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Silver Linings Mysteries #2
The Lacemaker
A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
Caroline Milburn and her younger sisters live in two cramped rooms, struggling to survive by their skills in lace making and weaving. When their previously unknown grandfather drowns on the Brig Minerva and bequeaths them a cottage in the country, their lives seem set to improve. But where will the daughters of a linen draper fit into rural life, now that they are better off? How will Caroline find husbands for her younger sisters? Why have purses of money been buried in the garden? And why are the neighbours so interested in them?
Charles Leatham was happy in the army, where all he had to do was to follow orders. With both his older brothers dead, he’s forced to return home and he knows where his duty lies - he must marry, and soon, to secure the inheritance. He doesn’t care who he marries, but why is his step-mother so keen to pair him with the ill-bred linen draper’s daughter? She’s a termagant and a shrew, but he always follows orders so he resigns himself to the inevitable. At least she’ll be grateful for the offer… won’t she?
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 2 of a 6 book series.
Caroline Milburn and her younger sisters live in two cramped rooms, struggling to survive by their skills in lace making and weaving. When their previously unknown grandfather drowns on the Brig Minerva and bequeaths them a cottage in the country, their lives seem set to improve. But where will the daughters of a linen draper fit into rural life, now that they are better off? How will Caroline find husbands for her younger sisters? Why have purses of money been buried in the garden? And why are the neighbours so interested in them?
Charles Leatham was happy in the army, where all he had to do was to follow orders. With both his older brothers dead, he’s forced to return home and he knows where his duty lies - he must marry, and soon, to secure the inheritance. He doesn’t care who he marries, but why is his step-mother so keen to pair him with the ill-bred linen draper’s daughter? She’s a termagant and a shrew, but he always follows orders so he resigns himself to the inevitable. At least she’ll be grateful for the offer… won’t she?
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 2 of a 6 book series.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2019
1264 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
62 books480 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 3, 2025
This is such a fun story - with nods to Poldark and Pride & Prejudice sprinkled into a rags to riches story. Caroline is the heroine you root for and thank goodness Charles, with his Darcy-esque proposal, hung around.
The mystery was a nice touch!
The mystery was a nice touch!
April 19, 2022
Hated it! Usually, if a book is well written I figure "not my cup of tea" but someone will like it. Well, I hated this one so much I don't care if others like it. If they like these two bitchy nasty characters that fall in love then there's something wrong with them. This is not Jane Austen wit.
First of all, poor people get an inheritance and it's like the Beverly Hillbillies only the main character has a chip on her shoulder.
She lets her fifteen-year-old sister run off constantly. I don't know if we are supposed to believe she is disabled or what. First, she almost gets run over while on property she doesn't belong on while looking for nature's creatures. That introduces us to the male character that is in a bad mood about having to come home from the army. All his brothers have died. The last one might have been from a lack of will to live because he has betrothed to the eldest brother's self-righteous holier than thou hateful fiance. Why was the eldest promised to the church? Why is a horrible church lady still living with the family? The third son is willing to marry anyone his stepmother chooses EXCEPT the leftover.
Of course, she picks the grouch across the lane.
The younger sister continues to run around the countryside until she gets pregnant by the vicar's son who has been helping with the critters. The middle sister lands the lawyer that tells them of their inheritance.
There's a mystery with bags of money but I figured that out almost right away. I could have given it two stars if one of the grouches had told off the church lady but in the end, she inherited 15 thousand pounds and landed a man. Did I mention how much I hated this book?
The cover gets a 1 also.
First of all, poor people get an inheritance and it's like the Beverly Hillbillies only the main character has a chip on her shoulder.
She lets her fifteen-year-old sister run off constantly. I don't know if we are supposed to believe she is disabled or what. First, she almost gets run over while on property she doesn't belong on while looking for nature's creatures. That introduces us to the male character that is in a bad mood about having to come home from the army. All his brothers have died. The last one might have been from a lack of will to live because he has betrothed to the eldest brother's self-righteous holier than thou hateful fiance. Why was the eldest promised to the church? Why is a horrible church lady still living with the family? The third son is willing to marry anyone his stepmother chooses EXCEPT the leftover.
