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School of Charm #2
The Misunderstanding of Miss Louisa
He mistook her for a child. She thought he was a ghost. Their love story...? It was off to a very rocky start.
It was all just a series of misunderstandings, really. It wasn't as though Miss Louisa ever intentionally sought out trouble. How was she to know that the Marquess, who everyone hoped would propose to her elder sister, would happen upon her in a ballroom, dancing alone in the middle of the night? They'd narrowly averted a scandal on that one. Or that time he'd caught her tumbling out a window... No one could have seen that coming.
Really, when her family shipped her off to the School of Charm to keep her from causing any more damage to her perfect sister's reputation, Louisa had done her very best to avoid attention. Particularly the attention of the Marquess in question. But when the Marquess arrives in town, her best laid plans are put to the test. For he seems intent of dragging her into the spotlight. And when the two of them are together, it's not just Louisa that's in trouble... It's her heart.
It was all just a series of misunderstandings, really. It wasn't as though Miss Louisa ever intentionally sought out trouble. How was she to know that the Marquess, who everyone hoped would propose to her elder sister, would happen upon her in a ballroom, dancing alone in the middle of the night? They'd narrowly averted a scandal on that one. Or that time he'd caught her tumbling out a window... No one could have seen that coming.
Really, when her family shipped her off to the School of Charm to keep her from causing any more damage to her perfect sister's reputation, Louisa had done her very best to avoid attention. Particularly the attention of the Marquess in question. But when the Marquess arrives in town, her best laid plans are put to the test. For he seems intent of dragging her into the spotlight. And when the two of them are together, it's not just Louisa that's in trouble... It's her heart.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2020
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508 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
November 27, 2023
*sigh* I just fell in love with Lawrence ♥️ I really liked Louisa, too. She was under appreciated by her family, shunned actually just because she was full of life & they wanted to mute her. Then she meets Lawrence, who’s just going through the motions of life. Now they can actually live ♥️
April 20, 2020
This was such a lovely story. Louisa was funny and sweet. Just a couple of kisses, which sometimes make a change from the hotter stories - something a bit different. This is a good series so far. 5☆
July 16, 2024
2.5 stars. It was cute and short. Not much of a conflict besides an FMC that is a bit immature and lacks confidence. But her beau was adorable and sweet to her (while also being competent, masculine and intimidating to others) and he thought she was charming, so that influenced and softened my attitude toward her.
Content- clean
Narration- great (only 4 hours)
*There were some references to the characters from Book 1 (which I haven’t read) but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Content- clean
Narration- great (only 4 hours)
*There were some references to the characters from Book 1 (which I haven’t read) but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
April 15, 2020
4.5 stars
I did enjoy this light hearted story. Louisa was thought of as troublesome and wilful by her parents but although she had a tendency to be clumsy, her intentions were good. She was always in the shadow of her sister and she always felt as thought she was second best in the eyes of her parents. Lawrence Rivulet, Marquess of Tumberland, is always seen as a severe, humourless man. However, he finds that Louisa is one person who brings joy into his life, to him she is like a breath of fresh air. However, her parents have him marked out as a suitor for Lousia’s sister. This will bring a smile to your face at some of the situations Louisa gets herself into. This was a most entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did enjoy this light hearted story. Louisa was thought of as troublesome and wilful by her parents but although she had a tendency to be clumsy, her intentions were good. She was always in the shadow of her sister and she always felt as thought she was second best in the eyes of her parents. Lawrence Rivulet, Marquess of Tumberland, is always seen as a severe, humourless man. However, he finds that Louisa is one person who brings joy into his life, to him she is like a breath of fresh air. However, her parents have him marked out as a suitor for Lousia’s sister. This will bring a smile to your face at some of the situations Louisa gets herself into. This was a most entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 23, 2020
Such a wonderfully sweet story! Loved Louisa and Tumberland! I’m anxiously awaiting more of this series!
January 8, 2021
My first experience with Maggie Dallen’s work was when I read the first Novella in the School of Charm series. Now that I have finished the second novella in the series I am still impressed with her work. The writeup on Amazon is silent as to whether or not the novellas of this series work well as stand-alone offerings. Based on my experience with this second story in the series, I suppose one could have a reasonable reading experience without having read the opening novella; however, I definitely recommend reading the opening novella first. If you do not, you will be struggling to “read between the lines” as the story progresses. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, I recommend you download all five stories and read them in sequence. I am already reading the third story and have found that both the second and third stories have their roots in the opening novella.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Louisa and Lawrence, the Marquess of Tumberland, our protagonists. Louisa’s family is in grave financial peril due to the manipulations of an unscrupulous Baron. It appears that their only solution is to sell a prime piece of land and, at the same time, bring about the marriage of their elder daughter, Margaret, to a wealthy man with deep pockets. Their sights are set upon our hero, Lawrence, the Marquess of Tumberland. Our heroine is the younger daughter, Louisa, who seems to have a penchant for making socially unacceptable blunders. One of those blunders takes place in the early morning hours after a ball hosted by Louisa’s parents who are trying to make a match with Lawrence and their elder daughter, Margaret. Nineteen-year-old Louisa had been forbidden to attend the ball, but, unable to sleep and thinking everyone else is asleep, she makes her way to the ballroom and pretends to dance the waltz with a long-deceased ancestor whose portrait hangs in the hallway. While dancing she is discovered by Lord Tumberland. He, thinking she is a child, begins to dance with her. Suddenly, Louisa’s father appears and demands to know what is going on. Startled, Louisa said she thought she was dancing with a ghost and Lord Tumberland, also stumbling for a response, said he thought he was dancing with a child. Thus, our protagonists meet and the events leading to the HEA ending are put into play. Five-stars for this well-told story.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Louisa and Lawrence, the Marquess of Tumberland, our protagonists. Louisa’s family is in grave financial peril due to the manipulations of an unscrupulous Baron. It appears that their only solution is to sell a prime piece of land and, at the same time, bring about the marriage of their elder daughter, Margaret, to a wealthy man with deep pockets. Their sights are set upon our hero, Lawrence, the Marquess of Tumberland. Our heroine is the younger daughter, Louisa, who seems to have a penchant for making socially unacceptable blunders. One of those blunders takes place in the early morning hours after a ball hosted by Louisa’s parents who are trying to make a match with Lawrence and their elder daughter, Margaret. Nineteen-year-old Louisa had been forbidden to attend the ball, but, unable to sleep and thinking everyone else is asleep, she makes her way to the ballroom and pretends to dance the waltz with a long-deceased ancestor whose portrait hangs in the hallway. While dancing she is discovered by Lord Tumberland. He, thinking she is a child, begins to dance with her. Suddenly, Louisa’s father appears and demands to know what is going on. Startled, Louisa said she thought she was dancing with a ghost and Lord Tumberland, also stumbling for a response, said he thought he was dancing with a child. Thus, our protagonists meet and the events leading to the HEA ending are put into play. Five-stars for this well-told story.
