A New Beginning

The Spinsters Guild #1

by Rose Pearson

Can Emily, a widow, help others find love, and have a chance at love herself? Lady Emily Smithton has returned to society with the sole objective of enjoying herself. Having completed her mourning for her late husband, she has no intention of finding herself a new husband nor even allowing herself to be courted by a gentleman.But when an old beau reappears in the form of one Lord Havisham, Emily begins to wonder whether her heart can remain as resolute as she had hoped!Emily discovers that she has something of a follower in young Miss Bavidge, who longs to have the same confidence, gentility, and determination as she. Near to being regarded as a spinster, Miss Bavidge begs for Emily’s help in finding a husband for both herself and her friends. Emily loves a challenge, and Miss Bavidge and her friends certainly need help, but will Emily be able to aid her? And what will become of Lord Havisham and his intention to pursue Emily until she consents to his courtship? This book is the first book of a series about The Spinsters Guild, a group of imperfect ladies who are almost “on the shelf.” Can Lady Emily help them find their perfect match before it is too late? Note that Lady Emily does not finalize her match in this story!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Novella, Regency Romance

150 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2019

About the author

Rose has read her way through countless romances over the years, “borrowing” them from her older sisters, and hiding them from her mother.

She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.

She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.

On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!

Reviews

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read anything by Ms. Rose Pearson although I have a few of her novels on my TBR. I decided to chance this novella entitled "A New Beginning (The Spinsters Guild) which is the first in the series. The books is about a Spinsters Guild, a group of imperfect ladies looking for love. This was the story of heroine, Emily Taylor.

I thought the story was very nice and as anothe reviewer indicated, put in the mind of other stories I have read with the same trope. It was a short novellas but enjoyable.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Taylor is being forced into an arranged marriage with elderly Marquis of Smithton by her father Viscount Chesterton. Her only hope of avoiding the marriage is for Viscount Havisham to agree to elope with her, afterall they have danced on several occasions. Unfortunately for Emily Havisham is too honourable & won’t poach a betrothed lady. Now two years later Emily is a wealthy widow & arrives back in London where she's approached by Miss Bavidge & her friends requesting her aid in finding husbands & so the Spinsters Guild is formed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this start of a new series, I felt for Emily as the picture drawn of a young girl marrying a much older man was very well described. I loved that Emily returned to London much stronger & determined to live life as she wanted. Lord Havisham whilst wanting to court Emily was too honourable to do anything to help her but now she’s back he wants to start again. I loved that Emily made him almost grovel & didn’t fall into his waiting arms. Strong characters & a well written well paced story meant I read this novella in a sitting & I'm looking forward to reading how the Guild develops & how Emily & Havisham's relationship develops. This is very much a teaser of a series starter & there is much to be resolved in later books, which I’m thoroughly looking forward to.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way that Emily’s personality changed during the story from being timid to having a belief in her own capabilities. In this book several characters are introduced who need to find a husband for various reasons and they have come to Emily for her help. I’m assuming their stories will be told in the following books. There is also the ongoing relationship between Emily and Lord Havisham and whether anything will develop. I know that Emily felt she is unable to trust Lord Havisham, given their previous meeting but Emily did put him in an awkward position with no time to consider things. I will be interested to read the next in the series to see the outcome to some of their stories. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alicia Rivoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out very promising. I found myself hooked right from the start. However, I was not prepared for it to end the way it did. It was unfinished and left the reader hanging. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, just very unexpected. I had to immediately dive into book 2, and found myself disappointed it when it was from a different characters POV. I had just begun to feel a part of Emily and Lord Havesham’s love story. All this aside, I enjoyed book 1 and would recommend to others. Just surprised at the path Ms. Pearson chose for this series. I’m hoping I enjoy the others just as much and find myself loving all the characters and their beau’s. :)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is dramatic, entertaining and interesting. When Emily was betrothed to a disgusting old man, she begged Lord Havisham to elope with her. But he turned her down, because it would damage his family name. Two years later finds her widowed, and him trying to win her affection back. This is a story by itself, but it also sets up the series very nicely. I look forward to the matchmaking.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this so much. Loved the storyline. Such a sweet story. 4☆

[Terric853 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily's father forces her to marry a cruel older man. When he dies in a drunken fall from his horse 9 months later, Emily breathes a sigh of relief. She spends the requisite year in mourning in the country and then returns to London, a strong, assertive, wealthy woman who no longer needs anyone's approval.