Of course, she picks the grouch across the lane.
The younger sister continues to run around the countryside until she gets pregnant by the vicar's son who has been helping with the critters. The middle sister lands the lawyer that tells them of their inheritance.
There's a mystery with bags of money but I figured that out almost right away. I could have given it two stars if one of the grouches had told off the church lady but in the end, she inherited 15 thousand pounds and landed a man. Did I mention how much I hated this book?
The cover gets a 1 also.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2019
The third wonderful entry in the Silver Linings series is The Lacemaker. The talented and practical Caroline Milburn has cared for and guided her younger sisters since their parents' deaths, earning their living by creating beautiful lace. Now an unexpected legacy changes their lives completely. This is an honest review of an ARC.
Caro struggles with her place in the English class system. Is she a merchant because she works for a living or gentry because she has property? Where is her place in the little village where they inherit a cottage? Why does the matriarch of the local manor house seem so friendly? And, why do they find beautifully netted purses of money buried in their garden?
I love these characters and how they grow throughout the story. Both Caro and Charles are unsure of their roles in life and society. Charles is reluctantly back from war to learn how to care for the manor's tenants and crops. That role seems tame and petty compared to fighting Napoleon.
Caroline is like the lace she creates, delicate, lovely and tough. Charles is surly, discontented, and unhappy with the necessity to marry. They judge one another harshly at first, then a friendship develops as they face challenges, social events, and mysteries. Will Charles and Caroline finally realize that there is no one else they'd rather be with?
Caro struggles with her place in the English class system. Is she a merchant because she works for a living or gentry because she has property? Where is her place in the little village where they inherit a cottage? Why does the matriarch of the local manor house seem so friendly? And, why do they find beautifully netted purses of money buried in their garden?
I love these characters and how they grow throughout the story. Both Caro and Charles are unsure of their roles in life and society. Charles is reluctantly back from war to learn how to care for the manor's tenants and crops. That role seems tame and petty compared to fighting Napoleon.
Caroline is like the lace she creates, delicate, lovely and tough. Charles is surly, discontented, and unhappy with the necessity to marry. They judge one another harshly at first, then a friendship develops as they face challenges, social events, and mysteries. Will Charles and Caroline finally realize that there is no one else they'd rather be with?
September 15, 2019
This is a competently written book, and as someone who enjoys fine dressmaking, I appreciated such details in the story. The characters were well-drawn and the dialogue was quick, the pacing smooth.
The reason I'm giving it three stars is because I kept hearing Pride & Prejudice in my head. I realize that there are only so many plot devices and roles in period stories, but the protagonist (Caroline Milburn) is Elizabeth Bennett's long-lost soulmate. (Every time the author mentioned Milburn's "fine eyes," I saw a sneering Caroline BIngham in the drawing room trying to turn Darcy's/Colin Firth's head.). The hero is Darcy, of course, with all his prideful distance. The pious Bennett sister (Mary) is the ex-fiance of the hero's two late brothers. The hero's cousin, who briefly bids for the protagonist's hand, is Mr. Collins, the simpering curate of P&P. The protagonist's beautiful sister is Jane Bennett. And on it goes.
I enjoyed Kingswood's previous book, The Widow, but am disappointed in the lack of imagination the author shows in this story and its characters. No one should ape Jane Austen, particularly not so conspicuously. (Although countless authors try.)
