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Miss Wolfraston's Ladies #1
Marianne
SHE IS AN INNOCENT. HE IS A HARDENED PLAYER.
Marianne’s brief time at Miss Wolfraston’s Seminary for Young Ladies is coming to an end, which is a relief for both of them. She has disconcertingly open manners and a liveliness that Miss Wolfraston deplores. When her aunt invites her to join her in Cheltenham for the summer, these traits inevitably lead her into a series of scrapes.
After being disappointed in love seven years ago, Lord Cranbourne has acquired the reputation of being dangerous, heartless, and selfish. Annoyed at his sister’s matchmaking attempts on his behalf, he accompanies his friend Sir Horace Bamber to Cheltenham. He expects to be heartily bored. Then he meets Marianne.
They both have lessons to learn; not least that no one is quite what they seem.
Marianne’s brief time at Miss Wolfraston’s Seminary for Young Ladies is coming to an end, which is a relief for both of them. She has disconcertingly open manners and a liveliness that Miss Wolfraston deplores. When her aunt invites her to join her in Cheltenham for the summer, these traits inevitably lead her into a series of scrapes.
After being disappointed in love seven years ago, Lord Cranbourne has acquired the reputation of being dangerous, heartless, and selfish. Annoyed at his sister’s matchmaking attempts on his behalf, he accompanies his friend Sir Horace Bamber to Cheltenham. He expects to be heartily bored. Then he meets Marianne.
They both have lessons to learn; not least that no one is quite what they seem.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
576 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Hambly
34 books90 followersI love history and the Regency period in particular. I grew up on a diet of Jane Austen, Charlotte and Emile Bronte, and Georgette Heyer.
I now write traditional Regency romance novels. I like to think my characters, though flawed, are likeable, strong, and true to the period. Rosalind is the first in my Bachelor Brides series. Sophie and Katherine complete the series. The books are linked by characters introduced in each. They can be read as stand-alone novels, but are best read in order.
I live by the sea in Plymouth, England with my partner, Dave. I like reading, sailing, wine, getting up early to watch the sunrise in summer, and long quiet evenings by the wood burner in our cabin on the cliffs in Cornwall in winter.
Find out more about me, join my mailing list, or just see what I am up to, at www.jennyhambly.com
I now write traditional Regency romance novels. I like to think my characters, though flawed, are likeable, strong, and true to the period. Rosalind is the first in my Bachelor Brides series. Sophie and Katherine complete the series. The books are linked by characters introduced in each. They can be read as stand-alone novels, but are best read in order.
I live by the sea in Plymouth, England with my partner, Dave. I like reading, sailing, wine, getting up early to watch the sunrise in summer, and long quiet evenings by the wood burner in our cabin on the cliffs in Cornwall in winter.
Find out more about me, join my mailing list, or just see what I am up to, at www.jennyhambly.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 18, 2023
Marianne was one of three young women whom finished their education at Miss Wolfraston’s Seminary. They had each attained their seventeenth birthday and received a letter from someone requesting their presence immediately. Regarding Marianne, it was her Aunt Fanny. Plans were made to include not only her but one of her roommates, Lady Georgianna, even though she had been called home. (An explanation was eventually given.) Their adventures took them to Cheltenham.
I considered Marianne’s character a typical young daughter of a baronet. She was smart yet naive. After all, she was just ten and seven. Relationships, especially friendships, were important to her and yet she knew she was suppose to make an advantageous marriage. Except she thought she had some years to go. It wasn’t as important helping those in need.
I understood some of why Georgianna acted the way she did. Her personality was chalk to Marianne’s cheese and yet they got along well. I also learned through bits and pieces of Aunt Fanny’s background.
The romance did not actually start until almost 20% of the way in but the build up was pleasant. Anthony, Lord Cranbourne, had been burned before. Since then, he trusted very few people including his own sister. When he met Marianne for the first time Cranbourne stiffly put her in her place over an episode with a dog. Needless to say, Marianne gave as good as she got.
Marianne managed to take his lordship down a notch when he spoke before he thought. I enjoyed the friction in their relationship even with the 12 year age gap. Though I wasn’t a big fan of Cranbourne’s sister’s temperament, I enjoyed many of the other secondary characters. I definitely would consider reading the remaining books in this trilogy. I am a new fan of Ms. Hambly’s style of writing.
I considered Marianne’s character a typical young daughter of a baronet. She was smart yet naive. After all, she was just ten and seven. Relationships, especially friendships, were important to her and yet she knew she was suppose to make an advantageous marriage. Except she thought she had some years to go. It wasn’t as important helping those in need.
I understood some of why Georgianna acted the way she did. Her personality was chalk to Marianne’s cheese and yet they got along well. I also learned through bits and pieces of Aunt Fanny’s background.