Her father puts out a rumor that her husband jumped from his horse in order to escape his loveless marriage to an insubordinate shrew. The ton is fascinated by her, as she does not suffer fools and ignores the gossip about her.

A young woman approaches her on her daily walk and asks for her help. Turns out that this young woman hopes that Emily will be able to teach her how to be more noticeable and, therefore, catch a man's attention. When three more young woman join the first, Emily dubs them the Spinsters' Guild.

Mixed into the story is Lord Havisham, who shared "an attraction" with Emily before her father announced her engagement to Lord Smithton. Before the engagement was announced, Emily appeals to Lord Havisham, begging him to runs off with her to Scotland to marry. He refused. Not that she is back in London, he hopes to gain her forgiveness and rekindle their relationship.

I liked the characters and this was a quick, easy read. My biggest complaint is that this book sets the stage for more and ends on an abrupt note. If you want to know what happens with Emily and Lord Havisham and the "Spinsters' Guild," you have to read the rest of books in the series.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Emily Taylor, daughter to the Viscount Chesterton, was being forced into an arranged marriage with the abusive, elderly Marquis of Smithton. She hated the man and, in a desperate attempt to avoid the marriage, she sought out her friend, Viscount Havisham, asking him to elope with her and rescue her from this terrible fate. Being an honorable man, Havisham is not willing to do this since she is promised to another.

After the passage of two years, Lady Emily Smithton has now returned to society having been virtually sold into an unpleasant marriage. She has now become a strong and independent young woman who has vowed to never put herself under a man’s control again. She has wealth and does not let society push her around. Her strength and courage does not go unnoticed.

Lady Emily is approached by Miss Bavidge and others who ask for her help in finding matches so that they are not spinsters, left on the shelf. This will be the start of the Spinsters Guild, to give hope to women who would otherwise live lonely, solitary lives through no fault of their own!

In the meantime, Lord Havisham, who had always wanted Lady Emily, intends to seek her out and pursue the relationship they could not have before. Needless to say, she is not interested in the man who would not help rescue her when she most needed him. But he refuses to give up on her. Will he convince her to give him a chance? Would he be willing to help her assist the new members of the Spinsters Guild to find their husbands? Will her controlling father push his way back into her life to regain control of her?

There are so many things going on in this wonderful book! Lady Emily has survived her terrible marriage and developed into such a strong person who can inspire others to be strong too. This is going to be a wonderful series of books! Although we won’t know Lord Havisham’s outcome yet, there are definitely choices ahead for him! Don’t miss out on this one as we see the creation of the Spinsters Guild preparing to move into Book 2.

[Nanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, The Spinster's Guild.
Miss Emily Taylor, Daughter to Viscount Chesterton has just made her debut. Her father has already lined up a husband for her, and old, leering, grotesque man old enough to be her father. Emily is terrified of having to marry Lord Smithton. She has been raised by a father who cares nothing for her but what gain he can make from her. She has learned the hard way to be quiet, and obedient knowing the consequences from her father if she isn't.
During her debut, she had a chance to meet Lord Havisham, who showed an interest in her. She was very taken with him during what dances and dinners she was able to speak with him. After being told she would
marry Lord Smithton at the end of the season she turns to Lord Havisham for help. She plea's with him to run off to Scotland with her and marry over the anvil to save her. He let's her down, saying the disgrace for his family would be to great now that she is engaged to other.
Two year's later the Widow Lady Smithton is back in London, a Independent, determined woman.
She finds a lot of rumors have been told around the ton, making it harder for her to start over.
She meets Lord Havisham again and finds he wants to make amends. She doesn't know if she can forgive him.
She is also asked by some young ladies to help them make their way thru the season finding husbands for them. They all have certain problems that they are trying to over come.
This is an very different story. The thing I really disliked about it and why I only gave it two stars is
there is no ending, it is a cliff hanger. You at left with a lot of question's What happens to Lady Smithton and Lord Havisham, what comes of the lady's asking for help. Does her father finally leave her alone.
I read a lot of series and there is no reason for cliff hangers. If you enjoy the book, you will buy the next one.
I like to know the end to the story. For those of us who read a lot, we may read other 20 books till the next one in this series is out.. UGH

