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From Cinderella to Countess
From Cinderella in the shadows...to countess in the spotlight?
Lady’s companion Eleanor Mitcham longs to escape her unhappy life. Having been told she’s too lowly to speak to Lord Lavenham, Eleanor defiantly accepts his challenge to teach her employer a lesson — by marrying him! He is an eligible earl after all. However, his determinedly cynical view of marriage makes her dissolve their convenient betrothal and flee, leaving the drama of the household behind…and Lord Lavenham hot on her heels!
Mills & Boon Historical — Your romantic escape to the past.
Lady’s companion Eleanor Mitcham longs to escape her unhappy life. Having been told she’s too lowly to speak to Lord Lavenham, Eleanor defiantly accepts his challenge to teach her employer a lesson — by marrying him! He is an eligible earl after all. However, his determinedly cynical view of marriage makes her dissolve their convenient betrothal and flee, leaving the drama of the household behind…and Lord Lavenham hot on her heels!
Mills & Boon Historical — Your romantic escape to the past.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
35 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books310 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 25, 2021
Overall: 2.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 0
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 0
Humor: Just a bit
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Basic plot
Eleanor is a lady’s companion and has been quite in love with her employer’s nephew, Peter. He makes her days wonderful when he visits, makes her laugh and look forward to time spent with him. Sadly for her, her employer gives her strict orders before he next arrives – not to talk to him or even be in the same room. Peter realizes he’s missing her presences and ends up proposing a marriage of convenience as a form of revenge on his aunt, as well as completing his duty to society by securing a wife. Unfortunately his proposal is so lacking, it makes Eleanor run away that night.
Give this a try if you want:
- low steam – there are a few kisses and zero sex in this story
- enemies to lovers – they begin as friends, but fairly early in the story their relationship undergoes what the hero considers a betrayal and it’s enemies for much of the book
- jerk heroes – I found this one to be a bit of a doozy, so you’ll have to be tolerant of that
- secret identity – heroine pretends to be someone else for much of the book
- unrequited love – heroine was quite enamored with the hero from working with his aunt as a paid companion
My thoughts:
Sadly this book was a bit rough for me! I really struggled with liking the hero, even by the end of the book. And this left me without the feeling that the heroine would be happy with him and they would get a true happily ever after.
Eleanor I had a few issues with, but as I got to know her more, I understood her lack of choices. With no where to go, it was quite unwise for her to just run away in the beginning of the story – she’s quite lucky anyone picked her up at all and the plot progressed the way it did. Almost a bit too much to believe (but much of what the duchess was involved in felt that way for me). The thing with Eleanor though, was that I still had sympathy for her. She was so limited. Her employer seemed quite intolerant, unpleasant and unlikable. She didn’t have family she could rely on. The family we do meet towards the end of the book shows how slim her choices are. I just felt so bad for her this whole story. She had such a lack of choice, freedom or security and was taken advantage of by basically everyone in the story I felt like.
Peter just left so much to be desired from me. I can definitely take a jerk hero. And he pulls some lines out in the beginning that just make him so unlikable – I expected him to make up for this in the following pages, at least by the end! But I found much of the story him continuing to be like this and act like a victim here. Basically his ego was hurt and it felt to me he wanted revenge on the heroine the whole book for daring to say no to his horrendous proposal.
I didn’t mind the pacing too much – though I definitely prefer more page time of the hero and heroine together. There was a lot of time of the heroine adjusting to life with the duchess after she escapes her employment.
I also just didn’t feel the story wrapped up nicely. I just was left unhappy I guess?
Some quotes from the book to express my dislike (spoilers)
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 0
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 0
Humor: Just a bit
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Basic plot
Eleanor is a lady’s companion and has been quite in love with her employer’s nephew, Peter. He makes her days wonderful when he visits, makes her laugh and look forward to time spent with him. Sadly for her, her employer gives her strict orders before he next arrives – not to talk to him or even be in the same room. Peter realizes he’s missing her presences and ends up proposing a marriage of convenience as a form of revenge on his aunt, as well as completing his duty to society by securing a wife. Unfortunately his proposal is so lacking, it makes Eleanor run away that night.
Give this a try if you want:
- low steam – there are a few kisses and zero sex in this story
- enemies to lovers – they begin as friends, but fairly early in the story their relationship undergoes what the hero considers a betrayal and it’s enemies for much of the book
- jerk heroes – I found this one to be a bit of a doozy, so you’ll have to be tolerant of that
- secret identity – heroine pretends to be someone else for much of the book
- unrequited love – heroine was quite enamored with the hero from working with his aunt as a paid companion
My thoughts:
Sadly this book was a bit rough for me! I really struggled with liking the hero, even by the end of the book. And this left me without the feeling that the heroine would be happy with him and they would get a true happily ever after.
Eleanor I had a few issues with, but as I got to know her more, I understood her lack of choices. With no where to go, it was quite unwise for her to just run away in the beginning of the story – she’s quite lucky anyone picked her up at all and the plot progressed the way it did. Almost a bit too much to believe (but much of what the duchess was involved in felt that way for me). The thing with Eleanor though, was that I still had sympathy for her. She was so limited. Her employer seemed quite intolerant, unpleasant and unlikable. She didn’t have family she could rely on. The family we do meet towards the end of the book shows how slim her choices are. I just felt so bad for her this whole story. She had such a lack of choice, freedom or security and was taken advantage of by basically everyone in the story I felt like.
Peter just left so much to be desired from me. I can definitely take a jerk hero. And he pulls some lines out in the beginning that just make him so unlikable – I expected him to make up for this in the following pages, at least by the end! But I found much of the story him continuing to be like this and act like a victim here. Basically his ego was hurt and it felt to me he wanted revenge on the heroine the whole book for daring to say no to his horrendous proposal.