The romance did not actually start until almost 20% of the way in but the build up was pleasant. Anthony, Lord Cranbourne, had been burned before. Since then, he trusted very few people including his own sister. When he met Marianne for the first time Cranbourne stiffly put her in her place over an episode with a dog. Needless to say, Marianne gave as good as she got.
Marianne managed to take his lordship down a notch when he spoke before he thought. I enjoyed the friction in their relationship even with the 12 year age gap. Though I wasn’t a big fan of Cranbourne’s sister’s temperament, I enjoyed many of the other secondary characters. I definitely would consider reading the remaining books in this trilogy. I am a new fan of Ms. Hambly’s style of writing.
January 29, 2022
Traditional Regency.
1) Marianne: kind, lively, intelligent, beauty
2) Caroline: fair, shy, retiring
3) Georgianna: tall, symmetrical features, acidic
These 3 young ladies became friends & graduates
of a seminary for young ladies.
Marianne & a friend were invited to accompany
M's widowed Aunt Fanny, Lady Brancaster on a
trip to Cheltenham resort to 'try the waters.'
Lady Georgianna received permission from her
mother to join the 2 ladies.
Marianne, a baronet's dtr, & Anthony, an earl, 'met
cute' & disliked each other, but enjoyed bantering.
Anthony lectured her. He apologized then reverted
back to his same behavior. This story had too many
tropes patched together: a love story, sabotage, a
house party, family drama, a lady not in touch with
reality.
I liked best Miss Bragg, aunty's pd companion, who
had the most sense of anyone.
1) Marianne: kind, lively, intelligent, beauty
2) Caroline: fair, shy, retiring
3) Georgianna: tall, symmetrical features, acidic
These 3 young ladies became friends & graduates
of a seminary for young ladies.
Marianne & a friend were invited to accompany
M's widowed Aunt Fanny, Lady Brancaster on a
trip to Cheltenham resort to 'try the waters.'
Lady Georgianna received permission from her
mother to join the 2 ladies.
Marianne, a baronet's dtr, & Anthony, an earl, 'met
cute' & disliked each other, but enjoyed bantering.
Anthony lectured her. He apologized then reverted
back to his same behavior. This story had too many
tropes patched together: a love story, sabotage, a
house party, family drama, a lady not in touch with
reality.
I liked best Miss Bragg, aunty's pd companion, who
had the most sense of anyone.
June 14, 2020
I love a book that ends with such a rousing happy ever after that it puts a silly grin on my face, and this was just such a book. A wonderfully Heyer-esque read with a multitude of entertaining minor characters, a charming romance and plenty of humour, too. What’s not to like?
Here’s the premise: Marianne Montagu and her two friends are leaving Miss Wolfraston’s Seminary for Young Ladies not quite as improved as might be desired. Marianne is a bit too lively for a girl of seventeen soon to make her come-out, Charlotte is a shy soul and Georgianna, an earl’s daughter, is being pushed into marriage with an unappealing man before she’s even enjoyed a season in London. But Marianne’s aunt, Lady Brancaster, wants to take her to the spa town of Cheltenham to take the waters, and as she may bring a friend, Georgianna goes too. Naturally enough, it’s no time at all before Marianne is getting into scrapes, and I loved this line: ‘When Marianne returned to the pump room with a ruined parasol, grass stains on her dress and a cat in her arms, Lady Brancaster began to realise that she might have taken on more than she had bargained for.’
Cheltenham is a refreshing change from Bath, although it has all the usual attractions in a pump room, noxious waters and an assembly room where young ladies might happen to bump into eligible gentlemen. And lo, here comes Lord Cranbourne, also escaping being pushed into marriage and, much to his annoyance, immediately finding himself drawn into one of Marianne’s scrapes. And so the romance begins, with neither of them looking for love, but finding it all the same.
I liked both the main characters. Heyer aficianados will recognise echoes of many of her heroes in Lord Cranbourne, who conforms very much to the jaded, world-weary and selfish man of experience, the dominant type who turns out to be just the right person to have around in a crisis. Marianne is the ingenue, sweet, innocent and very straightforward, who gets into unthinking trouble with the kindest of intentions and is thoroughly mortified afterwards - until the next time! So nothing unusual about them, but nicely drawn, and Marianne at least was never silly as so many very young heroines (especially in Heyer) often are.
There’s a huge cast of supporting characters and a myriad minor sub-plots, which I found rather a lot to keep track of, especially as so many of the characters were titled and I got them muddled up — Lady Brancaster and Lady Bamber, for instance, and Lady Strickland and Lady Silchester. So be prepared to take notes, or else (as I did) spend time paging back and forth to work out who was who. But the little side stories were delightful and added a great deal to the charm of the book, so it’s worth making the effort.
