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Women of Worth #2
Love for the Spinster
Freya runs from her past, but trouble seems to follow her everywhere she goes.
Years after discovering her parents’ marriage was invalid, and she illegitimate, Freya continued to struggle with the scandal hanging over her head. When her father reappears with his real wife and daughter, Freya flees London entirely.
With an inherited country house, Freya at least has somewhere to run. She looks forward to meeting her faithful steward, who writes the most diverting letters. However, Mr. Daniel Bryce is not the old gentleman she expected, but young, handsome, and eligible.
Freya struggles with her growing feelings for her steward as they work together to renovate the only home she has left. When a stranger shows up and threatens to reveal Freya’s past, will she find the strength to remove herself from the scandal’s shadow?
A clean and wholesome Regency romance, Love for the Spinster is the second book in the Women of Worth series. It can be read apart from the series but works best in proper order.
234 pages, ebook
First published June 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 14, 2019
These have been good books to read. I have enjoyed them. My one issue is that I never feel like I get to know the leading man. He is a bit of a mystery through the whole story. Maybe the author likes her men like that but I would love to know what they are thinking and feeling too. This is all from the heroines point of view and it would have been great broken up a bit. The fact that this is a good read with only one POV is a testament to the talent of the writer. I want to give this more stars but just felt a bit irritated and left out so often, that I just can't. The story is a good one and I loved that you got a bit of both girls from the first book.
August 6, 2019
While I found the writing of this story good, I kept being thrown out of the narrative by what seemed to me to be a behavioral disconnect between what the characters were doing and what the social norms of the day were. I am no Regency era expert, but the idea that a Steward of an estate, even with an absentee landlord, would act as the homeowner was jarring. We are told the protagonist has a written relationship with the Steward, but as a reader don't experience any of it. And his continued actions toward her seem to be lacking in the respect due to a homeowner, even if she is a woman.
We are told she is an intelligent woman, but don't see much of that directly demonstrated. The protagonist seemed to have a very naive concept of social convention for someone who spent years in London. She mostly reacts to things, instead of thinking it through and planning out a strategy.
Recommended for readers who don't mind historical inconsistencies.
We are told she is an intelligent woman, but don't see much of that directly demonstrated. The protagonist seemed to have a very naive concept of social convention for someone who spent years in London. She mostly reacts to things, instead of thinking it through and planning out a strategy.
Recommended for readers who don't mind historical inconsistencies.
July 16, 2019
As a child, Freya made a pact with two other young girls: none of them would marry a man and give them power over them. Now they are all adults and Freya is the last unwed woman from that pact. She may or may not have been reluctant to join that pact way back when, but she is content, now, to remain unmarried. Helps that she has a huge estate to call her own and a comfortable amount of money to support herself. Not that she's ever actually seen that inherited estate . . . until shortly after the book opens.
Scandal from her past rears its ugly head in the form of her father arriving for the season in London. Her father and his 'other family' (his first, and 'real' wife and his daughter; Freya and her mother, it appears, are illegitimate). And so Freya flees to that estate she's never previously seen.
Whereupon she learns that he steward, who she pictured as a fatherly figure, is actually close to her own age. And being in close proximity to a hot upunbg man is making her all frustrated and stuff.
Interesting enough book, I suppose. I didn't particularly like the steward from first appearance and he never thereafter grew on me. There was also some rather odd stuff going on in this book in regards to people's positions in society, their fortunes & estates, and their paid jobs. Weird.
For one: a lot more time needed to be spent unwrapping the revelations about the steward instead of just dumping that info and ending the book.
For another: why'd someone who has this vast estate and 'comfortable' bit of money doing working as a paid companion? Which Freya was slightly before the start of this book.
eh, whatever, weird stuff happens.
Rating: 3 something
July 15 2019
Scandal from her past rears its ugly head in the form of her father arriving for the season in London. Her father and his 'other family' (his first, and 'real' wife and his daughter; Freya and her mother, it appears, are illegitimate). And so Freya flees to that estate she's never previously seen.
Whereupon she learns that he steward, who she pictured as a fatherly figure, is actually close to her own age. And being in close proximity to a hot upunbg man is making her all frustrated and stuff.
Interesting enough book, I suppose. I didn't particularly like the steward from first appearance and he never thereafter grew on me. There was also some rather odd stuff going on in this book in regards to people's positions in society, their fortunes & estates, and their paid jobs. Weird.
For one: a lot more time needed to be spent unwrapping the revelations about the steward instead of just dumping that info and ending the book.