April 15, 2020
Charming the Firecracker 🧨
-‘This was just about the most mixed-up courtship he’d ever heard of, and it hadn’t even properly begun.’-
This book was truly delightful! Generally, I am not a fan of regency stories. I find them stuffy and boring. However, this one was anything but! I enjoyed the humour and the misadventures of clumsy and impulsive Louisa. There is a previous story and a backstory that left me at a disadvantage of knowledge since I hadn’t read the previous book, so it would be best to read it first. However, I heartily recommend this book.
-‘This was just about the most mixed-up courtship he’d ever heard of, and it hadn’t even properly begun.’-
This book was truly delightful! Generally, I am not a fan of regency stories. I find them stuffy and boring. However, this one was anything but! I enjoyed the humour and the misadventures of clumsy and impulsive Louisa. There is a previous story and a backstory that left me at a disadvantage of knowledge since I hadn’t read the previous book, so it would be best to read it first. However, I heartily recommend this book.
July 15, 2020
Louisa Is a Hoot
We all know people like Louisa. They always seem to find trouble. They stick their foot in their mouths at the most inopportune time. They mean well, but... I loved the characters in this book, even the critical parents who could not deal with a child so unlike her "perfect" sister. It was fun seeing how this author brought her together with the perfect man for her. Well written and a pleasure to read.
We all know people like Louisa. They always seem to find trouble. They stick their foot in their mouths at the most inopportune time. They mean well, but... I loved the characters in this book, even the critical parents who could not deal with a child so unlike her "perfect" sister. It was fun seeing how this author brought her together with the perfect man for her. Well written and a pleasure to read.
July 23, 2024
A quick, clean and cute read if you are a fan of time period romance.
January 6, 2022
Wow is Loisa a trouble magnet. I have never seen someone so likely to do nothing and have trouble find her. People yell because she seems to go looking for it. But honestly, I feel like even if she doesn't it will find her. Lawrence I had to warm up to because he threw her under the bus the first time they met. I would have hated him for much longer than she does. But at least he smartens up and sees the wonder that Loisa is.
June 20, 2023
The Misunderstanding of Miss Louisa is book 2 in the author's School of Charm series. I did enjoy this but as the title states, the trope is misunderstanding and there are lots of them in this book.
Miss Louisa is the younger daughter of Viscount Torrent and while her sister, mother, and father all share their fair coloring and willowy shapes, Louisa is the red-headed, green-eyed curvy girl who doesn't feel like she belongs. But in fairness, it's not all her fault. She's quirky and genuine but always gets into scrapes and embarrassing situations even when she has the best of intentions.
Lawrence, the Marquess of Tumberland, finds joy in Louisa's antics and is enchanted by each encounter. But Louisa's parents are struggling financially and Viscount Torrent is eager to sell Lawrence land that would add to his property, sweetening the deal with the offer of marriage to the very prim and proper sister, Margaret. As beautiful and perfect as Margaret is, Lawrence's only interest is in Louisa. Can Lawrence convince Louisa that it's her he really wants? Will Lord Everly get in the way with an evil plan?
I enjoyed this story but this is one of my least favorite from the author. I hate plots centered on misunderstandings and this story just goes from one to the next to the next. There were some good and fun story elements but for me it got tedious. The root of the issue is Louisa's lack of self confidence because she has always played second fiddle to Margaret and her parents are very obvious about it. I felt horrible for Louisa when she went home to visit her family and they clearly didn't want here there fearing she would do something to ruin Margaret's chances with Lawrence. The family literally sent her to finishing school to get her out of their way and when she made an appearance for dinner they didn't want her.
Margaret is being the dutiful daughter but I liked when Lawrence overheard the sisters speak and Margaret admitted that she liked his friend Gregory very much. It is obvious Gregory feels the same for her Lawrence had already told Louisa he preferred her over Margaret, but what did Louisa want? Louisa struggles with the fact that Lawrence wants her, then she picks apart every conversation they have, second-guessing herself and always questioning if she is understanding what she thinks to be true. Her confidence is so low that she just can't imagine that this handsome Marquess would want her. These thoughts continue throughout the book and unfortunately get old. While things happen quickly story-wise (after the first incident six months prior), Lawrence is indeed smitten and wants to formally court Louisa and ask for her hand. I loved how he finds her hiding behind the settee after he speaks to her father, and Louisa's mother can't fathom the idea that the Marquess wants Louisa instead of Margaret. Also, Sir Edmond's portrait plays a fun role in all of this and Lawrence just goes right along with it. He's a keeper.