In the end, though, it’s the main romance that steals the show, and the proposal scene is totally awesome, and completely in character. I loved it. Highly recommended reading, and a treat for Heyer fans, who’ll love the writing style and language, the sparkling dialogue and the array of lively minor characters. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Marianne Montagu and her two friends are leaving Miss Wolfraston’s Seminary for Young Ladies not quite as improved as might be desired. Marianne is a bit too lively for a girl of seventeen soon to make her come-out, Charlotte is a shy soul and Georgianna, an earl’s daughter, is being pushed into marriage with an unappealing man before she’s even enjoyed a season in London. But Marianne’s aunt, Lady Brancaster, wants to take her to the spa town of Cheltenham to take the waters, and as she may bring a friend, Georgianna goes too. Naturally enough, it’s no time at all before Marianne is getting into scrapes, and I loved this line: ‘When Marianne returned to the pump room with a ruined parasol, grass stains on her dress and a cat in her arms, Lady Brancaster began to realise that she might have taken on more than she had bargained for.’
Cheltenham is a refreshing change from Bath, although it has all the usual attractions in a pump room, noxious waters and an assembly room where young ladies might happen to bump into eligible gentlemen. And lo, here comes Lord Cranbourne, also escaping being pushed into marriage and, much to his annoyance, immediately finding himself drawn into one of Marianne’s scrapes. And so the romance begins, with neither of them looking for love, but finding it all the same.
I liked both the main characters. Heyer aficianados will recognise echoes of many of her heroes in Lord Cranbourne, who conforms very much to the jaded, world-weary and selfish man of experience, the dominant type who turns out to be just the right person to have around in a crisis. Marianne is the ingenue, sweet, innocent and very straightforward, who gets into unthinking trouble with the kindest of intentions and is thoroughly mortified afterwards - until the next time! So nothing unusual about them, but nicely drawn, and Marianne at least was never silly as so many very young heroines (especially in Heyer) often are.
There’s a huge cast of supporting characters and a myriad minor sub-plots, which I found rather a lot to keep track of, especially as so many of the characters were titled and I got them muddled up — Lady Brancaster and Lady Bamber, for instance, and Lady Strickland and Lady Silchester. So be prepared to take notes, or else (as I did) spend time paging back and forth to work out who was who. But the little side stories were delightful and added a great deal to the charm of the book, so it’s worth making the effort.
In the end, though, it’s the main romance that steals the show, and the proposal scene is totally awesome, and completely in character. I loved it. Highly recommended reading, and a treat for Heyer fans, who’ll love the writing style and language, the sparkling dialogue and the array of lively minor characters. Five stars.
June 25, 2020
Marianne, by Jenny Hambly, is a sweet and mild-tempered Regency romance and is the first in Hambly’s Miss Wolfraston’s Ladies series. The first thing that struck me about this book was the writing style and Hambly’s use of authentic vocabulary. It was truly superb. I have read Regency romances in the past that have sounded like they were written in the 21st century, but this book was not one of them. I was struck by a very Pride and Prejudice vibe and was able to fully appreciate the crafted flow of the writing style. Paired with interesting characters and witty dialogue, within the first few chapters of this book I was excited to dig in.
Unfortunately, Marianne did not go much further than sweet. I felt a distinct lack of conflict between Marianne and Cranbourne. Although they got into a few spats, it was essentially smooth sailing from cover to cover. Their relationship continually left me with the disappointed feeling of a missed opportunity. If the story had dug deeper into their characters, or created some sort of insurmountable conflict between the two, I would have been much happier.
Another aspect that left me with an odd aftertaste was the age discrepancy between Marianne and Cranbourne. With stories set during the Regency period, you come to expect this age difference. What was different here was that it was acknowledged by the characters, but never fully addressed, creating a confusing loose-end to the reader.
The ending also seemed rushed to me. I felt it was another missed opportunity to draw the conclusions out and fully engage the reader.
Summary
Overall, I feel Marianne is deserving of 3 out of 5 stars. The writing style and witty banter between the well-developed characters immediately hooked me, but I was left continually disappointed when the story didn’t progress into a deeper and more insurmountable conflict. In reality, Marianne and Cranbourne’s story was probably realistic for the times. However, I don’t pick up a book expecting to read about the 99% of couples out there that have tame and placid stories; I pick up a book to read about the 1% that don’t.
That being said, this story was sweet and I do not regret reading it. Others will very likely enjoy reading about Marianne and Cranbourne, as well as the other extremely likable and engaging supporting roles.
Unfortunately, Marianne did not go much further than sweet. I felt a distinct lack of conflict between Marianne and Cranbourne. Although they got into a few spats, it was essentially smooth sailing from cover to cover. Their relationship continually left me with the disappointed feeling of a missed opportunity. If the story had dug deeper into their characters, or created some sort of insurmountable conflict between the two, I would have been much happier.