For another: why'd someone who has this vast estate and 'comfortable' bit of money doing working as a paid companion? Which Freya was slightly before the start of this book.
eh, whatever, weird stuff happens.
Rating: 3 something
July 15 2019
November 29, 2019
All of Daniel’s mysterious ways were revealed in the last few minutes of the book. Laaaaaaaaame! Not only was it rushed, it was trite and stretched credulity beyond belief.
This author’s writing style is too slow for my taste. It was a slow slow sloooow buildup to a disappointing little puff of nothing.
Daniel was hardly even a character! We barely get to know him!
Daniel Bryce:
likes to eat rice.
His personality has no spice,
but he is always quite nice.
Freya is utterly melancholy. I did enjoy her female friendships, even though I couldn’t really discern one from another. Well, there was the petty French woman - I think she was supposed to be a villain or competition for Daniel’s affections, but the author forgot to do anything with her character.
I think the author puts words together in a beautiful way. Her storyline lacked an actual story. A decent plot and more character development could lead to something special.
This author’s writing style is too slow for my taste. It was a slow slow sloooow buildup to a disappointing little puff of nothing.
Daniel was hardly even a character! We barely get to know him!
Daniel Bryce:
likes to eat rice.
His personality has no spice,
but he is always quite nice.
Freya is utterly melancholy. I did enjoy her female friendships, even though I couldn’t really discern one from another. Well, there was the petty French woman - I think she was supposed to be a villain or competition for Daniel’s affections, but the author forgot to do anything with her character.
I think the author puts words together in a beautiful way. Her storyline lacked an actual story. A decent plot and more character development could lead to something special.
July 13, 2019
3 1/2 stars. Cute story, but I liked the first one in the series a little more.
June 23, 2019
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
January 2, 2025
I’m reviewing at 50% and am unsure if I will finished. Just when I think I will keep trying to plow ahead I run into something else to bother me. I just ran into a line saying that a character was “piqued” after describing her as wan, pale and drawn. So is she irritated (piqued), or peaked? Which would go with wan, pale, and drawn. The main character is judgmental (new neighbors are either insipid, stupid, or a threat); there is an almost fiancé from out of no where; she has the oddest relationship with her “dearest” friends.
I skipped the previous book because it was also poorly written. This has led to some gaps in this installment. That is on me, but this story seemed much more promising than the first.
Issues—because installments are told first person limited, you don’t get that much information about the FMC from the previous book…at least as far as personality goes. Because you are in her head it is supposed to help you know her, but she is as vapid and judgmental and uninteresting as she implies everyone else is. The male lead is …handsome? We sure get a lot of descriptors of his dimple. The weird determination not to get married? Her tragic backstory and the degree to which the FMC feels sorry for herself? The male lead’s big secret? It’s all pretty meh. Also, lots of phrases that are anachronistic or just don’t sound either British or period appropriate.
I skipped the previous book because it was also poorly written. This has led to some gaps in this installment. That is on me, but this story seemed much more promising than the first.
Issues—because installments are told first person limited, you don’t get that much information about the FMC from the previous book…at least as far as personality goes. Because you are in her head it is supposed to help you know her, but she is as vapid and judgmental and uninteresting as she implies everyone else is. The male lead is …handsome? We sure get a lot of descriptors of his dimple. The weird determination not to get married? Her tragic backstory and the degree to which the FMC feels sorry for herself? The male lead’s big secret? It’s all pretty meh. Also, lots of phrases that are anachronistic or just don’t sound either British or period appropriate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
I think this is the first regency romance that I really struggled to read. This book suffered from a lot of telling vs showing and I was not a fan of the FMC or the MMC. They lacked romance and they were such good “friends” writing all these letters back and forth but we don’t get any of the letters and then when they are in person no chemistry at all. I was let down, and this was not a satisfying times, which is a bummer
September 7, 2022
I enjoyed this story very much. I felt the characters were well developed. I can always ask for more romance. 😁
The biggest negative is the narrator for this series of audio books. She is just too ovee the top for me. I will admit though that she didn't bother me as much in this book as the previous one. Maybe because I was enjoying the story.
The biggest negative is the narrator for this series of audio books. She is just too ovee the top for me. I will admit though that she didn't bother me as much in this book as the previous one. Maybe because I was enjoying the story.
