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School of Charm #5
The Mistletoe Mistake of Miss Grayson
The School of Charm's headmistress is destined to be a spinster. Everyone knows it. Well...everyone but the Marquess of Ainsley.
This marquess isn't certain why the elegant and unflappable Miss Grayson is so determined to remain unmarried. But he means to change her mind.
How will he force the coolly implacable beauty out of her shell? It will take a mistake, obviously...of the mistletoe variety.
This marquess isn't certain why the elegant and unflappable Miss Grayson is so determined to remain unmarried. But he means to change her mind.
How will he force the coolly implacable beauty out of her shell? It will take a mistake, obviously...of the mistletoe variety.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2020
145 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 16, 2020
This is a wonderful series, and whether the preceding books have been read or not, I strongly recommend Miss Grayson’s story. Madeline and Edward will capture hearts and leave them sighing with this touching and romantic holiday novella.
November 8, 2021
A light, breezy romance novella. No angst, no sex, utterly predictable, but entertaining and decently written.
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
December 7, 2023
Endearing, G-rated, Regency, Christmas novella
Miss Madeline Grayson is a beautiful, gently bred woman, who is the headmistress of a charm school for young ladies of the aristocracy. Over the past year or so, four of her students have found true love and settled into matrimonial bliss. Madeline is on her way to spend Christmas with Prudence (the FMC of book 4 of this series), who is one of these fortunate ladies, at the country estate of Edward, the Marquess of Ainsley, who is the uncle and former guardian of Prudence's husband. A short distance from the home of the Marquess, a wheel breaks on the carriage Madeline is riding in, and she is left waiting on the side of the road, while the driver of the carriage trudges through the snow to the Marquess's estate to obtain assistance. For some time now, feelings of anxiety and despair have been building in Madeline, because she believes her chance of marrying and having a family has passed her by forever. As she ponders the fact that she will be spending time around Prudence's domestic bliss, she cannot resist comparing her own situation to that of Prudence. All of a sudden, given that no one is around, she cannot resist expressing her resentful rage at her spinster fate, by climbing out of the carriage and bellowing tearful defiance to the heavens. This unprecedented display of overwrought emotion would have been entirely cathartic except for the fact that her rampage is unexpectedly interrupted by a tenderly humorous male voice, offering to be of assistance, which causes Madeline excruciating embarrassment.
Because Prudence has told Madeline that the handsome local vicar would be a good match for her, and the extremely good-looking gentleman standing near her states that he just came from the vicarage, her immediate assumption is that he is the vicar. When it suddenly begins to sleet, and the gentleman gallantly scoops her up and carries her to the nearby manor house of the Marquess, Madeline continues to assume he is the vicar. Until Prudence points out to her that her rescuer is, in fact, the Marquess.
Edward, the 40-year-old Marquess of Ainsley, lost his wife 15 years ago, and in all that time, he has had no desire to marry again, until this moment. He has never in his life experienced such exalted emotions toward any other woman as he feels toward the beautiful, passionate woman he has just met. Encountering her seems like some sort of divine intervention in his lonely, alienated existence. That evening, as his guests are gathered in the drawing room of his manor house, he cannot take his eyes off the woman of his dreams, but sadly, she won't look at him.
This is a lovely, Christmas novella that is a quick, delightfully sentimental read. Edward is a wonderful, cinnamon-roll hero, and Madeline is an ethical and kind-hearted woman who convincingly appears to be a perfect match for him. We are never told her exact age, but my assumption is that she must be at least 30, because Prudence and her husband regard her as a mother figure to Prudence.
Though this is a G-rated story, with nothing more than a couple of kisses, there is plenty of chemistry between this attractive, highly sympathetic couple. I was keeping my fingers crossed that there would not be an 11th hour, melodramatic Dark Period, when all seems lost. And, thank goodness, there is none of that in this story.
If you are looking for a quick and entertaining Christmas read set in the Regency, this story an excellent choice.