Another aspect that left me with an odd aftertaste was the age discrepancy between Marianne and Cranbourne. With stories set during the Regency period, you come to expect this age difference. What was different here was that it was acknowledged by the characters, but never fully addressed, creating a confusing loose-end to the reader.
The ending also seemed rushed to me. I felt it was another missed opportunity to draw the conclusions out and fully engage the reader.
Summary
Overall, I feel Marianne is deserving of 3 out of 5 stars. The writing style and witty banter between the well-developed characters immediately hooked me, but I was left continually disappointed when the story didn’t progress into a deeper and more insurmountable conflict. In reality, Marianne and Cranbourne’s story was probably realistic for the times. However, I don’t pick up a book expecting to read about the 99% of couples out there that have tame and placid stories; I pick up a book to read about the 1% that don’t.
That being said, this story was sweet and I do not regret reading it. Others will very likely enjoy reading about Marianne and Cranbourne, as well as the other extremely likable and engaging supporting roles.
August 21, 2022
Might be a tad This Has Been Done Before-ish, but sweet overall. …and… HELEN TAYLOR!!!
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
January 28, 2024
My rating 3.2
I have been reading some Regency Period books lately. They usually don't have a lot of substance, but still satisfy my romantic heart and I find them delightful due to the manners of the period. In other words, just for fun and pleasure (and an easy read by the pool). That being said, I decided to try this series on the recommendation of a daughter-in-law and it was passable. It certainly wasn't the writing talent of Georgette Heyer and others, but was readable. My biggest criticism was the development of the main character or two was good, but others were harder to keep track of and discern. Since each book had several sub-plots in addition to the main plot, there were a lot of people in each book and they sometimes were hard to distinguish. This series is about three friends who graduated from the same young women's seminary and what happened to each as she went into society and fell in love. The stories were varied, but just as things seemed to be happening, the book wound up quickly as though there were a limited number of pages (formula writing?). Each book was tied up neatly with love all around, so if this is your "cup of tea," you might enjoy.
Summary:
Book 1 of 3: Miss Wolfraston's Ladies
SHE IS AN INNOCENT. HE IS A HARDENED PLAYER. Marianne’s brief time at Miss Wolfraston’s Seminary for Young Ladies is coming to an end, which is a relief for both of them. She has disconcertingly open manners and a liveliness that Miss Wolfraston deplores. When her aunt invites her to join her in Cheltenham for the summer, these traits inevitably lead her into a series of scrapes. After being disappointed in love seven years ago, Lord Cranbourne has acquired the reputation of being dangerous, heartless, and selfish. Annoyed at his sister’s matchmaking attempts on his behalf, he accompanies his friend Sir Horace Bamber to Cheltenham. He expects to be heartily bored. Then he meets Marianne. They both have lessons to learn; not least that no one is quite what they seem
I have been reading some Regency Period books lately. They usually don't have a lot of substance, but still satisfy my romantic heart and I find them delightful due to the manners of the period. In other words, just for fun and pleasure (and an easy read by the pool). That being said, I decided to try this series on the recommendation of a daughter-in-law and it was passable. It certainly wasn't the writing talent of Georgette Heyer and others, but was readable. My biggest criticism was the development of the main character or two was good, but others were harder to keep track of and discern. Since each book had several sub-plots in addition to the main plot, there were a lot of people in each book and they sometimes were hard to distinguish. This series is about three friends who graduated from the same young women's seminary and what happened to each as she went into society and fell in love. The stories were varied, but just as things seemed to be happening, the book wound up quickly as though there were a limited number of pages (formula writing?). Each book was tied up neatly with love all around, so if this is your "cup of tea," you might enjoy.
Summary:
Book 1 of 3: Miss Wolfraston's Ladies
SHE IS AN INNOCENT. HE IS A HARDENED PLAYER. Marianne’s brief time at Miss Wolfraston’s Seminary for Young Ladies is coming to an end, which is a relief for both of them. She has disconcertingly open manners and a liveliness that Miss Wolfraston deplores. When her aunt invites her to join her in Cheltenham for the summer, these traits inevitably lead her into a series of scrapes. After being disappointed in love seven years ago, Lord Cranbourne has acquired the reputation of being dangerous, heartless, and selfish. Annoyed at his sister’s matchmaking attempts on his behalf, he accompanies his friend Sir Horace Bamber to Cheltenham. He expects to be heartily bored. Then he meets Marianne. They both have lessons to learn; not least that no one is quite what they seem
September 4, 2020
True Regency romance
I’m on a Regency reading roll at present and this author does not disappoint, this is my 3rd book of hers, although I’ve read them out of sequence. I wasn’t sure initially whether I would be interested in a 17 year old ‘heroine’ but I forgot Marainne’s age as I invested in the story.