The author uses a lot of anachronisms, but she tells a good story regardless. I've enjoyed all her books, but this one just didn't satisfy like the others. I'm moving on to the next School of Charm book because I am eager to continue this series and see what's in store for the others at the school.
I will give this 3 stars. Writing was good, story was good, but the trope just wasn't my particular cup of tea. This is a sweet read with chaste kisses and embraces only.
Miss Louisa is the younger daughter of Viscount Torrent and while her sister, mother, and father all share their fair coloring and willowy shapes, Louisa is the red-headed, green-eyed curvy girl who doesn't feel like she belongs. But in fairness, it's not all her fault. She's quirky and genuine but always gets into scrapes and embarrassing situations even when she has the best of intentions.
Lawrence, the Marquess of Tumberland, finds joy in Louisa's antics and is enchanted by each encounter. But Louisa's parents are struggling financially and Viscount Torrent is eager to sell Lawrence land that would add to his property, sweetening the deal with the offer of marriage to the very prim and proper sister, Margaret. As beautiful and perfect as Margaret is, Lawrence's only interest is in Louisa. Can Lawrence convince Louisa that it's her he really wants? Will Lord Everly get in the way with an evil plan?
I enjoyed this story but this is one of my least favorite from the author. I hate plots centered on misunderstandings and this story just goes from one to the next to the next. There were some good and fun story elements but for me it got tedious. The root of the issue is Louisa's lack of self confidence because she has always played second fiddle to Margaret and her parents are very obvious about it. I felt horrible for Louisa when she went home to visit her family and they clearly didn't want here there fearing she would do something to ruin Margaret's chances with Lawrence. The family literally sent her to finishing school to get her out of their way and when she made an appearance for dinner they didn't want her.
Margaret is being the dutiful daughter but I liked when Lawrence overheard the sisters speak and Margaret admitted that she liked his friend Gregory very much. It is obvious Gregory feels the same for her Lawrence had already told Louisa he preferred her over Margaret, but what did Louisa want? Louisa struggles with the fact that Lawrence wants her, then she picks apart every conversation they have, second-guessing herself and always questioning if she is understanding what she thinks to be true. Her confidence is so low that she just can't imagine that this handsome Marquess would want her. These thoughts continue throughout the book and unfortunately get old. While things happen quickly story-wise (after the first incident six months prior), Lawrence is indeed smitten and wants to formally court Louisa and ask for her hand. I loved how he finds her hiding behind the settee after he speaks to her father, and Louisa's mother can't fathom the idea that the Marquess wants Louisa instead of Margaret. Also, Sir Edmond's portrait plays a fun role in all of this and Lawrence just goes right along with it. He's a keeper.
The author uses a lot of anachronisms, but she tells a good story regardless. I've enjoyed all her books, but this one just didn't satisfy like the others. I'm moving on to the next School of Charm book because I am eager to continue this series and see what's in store for the others at the school.
I will give this 3 stars. Writing was good, story was good, but the trope just wasn't my particular cup of tea. This is a sweet read with chaste kisses and embraces only.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2021
Rating: 3 Stars
I sympathized with the FMC up until 66% when she eavesdropped on Tumberland’s (MMC) conversation with Lord Evil. She knew that she was making a bad decision, yet dismissed all rationale and proceeded to do it anyway. Still, it wouldn’t have bothered me as much if she hadn’t continued to make bad choices (I.e., dragging a moss covered log over to the window to stand on and see inside the window) which practically screamed ”I want to get caught!”
Then we have this gem:
“How could he not be raging against this man? Why would he not be defending her family? Could he not see how manipulative and backhanded Lord Everley was being?”
I’m sorry, but the FMC’s thought process crossed over into the side of childlike naïveté in this scene. You’d think that she would understand that knowing the evil plans of your “manipulative and backhanded” enemy takes precedence over your indignation.
Also, we know the FMC is nineteen, but was the MMC’s age ever mentioned? I need that context to help determine if the portrayal of the romance was realistic or not.
Title: The Misunderstandings of Miss Louisa
POV(s): Dual—Third Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Genre(s): Historical Romance, Regency-Era
Triggers: N/A
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Black-Sheep-Heroine
❖ Clean
❖ Family-Embarrassment-Heroine
❖ Hero-Wants-Heroine
❖ Heroine-Lives-in-Older-Sister's-Shadow
❖ Heroine’s-Family-in-Financial-Trouble
❖ Insecure-Heroine
❖ Insta-Love
❖ Marquess-Hero (royalty)
❖ Mischief-Trouble-Prone-Heroine
❖ Quirky-Heroine
❖ Sassy-Heroine
❖ Virgin-Heroine
April 15, 2020
ONE SPECTACULAR SENSATION!!!
Game on! Maggie takes the load off this enticing wonder, spinning such a beautifully composed work of art with an enchanting storyline and gripping plot, melds this little fella together seamlessly. Enthralled by the instant awareness and charged atmosphere, along with a bevy of thrilling twists and wicked turns, tempting our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. A tumultuous whirlwind of enticing circumstances and quirky mishaps, propels those churning emotions into play, blasting this little gem into a tailspin with an life-altering culmination. Satisfaction is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch that's sure to please, putting our characters through their paces, launching this baby to staggering heights. Rousting the drama, humor, intrigue, turmoil, mounting suspense and calamitous situations along with a boatload of mayhem while dodging chaos, you have one chart topping masterpiece. Braided, coiled and interwoven, exposing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's strength and awe inspiring in it's depth. The characters, banter, interactions, electrifying atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Remarkable job Maggie, thanks for sharing this treasure with us.