I didn’t mind the pacing too much – though I definitely prefer more page time of the hero and heroine together. There was a lot of time of the heroine adjusting to life with the duchess after she escapes her employment.
I also just didn’t feel the story wrapped up nicely. I just was left unhappy I guess?
Some quotes from the book to express my dislike (spoilers)
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
May 26, 2020
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 5/28/20
Number of Pages: 368
*** Maybe 3.5 Stars ***
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I thought the writing style was good, but the pacing seemed a little slow, the scene transitions sometimes seemed a little abrupt and it felt a bit - unfinished. I had a hard time coming to like Eleanor – it wasn’t that I disliked her – it was more that I didn’t come to care about her. I found her to be flighty, gullible, judgmental and constantly jumping to the wrong conclusions – especially about Peter. Peter wasn’t my favorite hero either, but I think the story gave me a better understanding of him than it did of Eleanor.
Both of Eleanor Mitcham’s parents were scholars who were wrapped up in each other and their scholarly work. Eleanor was always an afterthought with them. When they died, she wasn’t even an afterthought – she was left totally destitute. Rather than living with relatives, she decided to seek out a position as a paid companion. Unfortunately, the woman who employed her was a spiteful, vindictive, mean-spirited old woman who didn’t appreciate anyone or anything. One of the few bright spots in Eleanor’s employment was when her employer’s nephew came to visit. He was intelligent and made her laugh. Even though she never considered there could be anything between them, she still enjoyed his visits – until her employer accused her of ‘setting her cap’ for him and forbid her from speaking to or even being in the same room as him during his visit.
Peter, Earl of Lavenham, grew up in an unhappy household. His parents constantly used him as a pawn and he soon understood that marriage was not a good or happy thing. It was definitely something that would never happen to him – he’d never marry. Until… he went on a visit to his aunt and found that she’d forbidden Eleanor from having any interaction with him at all. How dare she! What was his solution? He immediately proposed to Eleanor. Because of his pride, he botched the proposal horribly by making it sound temporary and businesslike. He was astounded when she very firmly declined his offer.
Eleanor fled her employer’s home that very night – out into the cold and fog – and the misadventures begin. You have manipulative duchesses, pretend princesses, fake major domo’s, relatives who are users, and a very concerned earl. I began to wonder if they’d ever get their act together and then – wham – it was over. I would have preferred to see a little less time with the duchess and a good bit more time at the end. I felt a bit as if I’d been left hanging. I’d have liked to see the wedding and maybe an epilogue showing that he really could be happily married to one woman.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 5/28/20
Number of Pages: 368
*** Maybe 3.5 Stars ***
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I thought the writing style was good, but the pacing seemed a little slow, the scene transitions sometimes seemed a little abrupt and it felt a bit - unfinished. I had a hard time coming to like Eleanor – it wasn’t that I disliked her – it was more that I didn’t come to care about her. I found her to be flighty, gullible, judgmental and constantly jumping to the wrong conclusions – especially about Peter. Peter wasn’t my favorite hero either, but I think the story gave me a better understanding of him than it did of Eleanor.
Both of Eleanor Mitcham’s parents were scholars who were wrapped up in each other and their scholarly work. Eleanor was always an afterthought with them. When they died, she wasn’t even an afterthought – she was left totally destitute. Rather than living with relatives, she decided to seek out a position as a paid companion. Unfortunately, the woman who employed her was a spiteful, vindictive, mean-spirited old woman who didn’t appreciate anyone or anything. One of the few bright spots in Eleanor’s employment was when her employer’s nephew came to visit. He was intelligent and made her laugh. Even though she never considered there could be anything between them, she still enjoyed his visits – until her employer accused her of ‘setting her cap’ for him and forbid her from speaking to or even being in the same room as him during his visit.
Peter, Earl of Lavenham, grew up in an unhappy household. His parents constantly used him as a pawn and he soon understood that marriage was not a good or happy thing. It was definitely something that would never happen to him – he’d never marry. Until… he went on a visit to his aunt and found that she’d forbidden Eleanor from having any interaction with him at all. How dare she! What was his solution? He immediately proposed to Eleanor. Because of his pride, he botched the proposal horribly by making it sound temporary and businesslike. He was astounded when she very firmly declined his offer.
Eleanor fled her employer’s home that very night – out into the cold and fog – and the misadventures begin. You have manipulative duchesses, pretend princesses, fake major domo’s, relatives who are users, and a very concerned earl. I began to wonder if they’d ever get their act together and then – wham – it was over. I would have preferred to see a little less time with the duchess and a good bit more time at the end. I felt a bit as if I’d been left hanging. I’d have liked to see the wedding and maybe an epilogue showing that he really could be happily married to one woman.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2020
An enjoyable enough read, but I wish the hero and heroine had spent more time together. It felt like a lot of the relationship happened before the story started and it seemed more like a short story to me.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is a book in the Harlequin Historical line by Annie Burrows.
I thought this was a good story and I really enjoyed it but it felt like it took the long way home as far as the plot went. Some of the sections were longer than I wanted them to be. The wrap up near the end where the couple finally got together were rather agonizing moments as we pondered their ultimate fate.
I wish Eleanor had been able to find a way to open her uncle’s eyes to see what it really means to take care of his family. The fact that he was a pastor and was clueless was not lost on me.
The whole sections with the Duchess were indeed odd but interesing. A bit long winded for my taste but nice. I was hoping that when the Duke finally appeared there would be more drama around him. But he was rather strangely silent. I wanted the author to dig into his character more. Maybe there is a future book awaiting him. Seems like a great candidate.
Overall, the story was pleasing. It did tend to go round and round so much it made me dizzy with relief when it was finally over. I think an epilogue would have been a nice touch here so we could see where their relationship would go a bit into the future.