Miss Madeline Grayson is a beautiful, gently bred woman, who is the headmistress of a charm school for young ladies of the aristocracy. Over the past year or so, four of her students have found true love and settled into matrimonial bliss. Madeline is on her way to spend Christmas with Prudence (the FMC of book 4 of this series), who is one of these fortunate ladies, at the country estate of Edward, the Marquess of Ainsley, who is the uncle and former guardian of Prudence's husband. A short distance from the home of the Marquess, a wheel breaks on the carriage Madeline is riding in, and she is left waiting on the side of the road, while the driver of the carriage trudges through the snow to the Marquess's estate to obtain assistance. For some time now, feelings of anxiety and despair have been building in Madeline, because she believes her chance of marrying and having a family has passed her by forever. As she ponders the fact that she will be spending time around Prudence's domestic bliss, she cannot resist comparing her own situation to that of Prudence. All of a sudden, given that no one is around, she cannot resist expressing her resentful rage at her spinster fate, by climbing out of the carriage and bellowing tearful defiance to the heavens. This unprecedented display of overwrought emotion would have been entirely cathartic except for the fact that her rampage is unexpectedly interrupted by a tenderly humorous male voice, offering to be of assistance, which causes Madeline excruciating embarrassment.
Because Prudence has told Madeline that the handsome local vicar would be a good match for her, and the extremely good-looking gentleman standing near her states that he just came from the vicarage, her immediate assumption is that he is the vicar. When it suddenly begins to sleet, and the gentleman gallantly scoops her up and carries her to the nearby manor house of the Marquess, Madeline continues to assume he is the vicar. Until Prudence points out to her that her rescuer is, in fact, the Marquess.
Edward, the 40-year-old Marquess of Ainsley, lost his wife 15 years ago, and in all that time, he has had no desire to marry again, until this moment. He has never in his life experienced such exalted emotions toward any other woman as he feels toward the beautiful, passionate woman he has just met. Encountering her seems like some sort of divine intervention in his lonely, alienated existence. That evening, as his guests are gathered in the drawing room of his manor house, he cannot take his eyes off the woman of his dreams, but sadly, she won't look at him.
This is a lovely, Christmas novella that is a quick, delightfully sentimental read. Edward is a wonderful, cinnamon-roll hero, and Madeline is an ethical and kind-hearted woman who convincingly appears to be a perfect match for him. We are never told her exact age, but my assumption is that she must be at least 30, because Prudence and her husband regard her as a mother figure to Prudence.
Though this is a G-rated story, with nothing more than a couple of kisses, there is plenty of chemistry between this attractive, highly sympathetic couple. I was keeping my fingers crossed that there would not be an 11th hour, melodramatic Dark Period, when all seems lost. And, thank goodness, there is none of that in this story.
If you are looking for a quick and entertaining Christmas read set in the Regency, this story an excellent choice.
December 7, 2020
4.5 stars
I was so glad that Miss Madeline Grayson had her story. Unfortunately because of her circumstances, she felt unable to be her true self. She also hated being pitied by her pupils. Madeline would love to have a husband who loved her and children of her own but circumstances were against her. Edward Lansing, Marquis of Ainsley, is a widower and although a handsome man, has shown no interest in remarrying. They meet in an unorthodox way but that engenders a spark between them. Could it develop into something more. Unfortunately, another lady has been invited to the house party with the intention of matching her up with the marquis. This was a lovely story that can be easily read in an evening and definitely gives a feeling of hope even when it doesn’t seem possible. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was so glad that Miss Madeline Grayson had her story. Unfortunately because of her circumstances, she felt unable to be her true self. She also hated being pitied by her pupils. Madeline would love to have a husband who loved her and children of her own but circumstances were against her. Edward Lansing, Marquis of Ainsley, is a widower and although a handsome man, has shown no interest in remarrying. They meet in an unorthodox way but that engenders a spark between them. Could it develop into something more. Unfortunately, another lady has been invited to the house party with the intention of matching her up with the marquis. This was a lovely story that can be easily read in an evening and definitely gives a feeling of hope even when it doesn’t seem possible. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2025
It was still sweet, but very short. The length made it love much too fast for my taste. I need a bit of yearning and tension.