[Kiley · Rating 1 out of 5]

A New Beginning, Book 1 of The Spinsters Guild series, was about Lady Emily Smithton, Marchioness of Smithton, the daughter to Lord Taylor, Viscount Chesterton, and the widow of the late Marquess of Smithton and Viscount Havisham
Forced by her brutal father into an unwanted marriage with another decidedly cruel man nearly 25 years older than she, Emily sought out any means she could to avoid such a harsh fate, only to be denied by all she thought would aid her. After having been married for just over nine months, the Marquess died.
Upon her return to London Society after completing her year's mourning, Emily encountered Lord Haversham again, who was determined to speak with her about his treatment of her two years prior.
Side Note: I find it extremely frustrating when an author uses the phrase "all those years ago". It plants in the mind of the reader the idea that the author means 15-20 years or more when, in fact, it was only 2-5 years.
The characters in this book weren't all that well-developed. Lord Haversham, for instance, was a weak, lily-livered...namby-pamby. He acted more like a 15-year-old twerp than a man full grown. e whined and sniveled throughout the book and it was grating. Emily started off being a cowed little debutante whose father treated her abominably all her life...and tried to continue doing so after her husband had died. Though she finally grew a backbone, there were times she took it too far.
There were a few grammatical errors in the book, but more than that, the storyline was weak and made little sense. The fact that it was a cliffhanger did not aid in the continuity of the book either. Reading this book left much to be desired. The angst and drama were too high and the romance...well, there was no romance. No chemistry, no passion...nada. It was lackluster at best and disappointing at worst. It definitely did not earn a five-star rating and will not join the other Keeper for the Shelves books.

[Cindy Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Pearson has done it again!

I really had no idea what A New Beginning would hold. I love Rose Pearson's writings. Each book has a uniqueness to it that sets it apart. This book is no exception. Selfish father arranges a marriage for his daughter with a lecherous old man twenty-five years her senior. Emily soon realizes she has no choice but to go through with the unwholesome arrangement, knowing that she is walking into an even worse relationship than the one she has with her father. When she realizes that she has the ability to change this relationship by refusing to cower to her husband's ridiculous demands, Emily experiences a sense of freedom and self respect like nothing she has ever felt. Her husband is angry, but impotent in making her submit to his will. Emily has come into her own. When her husband dies after falling off his horse, Emily fulfills the demanded year of morning before returning to London and the beau monde society. As a widow, she has none of the restrictions holding her back from being who she is, and she is not shy about letting others know. At this point, Emily is asked for help from two strangers, young women who have not yet married, who want her to help them find husbands. At first dismissing the idea (after all, she didn't even find her own, he was forced upon her!), Emily becomes aware that she is in an excellent position to helpthese girls as well as herself. With just a bit of planning, The Spinsters Guild is formed....let the fun begin.....

I got this book in a giveaway, mostly because of the author's name on it. Ms Pearson always writes winners, and this book, though a prequel, is another one. Thanks for a very goodread; I am looking forward to the sequels!

