God Rest Ye Merry Spinster

The Spinster Chronicles #5

by Rebecca Connolly

Christmas is here, and Elinor Asheley's entire family has gathered at their country estate to celebrate. But when her arch nemesis arrives at the estate by chance, warm wishes and the holiday spirit are the last things on her mind. Elinor is determined to protect her family from him no matter how changed he claims to be.

When the winter weather strands Hugh Sterling at the estate of the woman who hates him most in the world, his only wish is to escape the place unscathed. He is not the man he once was, and he will do everything he can to prove that to Elinor. But nothing can prepare him for the changes that spending his holiday with her will bring.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical, Regency Romance, Historical Romance

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 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

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO LOVed this one! I can not believe she took 2 characters that have not been my favorite in past books and made me love them in this one! This was such of fun story of enemy to lovers. You could really feel the remorse and the difference in out hero. I always love Rebecca's books, they always get to my feels:} This is such a fun one to read at Christmas!

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

I was surprised to learn that Hugh was the hero of this story since he is such a thorn in the side of the Spinsters, but he redeemed himself quite nicely! He's such a different person, except for the memories he has of his former life and lessons learned. He puts up with a lot of harshness and attitude from Elinor, but she soon realizes his changes are genuine and apologies sincere. I loved the friendship that developed between these two enemies and the unexpected sweetness in both. The story is rich with holiday spirit and it was lovely to read it during Christmas when it was easy to envision their celebrations. I missed the presence and banter of the other Spinsters, but Elinor's eccentric extended family provided the entertainment that usually comes from that sphere.

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

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and short. I think it may even have been unfairly short as Hugh's transformation struggles could have made a very compelling and poignant story. But, that sort of story is not really in Connolly's style and this series has always been focused on the women so this made sense. It is most appropriate that Elinor should have ended up with someone like Hugh, and the proposal scene is also most apt.

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

The power of a changed heart and forgiveness is prominent in this story. The two MC's at one point couldn't stand each other but learn to look a little deeper and change their way of thinking to forge a strong and fun romance.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It was a slow burn ,of a romance, between two protagonists. She was sure he was lying about changing, yet her eyes, ears, and heart told her a different story. Could she truly be falling for Hugh, and was her heart doing the same. It all happens at the family Christmas get together, when several stranded gentleman get stuck outside, in the snow. Plus there is Christmas, and Fun plans to prepare, and it seems several couples have romance on the mind. It was a joyful Christmas tale. I gave it 5 stars....

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved this series, and there was nothing wrong with this book except I wanted more. It felt rushed. She basically goes from despising him to liking him over night.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elinor was always one of my least fave of the Spinsters-she’s a bit obnoxious, but I like her a bit more now. I also like Hugh. And may I just say-holy cow Rebecca Connolly can write a kiss scene!!!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant feel-good, clean & wholesome story by Rebecca Connolly. I adore the Spinster Chronicle’s Series - in fact I love all of Connolly’s series - but each time I read one of the Spinster’s stories I want to go back and read the others all over again. This is Elinor’s story & it was simply perfect. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elinor Asheley is with her family in the country for their annual Christmas celebration. She expects the usual frustrations with some of her cousins, the antics of the children, and the joy of being with her family as eccentric as they are. What she doesn’t expect is for a broken carriage and a snowstorm to bring her enemy, Hugh Sterling, to her door.

It took some holiday magic, remorse, and determination to turn Hugh Sterling from the arrogant wastrel he was into a man worth falling in love with. I loved watched Elinor’s journey from disgust and distrust to love. Hugh and Elinor has some great bantering and chemistry. I loved their stolen moments. I also loved the array of kooky side characters, from the desperate cousin, to Uncle Dough (nobody knows exactly how he’s related), and the great aunts who say scandalous things to the servants.

This book had me laughing, smiling, and wishing for a ball of mistletoe.

Content: clean (a few kisses)

[Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be the most intriguing of all its predecessors. If a person were of such character as to be always judging others and castigating them to no end, this book would need to be a recommendation for them. It definitely gives one pause in thought of how they think about and/or treat others. For instance, there were several reasons I didn't want to read this fifth book in the series. First and foremost, the girl was NOT a spinster! 2) I didn't like the girl. She was way too judgemental of men, she was hateful in how she spoke to most of the ladies who were, supposedly, her friends, she thought too highly of herself for someone so young, on top of which she was always forcing the others to do things her way a lot of the time (she was entirely too smug), and she was always over-dramatizing every situation. 3) I didn't think Hugh Sterling should be included after all the negative things he did in the previous books. I figured that any man who would put, not just his sister, but any woman in a compromising situation all for the "fun" of it or to win a bet, is a nonredeemable scoundrel. I figured no one changes that much after being that bad in such a short span of time, not taking into account the amount of time that was supposed to have passed between the last incidents that sent him away to the opening of this book. So with trepidation I chose to read it.
With all that said, the very first chapter droned on and on about Eleanor's family, with more detail than this reader really wanted. With the book being only 10 chapters long, one would think the author would have wanted to focus solely on creating the romance between the two arch nemesis.
It was fascinating to read the self-reflections of Hugh Sterling, how he struggled with his old self and the changes he was going through. It was also fascinating to watch the metamorphosis of Eleanor as she struggled with her own thoughts and views.
As the story continued, I was amazed at how my thoughts concerning the two Main Characters changed as I read of their respective changes. How it could happen so dramatically in a story may, perhaps, not happen in reality, but as it is fiction, it is somewhat acceptable. The transformation of both character was a sight to behold and I, for one, was so glad to see it.
It was nice to find the drama and the romance picked up quite a bit and, as always, the humor was well interwoven into each scene as needed to keep it from being too heavy. I must say, after thinking I would hate this particular book, it was the best of the series so far. Not exactly Keeper for the Shelves worthy, but definitely more so than any of the others at this point.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Christmas on the horizon, Elinor Asheley is determined to enjoy the holidays with her family. Much to her horror, an accident lands her nemesis, Hugh Sterling, right on her doorstep and her father's hospitable nature has compelled him to invite the man to say! But has the man she had reason to hate changed? Can she trust her heart when it falls for him?

Of the spinsters so far, Elinor has been my least favorite. She annoyed me often in the previous books, so I can’t say I was looking forward to a book centered on her. And given the constant clashes between her and Hugh, I had a feeling it would be a “enemies to lovers” kind of story. And I didn’t want it.

But this was a pleasant surprise. I think I understood Elinor better, even if I don’t think it condones her harsh attitude towards men in the previous books. And though Hugh’s transformation takes place before he arrives in this tale, I found it believable. The only trouble I had was that their romance happened too fast. Had there been more time, I would have been more alright with it, but an overnight romance doesn’t seem likely to last.

Still, it was well written and the supporting characters were fun. I’m not a fan of Christmas themed stories, but found I was able to ignore that aspect of it fairly well.

Fans of the series and readers looking for a sweet Regency romance will enjoy this one.

[Silverscarf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book I was most excited for in this series. I knew it was going to be a lot of fun seeing Elinor fall in love with her most hated enemy, Hugh Sterling, and seeing Hugh's redemption arc. And once I knew that this book was going to be that story, I wanted to jump up and down with absolute glee. What a wonderful early Christmas present. And this did not disappoint, I loved it from the very first page. Hugh and Elinor had great chemistry, and their banter was amazing. I'm so glad they moved past the her hating him part pretty fast. I've read books that took it too far and after a while it can be a real drag on a story, so it was very well done that Elinor actively tried to see past his past actions. Something that I wasn't expecting was how funny this book was, between the mistletoe hijinks and the battles of wits, this book kept me in stitches as they would say, and I absolutely loved it. Overall it was wonderful to see how both Hugh and Elinor had matured throughout both the past books in the series and their own story, I think this has become my favorite book in the series so far, I completely recommend it.
Plus I think this may be my favorite cover for a regency ever, it's so pretty!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a quick and fun read! It was exciting to see these two cynical characters morph into lovable sweethearts. How many of us have thought how different our lives would be if we met specific people at different times of our lives? How certain experiences or tragedies can completely change us and make us see the world and people differently?
Those of us who have been Capital S Spinster fans from the beginning of Book 1 will remember thinking of Hugh with a grimace (or worse). And, as the books have progressed, we've been concerned for Elinor's attitude toward much of life. It was wonderful to see two people have a reality check in their own pride and prejudices (haha) and come together.
I do think I would have liked more detail in what Hugh dealt with during his self-imposed banishment. We've felt the heartache in the other Spinster books, so it might have been a plus to have that in this book to add that depth. And, since this takes place away from London, we miss the Spinster's humor and wit until the teaser at the end of the book (how exciting is THAT going to be?!). However, I still give the book 5 stars, as it truly was a well written and fun, quick read about forgiveness and love with lots of laughs and a few swoony kisses! Perfect for the holiday season upon us!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment in the Spinster series. These unlikable characters in previous books were very likable in this one. We got to see their true selves and in Hugh's case his remorse over who he was. We were able to rejoice in who he had become. And we also got to see Elinor overcome her prejudices to become humble and forgiving. It was a fun read.