If you want to read a good historical romance, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is a book in the Harlequin Historical line by Annie Burrows.
I thought this was a good story and I really enjoyed it but it felt like it took the long way home as far as the plot went. Some of the sections were longer than I wanted them to be. The wrap up near the end where the couple finally got together were rather agonizing moments as we pondered their ultimate fate.
I wish Eleanor had been able to find a way to open her uncle’s eyes to see what it really means to take care of his family. The fact that he was a pastor and was clueless was not lost on me.
The whole sections with the Duchess were indeed odd but interesing. A bit long winded for my taste but nice. I was hoping that when the Duke finally appeared there would be more drama around him. But he was rather strangely silent. I wanted the author to dig into his character more. Maybe there is a future book awaiting him. Seems like a great candidate.
Overall, the story was pleasing. It did tend to go round and round so much it made me dizzy with relief when it was finally over. I think an epilogue would have been a nice touch here so we could see where their relationship would go a bit into the future.
If you want to read a good historical romance, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
May 26, 2020
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 5/28/20
Number of Pages: 368
*** Maybe 3.5 Stars ***
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I thought the writing style was good, but the pacing seemed a little slow, the scene transitions sometimes seemed a little abrupt and it felt a bit - unfinished. I had a hard time coming to like Eleanor – it wasn’t that I disliked her – it was more that I didn’t come to care about her. I found her to be flighty, gullible, judgmental and constantly jumping to the wrong conclusions – especially about Peter. Peter wasn’t my favorite hero either, but I think the story gave me a better understanding of him than it did of Eleanor.
Both of Eleanor Mitcham’s parents were scholars who were wrapped up in each other and their scholarly work. Eleanor was always an afterthought with them. When they died, she wasn’t even an afterthought – she was left totally destitute. Rather than living with relatives, she decided to seek out a position as a paid companion. Unfortunately, the woman who employed her was a spiteful, vindictive, mean-spirited old woman who didn’t appreciate anyone or anything. One of the few bright spots in Eleanor’s employment was when her employer’s nephew came to visit. He was intelligent and made her laugh. Even though she never considered there could be anything between them, she still enjoyed his visits – until her employer accused her of ‘setting her cap’ for him and forbid her from speaking to or even being in the same room as him during his visit.
Peter, Earl of Lavenham, grew up in an unhappy household. His parents constantly used him as a pawn and he soon understood that marriage was not a good or happy thing. It was definitely something that would never happen to him – he’d never marry. Until… he went on a visit to his aunt and found that she’d forbidden Eleanor from having any interaction with him at all. How dare she! What was his solution? He immediately proposed to Eleanor. Because of his pride, he botched the proposal horribly by making it sound temporary and businesslike. He was astounded when she very firmly declined his offer.
Eleanor fled her employer’s home that very night – out into the cold and fog – and the misadventures begin. You have manipulative duchesses, pretend princesses, fake major domo’s, relatives who are users, and a very concerned earl. I began to wonder if they’d ever get their act together and then – wham – it was over. I would have preferred to see a little less time with the duchess and a good bit more time at the end. I felt a bit as if I’d been left hanging. I’d have liked to see the wedding and maybe an epilogue showing that he really could be happily married to one woman.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 5/28/20
Number of Pages: 368
*** Maybe 3.5 Stars ***
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I thought the writing style was good, but the pacing seemed a little slow, the scene transitions sometimes seemed a little abrupt and it felt a bit - unfinished. I had a hard time coming to like Eleanor – it wasn’t that I disliked her – it was more that I didn’t come to care about her. I found her to be flighty, gullible, judgmental and constantly jumping to the wrong conclusions – especially about Peter. Peter wasn’t my favorite hero either, but I think the story gave me a better understanding of him than it did of Eleanor.
Both of Eleanor Mitcham’s parents were scholars who were wrapped up in each other and their scholarly work. Eleanor was always an afterthought with them. When they died, she wasn’t even an afterthought – she was left totally destitute. Rather than living with relatives, she decided to seek out a position as a paid companion. Unfortunately, the woman who employed her was a spiteful, vindictive, mean-spirited old woman who didn’t appreciate anyone or anything. One of the few bright spots in Eleanor’s employment was when her employer’s nephew came to visit. He was intelligent and made her laugh. Even though she never considered there could be anything between them, she still enjoyed his visits – until her employer accused her of ‘setting her cap’ for him and forbid her from speaking to or even being in the same room as him during his visit.
Peter, Earl of Lavenham, grew up in an unhappy household. His parents constantly used him as a pawn and he soon understood that marriage was not a good or happy thing. It was definitely something that would never happen to him – he’d never marry. Until… he went on a visit to his aunt and found that she’d forbidden Eleanor from having any interaction with him at all. How dare she! What was his solution? He immediately proposed to Eleanor. Because of his pride, he botched the proposal horribly by making it sound temporary and businesslike. He was astounded when she very firmly declined his offer.
Eleanor fled her employer’s home that very night – out into the cold and fog – and the misadventures begin. You have manipulative duchesses, pretend princesses, fake major domo’s, relatives who are users, and a very concerned earl. I began to wonder if they’d ever get their act together and then – wham – it was over. I would have preferred to see a little less time with the duchess and a good bit more time at the end. I felt a bit as if I’d been left hanging. I’d have liked to see the wedding and maybe an epilogue showing that he really could be happily married to one woman.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 27, 2020
From Cinderella to Countess
Annie Borrows
https://www.facebook.com/AnnieBurrowsUK/
Release date 06/01/2020
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
From Cinderella in the shadows
To countess in the spotlight?