[Cheryl Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Taylor is being forced by her father to wed Lord Smithton a man more of her father's age than hers, try as she might there is no way out of it. Two years later Emily has returned to town a free woman of independent means with a home of her own, a widow with her whole life ahead of her and she plans to keep her independence. Her father is still trying to force her home but she has refused. On a walk in the park, a young lady approaches her with a request to call on her, at first Emily thinks it is just another person looking for gossip about her husband's death but upon a second look she changes her mind and tells the young lady she is welcome to call. Later that evening she attends a gathering and a second young lady also asks permission to call, puzzled by this she agrees. She is surprised to hear a man call her name when she sees who it is she is shocked and angry at the same time, she new Lord Havisham the gentleman she had asked to save her from her marriage and he had walked away from her, she still was embarrassed by her behavior that night. When he started to tell her how sorry he was and that he still had feelings for her she told him she did not wish to speak to him and walked away. She finally meets with the young ladies and finds they need her help to find a marriage that they choose, not their parents and to be judged on their own merit, not by the mistakes committed by their fathers. Emily agrees to help as much as she can, the group grows by two more and they call themselves The Spinsters Guild.
So it is the Begining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Emily is forced to marry an old ,fat Marquis she feels her life is over! She runs to Lord Haversham who she has feelings for., but he recently inherited his title, money and lands and sadly turns her down fearing he couldn’t handle the scandal it would cause. Emily is soon a widow and relishes her new found freedom! Although her nasty father tries to force her to come back home so he can sell her again she refuses. The only good thing to come from her short marriage is she has found an inner strength and courage she never had before! As rumors swirl around her she is now strong enough to ignore them. Suddenly some eligible girl who fear they have no chance of marriage and one in a similar situation she found herself in come to her for advice. She finds a new mission for herself and agrees to help these girls chances by counseling them. This the spinsters guild is formed!
I really enjoyed this book and the inspiration it brings to young girls whose lives are controlled by the men of the times! I love these regency books and love seeing the ones courageous enough to push against the strict rules of the ton! If u like regency novels them Rose Pearson is the queen of them! It feels as if she herself lived in those times. She makes the books feel so real you feel as if you are there yourself!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmen Nuland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Emily is doomed to marry a lecherous older man because it is what her father has demanded. He doesn't care about her, only that he has worked out a financial bargain with the man - in essence, "selling" his daughter. Emily's only hope is with Lord Havisham which whom she formed a friendship and an affection with. When he refuses to save her by doing everything possible, including a possible elopement, she realizes she can only depend on herself.
Two years later, she reappears in London as a widow but also as a much stronger, independent woman. She is determine never to give up her newly-found freedom, but resurrected feelings for Lord Havisham keep calling that into question. She is also surprised when several young women start coming to her for help during the Season, to prevent them from becoming spinsters.
I loved how Emily found strength within herself to overcome the hardships she was facing. She learned not to care so much what others think of her. This is a clean, historical romance. One warning: this book has no ending. It leaves the reader wondering what will happen between Lady Emily and Lord Havisham - as well as her four proteges. However, I am now anxiously awaiting the next books!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book it kind of dripped the plot of the story a little at a time. It wasn't until a little over half way of the book that it really became interesting. I must say that it made up for the prior part. I loved reading about how in two years that the timid, afraid, bullied debutante Miss Emily Taylor became the courageous and direct speaking person she longed to be. She was now the widowed Lady Smithton. Part of the story covers her relationship with Viscount Havisham. He rejected her prior to her wedding Lord Smithton and has regretted it since. He lays his heart bare to her asking for forgiveness. In the meantime, her evil father is spreading rumors of her and her dead husband that are not true. For nefarious reasons he wants her under his roof again. The best part of the book begins with a surprising twist to the story. It is Emily's acquaintance with four young ladies in need of social aid. They are in awe of her and find the way she handles herself in society regardless of the rumors is admirable. When I got to the end, I said "OH NO" I have to wait for the next book to find out what will happen next. I really believe this series will only get better and better.

[Cait M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introductory taster for this new series by Rose Pearson. Emily is the daughter of an unscrupulous Viscount who basically sells her in marriage to the lecherous Lord Smithton, a man more than twice her age.

She is timid and has been beaten down by her father's treatment her whole life. She has developed an attachment to Lord Havisham during the Season and appeals to him to help her but is denied.

After her husband dies in an accident, the now widowed Emily returns to London a changed woman. Independently wealthy and now stronger in character she is not bothered by the gossip surrounding her.

She attracts the attention of some ladies who seek her guidance to find husbands before they become officially 'on the shelf'.

Meanwhile Lord Havisham is trying to get back in Emily's good graces, but she's not sure he can be forgiven for failing to help her when he had the chance.

Each of the following books in the series will address the issues of one of the ladies Emily is helping. The relationship between Emily and Lord Havisham is not resolved yet and he will probably need a few books to dig himself out of the hole he's in. I'm looking forward to seeing how that will come about.

A sweet and clean novel.

[Dotty M · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains a Spoiler at the end


I loved the story of Emily and Lord Havisham. I was so mad when Emily ask for his help and
he didn’t even look for another option just turned her down flat and left her to her fate. I understand his reasons for the time period but if he cared so much for her he could have tried
to find another way. But if that had happened we wouldn’t get to have A New Beginning and Emily would not have discovered her strength and self worth. I also loved the introduction of The Spinsters Guild and look forward to reading their stories. Now for what I did not like and the reason I only gave four stars...... SPOILER AHEAD ! It just ended with Emily telling him she will consider him and then taking him to meet the Spinster Guild. I wanted more I wanted for them to have a happy ever after. I’m hoping and dreaming that their “New Beginning” will arrive in the next book of the Spinster Guild.
I always enjoy Rose Pearson’s book and recommend any and all. This is my honest opinion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate cliffhangers but for the sake of what may be a delightful series, I will tolerate it!