The reason I'm giving it three stars is because I kept hearing Pride & Prejudice in my head. I realize that there are only so many plot devices and roles in period stories, but the protagonist (Caroline Milburn) is Elizabeth Bennett's long-lost soulmate. (Every time the author mentioned Milburn's "fine eyes," I saw a sneering Caroline BIngham in the drawing room trying to turn Darcy's/Colin Firth's head.). The hero is Darcy, of course, with all his prideful distance. The pious Bennett sister (Mary) is the ex-fiance of the hero's two late brothers. The hero's cousin, who briefly bids for the protagonist's hand, is Mr. Collins, the simpering curate of P&P. The protagonist's beautiful sister is Jane Bennett. And on it goes.
I enjoyed Kingswood's previous book, The Widow, but am disappointed in the lack of imagination the author shows in this story and its characters. No one should ape Jane Austen, particularly not so conspicuously. (Although countless authors try.)
June 17, 2024
This story is charming, but unrealistic. It makes no sense at all for the gentry and nobility to be associating with the daughters of a linen draper and the illegitimate daughter of a tradesman. In the regency period it wouldn't matter how much money they had inherited. Throughout the novel I actually thought that was the big mystery, because it was so baffling. But this bizarre ignorance of regency social conventions is never explained, beyond Mrs. Leatham's rather lame excuse for wanting her stepson to marry Caroline, which doesn't at all explain why the Millburn sisters are also received into the company of a Baron and even a Duke!
That said, a rags to riches story is always fun. The characters are engaging and well drawn, and it's a cute romance. The "mystery" is rather disappointing, especially as it has nothing to do with the sisters or their sudden elevation to wealth and inexplicable status.
That said, a rags to riches story is always fun. The characters are engaging and well drawn, and it's a cute romance. The "mystery" is rather disappointing, especially as it has nothing to do with the sisters or their sudden elevation to wealth and inexplicable status.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2020
I had some problems with this book mostly stemming around the characters. However, I liked the writing style and the added who done it element to this Pride & Prejudice retelling.
Caroline, our pragmatic heroine, who was every bit as sanctimonious as the Mildred (Mary) character she disliked. She knew better then everyone and her opinions were cherished where ever she went. She had one person, Lord Elland, call her out for her bad behavior of trying to bribe him but other than that she did not grow at all in the novel.
Our Mr. Darcy character, Mr. Charles Letham has never formed his own opinion ever in his life and probably never will. He yields decision making to everyone around him, and for most of the book refuses to have an original thought.
The romance was slow burn...up until almost 60% of the book they did not like each other. And even at almost 70% Charles was still rebuking Caroline to others. He said things out loud! to other characters! about Caroline I wouldn’t say about my worst enemy.
Caroline, our pragmatic heroine, who was every bit as sanctimonious as the Mildred (Mary) character she disliked. She knew better then everyone and her opinions were cherished where ever she went. She had one person, Lord Elland, call her out for her bad behavior of trying to bribe him but other than that she did not grow at all in the novel.
Our Mr. Darcy character, Mr. Charles Letham has never formed his own opinion ever in his life and probably never will. He yields decision making to everyone around him, and for most of the book refuses to have an original thought.
The romance was slow burn...up until almost 60% of the book they did not like each other. And even at almost 70% Charles was still rebuking Caroline to others. He said things out loud! to other characters! about Caroline I wouldn’t say about my worst enemy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2019
Caroline Milburn and her younger sisters live in two cramped rooms, struggling to survive by their skills in lace making and weaving. When their previously unknown grandfather drowns on the Brig Minerva and bequeaths them a cottage in the country, their lives seem set to improve.
Charles Leatham was happy in the army, where all he had to do was to follow orders. With both his older brothers dead, he’s forced to return home and he knows where his duty lies - he must marry.
I know I’m always in for a treat with the author’s books & I'm loving this series. The characters have plenty of depth, & the story flows extremely well but it is the attention to detail that makes the author’s books so good, you really feel part of the Regency era. The way Charles & Caroline’s relationship developed made for an entertaining read , a mystery thrown in & I was one very happy reader
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Charles Leatham was happy in the army, where all he had to do was to follow orders. With both his older brothers dead, he’s forced to return home and he knows where his duty lies - he must marry.