Lady’s companion Eleanor Mitcham longs to escape her unhappy life. Having been told she’s too lowly to speak to Lord Lavenham, Eleanor defiantly accepts his challenge to teach her employer a lesson—by marrying him! He is an eligible earl after all. However, his determinedly cynical view of marriage makes her dissolve their convenient betrothal and flee, leaving the drama of the household behind…and Lord Lavenham hot on her heels!
My review :
Will a country mouse make her way in London’s ton ...
I so liked the previous book by Mrs Annie Burrows, this one leaves me with mixed feelings.
First what I do not understand is the blurb, never before she felt she had to flee was she betrothed, she was proposed marriage but she refused the offer.
And it was such an awful proposal.
Then upon her escape, she sets a feet in the twilight zone with a bored aging dowager duchess more a scheming aging lady than a magical godmother.
I was unable to really care for both main characters, while he is a jaded and bitter lord, he is eventually the one achieving a complete arc, he comes from a man seing only to his own pleasure and refusing to allow any thought to feelings. To a man who weights someone’s sentiments, who cares for its security, who is moved by others’ tragedy, who is able to swallow his pride and grovel if necessary.
When Eleanor is a doormat for the whole book, letting everyone tramples her, too weak to really voice her objections, too afraid to confront the others, finally too happy to comply to others’ will if she can avoid conflict.
Even if it means engaging in a masquerade punishable under the law, because she is doll who does not know how to say no.
I do not know in fact at whom I was the more upset, she for being so feeble she is unable to decide what she really wants while all along she is telling herself lies or him for being so set on extracting revenge when he was the first cause of her flight.
Then they continue once everything had been laid down to misinterpret each one reaction to the other.
It only when she feels sorry for herself does she reconsider his proposal, that she did a mistake by rejecting his offer even if it was a sham of a marriage, his view of the ton’s unions but still.
The end resolution was a bit on the youpla-boom side.
3 up to 3.5 stars as I like the author’s writing style, it was just no a story for me.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Annie Borrows
https://www.facebook.com/AnnieBurrowsUK/
Release date 06/01/2020
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
From Cinderella in the shadows
To countess in the spotlight?
Lady’s companion Eleanor Mitcham longs to escape her unhappy life. Having been told she’s too lowly to speak to Lord Lavenham, Eleanor defiantly accepts his challenge to teach her employer a lesson—by marrying him! He is an eligible earl after all. However, his determinedly cynical view of marriage makes her dissolve their convenient betrothal and flee, leaving the drama of the household behind…and Lord Lavenham hot on her heels!
My review :
Will a country mouse make her way in London’s ton ...
I so liked the previous book by Mrs Annie Burrows, this one leaves me with mixed feelings.
First what I do not understand is the blurb, never before she felt she had to flee was she betrothed, she was proposed marriage but she refused the offer.
And it was such an awful proposal.
Then upon her escape, she sets a feet in the twilight zone with a bored aging dowager duchess more a scheming aging lady than a magical godmother.
I was unable to really care for both main characters, while he is a jaded and bitter lord, he is eventually the one achieving a complete arc, he comes from a man seing only to his own pleasure and refusing to allow any thought to feelings. To a man who weights someone’s sentiments, who cares for its security, who is moved by others’ tragedy, who is able to swallow his pride and grovel if necessary.
When Eleanor is a doormat for the whole book, letting everyone tramples her, too weak to really voice her objections, too afraid to confront the others, finally too happy to comply to others’ will if she can avoid conflict.
Even if it means engaging in a masquerade punishable under the law, because she is doll who does not know how to say no.
I do not know in fact at whom I was the more upset, she for being so feeble she is unable to decide what she really wants while all along she is telling herself lies or him for being so set on extracting revenge when he was the first cause of her flight.
Then they continue once everything had been laid down to misinterpret each one reaction to the other.
It only when she feels sorry for herself does she reconsider his proposal, that she did a mistake by rejecting his offer even if it was a sham of a marriage, his view of the ton’s unions but still.
The end resolution was a bit on the youpla-boom side.
3 up to 3.5 stars as I like the author’s writing style, it was just no a story for me.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
May 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
Lady’s companion Eleanor Mitcham longs to escape her unhappy life. Having been told she’s too lowly to speak to Peter Lord Lavenham, Eleanor defiantly accepts his challenge to teach her employer a lesson—by marrying him! He is an eligible earl after all! However, his determinedly cynical view of marriage makes her dissolve their convenient betrothal and flee leaving the drama of the household behind and Lord Lavenham hot on her heels!
A well written book that was well paced. The characters had plenty of depth & were well portrayed. I did enjoy the book but whilst I liked Peter & Eleanor I didn’t love them & felt that there wasn't much chemistry between them. Maybe because a large part of the book focused on Eleanor's time with the
Duchess rather than with Peter.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lady’s companion Eleanor Mitcham longs to escape her unhappy life. Having been told she’s too lowly to speak to Peter Lord Lavenham, Eleanor defiantly accepts his challenge to teach her employer a lesson—by marrying him! He is an eligible earl after all! However, his determinedly cynical view of marriage makes her dissolve their convenient betrothal and flee leaving the drama of the household behind and Lord Lavenham hot on her heels!