July 20, 2019
Wonderful story that proves rumors must never dictate anyone's life choices
September 10, 2023
I guess I really didn't understand why Freya didn't just say screw the scandal earlier? Like Daniel was clearly very into her from the start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2019
Freya was disgraced when she discovered that her parents marriage was invalid and that she was illegitimate. Years after discovering the news, her father appears with his new family and daughter's coming out in London. Freya flees London for the country estate she inherited but has never seen. She hopes that she can feel safe in the country from the scandal that rocked her world. She is looking forward to meeting Mr. Daniel Bryce, the steward of her estate, and with whom she has been corresponding for some time. Their correspondence has been so easy and she is hoping that he can be the father figure for her that she is missing in her own father.
When Freya discovers that Mr. Daniel Bryce is not the elderly gentleman that she imagined and is actually one of her contemporaries, she is determined to keep her distance, though her feelings he stirs in her seem to make that an impossible task. There is a happy ending in this story but it takes the entire book to reach that conclusion.
I have enjoyed reading the stories of the three friends and look forward to more in this series and more from this author. This story was a clean regency romance with no foul language or descriptive intimate contact. I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
When Freya discovers that Mr. Daniel Bryce is not the elderly gentleman that she imagined and is actually one of her contemporaries, she is determined to keep her distance, though her feelings he stirs in her seem to make that an impossible task. There is a happy ending in this story but it takes the entire book to reach that conclusion.
I have enjoyed reading the stories of the three friends and look forward to more in this series and more from this author. This story was a clean regency romance with no foul language or descriptive intimate contact. I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
May 30, 2021
This book left me so deeply unsatisfied for the sheer number of questions it raised and didn’t answer. Books like these which give the perspective of only one of the protagonists should make the effort of giving a detailed back story or a reasonable explanation for the actions of the other protagonist.
I would love to put these questions to the author (and these are only from the top of my head) -
1. Where does Daniel go on the first day Freya arrives at Cordon Hall saying he has a family urgency when he has no family? Why does he return a day early?
2. Who is the mystery woman who comes to meet Daniel along with her maid?
3. Where does he disappear during the ball and why doesn’t he ask Freya to dance if he is so in love with her?
4. Mrs Heybourne says Daniel used to move in high circles; how did he move in such circles when he was estranged from the aristocratic side of the family?
5. Freya is so bothered about being illegitimate and spoiling Daniel’s name when he is just a steward and horse breeder but she utters not one word of protest when she finds out that he is the heir to an earl. One would think her concerns would increase, right?
Any answers, anyone?
I would love to put these questions to the author (and these are only from the top of my head) -
1. Where does Daniel go on the first day Freya arrives at Cordon Hall saying he has a family urgency when he has no family? Why does he return a day early?
2. Who is the mystery woman who comes to meet Daniel along with her maid?
3. Where does he disappear during the ball and why doesn’t he ask Freya to dance if he is so in love with her?
4. Mrs Heybourne says Daniel used to move in high circles; how did he move in such circles when he was estranged from the aristocratic side of the family?
5. Freya is so bothered about being illegitimate and spoiling Daniel’s name when he is just a steward and horse breeder but she utters not one word of protest when she finds out that he is the heir to an earl. One would think her concerns would increase, right?
Any answers, anyone?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2019
I loved this book! This is the third book that I have read by this author and they just keep getting better and better in my opinion. This is the second book in the series and we do get to meet characters from the previous book, so I do recommend that, if possible, you read them in order. This could be read as a standalone novel I guess, but with so much back history referred to, it just makes it that much easier knowing the information from the previous novel. I really enjoy this authors writing style. In comparison to the previous book of this series, this one didn’t have as much intrigue in it, again because we already know the back history of many of the characters from the previous book. However there is some ambiguity surrounding the Hero of the story which brings in that element of intrigue, which I enjoyed. Whilst this is a romance, it is a clean read.
I can highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys clean Regency Era novels. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I can highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys clean Regency Era novels. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 29, 2023
No banter or getting to know each other from the main protagonists! We are expected to believe they are friends based on letters we never got to read. So frustrating.
The pacing is off and everything is wrapped up neatly right at the end when it finally got interesting to read. This had a lot of potential and I think her editor did her so wrong.
There were strange quirks that distracted from the story. Ex. He would have vacated the study immediately upon arrival. Why did she let him take over the house considering he was supposed to be the steward?
The pacing is off and everything is wrapped up neatly right at the end when it finally got interesting to read. This had a lot of potential and I think her editor did her so wrong.
There were strange quirks that distracted from the story. Ex. He would have vacated the study immediately upon arrival. Why did she let him take over the house considering he was supposed to be the steward?