Game on! Maggie takes the load off this enticing wonder, spinning such a beautifully composed work of art with an enchanting storyline and gripping plot, melds this little fella together seamlessly. Enthralled by the instant awareness and charged atmosphere, along with a bevy of thrilling twists and wicked turns, tempting our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. A tumultuous whirlwind of enticing circumstances and quirky mishaps, propels those churning emotions into play, blasting this little gem into a tailspin with an life-altering culmination. Satisfaction is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch that's sure to please, putting our characters through their paces, launching this baby to staggering heights. Rousting the drama, humor, intrigue, turmoil, mounting suspense and calamitous situations along with a boatload of mayhem while dodging chaos, you have one chart topping masterpiece. Braided, coiled and interwoven, exposing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's strength and awe inspiring in it's depth. The characters, banter, interactions, electrifying atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Remarkable job Maggie, thanks for sharing this treasure with us.
June 12, 2021
4.5
"Quella fanciulla non era solo bellissima. Il suo volto era costantemente plasmato dagli stati d’animo che provava sul momento, e non ci si sarebbe mai stancati di studiare le sue espressioni e le sue lentiggini. Col suo sorriso avrebbe sciolto il più glaciale degli interlocutori. Aveva qualcosa di completamente diverso dalle altre. Carina ed attraente erano mere etichette, insufficienti a descrivere la magia che diffondeva in una stanza, quando vi faceva il suo ingresso.
Per la prima volta da quando era arrivato, il naufrago Lawrence riuscì ad emergere dalle acque e a fare un respiro profondo.
Lei era la sua personale dose di ossigeno."
Leggermente inferiore al primo della serie, questo secondo volume rimane comunque una lettura bellissima, ricca di romanticismo e divertimento, che vi farà rimpiangere le sue poche pagine *ç* Louisa è senza dubbio la ragazza più vivace tra le allieve della "Scuola di Charme" e in realtà è finità lì proprio a causa della sua attitudine alla spontaneità: il ton e la sua famiglia non amano certo le ragazze sincere e dalla lingua lunga, fin troppo inclini a brutte figure e momenti a dir poco imbarazzanti. Non si può che amare a prima vista questa ragazza così schietta dai capelli rosso fuoco, che ama la sua famiglia nonostante loro l'abbiano allontanata e considerata fonte di imbarazzo, che aiuta premurosamente le sue amiche anche quando è lei stessa ad aver bisogno d'aiuto e che cerca disperatamente di essere come tutte le altre pur con scarsi risultati XD Inutile dire che il nostro serioso e annoiatissimo Lawrence, Marchese di Tumberland, rimane subito colpito da questo spirito libero, anche se il loro primo incontro/scontro non è dei migliori, ed anzi è proprio a causa sua che la povera Louisa viene cacciata da casa (la classica goccia che fa traboccare il vaso!). I loro successivi incontri non sono tanto diversi, e lui si ritrova sempre più spiazzato e affascinato da quella ragazza che si cala dalle finestre e balla da sola in camicia da notte, fino a cercarla, desiderarla e, infine, ammettere con sé stesso di non poter fare a meno di lei! Alla loro bellissima storia d'amore fanno sfondo un paio di personaggi secondari degni di nota, a cominciare dall'amico di Lawrence, Gregory, sempre pronto a fare da spalla e rallegrare il clima con la sua ironia e il buon umore; e anche la sorella di Louisa, Margaret, che inizialmente sembrava rigida e fredda come i genitori ma alla fine mi ha sorpresa svelando un lato molto umano e un certo affetto per quella sorellina così vivace. Ora sono davvero curiosa di sapere cosa ci riserverà la Dallen per l'apparentemente altezzosa Delilah, che sotto il suo carattere freddo sembra nascondere molto di più!
Per qualche bizzarra ragione, si era convinto che lui – e lui soltanto – potesse cogliere in lei la sua unicità. Il comportamento eccentrico di quella fanciulla, il suo senso dell’umorismo, quelle deliziose lentiggini, quella capigliatura insubordinata malamente avvinta dalle forcine...
Di nuovo avvertì dentro di sé quell’impulso animalesco e primordiale di possedere quei capelli. Di possedere ogni centimetro di Louisa.
Perché loro due erano fatti per stare insieme. Quello era poco, ma sicuro.
Si voltò verso Gregory, e come d’incanto si dimenticò dell’angustia che aveva provato per la mancanza di uno scopo e di una libera scelta nella sua vita.
La carriera militare avrebbe anche potuto dare al suo amico Gregory la soddisfazione e la libertà che anelava, ma per quanto riguardava lui...
Sorrise in direzione della famiglia del visconte, augurandosi che lei, prima o poi, si voltasse a guardarlo.
Lawrence era sicuro che avrebbe potuto trovare tutta la libertà che egli stesso bramava in quella donna. Voleva prendersi cura di lei, cercare di tenerla fuori dai pasticci, ma senza castrare la sua personalità, e senza che altri osassero imbrigliarla o provassero anche solo a smorzare la sua scintillante vitalità.
Miss Louisa Purchase era diventata il nuovo scopo della vita del marchese di Tumberland."