A well written book that was well paced. The characters had plenty of depth & were well portrayed. I did enjoy the book but whilst I liked Peter & Eleanor I didn’t love them & felt that there wasn't much chemistry between them. Maybe because a large part of the book focused on Eleanor's time with the
Duchess rather than with Peter.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 14, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
From Cinderella to Countess follows Eleanor Mitcham as she navigates life following her parents deaths as a Lady's companion. Firstly working for Lady Bradbury, she is treated as a skivvy and told she is far below Lady Bradbury's nephew, Lord Lavenham, and shouldn't even speak to him when he's visiting. Lavenham, on his part, is intrigued by Eleanor, and confronts her after days of avoidance, and proposes a marriage between them, to teach Lady Bradbury a lesson, and prove she can't control them. Eleanor can't believe that Lavenham has proposed, and in a way that makes it sound so mercenary, so she flees in the night, and is luckily helped by the Dowager Duchess of Theakstone. The Duchess takes Eleanor under her wing, and remakes her into a mysterious foreign noble, to hide her from Lavenham and hopefully keep her close before Eleanor travels to her uncle's. This all backfires when Lavenham sees straight through the disguise, and wants revenge for the suffering he felt when she left. As he spends more time with her, getting under her skin, he realises that she isn't the hoyden he thought she was, and is alone and doesn't feel like she deserves to be happy, and he will do anything he can to help her.
This book was enjoyable, and a quick read, but I didn't love it. I really liked Eleanor's character, and felt for her having to take paid positions when she was a gentleman's daughter who had just fallen on hard times. She doesn't deserve to be treated as a servant by all those who do, including her own family members, and because of all of that, she really felt like she deserved what she got, and didn't deserve anyone looking after her. Lavenham, who's parents marriage was horrific, had always thought negatively of the idea, but knew he would need to marry eventually, if only for the succession of his title. With Eleanor, he found someone who he could talk to, and honestly felt like could have a pleasant companionship with. The way he posed the proposal though, was definitely lacking, and he was trying to make up for it all the way through the story. The chemistry was definitely there, but I wasn't as invested in their relationship as I could've been. All in all, an enjoyable book, but something was missing.
From Cinderella to Countess follows Eleanor Mitcham as she navigates life following her parents deaths as a Lady's companion. Firstly working for Lady Bradbury, she is treated as a skivvy and told she is far below Lady Bradbury's nephew, Lord Lavenham, and shouldn't even speak to him when he's visiting. Lavenham, on his part, is intrigued by Eleanor, and confronts her after days of avoidance, and proposes a marriage between them, to teach Lady Bradbury a lesson, and prove she can't control them. Eleanor can't believe that Lavenham has proposed, and in a way that makes it sound so mercenary, so she flees in the night, and is luckily helped by the Dowager Duchess of Theakstone. The Duchess takes Eleanor under her wing, and remakes her into a mysterious foreign noble, to hide her from Lavenham and hopefully keep her close before Eleanor travels to her uncle's. This all backfires when Lavenham sees straight through the disguise, and wants revenge for the suffering he felt when she left. As he spends more time with her, getting under her skin, he realises that she isn't the hoyden he thought she was, and is alone and doesn't feel like she deserves to be happy, and he will do anything he can to help her.
This book was enjoyable, and a quick read, but I didn't love it. I really liked Eleanor's character, and felt for her having to take paid positions when she was a gentleman's daughter who had just fallen on hard times. She doesn't deserve to be treated as a servant by all those who do, including her own family members, and because of all of that, she really felt like she deserved what she got, and didn't deserve anyone looking after her. Lavenham, who's parents marriage was horrific, had always thought negatively of the idea, but knew he would need to marry eventually, if only for the succession of his title. With Eleanor, he found someone who he could talk to, and honestly felt like could have a pleasant companionship with. The way he posed the proposal though, was definitely lacking, and he was trying to make up for it all the way through the story. The chemistry was definitely there, but I wasn't as invested in their relationship as I could've been. All in all, an enjoyable book, but something was missing.
May 21, 2020
This was cute! Nothing earth shattering, but enjoyable. And thank goodness this is a fairy tale because none of it can be taken seriously. But the writing was decent, and the story progressed as expected.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2020
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
Eleanor doesn't come from a bad family but all her parents left her were books that didn't sell for much so she becomes a ladies' companion to a quite abrasive older woman whose nephew, Lord Lavenham, comes to visit sometimes, and whom she gets on much better with. So she's horrified when her mistress forbids her from interacting with him when she sees something between them, but when he finds out, Lavenham strikes out by proposing to her. Yet his practical offer of an open marriage is quite different- and insulting- to her idealistic view, making her reject him. Eleanor decides to flee but Lavenham is determined to track her down, to where she is staying with a duchess.
It sounds like the premise where a heartless man gains one, and they say he does, but I couldn't see him. I more understood what Eleanor saw in him before the proposal, certainly not afterwards when he says to be helping her but it's always so he can boost his own ego in some way. He also acts like he's tracking her down to keep her safe but he seems pretty intent to brutally murder her at times. The duchess was totally manipulative and although that made sense, not much was done with her. When I saw I had only 3% of the book left but the couple hadn't really said a nice word to each other, and that the plot was just idling around Suffolk, I knew it wouldn't be able to stick the landing.
Eleanor doesn't come from a bad family but all her parents left her were books that didn't sell for much so she becomes a ladies' companion to a quite abrasive older woman whose nephew, Lord Lavenham, comes to visit sometimes, and whom she gets on much better with. So she's horrified when her mistress forbids her from interacting with him when she sees something between them, but when he finds out, Lavenham strikes out by proposing to her. Yet his practical offer of an open marriage is quite different- and insulting- to her idealistic view, making her reject him. Eleanor decides to flee but Lavenham is determined to track her down, to where she is staying with a duchess.
It sounds like the premise where a heartless man gains one, and they say he does, but I couldn't see him. I more understood what Eleanor saw in him before the proposal, certainly not afterwards when he says to be helping her but it's always so he can boost his own ego in some way. He also acts like he's tracking her down to keep her safe but he seems pretty intent to brutally murder her at times. The duchess was totally manipulative and although that made sense, not much was done with her. When I saw I had only 3% of the book left but the couple hadn't really said a nice word to each other, and that the plot was just idling around Suffolk, I knew it wouldn't be able to stick the landing.