May 18, 2021
Clean read
This story shows,how Frey’s finally after a few years is able to overcome all the emotional turmoil she had to deal with after her father’s scandal. She finds a loving ever after marriage I the process
This story shows,how Frey’s finally after a few years is able to overcome all the emotional turmoil she had to deal with after her father’s scandal. She finds a loving ever after marriage I the process
July 20, 2019
This was also quite good, although the ending could have been better.
May 13, 2024
lacking — even in romance
I have read at least one book by this author that I really liked, so I was disappointed by this. Perhaps the one I read was newer, and things have improved. But by page 151 I was thoroughly disappointed in the book, but being halfway through, couldn’t give it up. Sadly, I didn’t really begin to enjoy much in terms of pacing and romance until I had about 60 pages left.
I was so confused by the “romance”. There literally was nothing there, apart from a friendship that was kindled over letters the reader is never privy to, and attraction that is repeatedly mentioned by the narrator. I think it would’ve been useful if the reader got to see at least one of the exchanges between Freya and Daniel so that we had a foundation for their “closeness”, and it most certainly would’ve been nice for them to have more solid conversations throughout the book after their first face to face conversations. There really was only bare bones conversations throughout the book.
I literally found myself suspicious of Mr. Bryce throughout most of the book, and had it not been made apparent by the description that he was the male lead, I would’ve been convinced he was not to be trusted. With his “hot and cold moods” (that even Freya acknowledged!) and his weird ominous commentary and secrecy, I honestly found Freya to be quite naive and blinded by her attraction to the man by not being the least bit suspicious about him. Especially considering all of the liberties he took in the household during her absence (which she completely gaslit herself about).
*spoiler* I also did not like how he just kissed her at the end in front of God and everyone! This woman just cried about how her reputation is nearly irreparably damaged by her father, and that makes her life hell, and she thinks it’ll make his hell, and you just got and kiss her in front of everyone?? BEFORE you get a YES to the proposal you hadn’t even given her yet?
Needless to say, I found the male lead utterly lacking.
I have read at least one book by this author that I really liked, so I was disappointed by this. Perhaps the one I read was newer, and things have improved. But by page 151 I was thoroughly disappointed in the book, but being halfway through, couldn’t give it up. Sadly, I didn’t really begin to enjoy much in terms of pacing and romance until I had about 60 pages left.
I was so confused by the “romance”. There literally was nothing there, apart from a friendship that was kindled over letters the reader is never privy to, and attraction that is repeatedly mentioned by the narrator. I think it would’ve been useful if the reader got to see at least one of the exchanges between Freya and Daniel so that we had a foundation for their “closeness”, and it most certainly would’ve been nice for them to have more solid conversations throughout the book after their first face to face conversations. There really was only bare bones conversations throughout the book.
I literally found myself suspicious of Mr. Bryce throughout most of the book, and had it not been made apparent by the description that he was the male lead, I would’ve been convinced he was not to be trusted. With his “hot and cold moods” (that even Freya acknowledged!) and his weird ominous commentary and secrecy, I honestly found Freya to be quite naive and blinded by her attraction to the man by not being the least bit suspicious about him. Especially considering all of the liberties he took in the household during her absence (which she completely gaslit herself about).
*spoiler* I also did not like how he just kissed her at the end in front of God and everyone! This woman just cried about how her reputation is nearly irreparably damaged by her father, and that makes her life hell, and she thinks it’ll make his hell, and you just got and kiss her in front of everyone?? BEFORE you get a YES to the proposal you hadn’t even given her yet?
Needless to say, I found the male lead utterly lacking.
January 27, 2020
I listened to this one and was not fond of the voice of the woman reading it. Since it was written in first person I came away not loving the main character. I'm not sure if it was the way it was read or written. Because of this I rated it higher than I really feel like rating it. I'm giving the author the benefit of the doubt.
Freya came off a bit petty and was in denial for most of the book about her undeniable feelings of attraction for Daniel and kept insisting mentally she must be an independent woman. It wasn't until near the end that she insisted mentally she must remain unmarried to protect Daniel's good name. I will say, I did like that it eventually came out that she was really afraid to love and be loved because of the mistakes her father made. That was implied from the beginning, but not pointed out until the end. After being in denial so long about being in love in the first place and why she didn't want to fall in love, it was refreshing for her to finally admit the truth.
I also felt like their relationship had little depth. Apparently, Daniel and Freya corresponded before the book even started (because he was her steward). I couldn't detect during the book anything valuable they gained during that correspondence period. They seemed more physically attracted than anything more lasting. I think it would have provided more depth to have more references to their letters or point out their admirable character traits instead of their physical attractiveness.