My only negative thought is that we didn't get to spend any real time with the Spinsters since this story takes place out in the country and away from the other ladies. And I do love the Spinsters so that was disappointing. But this story couldn't have taken place in any other way so it had to be as it was.

Sex: some kisses
Language: a little, mild
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Richelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - Mild
Violence - None
Reread - Yes
***This is part of a series, and should be read in order for full context.***

You can never go wrong with Rebecca Connolly. This series is a favorite of mine, and although I would have liked this one to be a full fledged novel and not just a novella, it was a delight to read. I believe this worked as well as it did as a novella simply because the characters, and their history, is already well established.

From the past books, we know all about Hugh, and how he feels about the Spinsters. Yet, after what happened with his sister Alice, he sees things in a completely different light. In fact, he exiles himself from London and his family for many months.

There is also no love lost between Elinor and Hugh, and he knows perfectly well how much she hates him; and rightly so. Yet when he finds himself stuck at Christmas with her and her family, he hopes that she will see that he has truly changed.

This is a sweet book about forgiveness, redemption, and a bit of overcoming pride. And not just for Hugh Sterling. I loved seeing how much Hugh really had changed, and the sweetness that had probably been in him the entire time, he had just buried it deep down inside.

It was also good seeing a change of heart from Elinor, who also had to really look deep into herself to see that she too needed to make some changes.

I love this series, and highly recommend it. I recommend her other series of books as well.

[The Sleeping Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read any of Rebecca Connelly's books till now, but did recently fall down the rabbit hole that is historical romance - notably, Regency and Victorian romance.

I certainly think that this book works best as part of a series rather than a standalone. There was backstory for Elinor, Hugh, Emma, Mr Partlowe and some other characters that wasn't explained here, and I would have benefited more from reading the first books. As such without context, Elinor and Hugh's change in relationship didn't give me much emotional feelings. Part of that fault lies with me.

If there is something I will be more critical about, it is the often utilised misunderstanding just before the HEA. I wasn't too riveted by the way Elinor reacted to something she overheard Hugh say and refused to hear him out afterwards. Still, they got the HEA but it was somewhat of a detraction.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mad About Series Challenge 2023. I borrowed this last book of the Spinster Chronicles from Hoopla. All the rest of the books I read on Kobo +. I loved this Christmas novella. It was short and sweet but every word was meaningful. Connolly's writing for this series reminds me of Jane Austen and Hallmark. I truly think this series would make a wonderful series for Hallmark. The H is Hugh Sterling and the h is Elinor Ashely. Hugh is Elinor's nemesis. When he is stranded at her family's home for Christmas she tries to get rid of him any way any how. He challenges her to give him a chance to show he is a changed man. She does and falls in love and vice versa. I loved how Connolly described them each falling in love.
This was the last book I had to finish the entire Mad About Series Challenge for 2023. I finished my goal 5 1/2 months early. So happy!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute short-ish read! The Spinsters are always fun and lovable characters. And I was waiting for Hugh's story for quite some time. So it was an amazing treat to read Elinor and Hugh's journey towards reformation, redemption and trust. Elinor has always been vocative of her disapproval of men in general and "Horrid Hugh" in particular, so I could imagine her distaste and aversion when circumstances threw them together during a festive and family bonding time of the year. Set to rid the house of him, she is not shy to show her disapproval, but is surprised to discover how easy is to talk to him and be with him...
I gulped this book pretty fast and liked the family and festive vibe. There were some toe curling moments and dreamy kisses. Simply Lovely!
Narrative: 3rd person, following Elinor and Hugh
Religion: not really, but Christmas themes
Sensuality: clean; some sweet kisses

[Miriamgreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

perhaps it is the format, the novella, but this did nothing to add to the series. Imagine a cup of tea when someone keeps pouring sugar into it, or a treat you have overeaten to the point you never want to look at another. Remembering Hugh from the first of the series, accept his profound reassessment and redemption. Elinor has her ice quickly chipped away. A little messy drama prior to the HEA was done in a flash--too bad she missed xmas eve, when perhaps Hugh could have made some effort of reconciliation. But no, it was the last minute after tightening the girth on the horse he was to ride away on. The saving grace of the short story were the aunts and they were hilarious, their antics could have been expanded. So this did not do it for me.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was good, but I was still disappointed. This was the pairing I was most interested in, and the brevity of the story made it feel shallow. The mmc Hugh had some real demons that he was battling, and this story barely explored that. We got hints of his self loathing, and his fear that he would not be forgiven. But for the most part, he was just a nice charming guy like all the other heroes. I know this author is capable of writing deeper character arcs because her heroines usually have a lot of complexity.