I know I’m always in for a treat with the author’s books & I'm loving this series. The characters have plenty of depth, & the story flows extremely well but it is the attention to detail that makes the author’s books so good, you really feel part of the Regency era. The way Charles & Caroline’s relationship developed made for an entertaining read , a mystery thrown in & I was one very happy reader
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 15, 2020
If you love the wit and humor of the propriety of regency romance, such as Georgette Heyer or Jane Austen, you will not be disappointed with this one-- a clever, however predictable, mystery tucked inside a witty romance. I switched back and forth between print and audible versions and loved both.
December 28, 2019
3 1/2 stars. The books in this series remind me of my beloved Georgette Heyer books.
April 4, 2022
Pleasant drawing room Regency.
June 6, 2020
THE LACEMAKER ; Is a wonderful read. The story is well told, the characters are believable, complicated and well researched. Our heroine Caroline is understandably burdened with raising her two younger sisters. Our hero has a lot to learn about himself and there is an interesting mystery to be solved. Loved it !
March 7, 2022
This one was amazing. Actually better than the first book in my opinion! I read a lot of historical romance and as much as I enjoy every passable read, I dont continue with the authors who's books are simply passable reads. I am glad I continued with this one. Would read more from the author.
August 15, 2020
This is a sweet little historical romance. Caroline, a lacemaker, comes into an unexpected inheritance, and she and her two sisters relocate from their small town to a country estate. Charles, a former solider, has become his father’s heir upon the deaths of his two elder brothers. As Caroline ventures into country “society” and Charles discards his gruff military ways, romance blooms.
I liked this, didn’t love it. The details were charming and felt appropriate but the place was a bit slow. The “mystery” did not occupy enough of the book to spark suspense. Nevertheless, true to genre with an HEA, and enjoyable enough
I liked this, didn’t love it. The details were charming and felt appropriate but the place was a bit slow. The “mystery” did not occupy enough of the book to spark suspense. Nevertheless, true to genre with an HEA, and enjoyable enough
August 24, 2020
The writing itself is good, it was the main characters I did not like. The heroine is way too practical, meaning, she was scroodge and overcontrolling one. The hero, on the other side, had nothing under control: nor his temper (had some anger issues), nor his life in general (for example, he was not able to make his own decisions concerning his future wife or his duties as an heir). Being not fond of any of them, it was difficult to relate to the story at all, in short, I did not care.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
I am completely and utterly baffled by this book.
The characters are quite frankly the weakest part, being wildly inconsistent in their personalities. Caroline is meant to be this mother hen to them but never actually seems to spend time with her sisters, try to parent them or hell even bond with them. We never get moments of the sisters enjoying each others company.
We're introduced to Molly and Martin in such a way as they're portrayed as terrible servants, but somehow they're kept on and magically are never a problem? What was the point of introducing them as lazy if the plot is never followed through with?
Mrs Lavenham seems cheerfully determined that her step-son should marry Caroline but I have no idea why she keeps pushing them together, she's meant to be this matchmaker who is cheerfully pushing them together but she just bulldozes over boundaries and has no actual read on the people around her.
Charles is a sulky man-child whose first reaction to anything seems to be to get angry, is only interested in one-upping Caroline in the pity Olympics, and can't think for himself. He is constantly going "I'll marry anyone but Mildred!" and then completely contradicts the statement by complaining about his options and being difficult.
I'm 55% through the book and have yet to find any actual redeeming qualities in this man. Caroline isn't much better but quite frankly even she deserves better than this waste of space.
Poppy apparently loves to wander off without telling anyone and no one seems to make an effort to supervise her? A lot of reviewers say Caroline is mostly to blame but quite frankly, every goddamn adult in this book seems utterly uninterested in supervising this girl. It's all just a shrug and "oh that's just Poppy!" Infuriating!