The social niceties are observed, the characters develop and again there’s a secondary romance ticking over in the background. I’ve given 4 stars as I think this is an excellent example of the genre and whilst proper, is amusing and kept my interest.
Top marks for the cover too!
I’m on a Regency reading roll at present and this author does not disappoint, this is my 3rd book of hers, although I’ve read them out of sequence. I wasn’t sure initially whether I would be interested in a 17 year old ‘heroine’ but I forgot Marainne’s age as I invested in the story.
The social niceties are observed, the characters develop and again there’s a secondary romance ticking over in the background. I’ve given 4 stars as I think this is an excellent example of the genre and whilst proper, is amusing and kept my interest.
Top marks for the cover too!
June 30, 2020
Very enjoyable read.
Enjoyed this story very much. Read one review that stated it was a boring no action book. Personally, I enjoyed it. Sometimes a simple tale is best. Not everyone enjoys kidnappings, lies, and conflicts . I hope the author follows up with stories about some of the other characters. Will watch for them.
Enjoyed this story very much. Read one review that stated it was a boring no action book. Personally, I enjoyed it. Sometimes a simple tale is best. Not everyone enjoys kidnappings, lies, and conflicts . I hope the author follows up with stories about some of the other characters. Will watch for them.
September 21, 2020
Wowsi
I liked the story very much.
Thank goodness that I selected the first book or else I would have missed much
Thanks Jenny
I liked the story very much.
Thank goodness that I selected the first book or else I would have missed much
Thanks Jenny
June 9, 2021
Out of the best Regencys I've read.
The young ladies in this book are not the usual bubble heads as in most regencys. They have intelligence and individuality. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written, unpretentious and was more about the people than the clothes as are most others. Thank you for a really nice story.
The young ladies in this book are not the usual bubble heads as in most regencys. They have intelligence and individuality. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written, unpretentious and was more about the people than the clothes as are most others. Thank you for a really nice story.
April 23, 2020
Not officially JA or JE adaptation, but some serious influences going in here. Sweet enough, it but the sped up timeline is one of my major pet peeves. As is the 17 year old heroine just getting out of school and being super green about everything. This is very clean if you are looking for that. I’ve read way better, more romantic clean romances that made more sense (Edenbrooke, Blackmore...)
August 6, 2020
Lovely
This book has lovely settings, lovely characters, and lovely mechanics (plotting, dialog, character development, etc.) . Right from the beginning, at Miss Wolfraston's Seminary for Ladies, the setting surrounds the characters and gives a lovely visual impact in a sitting room shared by the three eldest students. These three young ladies have just turned 17 and are on the brink of leaving the school.I
From there the focus drops to Miss Marianne and her plans to join her Aunt Fanny in Cheltenham for the summer. We get lovely descriptions of this town that has decided to make the most of its healing waters and attract visitors that enhance the prosperity and growth of the area. We learn more about the characters and the people they meet in Cheltenham.
The story takes our intrepid cast to Cranbourne, the majestic seat of the Earl of Cranbourne for a house party. It is near Salisbury plain, Stonehenge, and the ancient cathedral in Salisbury. I always cringe in the middle of a story, the "second act", if you will . I worry that the characters will behave themselves and stay "in character'. I worry that the plot will unfold in what feels natural. I worry that basic editing will prevail so I may read easily. Ms Hambly took me through all of my worries with ease. I greatly enjoyed the journey with these characters and her skill in telling their stories with honesty and naturalness.
I am looking forward to Book 2.
This book has lovely settings, lovely characters, and lovely mechanics (plotting, dialog, character development, etc.) . Right from the beginning, at Miss Wolfraston's Seminary for Ladies, the setting surrounds the characters and gives a lovely visual impact in a sitting room shared by the three eldest students. These three young ladies have just turned 17 and are on the brink of leaving the school.I
From there the focus drops to Miss Marianne and her plans to join her Aunt Fanny in Cheltenham for the summer. We get lovely descriptions of this town that has decided to make the most of its healing waters and attract visitors that enhance the prosperity and growth of the area. We learn more about the characters and the people they meet in Cheltenham.
The story takes our intrepid cast to Cranbourne, the majestic seat of the Earl of Cranbourne for a house party. It is near Salisbury plain, Stonehenge, and the ancient cathedral in Salisbury. I always cringe in the middle of a story, the "second act", if you will . I worry that the characters will behave themselves and stay "in character'. I worry that the plot will unfold in what feels natural. I worry that basic editing will prevail so I may read easily. Ms Hambly took me through all of my worries with ease. I greatly enjoyed the journey with these characters and her skill in telling their stories with honesty and naturalness.
I am looking forward to Book 2.