May 28, 2020
3.5 stars
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
While I’ve outgrown some of the tropes I used to like when I was first introduced to romance, I still love a good Cinderella story, and From Cinderella to Countess is a good one. As Burrows indicates in her introductory note, the hero is hardly a Prince Charming, but this contains the bones of why I love that trope: a heroine living in an intolerable situation finds a way out and is rewarded for the hardship she faced.
I was unsure about how to feel about the initial power imbalance between Lord Lavenham and Eleanor, and how he essentially lords over her and presses his suit, seeking vengeance when she refuses and disappears. However, I ended up finding the relationship endearing, and ultimately, I felt this was meant to be a light read not meant to be taken too seriously.
That’s further reinforced by the masquerade plot Eleanor gets involved in with her “fairy godmother,” the Duchess. It’s all rather silly, and while it feels a little drawn out, it’s pure fun in the best way.
This book is really sweet and fun. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
While I’ve outgrown some of the tropes I used to like when I was first introduced to romance, I still love a good Cinderella story, and From Cinderella to Countess is a good one. As Burrows indicates in her introductory note, the hero is hardly a Prince Charming, but this contains the bones of why I love that trope: a heroine living in an intolerable situation finds a way out and is rewarded for the hardship she faced.
I was unsure about how to feel about the initial power imbalance between Lord Lavenham and Eleanor, and how he essentially lords over her and presses his suit, seeking vengeance when she refuses and disappears. However, I ended up finding the relationship endearing, and ultimately, I felt this was meant to be a light read not meant to be taken too seriously.
That’s further reinforced by the masquerade plot Eleanor gets involved in with her “fairy godmother,” the Duchess. It’s all rather silly, and while it feels a little drawn out, it’s pure fun in the best way.
This book is really sweet and fun. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical romance.
August 15, 2020
Eleanor is a companion to Lord Lavenham’s aunt, when he visits his frankly horrible and bitter aunt, they enjoy spending time together, when his aunt lets her vicious nature loose on them both, Peter asks Eleanor to marry him, but she runs away because she doesn’t want to be a disappointment to him.
She gets swept up in the journey by the Duchess of Theakstone, who we met in The Scandal of the Season, the manipulative and strange woman, with a household of servants who are more like friends, who wants to Pass Eleanor off as a princess for her own purposes, including to stop her stepson from evicting her from his London residence.
I felt that there was a lot of time spent on the duchess and her machinations in this book, and not enough time with the main characters and their interactions for me. Eleanor and Peter had a solid connection, and I did like how we saw his feelings very clearly, and his character arc was complete, I just felt like I didn’t see enough of Eleanor.
However, Annie Burrows is an accomplished writer who I always enjoy, and this book was no exception.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
She gets swept up in the journey by the Duchess of Theakstone, who we met in The Scandal of the Season, the manipulative and strange woman, with a household of servants who are more like friends, who wants to Pass Eleanor off as a princess for her own purposes, including to stop her stepson from evicting her from his London residence.
I felt that there was a lot of time spent on the duchess and her machinations in this book, and not enough time with the main characters and their interactions for me. Eleanor and Peter had a solid connection, and I did like how we saw his feelings very clearly, and his character arc was complete, I just felt like I didn’t see enough of Eleanor.
However, Annie Burrows is an accomplished writer who I always enjoy, and this book was no exception.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
May 17, 2020
Lord Lavenham isn't interested in marriage and cultivates an image to make marriage minded mamas keep their little chicks away from him.
Eleanor Mitcham has been orphaned and works for Lord Lavenham's aunt, Lady Bradbury, an unhappy woman who spreads her discontent freely.
He enjoys interacting with the intelligent Eleanor until his aunt forbids her to be around him. She flees because she knows she is incapable of refusing him after he proposes in an unflattering fashion. In her flight she meets a duchess who takes her under her wing, and she's grateful for the aid, not knowing he's continued searching for her.
When he finds her sparks fly and they eventually become a couple, after much angst from not knowing enough about the other.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and recommend for those who love an overcoming the odds historical romance,
Eleanor Mitcham has been orphaned and works for Lord Lavenham's aunt, Lady Bradbury, an unhappy woman who spreads her discontent freely.
He enjoys interacting with the intelligent Eleanor until his aunt forbids her to be around him. She flees because she knows she is incapable of refusing him after he proposes in an unflattering fashion. In her flight she meets a duchess who takes her under her wing, and she's grateful for the aid, not knowing he's continued searching for her.
When he finds her sparks fly and they eventually become a couple, after much angst from not knowing enough about the other.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and recommend for those who love an overcoming the odds historical romance,
June 3, 2020
He's awful, she lacks gumption.
I usually enjoy Annie Burrows books, but this was was a serious miss for me.
Why? Peter is awful, he's a rake (ironically, he keeps saying he is not like his rake father, but he is EXACTLY like him). He's shallow, awful and when he proposes to Eleanor, a plain, spineless companion, he says he'll be faithful , for a month! He's spoiled and when he's asking her to marry him, purely to annoy his mother's aunt, he tells her he's spread his favors around quite freely. He's then affronted when she tells him no, so of course, he must have her then.
Eleanor is such a weak character and has no growth in the story.
She basically remains the same. Peter gets a little better, but he started out so awful, he HAD to get better.
I usually enjoy Annie Burrows books, but this was was a serious miss for me.
Why? Peter is awful, he's a rake (ironically, he keeps saying he is not like his rake father, but he is EXACTLY like him). He's shallow, awful and when he proposes to Eleanor, a plain, spineless companion, he says he'll be faithful , for a month! He's spoiled and when he's asking her to marry him, purely to annoy his mother's aunt, he tells her he's spread his favors around quite freely. He's then affronted when she tells him no, so of course, he must have her then.
Eleanor is such a weak character and has no growth in the story.