"Quella fanciulla non era solo bellissima. Il suo volto era costantemente plasmato dagli stati d’animo che provava sul momento, e non ci si sarebbe mai stancati di studiare le sue espressioni e le sue lentiggini. Col suo sorriso avrebbe sciolto il più glaciale degli interlocutori. Aveva qualcosa di completamente diverso dalle altre. Carina ed attraente erano mere etichette, insufficienti a descrivere la magia che diffondeva in una stanza, quando vi faceva il suo ingresso.
Per la prima volta da quando era arrivato, il naufrago Lawrence riuscì ad emergere dalle acque e a fare un respiro profondo.
Lei era la sua personale dose di ossigeno."
Leggermente inferiore al primo della serie, questo secondo volume rimane comunque una lettura bellissima, ricca di romanticismo e divertimento, che vi farà rimpiangere le sue poche pagine *ç* Louisa è senza dubbio la ragazza più vivace tra le allieve della "Scuola di Charme" e in realtà è finità lì proprio a causa della sua attitudine alla spontaneità: il ton e la sua famiglia non amano certo le ragazze sincere e dalla lingua lunga, fin troppo inclini a brutte figure e momenti a dir poco imbarazzanti. Non si può che amare a prima vista questa ragazza così schietta dai capelli rosso fuoco, che ama la sua famiglia nonostante loro l'abbiano allontanata e considerata fonte di imbarazzo, che aiuta premurosamente le sue amiche anche quando è lei stessa ad aver bisogno d'aiuto e che cerca disperatamente di essere come tutte le altre pur con scarsi risultati XD Inutile dire che il nostro serioso e annoiatissimo Lawrence, Marchese di Tumberland, rimane subito colpito da questo spirito libero, anche se il loro primo incontro/scontro non è dei migliori, ed anzi è proprio a causa sua che la povera Louisa viene cacciata da casa (la classica goccia che fa traboccare il vaso!). I loro successivi incontri non sono tanto diversi, e lui si ritrova sempre più spiazzato e affascinato da quella ragazza che si cala dalle finestre e balla da sola in camicia da notte, fino a cercarla, desiderarla e, infine, ammettere con sé stesso di non poter fare a meno di lei! Alla loro bellissima storia d'amore fanno sfondo un paio di personaggi secondari degni di nota, a cominciare dall'amico di Lawrence, Gregory, sempre pronto a fare da spalla e rallegrare il clima con la sua ironia e il buon umore; e anche la sorella di Louisa, Margaret, che inizialmente sembrava rigida e fredda come i genitori ma alla fine mi ha sorpresa svelando un lato molto umano e un certo affetto per quella sorellina così vivace. Ora sono davvero curiosa di sapere cosa ci riserverà la Dallen per l'apparentemente altezzosa Delilah, che sotto il suo carattere freddo sembra nascondere molto di più!
Per qualche bizzarra ragione, si era convinto che lui – e lui soltanto – potesse cogliere in lei la sua unicità. Il comportamento eccentrico di quella fanciulla, il suo senso dell’umorismo, quelle deliziose lentiggini, quella capigliatura insubordinata malamente avvinta dalle forcine...
Di nuovo avvertì dentro di sé quell’impulso animalesco e primordiale di possedere quei capelli. Di possedere ogni centimetro di Louisa.
Perché loro due erano fatti per stare insieme. Quello era poco, ma sicuro.
Si voltò verso Gregory, e come d’incanto si dimenticò dell’angustia che aveva provato per la mancanza di uno scopo e di una libera scelta nella sua vita.
La carriera militare avrebbe anche potuto dare al suo amico Gregory la soddisfazione e la libertà che anelava, ma per quanto riguardava lui...
Sorrise in direzione della famiglia del visconte, augurandosi che lei, prima o poi, si voltasse a guardarlo.
Lawrence era sicuro che avrebbe potuto trovare tutta la libertà che egli stesso bramava in quella donna. Voleva prendersi cura di lei, cercare di tenerla fuori dai pasticci, ma senza castrare la sua personalità, e senza che altri osassero imbrigliarla o provassero anche solo a smorzare la sua scintillante vitalità.
Miss Louisa Purchase era diventata il nuovo scopo della vita del marchese di Tumberland."
August 22, 2021
Love this read!!
From the start I knew I was going to love this Regency Romance story. The main Character is such a fun loving, full of life cheeky, clever, quirky, fun, free spirited, charming young lady who gets herself in many debacles, not intentional of course. I enjoy the amusing flirtatious conversation between Louisa and Lawrence. He's so amused and charmed by her from the first time they met ( Meet Cute) and entertained by her many accidental habits that he started to develop some interest in her ..wanting more. She was not like the others ...she's a quirky lively lady. Her curiosity and her ability to openly express her real thoughts causes many misunderstandings and mischievous misadventures. All these kept Lawrence's fascination towards her intact.
The opposite attraction is true in this storyline.
There were many sweet heart melting moments between the characters. The way Lawrence expressed his feelings for her was so heartwarming made me feel all giddy and happy and excited for what's to come. Their story was a true love at first sight story. I love the way Lawrence already protected Louisa from getting hurt from the beginning. Her parents were a disappointment, well I guess it's typical for Regency parents. There are also tons of hilarious moments that made me LOL. The ending will leave you all swoony inside. Must read book!!
From the start I knew I was going to love this Regency Romance story. The main Character is such a fun loving, full of life cheeky, clever, quirky, fun, free spirited, charming young lady who gets herself in many debacles, not intentional of course. I enjoy the amusing flirtatious conversation between Louisa and Lawrence. He's so amused and charmed by her from the first time they met ( Meet Cute) and entertained by her many accidental habits that he started to develop some interest in her ..wanting more. She was not like the others ...she's a quirky lively lady. Her curiosity and her ability to openly express her real thoughts causes many misunderstandings and mischievous misadventures. All these kept Lawrence's fascination towards her intact.