I think the redeeming value for me comes from the following messages:
1. She will feel better once she forgives her father (not condone his wrongs or endure his presence, but forgive). Refusing to forgive just prolongs the pain.
2. It is through connection that we get through our problems, not running away from them.
3. We can adjust to any hardship. It's not a complete truth in my mind, but a good thought.
Freya came off a bit petty and was in denial for most of the book about her undeniable feelings of attraction for Daniel and kept insisting mentally she must be an independent woman. It wasn't until near the end that she insisted mentally she must remain unmarried to protect Daniel's good name. I will say, I did like that it eventually came out that she was really afraid to love and be loved because of the mistakes her father made. That was implied from the beginning, but not pointed out until the end. After being in denial so long about being in love in the first place and why she didn't want to fall in love, it was refreshing for her to finally admit the truth.
I also felt like their relationship had little depth. Apparently, Daniel and Freya corresponded before the book even started (because he was her steward). I couldn't detect during the book anything valuable they gained during that correspondence period. They seemed more physically attracted than anything more lasting. I think it would have provided more depth to have more references to their letters or point out their admirable character traits instead of their physical attractiveness.
I think the redeeming value for me comes from the following messages:
1. She will feel better once she forgives her father (not condone his wrongs or endure his presence, but forgive). Refusing to forgive just prolongs the pain.
2. It is through connection that we get through our problems, not running away from them.
3. We can adjust to any hardship. It's not a complete truth in my mind, but a good thought.
June 20, 2019
Miss Freya Hurst had just dropped and orange cat named Jasper into the drawing room so she could have the pink room. Her best friend Lady McGregor, Rosalynn had just arrived and was escorted to the pink room though the Butler disapproved of this. She had brought her four sons (two sets of twins) to London to see their Aunt Freya. As Rosalynn was explaining this to Freya she realized Roslyn was expecting and asked her if she thought she would have twins again. Roslyn said she didn't know and then invited Freya to come for Sunday dinner and to see the boys. Freya really didn't want to go for Sunday dinner because she didn't know who would be there and the ton had gossiped about her extensively four years ago because her father had to families his legitimate family lived in France, and she and her mother lived in England where her mother was considered her father's mistress and she was illegitimate. On Sunday her best friend Elise Nichols and her husband Lord Cameron showed up at Roslyn's as soon as she saw Freya, Elise ran to her leaving her husband. It was decided by Roslyn and Elyse that Freya should go to the ball with them to get her out of the house, she didn't want to go. They arrived at the ball and things were just getting started when who should walk in, her father his wife and his daughter. Freya took one look and ran out of the ballroom with the Elise Lord Cameron following behind her to get into the carriage and go home. To discover what Freya does and how the book ends you have to read it. It's a very good book...
March 15, 2023
Freya has served as a companion to Aunt Georgina for the last four years, but with the woman's death, she must decide on a new course. Having discovered she is an illegitimate child years prior, Freya has avoided Society and, as she steps into the ballroom once again, is reminded of why she went to such lengths to avoid it in the first place.
When her father's real family shows up in London, Freya runs to her country estate. There, she meets with Mr. Daniel Bryce, her steward and the man she's spent the last few months exchanging correspondences with. But he's not the elderly gentleman she expected. No, he's young and handsome and far too charming for Freya, who has placed herself on the shelf of spinsterhood.
As Freya falls further in love, she's left with a soul crushing choice: spend the rest of her life brokenhearted or muddy Daniel's good name by allowing him to tie himself to her.
AHHH! This was so good! I enjoyed the first book in this series but loved this one even more. The second the letter exchange with the steward was mentioned, I was like...OH YEAH. I'm down with this XD Their meeting was super cute, and you could totally tell they were half in love with each other before they even met. (OR at least Daniel was since he didn't think Freya was an elderly person XD) ADORABLE. Just like the first in series, this one had several twists (some obvious, some not) and ALL of them kept me up late reading. I NEEDED TO KNOW THE SECRETS!!! And then I could sleep with pleasant dreams of Daniel's warm, caring eyes. *SIGHS Splendid read!
When her father's real family shows up in London, Freya runs to her country estate. There, she meets with Mr. Daniel Bryce, her steward and the man she's spent the last few months exchanging correspondences with. But he's not the elderly gentleman she expected. No, he's young and handsome and far too charming for Freya, who has placed herself on the shelf of spinsterhood.