January 12, 2021
The School of Charm series is outstanding. I personally awarded every novella in the series except for the third story with five-stars. What made this final almost-a-short-story novella special is the fact that Miss Grayson was a major player in every book in the series. I am so pleased that Madeline (we finally discover her first name in this final story) got her HEA ending. I very much appreciated the character, Miss Fartherington, who I first thought would be a typical anti-heroine, conniving, empty-headed villainess. Instead, she was a person of character who played a significant role in helping Madeline and Edward reach their HEA ending. I was surprised that having Edward fall head-over-heals-in-love with Madeline at-first-sight really worked. FIVE-STARS!
November 29, 2020
The School of Charm's headmistress is destined to be a spinster. Everyone knows it. Well...everyone but the Marquis of Ainsley. Edward isn't certain why the elegant and unflappable Madeline is so determined to remain unmarried. But he means to change her mind.
A delightful & charming novella. I loved it from Madeline raging by the side of her broken carriage to her finding love. Mistaken identities & coup de foudres had me smiling. Strong mature characters & a well paced story plus there’s a new headteacher for the School of Charm so hopefully more students to find love
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A delightful & charming novella. I loved it from Madeline raging by the side of her broken carriage to her finding love. Mistaken identities & coup de foudres had me smiling. Strong mature characters & a well paced story plus there’s a new headteacher for the School of Charm so hopefully more students to find love
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 31, 2020
YAY! Miss Grayson get a wonderful hero of her own. This sweet story of mistaken identity will make your heart melt. Edward and Madeline are drawn together in insta-love and it is the sweetest. What else can I say, the Christmas magic worked its spell over Edward in this lovely short story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
December 2, 2020
Good, short read. These books seem to be getting better and better. Will we have a next one to find out? I’d be very happy to read it.
This was such a good story!
I received an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
This was such a good story!
I received an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
January 12, 2021
What a lovely sweet Christmas story of hope. Beautifully written. I know it's a story, but I was so pleased for Madeline - to get her Christmas Beau. 5☆
January 4, 2026
A sweet well written novella.
A quick and easy read, I enjoyed it and found all the characters likeable.
Read as a Library eBook.
A quick and easy read, I enjoyed it and found all the characters likeable.
Read as a Library eBook.
July 3, 2023
The Mistletoe Mistake of Miss Grayson is book 5 in the School of Charm series and so far this is my favorite book of the series! Clocking in at only 79 pages, it is the shortest story in the series so far but I loved it.
As the headmistress of the School of Charm, Miss Grayson has accepted her spinster status, even as she supported her students as they all fell in love and made wonderful matches. But being pitied by her friends is hard so she's fashioned a mask that she wears to keep her emotions in check. However, en route to Prudence's new family home to celebrate Christmastide, Madeline's mask finally cracks. Releasing all of her pent up anger and frustration, she rants and screams and cries to nobody in the middle of nowhere. Well, almost nobody.
She was not what the Marquess of Ainsley had expected to find on that stormy night. In fact, she wasn't what he expected to find, ever. But this beautiful, fiery woman changed Edward and now he can't take his eyes off her. If only she would meet his gaze and stop ignoring him...
This story was super sweet and I just loved it. At first when Madeline and Edward meet, Madeline thinks he's the widowed vicar, the man Prudence thinks she would be perfect for. After the embarrassment of Edward finding her the way he did, and then mistaking him for the vicar, Madeline is mortified. But Edward doesn't care about any of that. He just wants more of the spark and fire that seems to sizzle between them. So when Edward challenges her to be herself over the fortnight she will be visiting, it takes a bit before she is comfortable enough to accept his challenge. But when she does, things between them blossom in the most wonderful ways.
This is more of an insta-love story, especially for Edward, but he needed this. After suffering through a loveless marriage, he has no mind to remarry, but his nephew keeps urging, believing his uncle still has a chance at happiness waiting for him. Miss Farthington could be that chance but he ignores her in favor of Madeline, and it doesn't go unnoticed. I really loved Madeline and Edward in this story. Edward is patient with her, trying to draw out her true personality, and they had a chemistry that was just waiting to be unleashed. I thought the sleigh ride was a perfect way to bring the story full circle. I also really liked Miss Farthington and how sweetly she stepped aside when she saw the sparks flying between Edward and Madeline. I'm excited to see how her character grows over the next five books as she takes Miss Grayson's place as the new headmistress at the school. It was nice to visit with Prudence and Damian from book 4, but we really get nothing more about them other than the fact they are newlyweds and Damian still wants to build his music conservatory. I was hoping for a bit more on that front.