The opposite attraction is true in this storyline.
There were many sweet heart melting moments between the characters. The way Lawrence expressed his feelings for her was so heartwarming made me feel all giddy and happy and excited for what's to come. Their story was a true love at first sight story. I love the way Lawrence already protected Louisa from getting hurt from the beginning. Her parents were a disappointment, well I guess it's typical for Regency parents. There are also tons of hilarious moments that made me LOL. The ending will leave you all swoony inside. Must read book!!
April 6, 2020
Miss Louisa cannot seem to help herself. Even when trying to keep a low profile, trouble still finds her. Of course, she was obeying the letter of the law when she went down to the ballroom to dance in the early hours of the morning, but she did not ask for her parents' esteemed visitor to mistake her for a child and thinking he was doing a kindly deed, to start dancing with her. As Louisa's woes are multiplied, so does Lord Tumberland's interest in her grow. She is a breath of fresh air, guileless, spontaneous and, Oh! so frustrating! There is an underlying tension in this novel as Louisa's family battle to find a solution to their woes. Their desperation makes them seem harsh and uncaring and Louisa is on the receiving end of their wrath. However, she does have friends that believe in her and to some extent, they take the sting out of the barbs that lodge in her heart. This novel is romantic and witty with a delightful heroine and a hero to make one sigh with pleasure. The story is part of a series and although characters from the first book appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a delightfully happy close. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 15, 2020
4.25 Stars
He mistook her for a child. She thought he was a ghost. It was all just a series of misunderstandings, really. It wasn't as though Miss Louisa ever intentionally sought out trouble. How was she to know that the Marquis who everyone hoped would propose to her elder sister would happen upon her in a ballroom, dancing alone in the middle of the night? They'd narrowly averted a scandal on that one. Or that time he'd caught her tumbling out a window... No one could have seen that coming.
Really, when her family shipped her off to the School of Charm to keep her from causing any more damage to her perfect sister's reputation, Louisa had done her very best to avoid attention.
A fun entertaining read, which had me laughing out loud, it really lifted my mood & was pure escapism for a few hours. I loved Louisa who was a breath of fresh air & how she brought Lawrence alive. It was lovely seeing how hard & fast the upright Lawrence fell for Louisa. A well written read with strong characters, I thoroughly disliked Louisa’s parents who didn’t value her at all. There’s the ongoing investigation into the villain which isn't resolved but evidence is building!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
He mistook her for a child. She thought he was a ghost. It was all just a series of misunderstandings, really. It wasn't as though Miss Louisa ever intentionally sought out trouble. How was she to know that the Marquis who everyone hoped would propose to her elder sister would happen upon her in a ballroom, dancing alone in the middle of the night? They'd narrowly averted a scandal on that one. Or that time he'd caught her tumbling out a window... No one could have seen that coming.
Really, when her family shipped her off to the School of Charm to keep her from causing any more damage to her perfect sister's reputation, Louisa had done her very best to avoid attention.
A fun entertaining read, which had me laughing out loud, it really lifted my mood & was pure escapism for a few hours. I loved Louisa who was a breath of fresh air & how she brought Lawrence alive. It was lovely seeing how hard & fast the upright Lawrence fell for Louisa. A well written read with strong characters, I thoroughly disliked Louisa’s parents who didn’t value her at all. There’s the ongoing investigation into the villain which isn't resolved but evidence is building!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 26, 2020
Louisa Purchase was a fun character. Full of life, curiosity, with a little thirst for adventure. She was also always saying or doing the wrong things around her family and casting a bad light on her older sister according to her parents. Off the ship her to the School of Charm.
While still at home she had met the Lawrence Rivulet the Marquess of Tumberland while she is dancing in her nightgown in the ballroom thinking all have gone to bed. She was restless and he was on his way to his room when he saw her dancing and thought she was a child. He comes up behind her and means to make her dance fun but gets a surprise when he takes hold of her from behind. She had been dreaming of a pirate whose picture is in her home. They are caught in the ballroom by her father and some others but manage to get out of a compromising situation. Her parents are hoping Lawerence will ask for her sister's hand in marriage. There is a money situation that makes is imperative her sister marries well.
Lots of funny and interesting situations occur as well as a run in with a villain before we get our happy ending for two people who belong together.
While still at home she had met the Lawrence Rivulet the Marquess of Tumberland while she is dancing in her nightgown in the ballroom thinking all have gone to bed. She was restless and he was on his way to his room when he saw her dancing and thought she was a child. He comes up behind her and means to make her dance fun but gets a surprise when he takes hold of her from behind. She had been dreaming of a pirate whose picture is in her home. They are caught in the ballroom by her father and some others but manage to get out of a compromising situation. Her parents are hoping Lawerence will ask for her sister's hand in marriage. There is a money situation that makes is imperative her sister marries well.
Lots of funny and interesting situations occur as well as a run in with a villain before we get our happy ending for two people who belong together.
May 10, 2025
The School of Charm series by Maggie Dallen is a sweet and satisfying collection of quick reads that are perfect for young readers starting to explore romance. Each story features lovable, relatable characters and follows a light, predictable arc—but in a way that feels cozy and comforting rather than stale.
What I appreciate most is how age-appropriate the content is. There's nothing more than kissing, and the relationships are respectful, kind, and rooted in good friendships. As a parent of tweens just beginning to show interest in romance books, this series has been a fantastic find. The stories provide just enough emotional depth and romantic spark without diving into territory they’re not quite ready for.