As Freya falls further in love, she's left with a soul crushing choice: spend the rest of her life brokenhearted or muddy Daniel's good name by allowing him to tie himself to her.
AHHH! This was so good! I enjoyed the first book in this series but loved this one even more. The second the letter exchange with the steward was mentioned, I was like...OH YEAH. I'm down with this XD Their meeting was super cute, and you could totally tell they were half in love with each other before they even met. (OR at least Daniel was since he didn't think Freya was an elderly person XD) ADORABLE. Just like the first in series, this one had several twists (some obvious, some not) and ALL of them kept me up late reading. I NEEDED TO KNOW THE SECRETS!!! And then I could sleep with pleasant dreams of Daniel's warm, caring eyes. *SIGHS Splendid read!
June 13, 2019
I looked forward to reading Freya's story but was sadly disappointed. For two thirds of the book I had a hard time engaging with Freya's character. Too flighty, too unsure, too indecisive and she fought too hard against acknowledging her feelings for Daniel. She worried too much about her family secret, her past. I found her to be the opposite of what she hoped she would be treated by others. She was too inquisitive and determined to find out whatever it was she wanted to know. Unfortunately, I started skipping pages feeling sure I was not missing anything. I did enjoy the love between Freya and her best friends Elsie and Rosalynn. Also, with Mrs. Overton. Freya did show compassion from time to time that was touching. Daniel's past coming to face him was a surprise. I am glad that at least towards the end of the book it ended with a HEA. I do wonder about the jealous Miss Chappelle what became of her when she found out about Freya and Daniel's situation. I wonder about Mrs. Overton's illness and how long she had with her precious Daniel. I would have found an epilogue advantageous if it covered their time at the Abbey with Lord and Lady Melbourne. Also, what would have become of Freya's relationship with her father? Would Freya allow herself to get to know her half-sister? So many questions so many loose ends. There is definitely room for improvement. This storyline has potential but needs a lot of work.
June 21, 2019
This is a wonderful book! I knew within the first few pages that I was going to love it, and I was right! The main character is Freya, a self-proclaimed spinster, after a scandal that tore her family apart left her virtually unmarriable. But she’s happy in her single life, having spent the last few years living with her Aunt Georgina until she passed. But when her father unexpectedly shows up in London for the Season, she decides to go to her estate in the country to decide what she wants to do with life. There she meets Daniel Bryce, her steward, who also happens to be very handsome and single.
I loved Freya! She’s a strong woman to be happy in spinsterhood, back in a day where a woman’s only job was to get married and produce heirs. She’s adorably awkward and clumsy around Daniel, especially when she first meets him. I also really liked how much she liked animals, bringing 3 cats and a dog with her on her journey to her new home. The relationship between her and Daniel was very believable and I think they are a good couple together. This book is very well written and well edited. It’s been awhile since I last read a regency novel, and this book reminded me why I love them! I will definitely be reading more by Kasey Stockton!
I received and ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved Freya! She’s a strong woman to be happy in spinsterhood, back in a day where a woman’s only job was to get married and produce heirs. She’s adorably awkward and clumsy around Daniel, especially when she first meets him. I also really liked how much she liked animals, bringing 3 cats and a dog with her on her journey to her new home. The relationship between her and Daniel was very believable and I think they are a good couple together. This book is very well written and well edited. It’s been awhile since I last read a regency novel, and this book reminded me why I love them! I will definitely be reading more by Kasey Stockton!
I received and ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 29, 2019
Rounding up from 3.5 stars
This story was enjoyable overall but there was one thing that bothered me through the book. Freya is considered illegitimate because her father was scum and had two wives/families. She was the daughter of the second family and therefore the marriage was not legitimate. It was a scandal she had to live down. But was the daughter of the first wife not also tainted in anyway by the scandal? Are there no social repercussions on the father, his first wife and daughter? I wondered how they can waltz into London to marry off the daughter without being ostracized by the ton. How does the daughter of the scum from either wife not become part of the intrigue? I realize men got away with a lot and the women always carried the brunt of the scandal but I just think that by association, it would be difficult for the legitimate daughter to be the belle of the season. Maybe I'm totally off in my thinking...
But again, I enjoyed the story overall. I wondered what the reason was for Daniel never asking Freya to dance at the balls. Never really got an explanation for that. I liked the characters and the premise was definitely different from other stories.