She basically remains the same. Peter gets a little better, but he started out so awful, he HAD to get better.
May 10, 2025
Fun
Enjoyable story but far too much rumination and introspection. Lavenham is fabulously deluded when it comes to Eleanor & his feelings for her. His views on marriage are understandable even though unacceptable to Eleanor. Lavenham’s journey to his HEA is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Eleanor’s experience in life has left her seemingly too kindhearted, but that is covered with a protective layer of avoiding conflict & confrontation.
Some of the waffling space could have been used to develop her character - leaving it to the last chapter was irritating.
Still… enjoyable & heartily recommended.
Enjoyable story but far too much rumination and introspection. Lavenham is fabulously deluded when it comes to Eleanor & his feelings for her. His views on marriage are understandable even though unacceptable to Eleanor. Lavenham’s journey to his HEA is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Eleanor’s experience in life has left her seemingly too kindhearted, but that is covered with a protective layer of avoiding conflict & confrontation.
Some of the waffling space could have been used to develop her character - leaving it to the last chapter was irritating.
Still… enjoyable & heartily recommended.
October 10, 2020
I picked this up from the library. Though the writing style was good, the story was incredible. Initially I thought it would be interesting marriage of convenience trope. However, the heroine decided to run away from the hero and by the time the heroine got to London along with the hero I was fed up. The entire middle was about how the hero hated the girl and how he was going to make her life miserable. The heroine had no backbone and just kept going from one difficult situation to another. I managed to finish it because it wasn’t too long.
Read
June 2, 2020From Cinderella to Countess by Annie Burrows is an intriguing historical romance that sweeps you away to another place, another time. A story that is full of drama, family, relationships, and heated romance. Burrows creates a remarkable world with well-written characters that develop at a lovely place helping to create a smooth story flow. From Cinderella to Countess is a story I got lost in and did not want to put down.
March 11, 2023
While I liked the story and I love nothing more in the world than runaway female leads, I felt that the male lead came off as too mean during the pursuit phase and the female lead had an "epiphany" about some events I do not agree with at all.
There is a manga adaption of this that I think is a superior read and smoothes some of the issues out.
There is a manga adaption of this that I think is a superior read and smoothes some of the issues out.
July 13, 2023
This author understood the importance of recreating a Cinderella story while sticking to the very essence of the fairytale.
It's a great book. 4 stars.
I genuinely love Peter and Eleanor's dialogue. 💕💕💕💕
This is a clean romance. No steam.
He takes the position of hero to heart.
This could have been about 30 pages shorter. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Read it!
It's a great book. 4 stars.
I genuinely love Peter and Eleanor's dialogue. 💕💕💕💕
This is a clean romance. No steam.
He takes the position of hero to heart.
This could have been about 30 pages shorter. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Read it!
June 3, 2020
Great book, loved the stories and characters. Finished it in one day.
October 23, 2020
This was an ok story. The main characters were kind of meh. The plot was ok. IDK. It was just ok.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
November 19, 2020
Lots of adventure.
April 3, 2021
Absolutely ADORED this book!
May 18, 2022
Much of the book had them separated and thinking of the other person. I don't think they were together for 50 pages of the book. I like this author but not this book.
March 24, 2024
Not worth the bother. I gave up less than halfway through.
May 27, 2020
From Cinderella To Countess is a stand-alone book by Annie Burrows.
All the books that I have read by this author I have thoroughly enjoyed and this book is no exception.
Peter, Earl of Lavenham knows he must marry but is putting it off as long as he possibly can. His parents had a miserable marriage and he doesn't want to find himself in a similar situation.
Eleanor has always wanted to marry. Her parents married for love and had a relationship that Eleanor wants although she doubts it will ever happen because she is just a paid companion since her parents died.
Peter and Eleanor know each other because Eleanor's employer is Peter's aunt. They get on famously as they have a lot in common and often they find themselves laughing together. When the aunt realises that Peter is visiting more often and believes that Eleanor is going to make a play for her nephew she instructs her to have nothing do do with him when he visits. He, of course, finds out and is furious. He won't be kept apart from somebody he truly admires. His answer to the problem is to offer marriage to Eleanor. They get on well, she is beautiful, and the best part would be that he would get the ultimate revenge on his aunt. He is so sure of himself that he is dumbfounded when Eleanor refuses him. It's love or nothing for her and she knows he doesn't love her. He thinks he can change her mind, she thinks so as well. Determined that he mustn't she runs away in the night and so starts the Cinderella aspect of the story.
Peter is determined to find her if only to make sure she is alright. She left during a very cold snap when the fog was so thick you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. He is worried sick about her and won't give up looking for her. When he does finally catch up with her she is in London masquerading as a foreign princess and he is once again dumbfounded by her.
I won't tell you why she is pretending to be a foreign princess, you can have that enjoyment first hand. Suffice to say keeping her secret gives Peter a hold over Eleanor that keeps them in contact with each other even though she believes he dislikes her now. Does he though...
At times this story seemed a little slow-paced, but it soon picked up and I enjoyed all the shenanigans that Eleanor got up to thanks to her masquerading. There were some twists and turns to the story that I didn't expect which kept the story unpredictable. I enjoyed that. I also enjoyed where the author set the scenes on the Thames during the Frost Fair. It's something that I can't ever imagine happening and yet it did. I love that a romance book can teach me such interesting things!
Apart from the slow pace at times, the only other negative thing that I can say about this story is that it was right at the end that our couple had their happy ever after. I wanted to see them wed, I wanted an epilogue where I could see that they had children etc and that they were set to live a very long happy life together. Oh well, I will just have to leave it to my imagination as perhaps the author intended.
All the books that I have read by this author I have thoroughly enjoyed and this book is no exception.