Beyond that and her love for baby animals, we know nothing really about her.
Bizarrely Mildred is the one I felt the most sympathy for. I'm 55% in and so far all she's done is say a few brief lines, sit like a doll and just exist while everyone around her tells each other what a sanctimonious bore she is. Show us, don't tell us!
I would also like to point out that Caroline is somehow an absolute god at lacemaking because she can apparently whip out complicated lacework in days which would in reality take significantly longer to make.
The characters are quite frankly the weakest part, being wildly inconsistent in their personalities. Caroline is meant to be this mother hen to them but never actually seems to spend time with her sisters, try to parent them or hell even bond with them. We never get moments of the sisters enjoying each others company.
We're introduced to Molly and Martin in such a way as they're portrayed as terrible servants, but somehow they're kept on and magically are never a problem? What was the point of introducing them as lazy if the plot is never followed through with?
Mrs Lavenham seems cheerfully determined that her step-son should marry Caroline but I have no idea why she keeps pushing them together, she's meant to be this matchmaker who is cheerfully pushing them together but she just bulldozes over boundaries and has no actual read on the people around her.
Charles is a sulky man-child whose first reaction to anything seems to be to get angry, is only interested in one-upping Caroline in the pity Olympics, and can't think for himself. He is constantly going "I'll marry anyone but Mildred!" and then completely contradicts the statement by complaining about his options and being difficult.
I'm 55% through the book and have yet to find any actual redeeming qualities in this man. Caroline isn't much better but quite frankly even she deserves better than this waste of space.
Poppy apparently loves to wander off without telling anyone and no one seems to make an effort to supervise her? A lot of reviewers say Caroline is mostly to blame but quite frankly, every goddamn adult in this book seems utterly uninterested in supervising this girl. It's all just a shrug and "oh that's just Poppy!" Infuriating!
Beyond that and her love for baby animals, we know nothing really about her.
Bizarrely Mildred is the one I felt the most sympathy for. I'm 55% in and so far all she's done is say a few brief lines, sit like a doll and just exist while everyone around her tells each other what a sanctimonious bore she is. Show us, don't tell us!
I would also like to point out that Caroline is somehow an absolute god at lacemaking because she can apparently whip out complicated lacework in days which would in reality take significantly longer to make.
June 15, 2020
During these corona virus days when I'm isolating myself at home with only my husband for company, I find Regency romances the most relaxing fare. Now I'm into the Silver Linings mysteries of Mary Kingswood who is frankly, quite a good writer. I just finished The Lacemaker which is book No. 2 in the series. Caroline Milburn and her 2 sisters, Lin and Poppy, are left enough money after the grandfather they never knew drowns on the sinking of the brig Minerva and leaves them a cottage with enough money to maintain it. They move into the cottage ready to live the life of gentry, but Caroline is troubled by her worries for her 2 sisters, the nearby towns and their social life and the discovery of bags of money hidden in their gardens. Charles Leatham left the army where he was happy upon the death of his older brother to begin to manage his estate. His stepmother warns him that it's time for him to marry and begin to have children and has even picked Miss Caroline Milburn to be his wife. But he and Miss Milburn start to fight immediately and never stop. Leatham realizes he is falling in love with a woman he considers a termagant and has no idea how to turn their relationship into a better one. This is one of the best books by Kingswood. I also had no idea how he would do it. Their arguments were fascinating. I could not stop reading.
August 27, 2020
A charming Regency story with romance and mystery.
Three sisters inherit from an unknown grandfather a comfortable property with a sum of money sufficient to provide for them. Thus begins the first mystery about the unknown grandfather.
After settling into the country cottage, the landed gentry befriend the sisters, and one mother has decided her son, who is heir to their estate, must find a wife and she has settled upon the eldest sister Caroline. Now comes the failed courtship and what develops from said courtship.