I’m giving the series 4 stars—not because anything was lacking, but simply because I usually reserve 5 stars for books I want to reread or that truly wow me. These are quick, sweet reads that I highly recommend—especially if, like me, you started with more intense romance novels at a young age (Flowers in the Attic, anyone?) and are looking for something gentler for your own kids.
What I appreciate most is how age-appropriate the content is. There's nothing more than kissing, and the relationships are respectful, kind, and rooted in good friendships. As a parent of tweens just beginning to show interest in romance books, this series has been a fantastic find. The stories provide just enough emotional depth and romantic spark without diving into territory they’re not quite ready for.
I’m giving the series 4 stars—not because anything was lacking, but simply because I usually reserve 5 stars for books I want to reread or that truly wow me. These are quick, sweet reads that I highly recommend—especially if, like me, you started with more intense romance novels at a young age (Flowers in the Attic, anyone?) and are looking for something gentler for your own kids.
September 27, 2024
Girl acts rashly and does embarrassing things as a result, like sneaking down to a ballroom at night in just her nightgown assuming all the house guests are asleep, are listening at a window to someone she believes is dangerous. Lawrence falls in love with her kind of at first sight. Her beauty and vivacious personality fill the void that has crept into his life. Her family is super mean to her and makes her feel like a social outcast. She needs constant reassurance from Lawrence that he likes her and not her sister. Eventually he tells her father and they get engaged.
Liked: looks like the character development is happening in each book of the series, but that makes for a lot of bland characters while you wait to read the other books. I don’t know that I can handle another one.
Disliked: it reminds me of a soap opera where you will have read 50 pages and realize the plot hasn’t advanced at all. They beat around the bush so much when talking to each other it is annoying.
Liked: looks like the character development is happening in each book of the series, but that makes for a lot of bland characters while you wait to read the other books. I don’t know that I can handle another one.
Disliked: it reminds me of a soap opera where you will have read 50 pages and realize the plot hasn’t advanced at all. They beat around the bush so much when talking to each other it is annoying.
August 9, 2020
Another Enjoyable Story
The second book in this new series and what a gem. The cover of the book is striking, and the story well written.
This is the story of Louisa Purchase and Lawrence, Marquess of Tumderland, what a sweetie Louisa is, because she is felt to be an embarrassment by her parents, and to some extent her placid sister, she has been shipped off to the 'Charm School' She is vivacious, and full of life and as a consequence things happen to her that shouldn't, but she wouldn't hurt a soul and fortunately the one person she thought might look down on her, Lord Tumberland is the one person who sees her for who and what she is, and allows her to be just so. It was nice to see Lord Tolston's cousin Gregory, who is a charmer in his own right. The story was entertaining and a joy to read. I'm pleased that a Happy Ending was achieved.
I would thoroughly recommend the book and look forward to reading Delilah's story.
The second book in this new series and what a gem. The cover of the book is striking, and the story well written.
This is the story of Louisa Purchase and Lawrence, Marquess of Tumderland, what a sweetie Louisa is, because she is felt to be an embarrassment by her parents, and to some extent her placid sister, she has been shipped off to the 'Charm School' She is vivacious, and full of life and as a consequence things happen to her that shouldn't, but she wouldn't hurt a soul and fortunately the one person she thought might look down on her, Lord Tumberland is the one person who sees her for who and what she is, and allows her to be just so. It was nice to see Lord Tolston's cousin Gregory, who is a charmer in his own right. The story was entertaining and a joy to read. I'm pleased that a Happy Ending was achieved.
I would thoroughly recommend the book and look forward to reading Delilah's story.
May 23, 2024
This author is good at creating enjoyable characters, and story lines. But she focuses on the MCs and is too short and concise. She gives little details about side characters and there are little details and moments that she skips writing and just has a time jump to the meat of the story. It’s very frustrating to me because I do enjoy the story lines and characters but I feel like I’m missing so much. People who read for pleasure usually want to escape to another time and place and immerse themselves into the story but that is next to impossible to do with this writer because there is so much unseen and untold.
Because there was so much missing from this book it made the relationship to insta love. It made the familial characters seem stupid and needlessly cruel and it made the development of the bad guy questionable since you don’t know why or how much danger the heroine and her family are in.
Because there was so much missing from this book it made the relationship to insta love. It made the familial characters seem stupid and needlessly cruel and it made the development of the bad guy questionable since you don’t know why or how much danger the heroine and her family are in.
September 28, 2025
[4.5 stars]
This is a goofy and fun novella. There’s a bit of insta-love but not in a corny, eye-rolling sort of way, more just fitting the length of the story and the limited opportunity for additional interactions.
Louisa is a surprisingly well developed character. She curious, vivacious, and shockingly impulsive. The way the author leads us through her thought processes is quite hilarious, along with her regular (and consistently failing) resolutions to behave a proper young lady. Her character is consistent throughout the story, making her eccentric yet believable… and thoroughly entertaining.
Perfect for those looking for a light and fun afternoon escape.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.
This is a goofy and fun novella. There’s a bit of insta-love but not in a corny, eye-rolling sort of way, more just fitting the length of the story and the limited opportunity for additional interactions.
Louisa is a surprisingly well developed character. She curious, vivacious, and shockingly impulsive. The way the author leads us through her thought processes is quite hilarious, along with her regular (and consistently failing) resolutions to behave a proper young lady. Her character is consistent throughout the story, making her eccentric yet believable… and thoroughly entertaining.
Perfect for those looking for a light and fun afternoon escape.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.