No sex, language or violence
This story was enjoyable overall but there was one thing that bothered me through the book. Freya is considered illegitimate because her father was scum and had two wives/families. She was the daughter of the second family and therefore the marriage was not legitimate. It was a scandal she had to live down. But was the daughter of the first wife not also tainted in anyway by the scandal? Are there no social repercussions on the father, his first wife and daughter? I wondered how they can waltz into London to marry off the daughter without being ostracized by the ton. How does the daughter of the scum from either wife not become part of the intrigue? I realize men got away with a lot and the women always carried the brunt of the scandal but I just think that by association, it would be difficult for the legitimate daughter to be the belle of the season. Maybe I'm totally off in my thinking...
But again, I enjoyed the story overall. I wondered what the reason was for Daniel never asking Freya to dance at the balls. Never really got an explanation for that. I liked the characters and the premise was definitely different from other stories.
No sex, language or violence
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2019
A clean romance book! The story is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The story follows a 23 year-old spinster, who has been living in London the past four years in the misted of a scandal of being found to be illegitimate. With her father, his wife and daughter inn town for the season, Frye decides it is time to visit and begin taking control of her holdings away from London and society. For over a year, Frye and her steward, Mr. Daniel Brice, have been writing letters back and forth in order to discuss the daily running of her manor. While thinking he is a grandfatherly type steward, Frye sets out to begin her life at her manor as an independent woman of some means. Little does she know the "grandfatherly" steward is actually a young man, who is handsome and smart, and will cause her to question the pact she made with her two school girl friends so long ago never to marry. Overall, the book was a short and light read. The story line was not all that deep, but did not make the story less enjoyable to read. I loved the characters especially those of her two friends and the companion Daniel finds for Frye! The romance was wonderfully done and very cute. I would enjoy reading more books by this author! I am always up for a book set in Regency England!
January 19, 2024
Not Historical
Although the story line has some interest, the historical aspects were splattered all over the storyline wall. Women who were 'breeding' , in the family way, pregnant, did Not flounce around London society. They were hidden in the country. A young man was speaking & she talked about his 'jowls' that quivered as he spoke. Those are usually associated w/old men whose necks have given up the ghost. Or was he that overweight & she was appalled by it? Also, their speech was quite modern. Pregnant women would not be traveling in coaches jolting all over the countryside, not without imperiling the pregnancy. And a one who has had cats, How do you pin them up in rooms?? Do they have litter boxes then??? Again, the storyline has some interest, but there is so much that flies against the conventions of the time, as well as, practical details defied that I cannot concentrate on the story. Not when I'm constantly saying, 'Now where is the cat supposed to do it's business?' or 'If a pregnant woman showed up at a ball they would be aghast.' , how am I to keep interested in the story?? I'm returning it & onto another story than can weave a lovely story without my practical mind revealing at every turn.
Although the story line has some interest, the historical aspects were splattered all over the storyline wall. Women who were 'breeding' , in the family way, pregnant, did Not flounce around London society. They were hidden in the country. A young man was speaking & she talked about his 'jowls' that quivered as he spoke. Those are usually associated w/old men whose necks have given up the ghost. Or was he that overweight & she was appalled by it? Also, their speech was quite modern. Pregnant women would not be traveling in coaches jolting all over the countryside, not without imperiling the pregnancy. And a one who has had cats, How do you pin them up in rooms?? Do they have litter boxes then??? Again, the storyline has some interest, but there is so much that flies against the conventions of the time, as well as, practical details defied that I cannot concentrate on the story. Not when I'm constantly saying, 'Now where is the cat supposed to do it's business?' or 'If a pregnant woman showed up at a ball they would be aghast.' , how am I to keep interested in the story?? I'm returning it & onto another story than can weave a lovely story without my practical mind revealing at every turn.
June 15, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms. Stockton's writing style is different from most regency novels I have read for this book is written in first person. However, this is one of the factors that made this book unique and enjoyable.
Another unique aspect of this book is while it is a romance novel, a bigger aspect of this book is the main character's personal journey to overcome her struggles and trials mainly dealing with her father's years of deceit.
While this book could be read as a stand alone novel, reading it after Love in the Bargain helped the book to flow as many of the characters' stories from the first book were esponded upon. With this, I do feel like there were a few loose ends (i.e. why a certain character refused to visit Freya's new home, why one woman was so ugly to Freya, and if amother character finally has a baby) that I hope are more explained in the following book.
Overall, this book is a great, clean Regency romance that I would recommend.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest and unbiased review.
Another unique aspect of this book is while it is a romance novel, a bigger aspect of this book is the main character's personal journey to overcome her struggles and trials mainly dealing with her father's years of deceit.