The local Lord has approached the eldest sister about papers the grandfather had been holding. He wishes them to be returned, but the sisters have not found the papers. The second mystery...the missing papers and their significance, combined with the fact that there have been several failed burglary attempts on the cottage.
Finally, the gardener begins finding silver boxes buried in the abandoned garden...each containing 500 pounds contained in a beautifully netted purse. Where did the money originate and why is it buried in the garden?
A good read!
Three sisters inherit from an unknown grandfather a comfortable property with a sum of money sufficient to provide for them. Thus begins the first mystery about the unknown grandfather.
After settling into the country cottage, the landed gentry befriend the sisters, and one mother has decided her son, who is heir to their estate, must find a wife and she has settled upon the eldest sister Caroline. Now comes the failed courtship and what develops from said courtship.
The local Lord has approached the eldest sister about papers the grandfather had been holding. He wishes them to be returned, but the sisters have not found the papers. The second mystery...the missing papers and their significance, combined with the fact that there have been several failed burglary attempts on the cottage.
Finally, the gardener begins finding silver boxes buried in the abandoned garden...each containing 500 pounds contained in a beautifully netted purse. Where did the money originate and why is it buried in the garden?
A good read!
August 17, 2025
It's not badly written, I liked the writing style and it was entertaining at times. But the plot and characters were overall just a little unrealistic.
I feel a lot of the conversations were not really period accurate or realistic. Some things were just not said that directly, so it felt a little too modern. What was also unrealistic was how many invitations she got from people very high on the social ladder. And they were all extremely nice people as well.
The characters felt flat. All characters are given 1 personality trait and that is how they behave for the rest of the story. There was not a lot of development in my opinion.
Also, the relationship between Charles and Caroline felt a little undercooked.
We don't really get to know Caroline's sisters. I found them pretty selfish and annoying.
Poppy was supposed to be 15, but she acted more like a 10-year-old. That's also one of the reasons why I found what happens a bit disturbing...
All in all, it was okay, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone.
I feel a lot of the conversations were not really period accurate or realistic. Some things were just not said that directly, so it felt a little too modern. What was also unrealistic was how many invitations she got from people very high on the social ladder. And they were all extremely nice people as well.
The characters felt flat. All characters are given 1 personality trait and that is how they behave for the rest of the story. There was not a lot of development in my opinion.
Also, the relationship between Charles and Caroline felt a little undercooked.
We don't really get to know Caroline's sisters. I found them pretty selfish and annoying.
Poppy was supposed to be 15, but she acted more like a 10-year-old. That's also one of the reasons why I found what happens a bit disturbing...
All in all, it was okay, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone.
February 18, 2020
The second in Mary Kingswood's Regency series, the wonderful prose, indepth characterizations, and intimate descriptions of daily life among the differing classes of people during the Regency period keeps the reader absorbed in this totally interesting and charming novel. Far more than many other "Regency" novels, this one seems to truly portray the extreme differences of distinction and feelings, particularly for women in different levels of society, though we know this is still very relevant today, however improper or petty.
The romance between the two lead characters is definitely a challenge, and Ms. Kingswood's dialogue and actions between the two will often have you laughing out loud. There's also a mystery, but think you'll begin to see what's happening on this front.
I would definitely recommend this second novel as I devoured it in less than 24 hours and look very forward to reading her next book!!!
The romance between the two lead characters is definitely a challenge, and Ms. Kingswood's dialogue and actions between the two will often have you laughing out loud. There's also a mystery, but think you'll begin to see what's happening on this front.
I would definitely recommend this second novel as I devoured it in less than 24 hours and look very forward to reading her next book!!!