The fmc Elinor also felt underdeveloped. There was a lot there to explore. Why did a young woman without any apparent trauma from a loving family dislike men so much. She was such a unique side character in the other books, and this story really did not do her justice.

[Becky M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it. I was expecting a book about Lady Edith given the epilogue from book 4. It was a surprise to see that this book was about Elinor and to see her fall in love so quickly. Elinor has been such an out spoken character with strong negative opinions about marriage and Hugh specifically, I wondered if she would be the last of the spinsters with a capital S. I’m impressed with her maturity in this book. I also loved the small vignettes that gave us a picture into who Hugh is now, particularly the time in the library with the children. It upsets me that he didn’t try to get her back though.

[Anneke Bartschi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read Christmas stories and this was a fun one to read. I liked that we got to see a different side of Elinor and Hugh. I enjoyed their story of how they grew to love each other. I did, however, want to read more of their story and how they went from despising each other to loving each other. It happened overnight in the book and, while I understand the story needs to keep moving, I found myself wanting to know more about their relationship. Rebecca Connolly keeps giving us a little more detail about Lady Edith Leveson in each book. The epilogue gives the most details yet about her. I am anxiously awaiting her story!

[Heather (The Book Squirm) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would start by saying that I love this series. It is actually one of my favorite series because it so well written and all the characters involved have touched my heart in some way. Each book has been perfectly situated within the series. I was expecting no less from God Rest Ye Merry Spinster, but I cannot say this one was anywhere near my favorite.

I'm internally cringing as I type this, but this one lacked the spirit of the spinsters and the overall tone and camaraderie that is found in the others. The absence of this could have been overlooked if not for the rushed quality of the story. I wanted more of Elinor. I wanted a fierce, heartwarming, and smile stealing enemies to lovers trope.

Even still! If anyone is reading this, don't be put off by my words. Rebecca Connolly is awesome. The others in this series (1-4) are so great and well written that it might just be the thing casting a shadow over book 5.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about my two least favorite characters in the spinster series thus far. In all the previous spinster books, I couldn't stand Elinor. She drove me crazy, and I always thought, why are you here. And of course, Hugh Sterling was a major villain, and I did not like him. I was actually not looking forward to reading Elinor's story and hoped it would be the last one or not at all. But this was a pleasant surprise. Both characters went through a change of heart and became lovable. This is a fun Christmastime read. I enjoyed this book and recommend it! I also enjoyed that it strayed from the typical spinster scene. It was nice to meet some new characters!

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fury leads to fervor

Such wonderful characters of Elinor and Hugh. Hugh has led a drunk, terrible life in which he almost had his sister end up with an evil friend. Hugh is trying to change his life by asking forgiveness and giving up his previous lifestyle. Can Elinor forgive him? Will Hugh convince her that he is indeed a changed man? All of this surrounded by a huge family and the Christmas season, let alone the cousins that attempt anything to catch a husband. A truly interesting, funny and witty read.

[Lawrence E Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters chose to change, and succeeded. They persist and find love and hope for the future. It is a book full of humor as well as joy. The two mature and becomes much more like able as well as wise. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates good writing.xxx xXxX xXxX xxx pt ableed with gentle persistence, showing loving consideration toward others

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[Cindy Dupree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful addition to the series

This story centers on Elinor and Hugh Sterling. We met him in book 1 and he was totally revolting. His coach had broken down and as fate would have it, Hugh was stranded at an estate her family used for holidays. This book is about forgiveness and redemption ... perfect goals during the holiday season. It has a sweet ending and the epilogue segues with the last two spinsters.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series. I felt this book moved too fast for me though. I kinda wish there was more to the falling in love. I mean these two characters despised each other in the previous books and then all Hugh had to do was say he was changed and she believed him. I felt like there needed to be more then just that for Elinor who is such a passionate person to change her mind. But this was still an enjoyable read! Connolly still does a good job of redeeming Hugh Sterling.

[U · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is book 5 of the Spinsters series and this is the 3rd book where I noticed that the heroine of the book has nothing - but really absolutely nothing to do with the character of the same name in the other books with different heroines. WTF? Does Connolly even READ her books, or use her notes on the different characters???
Elinor is nothing like the little bratty and yet ferocious young woman from the other books. I couldn't finish this any faster and did not like it.

[Christiane Robillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful and highly entertaining

Truly enjoyed this book. The storyline, though not totally original, was nevertheless well carried out and processed. The characters were lively and expressive. The writing was very enjoyable; there was a lot of humour and laughter throughout the story, which I enjoyed very much. There were no typos nor glaring grammatical errors, which I appreciate so much! I highly recommend.