While this book could be read as a stand alone novel, reading it after Love in the Bargain helped the book to flow as many of the characters' stories from the first book were esponded upon. With this, I do feel like there were a few loose ends (i.e. why a certain character refused to visit Freya's new home, why one woman was so ugly to Freya, and if amother character finally has a baby) that I hope are more explained in the following book.
Overall, this book is a great, clean Regency romance that I would recommend.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest and unbiased review.
June 10, 2021
4 1/2 stars. I very much enjoyed the story of Freya and Daniel. Having read of Freya and her devastating experience in an earlier book of the series, it was interesting to see her in a very different stage of her life.
I loved seeing the growth of their relationship and found it particularly interesting how their relationship actually began through correspondence — and that pretty much as strangers. They were an excellent match which was obvious early on (from a reader’s viewpoint) and which they eventually discovered. There were also some secrets revealed and I hope to perhaps learn more about this group of friends in future books by the author.
I do have to say, however, that I did not care for the narration on the audible version. I know that Mary Sarah is a well respected narrator, and I have listen to her narrate numerous books from various authors… But I’m just not a fan. Therefore I gave up the audible version early on and continued reading on my Kindle… which wound up being an excellent decision on my part.
I loved seeing the growth of their relationship and found it particularly interesting how their relationship actually began through correspondence — and that pretty much as strangers. They were an excellent match which was obvious early on (from a reader’s viewpoint) and which they eventually discovered. There were also some secrets revealed and I hope to perhaps learn more about this group of friends in future books by the author.
I do have to say, however, that I did not care for the narration on the audible version. I know that Mary Sarah is a well respected narrator, and I have listen to her narrate numerous books from various authors… But I’m just not a fan. Therefore I gave up the audible version early on and continued reading on my Kindle… which wound up being an excellent decision on my part.
June 12, 2019
I had never read a book by this writer before, but after reading this book I will certainly read other stories from her.
I thought the structure of the book was good, I was soon in the story. Reference is made to an earlier part of this series, but I did not think that I could not continue without part 1. The described situation Freya finds herself in and the judgments of others and what this does to her, indicates the spirit of the time in which the story takes place
When Freya goes to her estate, the tempo of the book changes and I sometimes found it a bit long-winded. In my view, that had more to do with the personality of Freya, who, in my opinion, had a too wait-and-see attitude. However, the addition of Daniel, and the elaboration of his personality gave the book some pace. You cannot find out exactly what Daniel's history is, but you can taste in the story that there is more.
I think working towards the end is great again. A great, not seeing upcoming end
I thought the structure of the book was good, I was soon in the story. Reference is made to an earlier part of this series, but I did not think that I could not continue without part 1. The described situation Freya finds herself in and the judgments of others and what this does to her, indicates the spirit of the time in which the story takes place
When Freya goes to her estate, the tempo of the book changes and I sometimes found it a bit long-winded. In my view, that had more to do with the personality of Freya, who, in my opinion, had a too wait-and-see attitude. However, the addition of Daniel, and the elaboration of his personality gave the book some pace. You cannot find out exactly what Daniel's history is, but you can taste in the story that there is more.
I think working towards the end is great again. A great, not seeing upcoming end
September 7, 2024
Rated PG
I really wanted to like this book, but it fell flat. The FMC was too much of a pushover, and the MMC was too entitled. These personalities can be great if they have the correct counter balancing personality. Pushover and entitled don't play well. There is no give and take. The romance seemed to be in the letters that we were never privy to. Also, the FMC thought the person in the letters was an old man, so having that explain her connection is kind of weird. Having her steward eat in the house and tell her when they can and can't discuss business was a bog nope for me. She is a lady concerned with her image.
This story was really all over the place and wasn't convincing at all. It was also dressed up as a regency romance, but it didn't follow the regency rules.
*This book is rated PG. There is no swearing, violence, or spice. There are a couple of mild kisses.
I really wanted to like this book, but it fell flat. The FMC was too much of a pushover, and the MMC was too entitled. These personalities can be great if they have the correct counter balancing personality. Pushover and entitled don't play well. There is no give and take. The romance seemed to be in the letters that we were never privy to. Also, the FMC thought the person in the letters was an old man, so having that explain her connection is kind of weird. Having her steward eat in the house and tell her when they can and can't discuss business was a bog nope for me. She is a lady concerned with her image.
This story was really all over the place and wasn't convincing at all. It was also dressed up as a regency romance, but it didn't follow the regency rules.
*This book is rated PG. There is no swearing, violence, or spice. There are a couple of mild kisses.
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