April 15, 2020
Loved this book! While I loved the first book in this series this one is my favorite. Poor Louisa seems to always find herself in trouble no matter how hard she tried but when she’s caught dancing in the dark with a stranger it’s the last straw even though she thought he was a ghost. Months later Lord Tumberland is still thinking of the fairy like Louisa but there’s just one problem he’s meant to marry her sister and save their family from ruin. Lord Tumberland is bored with his life but the spark Louisa brings to his life is like nothing before and she’s just what he needs. Louisa is just perfect for Lawrence with her quirky and spontaneous personality. Absolutely loved this sweet and fun read can’t wait for the next one.
Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book
Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book
April 18, 2020
Another one of Maggie's humourous stories with a plot full of danger and trouble with a capital T. Miss Louisa is so known for the inappropriate but thoroughly innocent trouble she causes she is sent off to a Charm School so as not to distract from her family's attempt to attract their neighbor to court her perfect sister so the Marquess Tumberland can save them from financial disaster. It turns out Lawrence is in need of being saved himself from a life of drudgery and boring responsibilities. He falls in love at first sight of a young girl dancing in a dark ballroom-in her nightrail with flaming red hair braided down her back. Subsequent meetings produce likewise surprisingly inappropriate but intriguingly funny results eventually leading to a HEA
October 27, 2024
Simply perfect just a bit too short
Louisa and Lawrence story was simply beautiful. I love books where we hear it from both sides and these two were just perfect for each other!
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that at 135 (really 127) pages long it was simply not long enough!
Some reviewers may scoff at how sweet these stories are but for unfortunate people like me who never experienced young love it's the tonic I need and a gap that is filled!
This is the third book I've read of the charm series and I have yet to be disappointed. The stories are similar of course but the author manages to give them all a distinct storyline!
I return to Maggie work time and time again as I know I will be satisfied!
Louisa and Lawrence story was simply beautiful. I love books where we hear it from both sides and these two were just perfect for each other!
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that at 135 (really 127) pages long it was simply not long enough!
Some reviewers may scoff at how sweet these stories are but for unfortunate people like me who never experienced young love it's the tonic I need and a gap that is filled!
This is the third book I've read of the charm series and I have yet to be disappointed. The stories are similar of course but the author manages to give them all a distinct storyline!
I return to Maggie work time and time again as I know I will be satisfied!
January 31, 2022
Maybe 3.5.
Sweet characters in a delightful romance. I was beginning to get a tad miffed at how little Louisa thought of herself, but I guess that was all her parents’ doing, at putting elder sister Margaret on a pedestal and not sparing much of their attention for Louisa. How the consequences of Louisa’s “foibles” were magnified in their eyes and justified they’re trying to keep her hidden from polite society. 🥺
Lawrence saw her appears, though ... and more importantly, went a long way to helping Louisa realize her self-worth.
I wish them happy.
“Lord Evil” is the protagonist in the next book?! 😮
Sweet characters in a delightful romance. I was beginning to get a tad miffed at how little Louisa thought of herself, but I guess that was all her parents’ doing, at putting elder sister Margaret on a pedestal and not sparing much of their attention for Louisa. How the consequences of Louisa’s “foibles” were magnified in their eyes and justified they’re trying to keep her hidden from polite society. 🥺
Lawrence saw her appears, though ... and more importantly, went a long way to helping Louisa realize her self-worth.
I wish them happy.
“Lord Evil” is the protagonist in the next book?! 😮
April 12, 2020
Heartwarming, sweet, humourous, romantic, loving, sad, with an added dash of suspense. This book made my heart warm and brought joy to my day in the sad times we are going through. I loved this book and only put it down once to care for the family. Did I say I loved it? It is one of the best I have read for a while. There was no sex in this book, it is just pure sweetness and happiness. Miss Dallen outdid herself in this one. So looking forward to the next joyful read. I received this book as an ARC and freely give my review.
September 21, 2020
Sweet, quirky, funny and totally charming
I was laughed on almost every page. Luisa is adventurous and genuine, and a fount of unusual, inspired ideas that she acts on with gusto. Lawrence is serious, responsible and bored with his life. Their first meetings are improbable ocurrences that include unexpectedly honest conversations. Their interactions sparkle with suspense and humor. Misinterpretations and surprises abound in this charming, humorous romance. You'll read with a smile on your face to the very end. Don't miss this little gem.
I was laughed on almost every page. Luisa is adventurous and genuine, and a fount of unusual, inspired ideas that she acts on with gusto. Lawrence is serious, responsible and bored with his life. Their first meetings are improbable ocurrences that include unexpectedly honest conversations. Their interactions sparkle with suspense and humor. Misinterpretations and surprises abound in this charming, humorous romance. You'll read with a smile on your face to the very end. Don't miss this little gem.
November 5, 2021
I greatly enjoyed Louisa's story
Louisa is the Heroin of my heart. She is Brave, kind hearted and spirited in a hear warming way.. As Lawrence saw her *she is a breath of fresh air in the stuffy Ton*
I loved her and my heart went out for her every time during a family gathering and I could only love Lawrence more for seeing the Diamond hidden beneath all that and going for it regardless of what is expected..
I wish this book was longer I was really sad to close the last page.. I wanted more time with it..
The Fuzzy feeling in my heart with their HEA is undescribable...
I am in Love 😍
Louisa is the Heroin of my heart. She is Brave, kind hearted and spirited in a hear warming way.. As Lawrence saw her *she is a breath of fresh air in the stuffy Ton*
I loved her and my heart went out for her every time during a family gathering and I could only love Lawrence more for seeing the Diamond hidden beneath all that and going for it regardless of what is expected..
I wish this book was longer I was really sad to close the last page.. I wanted more time with it..
The Fuzzy feeling in my heart with their HEA is undescribable...
I am in Love 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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