A New Beginning, book 1 in Rose Pearson's Spinsters Guild, is based on a very original premise. Rose's main character,has not only survived a tragic marriage but has grown into a strong, independent woman. She becomes a beacon of hope to young women in similar circumstances who ask for her help. The Spinsters Guild is born.
I was fascinated by the synopsis for this novel and had to read it. Rose Pearson has done a wonderful job in setting up this story. In a New Beginning she has developed her main character's and created the world they inhabit. It is a world that most modern women have come to hate, where woman have few rights and are bartered like livestock in order to improve the family coffers. Rose Pearson draws the reader into this world as naturally as if you lived in it. The only complaint I have, is that as soon as I was fully engaged in the story, it ends! Yes, it ends in a cliffhanger! I will forgive her though, as I am thoroughly engaged in this story and can't wait to start book 2!

[Shawn Hamdorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Emily Smithton has now returned to society. Two years prior she was essentially sold to Lord Smithton by her father and hated her husband and marriage. Now, stronger than ever she plans to stay single and in charge of her own life. This works well until she is approached by a couple of young women who want her help in finding matches. They look up to her for her strength and independence. That all falls apart when Lord Havisham enters her life again. Making the mistake of asking him to save her prior to her marriage, she shuns him and wants him to leave her alone. Unfortunately, he's not giving up and her heart is telling her something else. The book ends with Emily asking Lord Havisham to assist her in helping the young ladies who are now part of the Spinsters Guild. This book obviously leads into her next but I didn't want this one to end. Cliffhanger for sure. As usualy Rose's characters and story line is beyond reproach.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Smithton is an independent thinking,
smart woman who was transformed from
a brow beaten daughter sold into marriage
to an older man into a confident, outgoing
widow upon her husband’s death.
The reader will be caught up in Lady
Smithton’s thinking process as she emerges
Into her independence from her father and
any man.
After a mourning period, she moves to London.
She becomes the talk of the ton which she
successfully ignores.
Lady Smithton is approached by several
single girls who need help in finding a suitable
match. So begins the sessions of “ The
Spinsters Guild”.
The cast of characters are cleverly crafted,
well defined, interesting and are very relatable.
The story is well written and captivating. It
mixes family trials, elements of loss, refusal
to love again or be dominated with
determination, independence, friendship,
growth and inspiration.
A Highly Recommended Read.
I volunteered to read A New Beginning. Thanks
to the author via Booksprout for the opportunity.
My opinion is my own.

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her New Beginning – His Second Chance

In her most desperate hour of need, when Lady Emily needed him most, he turned away from her, sealing her fate. Now her life is her own. She will never again be helpless and at another man's mercy. Freedom feels very good.

I really liked Lady Emily. Her story was both heartbreaking and triumphant. I liked the turn her life takes but a few years later, but I was not prepared for the ending. I must admit that I have become spoiled to Rose Pearson's stand-alone romances with not only an epilogue, but often an extended epilogue. Such is not the case with A New Beginning. This book is the first book of a new series, and it would seem that the two main characters will only realize their own happy ending at the end of the series.

Never the less, I did enjoy this clean and sweet book and was glad I read it.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expect this one to start off a little slow and to be a little different from the author’s past books, where you will have to keep going in the series to find out what happens to several people, instead of there being that solid standalone story she usually has. That was not a problem for me, though, as this series looks very promising, and I was still drawn into the story of what was going on with everyone. Not only do we have Emily, who thinks she only wants freedom after a terrible forced marriage, and Lord Havisham who wants to rekindle old feelings, but we are also introduced to a few young women with their own troubles and who consider themselves close to being spinsters. You just want to give everyone a big hug, as what they are all dealing with really tugs at your heart strings. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how things progress, and I’m really looking forward to where the author takes their stories.