Peter, Earl of Lavenham knows he must marry but is putting it off as long as he possibly can. His parents had a miserable marriage and he doesn't want to find himself in a similar situation.
Eleanor has always wanted to marry. Her parents married for love and had a relationship that Eleanor wants although she doubts it will ever happen because she is just a paid companion since her parents died.
Peter and Eleanor know each other because Eleanor's employer is Peter's aunt. They get on famously as they have a lot in common and often they find themselves laughing together. When the aunt realises that Peter is visiting more often and believes that Eleanor is going to make a play for her nephew she instructs her to have nothing do do with him when he visits. He, of course, finds out and is furious. He won't be kept apart from somebody he truly admires. His answer to the problem is to offer marriage to Eleanor. They get on well, she is beautiful, and the best part would be that he would get the ultimate revenge on his aunt. He is so sure of himself that he is dumbfounded when Eleanor refuses him. It's love or nothing for her and she knows he doesn't love her. He thinks he can change her mind, she thinks so as well. Determined that he mustn't she runs away in the night and so starts the Cinderella aspect of the story.
Peter is determined to find her if only to make sure she is alright. She left during a very cold snap when the fog was so thick you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. He is worried sick about her and won't give up looking for her. When he does finally catch up with her she is in London masquerading as a foreign princess and he is once again dumbfounded by her.
I won't tell you why she is pretending to be a foreign princess, you can have that enjoyment first hand. Suffice to say keeping her secret gives Peter a hold over Eleanor that keeps them in contact with each other even though she believes he dislikes her now. Does he though...
At times this story seemed a little slow-paced, but it soon picked up and I enjoyed all the shenanigans that Eleanor got up to thanks to her masquerading. There were some twists and turns to the story that I didn't expect which kept the story unpredictable. I enjoyed that. I also enjoyed where the author set the scenes on the Thames during the Frost Fair. It's something that I can't ever imagine happening and yet it did. I love that a romance book can teach me such interesting things!
Apart from the slow pace at times, the only other negative thing that I can say about this story is that it was right at the end that our couple had their happy ever after. I wanted to see them wed, I wanted an epilogue where I could see that they had children etc and that they were set to live a very long happy life together. Oh well, I will just have to leave it to my imagination as perhaps the author intended.
June 15, 2020
Eleanor sadly fits the role of Cinderella in her life of drudgery as a paid companion. Peter Earl of Lavenham owns the house where her employer lives and often visits. Eleanor and Peter become friends of sorts until her employer warns Eleanor off and forbids her to see him at the house. What follows involves a Cinderella escape into the night where she meets her fairy godmother, of sorts.
Meeting the Dowager Duchess from 'The Scandal of the season adds plenty of humour and intrigue.
An enjoyable gently paced, Regency romance full of vivid characters and vibrant settings.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Meeting the Dowager Duchess from 'The Scandal of the season adds plenty of humour and intrigue.
An enjoyable gently paced, Regency romance full of vivid characters and vibrant settings.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2020
3.5 stars
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. What follows is my fair and honest review.
From Cinderella to Countess by Annie Burrows is a new Harlequin Historicals title. Based on that title, I expected this novel to be a Cinderella retelling, but that’s not really the case, despite a protagonist named Eleanor and the rags-to-riches element. Instead, From Cinderella to Countess is a story about what happens to Eleanor Mitcham after she runs from an unexpected marriage proposal and why she can’t stop thinking about Lord Lavenham, even though his proposal was shockingly unappealing.
I thought From Cinderella to Countess was a fun read, and it reminded me a bit of Tessa Dare’s The Duchess Deal, as both have a gruff and grumpy hero who has a hard time admitting how much they need the love the heroine offers. I just wish From Cinderella to Countess delved a bit more into the emotional growth of both hero and heroine, though I think the hero’s “tortured past” could use more exploration to make readers more sympathetic to his perspective. I enjoyed the writing style, except for a few abrupt scene transitions that left me momentarily confused.
I think historical romance readers who enjoy when a hero and heroine are at odds will like this novel.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. What follows is my fair and honest review.
From Cinderella to Countess by Annie Burrows is a new Harlequin Historicals title. Based on that title, I expected this novel to be a Cinderella retelling, but that’s not really the case, despite a protagonist named Eleanor and the rags-to-riches element. Instead, From Cinderella to Countess is a story about what happens to Eleanor Mitcham after she runs from an unexpected marriage proposal and why she can’t stop thinking about Lord Lavenham, even though his proposal was shockingly unappealing.
I thought From Cinderella to Countess was a fun read, and it reminded me a bit of Tessa Dare’s The Duchess Deal, as both have a gruff and grumpy hero who has a hard time admitting how much they need the love the heroine offers. I just wish From Cinderella to Countess delved a bit more into the emotional growth of both hero and heroine, though I think the hero’s “tortured past” could use more exploration to make readers more sympathetic to his perspective. I enjoyed the writing style, except for a few abrupt scene transitions that left me momentarily confused.
I think historical romance readers who enjoy when a hero and heroine are at odds will like this novel.
May 28, 2020
What a romp...
I had to laugh several times through this story. From the hero and his inept proposal at the start, to our heroine fleeing in the fog only to be rescued by the duplicitious duchess from 'scandal of the season'. The self-obsessed duchess subsequently sucks our heroine, Eleanor, along in her wake back to London to pose as an improbable dignitary in an effort to once more out wit her long suffering step son. Most enjoyable.
I had to laugh several times through this story. From the hero and his inept proposal at the start, to our heroine fleeing in the fog only to be rescued by the duplicitious duchess from 'scandal of the season'. The self-obsessed duchess subsequently sucks our heroine, Eleanor, along in her wake back to London to pose as an improbable dignitary in an effort to once more out wit her long suffering step son. Most enjoyable.
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