is dreamy.

I quite literally did a not-so-quiet fist pump in chapter 14, and made my children look at me kinda crazy.
First kiss was...everything. So sweet, so emotional, so swoony! Every interaction between them from that moment on was on fire! Literally every interaction! I was dying of happiness!
Her talk with her siblings could not have been better, and I'm so glad for it. That could have gone so many ways, but Rebecca wrote it perfectly!
The fight. OH MY WORD, THE FIGHT! Their entire romance was so honest and open and just...nice. It was such an embodiment of these two, that the fight came out of nowhere! I should not have been surprised as I was, based on the Spinster quote at the beginning of the chapter. Still, it was quite gutting.
Rebecca is a master at her craft, and this book is no exception. The tension was in all the right places, the kisses were off the charts, and the resolution was perfect for these two.
The ONLY reason this doesn't get 5 stars from me is the swearing and taking the Lord's name in vain. There were not many, but it was there and noticeable to me. It's very unusual for her books. I know, because I've read them all.

[Koalathebear Koalathebear · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another disappointment after the promising start in book 1. I had really enjoyed Izzy's character in book 1 and was looking forward to her story ...

Like Prue, when given a book of her own, for some reason her 'flaws' became magnified to the nth degree so that rather than being human failings, they became an almost crippling personality disorder entirely inconsistent with her characterisation in book 1. The lovely, engaging, friendly and conciliatory Izzy becomes a doormat of almost pathological proportions.

Sebastian Morton in the space of one book goes from being the Practically Perfect In Every Way hero to being irrational, nasty, horrible man whom I can't believe Izzy agrees to take back - apart from the fact that this book has established that she is a doormat with no self esteem, so the reconciliation almost seems like a failure rather than a success story ... I am wary about reading book 4 unfortunately - although i do have a sneaking curiosity for the fates of Elinor and Edith ... for some reason, the author seems to write the characters more sympathetically and believably as secondary characters ...

[Rosemarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This romance is very slow burn, at the half way mark I was starting to wonder if the couple was ever going to be more than friends. Not that I am complaining, I liked that the author took a lot of time to develop the friendship between Sebastien and Izzy, so their falling in love felt quite natural. However, at one point I was staring to wonder if we were ever even going to get a scene were they were at least holding hands. My one complaint is the amount of minor characters to kept track of, this book is obviously part of a series, and I was able to follow what was going on even though I had never read any of the other books, but with the amount of Spinsters, and the young women they were mentoring, it could get a little confusing at times, especially when many of these characters were not really necessary to the plot. Overall, a mostly clean romance with a sweet heroine and likeable hero.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella is known as a sweet, obedient and biddable girl. She's also a Spinster and writer for the Spinster Chronicles. Sebastian is fascinated by Isabella and believes she would be the perfect mentor for his younger sister. Isabella's secret brings them closer together, but will it be enough for them to find happiness together?

Every time I pick up one of the Spinster Chronicles, I fall in love with them some more. (Except Elinor and Charlotte. I'm still not sure about them.) Isabella is one of my favorites. Quiet and sweet, she does her best to be of service to others, keeping her own feelings and emotions to herself. This makes it all too easy for others to take advantage of her.

Sebastian is the perfect compliment to her. Their chemistry together was sweet and believable. The conflict towards the end did seem to come from nowhere but doesn't last long enough to annoy me.

For readers looking for a clean and fun series, I would wholeheartedly recommend this one!

[Tristine Fjerstad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Izzy is the nice girl. She is often taken for granted and advantage of. Until she meets Sebastian, a man that tells her to stand up for herself, and she does.

This book was extremely boring for me to read. Izzy has great character development throughout the book, but her dream seems to be put aside as the details get lost in the story. I’m also noticing a pattern of falling in love, having a fall out, and then getting back together again. It’s getting a little tiresome. I’ll have to read something else and come back to this series, because I was intrigued by Grace’s story. My favorite part was when Izzy stood up for herself.

[Amberly Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!! Izzy has always been so kind and trying to help everyone. I was glad that she had Sebastian by her side to help her find her voice and stand up for herself. She is still the nice and caring Spinster that everyone loves, but she is more because she is no longer in the background. Sebastian helped her see herself for who she really is. I loved that Izzy was also able to help Sebastian become less reserved and more lively. They are so good together and I am glad that they were able to find each other!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous and heartfelt

I love the Spinsters, and all the time I get to spend with them. The way they love each other, and tease each other - I can’t wait to read all their stories, and get answers to the hints dropped about the futures of those who remain.

The gentleness in writing about these characters is so utterly perfect and enjoyable. I’ll be rereading these books, and immediately buy and read all future books in this series.

Clean, with kissing and romance and laughter and strength.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing a spine is hard, but...

The story of Izzy and Sebastian is a treasure. Being both very reserved people makes the development of their relationship challenging, but I really enjoyed the process. Sebastian's encouragement of Izzy's personal growth and development, as well as a surprising enterprise opportunity, ensures his involvement. I thought Book 2 might have been my favorite of this series so far due to story line and character banter, but this one is at least a close second. Now on to Graces story!

[Ghada · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book that I have read in this series. This one was better than the previous one; however, I still feel like there is something laking in them. Although I liked the friendship between the main characters, there is not much stakes to have a good story climax. It falls flat most of the reading experience. Also the romance is not quite there. They grow liking each other but then suddenly confess love which is not convincing at all.
All in all, a decent characters and an entertaining story.