[Ramona Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Emily Taylor daughter to the Viscount Chesterton was informed that she was to marry Lord Smithton he was the Marquess of Smithton and she had no desire to marry him. She spoke to the Viscount Havisham begging him to go to her father to ask to marry her arts runaway to Scotland so they could be married over the anvil. He refused her. She married Smithton and two years later she buried him. After her mourning was over she moved to London. She was highly gossiped about and blamed for her husband's death. She paid no attention to the costs of and proceeded to go about London because she was now wealthy and a widow. She met two girls who were looking for husbands and ask her to help them. And Lord Havisham kept trying to apologize for how he reacted when she asked him to marry her. To find out what all happens and if there's a wedding in the offering you have to read the book. It's a quick easy read and a good book...

[Trudi Jorda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short but cute tale of a young woman, Emily, daughter of Lord Chesterton was sold to a cruel Earl who was abusive and a drunk in marriage who was also the same age as her father. Her husband was killed while riding and she stayed at the estate the official grieving time and then returned to London to her home that had belonged to her husband. Her father spread rumors to the effect that she had caused her late husband's death so that she would be shunned by society. She stands her ground and tho there are many raised eyebrows she is after the mourning period is over back attending society functions. The man she had wanted to marry has come back into her life and several young women have asked her for assistance in getting husbands as they are considered spinsters. This is the start of the Spinsters Guild and the renewed courtship of Lord Havisham. It was a fun read and I enjoyed much of the banter!

[anonymousreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review pretty much sums this one up for me. I liked the characters quite a lot in this story (exception noted for Emily's father, who was not intended to be likeable after essentially sold her into marriage and then doubles down by spreading malicious gossip about his own daughter). Some of the utter and complete crap that women had to endure back then makes my blood fairly boil and much of the plot points of this story hinge on those factors. Despite such historical baggage, the plot remains mostly light. My main complaint was that the story ended so abruptly that it felt like some pages were accidentally omitted. Emily and the "will she or won't she forgive him" plot remains hanging and the Guild is barely formed before WHAM, the end.

[Louie Halfacre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Courage

This is my 2nd reading of this book. I had to stop about halfway through because of my disgust for Havisham's behavior in his pursuit of Emily. I ask myself a question and it is how was a lady to discourage the attention of an unwanted suitor. The only way was to give him the cut direct but Emily didn't have the courage or desire to do so. She could have hired some thugs off the docks to give him a few broken bones and I believe he would've gotten the message. But alas the ton didn't do that kind of thing because it might cause a scandal and we couldn't have that. Better luck with the next read where we will have the old standby scenarios where the ladies faint on cue, cannot walk because of trembling legs, cannot eat and push their food around their plates and are constantly blushing. But we must have the lady kidnapped to top it off.

[window · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review pretty much sums this one up for me. I liked the characters quite a lot in this story (exception noted for Emily's father, who was not intended to be likeable after essentially sold her into marriage and then doubles down by spreading malicious gossip about his own daughter). Some of the utter and complete crap that women had to endure back then makes my blood fairly boil and much of the plot points of this story hinge on those factors. Despite such historical baggage, the plot remains mostly light. My main complaint was that the story ended so abruptly that it felt like some pages were accidentally omitted. Emily and the "will she or won't she forgive him" plot remains hanging and the Guild is barely formed before WHAM, the end.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

BE STILL MY HEART!!!
Crap on toast! All the heartbreak, fear, uncertainty and intrigue will keep you in a tail spin in this refreshing take. Tutelage to undertake, expectations to meet and places to be. Battling the trials and tribulations along with a slew of plot twists that launch this installment to life wonderfully. A myriad of unpredictable mishaps and a host of surprises that trigger those stormy emotions forward. The characters are inventive with depth and on point realism it feels like you're among old friends. The scenes play out in realistic scenario's with vivid descriptions that make for an incredible backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Fantastic job Rose, thanks for sharing.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure of the ending?
I thought I missed my chance to review this arc, but luck out when Ms. Pearson sent an email. The story is really good forced into an arranged marriage with elderly Marquis of Smithton it takes two years for Emily to get her freedom back. Lord Havisham who had always wanted Lady Emily now seek her out when she returns to the ton, but it may not be as easy as he thinks. Miss Bavidge and her friends request Emily aid in finding husbands and so is the beginning of the Spinsters Guild. I am not sure I like the ending, but I understand the author’s point of view and I am looking forward to the other books in the series. I highly recommend I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.