January 30, 2024
I wanted something a bit lighter to read today, and this story fit the bill. Marianne is a spirited, headstrong miss just out of finishing school. The trouble she gets in was quickly resolved, the story was fluffy, and it was a quick read.
Things I liked:
The pacing - this story moved right along. There were no long, boring passages describing someone's dinnerware or anything like that. The plot moved quickly and easily. Things happened and were resolved, and then the story moved on.
The characters - okay, so there were no out of the norm for this type of story characters here. You have the plucky, opinionated heroine, the dark, brooding hero with a secret, the flighty guardian who is just grounded enough to be the guardian, and the woman from the past. Of course, they are not the only characters, but they are all important to the story. I enjoyed Marianne's interactions with the other characters, especially with her Aunt Fanny and her friend Georgianna. But all of the other side characters had some quirks that made them fall just a bit outside of the norm.
The story - look, this isn't a brand new concept. But the story was interesting enough and had enough different things happen to keep me entertained for a few hours. I enjoyed it. It was exactly what I needed to read today.
My rating: 4 stars
Things I liked:
The pacing - this story moved right along. There were no long, boring passages describing someone's dinnerware or anything like that. The plot moved quickly and easily. Things happened and were resolved, and then the story moved on.
The characters - okay, so there were no out of the norm for this type of story characters here. You have the plucky, opinionated heroine, the dark, brooding hero with a secret, the flighty guardian who is just grounded enough to be the guardian, and the woman from the past. Of course, they are not the only characters, but they are all important to the story. I enjoyed Marianne's interactions with the other characters, especially with her Aunt Fanny and her friend Georgianna. But all of the other side characters had some quirks that made them fall just a bit outside of the norm.
The story - look, this isn't a brand new concept. But the story was interesting enough and had enough different things happen to keep me entertained for a few hours. I enjoyed it. It was exactly what I needed to read today.
My rating: 4 stars
March 9, 2024
Great Regency but could have been more romantic
This book had such colorful characters that were so interesting to follow along. That together with how it showed Regency society in an entertaining way are it's strong points.
But unfortunately it had very little heart moving romance. By the time the main couple were getting together, I wasn't as excited about them as I usually am in other books I have read from the same genre. Needed more heart that is for sure.
That factor along with how rushed the ending felt, meant it was not endearing a read as I wished it would be.
Also this is meant to be a clean read and it was for 99% of the book, but I think tongue kiss descriptions don't go in the clean reads pile. Could have done happily well without it.
It is an okay read. But not one I would excitedly recommend. I will try the author's other books though in hopes that these bumps experienced in this book only get better in time with future works. I have found it is usually the case ❤️
This book had such colorful characters that were so interesting to follow along. That together with how it showed Regency society in an entertaining way are it's strong points.
But unfortunately it had very little heart moving romance. By the time the main couple were getting together, I wasn't as excited about them as I usually am in other books I have read from the same genre. Needed more heart that is for sure.
That factor along with how rushed the ending felt, meant it was not endearing a read as I wished it would be.
Also this is meant to be a clean read and it was for 99% of the book, but I think tongue kiss descriptions don't go in the clean reads pile. Could have done happily well without it.
It is an okay read. But not one I would excitedly recommend. I will try the author's other books though in hopes that these bumps experienced in this book only get better in time with future works. I have found it is usually the case ❤️
December 23, 2023
This was a delightful story; the author kept events coming, so the whole impetus was not about Marianne getting married. I liked that the author rounded out the characters and gave them something else to do besides always talking about emotions. Lately, that is all I've been reading: authors who spend the whole book talking about getting married and the feelings it engenders.
This book was engaging and well-written. It is realistic. Three young women are leaving Miss Wolfraston's Seminary for Ladies. Marianne is joining her Aunt Fanny in Cheltenham, a smaller Bath-type resort for those taking the waters. Before it is over, a shocking event in Cheltenham leaves the locals and visitors reeling.
One of the great things about this book was the characters grew as they interacted with others. The characters had engaging backstories that explained much about their current behaviors. This story moved smoothly and was a delight to read.
This book was engaging and well-written. It is realistic. Three young women are leaving Miss Wolfraston's Seminary for Ladies. Marianne is joining her Aunt Fanny in Cheltenham, a smaller Bath-type resort for those taking the waters. Before it is over, a shocking event in Cheltenham leaves the locals and visitors reeling.
One of the great things about this book was the characters grew as they interacted with others. The characters had engaging backstories that explained much about their current behaviors. This story moved smoothly and was a delight to read.
October 30, 2024
On the whole an enjoyable book, liked the main characters good start to a trilogy.
Marianne is one of three young ladies leaving a finishing school, and has been invited with a friend to join her aunt for a few weeks before returning home.
After meeting her aunt, Lord Robert her aunts suitor in Cheltenham they all progress to Lord Cranbourne's estate for a house party.