October 12, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much. This is the second book in a series about a ship that sunk on the way from Ireland to England and what happened to the heirs of the people who drowned on that ship. The main characters in this book are very well drawn. The setting and dialog between the characters is very reminiscent to me of that in the Jane Austen stories Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The characters were very engaging and the plot was pretty interesting in that there is a bit of a mystery to solve. The two main characters, whom we knew would be together by the end of the book, did not like each other at the beginning and it was fun seeing how they eventually came to respect and love one another. I am enjoying this series tremendously and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
June 29, 2020
I truly enjoy reading Mary Kingswood's stories. She has a wonderful way with words and seems to be a master of telling Regency era tales. In this one, though there were many characters, it was easy to keep up with each of them and tell who was who. Both the plot, including the mystery, and the characters were well written.
When I read a mystery story, I don't try to figure things out along the way. So when it's obvious to me, it's too obvious. I was pleased to find that wasn't the case here. I never guessed who the culprit was, though a more observant reader might.
I don't think I have any complaints at all about this story. It was enjoyable and a pleasant way to spend my leisure time. If you enjoy clean, true-to-form Regency romances, then definitely give this one a try.
When I read a mystery story, I don't try to figure things out along the way. So when it's obvious to me, it's too obvious. I was pleased to find that wasn't the case here. I never guessed who the culprit was, though a more observant reader might.
I don't think I have any complaints at all about this story. It was enjoyable and a pleasant way to spend my leisure time. If you enjoy clean, true-to-form Regency romances, then definitely give this one a try.
September 6, 2020
Refreshing Recency Romance
This story has a witty banter to rival Jane Austen, a mystery to unravel like Agatha Christie and all wrapped in a pretty package of a Recency Romance. I love Kingwood's spin on her Regency Romance being in the drawing room, not the bedroom. Lol. I am a handmade jewelry maker and crafter, so having the main character be a pacemaker was right up my alley and almost like I was reading one of my favorite cozy mysteries. If you enjoy a vintage vibe of class warfare with verbal sparring like Austen's "Pride & Prejudice" with a sisterly feel like Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" and a touch of mysterious mayhem, then you'll enjoy this book. I've now discovered a new series and author to investigate further.
This story has a witty banter to rival Jane Austen, a mystery to unravel like Agatha Christie and all wrapped in a pretty package of a Recency Romance. I love Kingwood's spin on her Regency Romance being in the drawing room, not the bedroom. Lol. I am a handmade jewelry maker and crafter, so having the main character be a pacemaker was right up my alley and almost like I was reading one of my favorite cozy mysteries. If you enjoy a vintage vibe of class warfare with verbal sparring like Austen's "Pride & Prejudice" with a sisterly feel like Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" and a touch of mysterious mayhem, then you'll enjoy this book. I've now discovered a new series and author to investigate further.
February 12, 2020
Very Austenesque
I loved the first book in the series, though this genre is outside my usual taste. Yet, I adore Jane Austen so it really should not be so. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Miss Caroline Milburn, but she grew on me as the story progressed. It is very much an homage to Austen, but it is so well done that I could not be annoyed by it. The characters are so well developed, the settings so well described, and the story so intriguing, I found myself wishing someone would make a mini series of it. Honestly, I didn’t want it to end. I can see myself rereading it, it’s that good. On to book three!
I loved the first book in the series, though this genre is outside my usual taste. Yet, I adore Jane Austen so it really should not be so. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Miss Caroline Milburn, but she grew on me as the story progressed. It is very much an homage to Austen, but it is so well done that I could not be annoyed by it. The characters are so well developed, the settings so well described, and the story so intriguing, I found myself wishing someone would make a mini series of it. Honestly, I didn’t want it to end. I can see myself rereading it, it’s that good. On to book three!
December 18, 2021
Delightful References to Austen
As a composer sometimes “samples” the artistry of those who have gone before them, respectfully including brief musical references to them in a work of their own, the author includes several references to Austen, especially “Pride and Prejudice” and “Persuasion”. Doing so, she tells a story all her own; she doesn’t appropriate Austen’s plots or retell her stories. I am pleased that she included the charming detectives from her “Strangers“ series, even if in a lesser role. Above all, I appreciate the superior quality of her prose which makes her my favorite author of this genre.