If going to make places in books and travel between them wish authors would pay attention to locations, and other things impacting the ton at the time of the book.
Note sure where his estate is as it's two days from Cheltenham, an hour from Sting Henge, but close enough to visit both Shrewbury and Salisbury to visit their cathedrals on different day trips. The former being built mid 1800's and Catholic the latter being protestant and much older, in religion alone unlikely people at this time would have visited both.
Still I like this author and look forward to the next in the series.
Marianne is one of three young ladies leaving a finishing school, and has been invited with a friend to join her aunt for a few weeks before returning home.
After meeting her aunt, Lord Robert her aunts suitor in Cheltenham they all progress to Lord Cranbourne's estate for a house party.
If going to make places in books and travel between them wish authors would pay attention to locations, and other things impacting the ton at the time of the book.
Note sure where his estate is as it's two days from Cheltenham, an hour from Sting Henge, but close enough to visit both Shrewbury and Salisbury to visit their cathedrals on different day trips. The former being built mid 1800's and Catholic the latter being protestant and much older, in religion alone unlikely people at this time would have visited both.
Still I like this author and look forward to the next in the series.
June 2, 2022
Marianne and Lord (Anthony) Cranbourne
A bit of a coming of age story for Marianne. She has just finished at her finishing school and our story begins with her going to see her aunt. She soon meets Lord Cranbourne who looks down on her because she is so much younger than her. (So I thought it was a huge age gap. Near the end of the book, you learn that he is about 10 years older than her.) Anyway, she gets into various scrapes usually out of pride. But she matures as the book goes on, realizing her own faults. The book is not "romance" heavy. The two mains do develop feelings, but it is a low simmer on both sides.
First book for me by this author. It was good, but not great. I am not likely to try another.
A bit of a coming of age story for Marianne. She has just finished at her finishing school and our story begins with her going to see her aunt. She soon meets Lord Cranbourne who looks down on her because she is so much younger than her. (So I thought it was a huge age gap. Near the end of the book, you learn that he is about 10 years older than her.) Anyway, she gets into various scrapes usually out of pride. But she matures as the book goes on, realizing her own faults. The book is not "romance" heavy. The two mains do develop feelings, but it is a low simmer on both sides.
First book for me by this author. It was good, but not great. I am not likely to try another.
July 21, 2022
I LOVED it!
Bravo to the author for being different from all the other historical Romance writers who bypass character development and skip straight to the sex. I cannot stand characters who are supposed to be inexperienced, uneducated in the ways of sex virgins, but the minute they meet the hero, they immediately feel the heat in their loins, and act like vixens. Then every time they meet they practically have sex., even though they barely know each other. BUT She's a Virgin who doesn't understand her feelings. I liked how well the author gave plenty of background on the ancillary characters. She truly fleshed them out so that they felt like real people, and not just a scene filler to get the hero and heroine together. Well done!
Bravo to the author for being different from all the other historical Romance writers who bypass character development and skip straight to the sex. I cannot stand characters who are supposed to be inexperienced, uneducated in the ways of sex virgins, but the minute they meet the hero, they immediately feel the heat in their loins, and act like vixens. Then every time they meet they practically have sex., even though they barely know each other. BUT She's a Virgin who doesn't understand her feelings. I liked how well the author gave plenty of background on the ancillary characters. She truly fleshed them out so that they felt like real people, and not just a scene filler to get the hero and heroine together. Well done!
June 6, 2020
I have been a fan of the writings of Mary Balogh for a long time and this is the first time I have read a story set in the Regency era that is as enjoyable as hers. Jenny Hambly is an author whose other books I will now search for and read. The story line was enjoyable, the cast of characters interesting and their individual issues both believable and engaging. I was delighted to find the language used by the characters and their actions and behaviour much more in keeping with the mores of the time than some modern writers realise is likely, no matter how feisty the heroine or rambunctious the hero. I recommend this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series.
September 27, 2020
Well written clean read
Compares too George heyer.
A wonderfully well developed enjoyable read.
One review said they thought it needed more conflict or misunderstandings between the H and h, however I completely disagree, the H and h were smart and realistic, no need to have dumb misunderstandings just to drag out a story. I know that is a thing included in many stories, but it just annoys me, I prefer a good story without stupid misunderstandings, just real relationships that develop. This was one of those. Excellent job!!!
I'm looking forward to the test in the series.
Compares too George heyer.
A wonderfully well developed enjoyable read.
One review said they thought it needed more conflict or misunderstandings between the H and h, however I completely disagree, the H and h were smart and realistic, no need to have dumb misunderstandings just to drag out a story. I know that is a thing included in many stories, but it just annoys me, I prefer a good story without stupid misunderstandings, just real relationships that develop. This was one of those. Excellent job!!!
I'm looking forward to the test in the series.