As a composer sometimes “samples” the artistry of those who have gone before them, respectfully including brief musical references to them in a work of their own, the author includes several references to Austen, especially “Pride and Prejudice” and “Persuasion”. Doing so, she tells a story all her own; she doesn’t appropriate Austen’s plots or retell her stories. I am pleased that she included the charming detectives from her “Strangers“ series, even if in a lesser role. Above all, I appreciate the superior quality of her prose which makes her my favorite author of this genre.
May 18, 2020
The book might be considered very long or dull by some, who prefer instant love/lust stories. I myself, initially thought - when will the romance begin? This book is like a slow burn; the romance or more aptly, feelings of love/romance start after 60% of the book. Despite the lateness of romance in a romance novel, not for once, did I want to put the book down. This is one of the very few romance books that I have read, where character development of most of the primary and secondary characters, was well done!
June 13, 2020
È possibile che una 'saga' influenzi così tanto il livello di ogni suo singolo romanzo? Ho trovato scialbe e puerili, della stessa autrice, le due serie "Sisters of Woodside" e "The Daughters of Allamont Hall", di cui ho letto rispettivamente un romanzo e mezzo, non essendo riuscita ad andare oltre la metà del secondo. Invece, questi "Silver Linings Mysteries" non mi hanno finora deluso, e ho trovato in particolare questa storia particolarmente ben scritta e brillante, con suggestive reminiscenze della più 'ruspante' letteratura settecentesca di ambientazione rurale.
September 16, 2020
A proper romance in every sense
A classic Regency romance full of propriety and manners. Charles really was a self indulged wimp of a hero at first, it’s a brilliant starter scene when Caroline refuses his ill mannered proposal and sends him packing. He’s a little lost after leaving the army and struggling to find his purpose, whereas Caroline has been up to her eyes in responsibilities. It’s fun as they get to know each other better, barely a kiss exchanged.
I liked a lot about this book.
A classic Regency romance full of propriety and manners. Charles really was a self indulged wimp of a hero at first, it’s a brilliant starter scene when Caroline refuses his ill mannered proposal and sends him packing. He’s a little lost after leaving the army and struggling to find his purpose, whereas Caroline has been up to her eyes in responsibilities. It’s fun as they get to know each other better, barely a kiss exchanged.
I liked a lot about this book.
May 18, 2021
Mary researches the Regency setting so when one reads her work, we can be assured of its accuracy. I have read many of her books and find each one full of wonder for that era. Compared to how we live today, it is amazing how they accomplished anything in a day. The Lacemaker is my favorite of this series. I have actually seen a lacemaker in person and Mary has the details exactly right. I can't imagine doing that for a living. The amount of time it takes to make a basic pattern is phenomenal let alone working out a complicated one. Write faster Mary. This is an excellent series.
June 10, 2020
Another very enjoyable entry in this linked series. The preoccupation with money and status, and worries about both, came across very clearly in Caroline's character with her concerns about the former and lack of interest in the latter, to the astonishment of her neighbours. Mary Kingswood really explores the precarious nature of financial means for women in the Regency period in a very thoughtful way. I enjoyed both the mystery and romantic element.
August 27, 2021
Interesting Characters
This story as the previous one had some interesting characters. Not you're usual paint by numbers nobility nor "lower class" people. I was somewhat concerned about the character Poppy the youngest of the 3 sisters. She obviously had some cognitive challenges. I felt she was taken advantage of, but I'm looking at it from a time when we are more aware of these circumstances. Still a good read. Surprised as to who and why was the culprit.
This story as the previous one had some interesting characters. Not you're usual paint by numbers nobility nor "lower class" people. I was somewhat concerned about the character Poppy the youngest of the 3 sisters. She obviously had some cognitive challenges. I felt she was taken advantage of, but I'm looking at it from a time when we are more aware of these circumstances. Still a good read. Surprised as to who and why was the culprit.
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