January 4, 2024
So many anachronisms!!!
I know that there will never be another Georgette Heyer, but if someone is going to try to write in her style, they should pay close attention to the language and the period, and have a good editor. The bad writing destroyed what could have been a cute, if shallow and dull, story. I swear, I was waiting for someone to call someone else "dude". Someone actually b said " cut to the chase"! Oy. The period words just pasted in here and there simply look dumb when the writing is in such modern phrasing.
I know that there will never be another Georgette Heyer, but if someone is going to try to write in her style, they should pay close attention to the language and the period, and have a good editor. The bad writing destroyed what could have been a cute, if shallow and dull, story. I swear, I was waiting for someone to call someone else "dude". Someone actually b said " cut to the chase"! Oy. The period words just pasted in here and there simply look dumb when the writing is in such modern phrasing.
January 3, 2024
For the New Year, I decided to read a book with a title the same as my first name. I found this gem of a story and it did not disappoint. If you enjoy a quick easy-to-read regency romancy type story with likable, and some dislikable, characters then give this one a go! There’s a lot of life lessons to be learned and reminded of in this tome that are presented in a non-accusatory or aggressive fashion, which I appreciated.
February 16, 2024
3½ stars
This is an enjoyable read. I really liked Marianne. Her openness was so refreshing. Anthony was a strong character. We never did learn why he and his sister were not close though. There is a lot of characters and several people's stories came to light, which made the overall story very interesting. Georgianna turned out to be a lovely young lady. I really liked how most of the characters grew in a positive way. This is a clean read.
This is an enjoyable read. I really liked Marianne. Her openness was so refreshing. Anthony was a strong character. We never did learn why he and his sister were not close though. There is a lot of characters and several people's stories came to light, which made the overall story very interesting. Georgianna turned out to be a lovely young lady. I really liked how most of the characters grew in a positive way. This is a clean read.
April 22, 2020
From a proper school for young ladies to the halls of the home of a rakehell Duke. Marianne and her dear friend Georgianna ( under the supervision of her widowed aunt and companion). Go to visit Lord Cranbourne after a catastrophe in a locale seaside town. Where aunt had gone to end her three years of mourning and gently reenter society. Lord Cranbourne has no interest in girls just out of the schoolroom and these ladies certainly were!
August 8, 2020
Sweet With an Engaging Plot
It is hard to put this wonderful tale into any general category. Perhaps Austin, but with more movement. There romances for the price of one, and a couple of lost souls. Plus, a dastardly deed! Just a great read for anyone who appreciates the complexity of romance.
It is hard to put this wonderful tale into any general category. Perhaps Austin, but with more movement. There romances for the price of one, and a couple of lost souls. Plus, a dastardly deed! Just a great read for anyone who appreciates the complexity of romance.
October 10, 2020
Quite a delightful read
Marianne isa charming heroine and Lord Cranbourn is the regency alpha male. The backstory of lady Fanny and Sir Robert is quite touching. The book is well written and and edited and I believe that a little more development of the heroe’s character would have raised to a five star review.
Marianne isa charming heroine and Lord Cranbourn is the regency alpha male. The backstory of lady Fanny and Sir Robert is quite touching. The book is well written and and edited and I believe that a little more development of the heroe’s character would have raised to a five star review.
August 8, 2021
I don't understand all the 5 star reviews. I hardly ever give up on a book, but this one is impossible to read. The book is full of pointless conversations that go nowhere. I did get halfway through the book, but I just could not go on. This is officially my first DNF of 2021. It bothers me to ditch a book, but basically this is a book about nothing.
August 8, 2022
Marianne mishaps
Marianne, Charlotte and Georgiana have finished their last year at the Ladies Seminary. Charlotte is to return home. And Marianne has invited Lady Georgians to come with her and her Aunt Fanny to a resort town so Aunt Fanny can take the waters. The adventure begin.
Great read.
Marianne, Charlotte and Georgiana have finished their last year at the Ladies Seminary. Charlotte is to return home. And Marianne has invited Lady Georgians to come with her and her Aunt Fanny to a resort town so Aunt Fanny can take the waters. The adventure begin.
Great read.
April 19, 2020
Very enjoyable well written Recency with a good cast of characters. The heroine has a bit of an Elizabeth Bennett vibe and must learn to curb her tendency towards snap judgments and speaking before she thinks. Recommended.
September 22, 2020
Engaging story
Engaging story and an entertaining read. Ms Hambly achieved her goal as her characters, though flawed, are likeable, strong, and true to the period. I enjoyed the book and I am dumbfounded by her amazing vocabulary!
Engaging story and an entertaining read. Ms Hambly achieved her goal as her characters, though flawed, are likeable, strong, and true to the period. I enjoyed the book and I am dumbfounded by her amazing vocabulary!
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