This book gets 5 stars from me because it checked all my little boxes for what I love in a sweet, wintery, short story. Chaste kisses and embraces only. Sweet, clean read.
On to the next book! I'm loving this series.
As the headmistress of the School of Charm, Miss Grayson has accepted her spinster status, even as she supported her students as they all fell in love and made wonderful matches. But being pitied by her friends is hard so she's fashioned a mask that she wears to keep her emotions in check. However, en route to Prudence's new family home to celebrate Christmastide, Madeline's mask finally cracks. Releasing all of her pent up anger and frustration, she rants and screams and cries to nobody in the middle of nowhere. Well, almost nobody.
She was not what the Marquess of Ainsley had expected to find on that stormy night. In fact, she wasn't what he expected to find, ever. But this beautiful, fiery woman changed Edward and now he can't take his eyes off her. If only she would meet his gaze and stop ignoring him...
This story was super sweet and I just loved it. At first when Madeline and Edward meet, Madeline thinks he's the widowed vicar, the man Prudence thinks she would be perfect for. After the embarrassment of Edward finding her the way he did, and then mistaking him for the vicar, Madeline is mortified. But Edward doesn't care about any of that. He just wants more of the spark and fire that seems to sizzle between them. So when Edward challenges her to be herself over the fortnight she will be visiting, it takes a bit before she is comfortable enough to accept his challenge. But when she does, things between them blossom in the most wonderful ways.
This is more of an insta-love story, especially for Edward, but he needed this. After suffering through a loveless marriage, he has no mind to remarry, but his nephew keeps urging, believing his uncle still has a chance at happiness waiting for him. Miss Farthington could be that chance but he ignores her in favor of Madeline, and it doesn't go unnoticed. I really loved Madeline and Edward in this story. Edward is patient with her, trying to draw out her true personality, and they had a chemistry that was just waiting to be unleashed. I thought the sleigh ride was a perfect way to bring the story full circle. I also really liked Miss Farthington and how sweetly she stepped aside when she saw the sparks flying between Edward and Madeline. I'm excited to see how her character grows over the next five books as she takes Miss Grayson's place as the new headmistress at the school. It was nice to visit with Prudence and Damian from book 4, but we really get nothing more about them other than the fact they are newlyweds and Damian still wants to build his music conservatory. I was hoping for a bit more on that front.
This book gets 5 stars from me because it checked all my little boxes for what I love in a sweet, wintery, short story. Chaste kisses and embraces only. Sweet, clean read.
On to the next book! I'm loving this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2024
Somehow this book seemed to be both shorter and yet provide more background details than the past books. I didn’t love the instant love that the Marquis seemed to have fallen into but that and the fact that there was no villain or climatic issue to overcome is probably why she chose to give the background information on the MCs and the supporting characters which made me feel much more satisfied than in other stories.
December 19, 2024
Insta-love. I always liked the character of Miss Grayson in the previous novels but she felt like an entirely different person.
December 8, 2020
❄️❄️ONE DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY❄️❄️
Blazing blizzards blitzen! Maggie works her magic once again with this remarkable thrill ride, bringing on the seasonal cheer, holiday joy and festive frolicking, grabbing you from the start and holding steady until the end, launching this jewel to a whole new level. Mishaps and serendipity descend in a flurry of thrilling surprises and humourous actions, observing the broken barriers and blurred perimeters solidify as limitations are amplified and enforced, reaching deep for every fiber of strength in a fierce surge of determination, fusing this gem together seamlessly. Attributes and perception in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this tangled web so thoroughly till nothing else exists, blasting this baby into the eye of the hurricane, bursting it into a tailspin with astonishing results, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, hurling this baby to life brilliantly. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity and enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. Throw in 100% on point realism, raising the stakes with such graphic scenarios that are so colorfully descriptive and vividly detailed its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job Maggie, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
Blazing blizzards blitzen! Maggie works her magic once again with this remarkable thrill ride, bringing on the seasonal cheer, holiday joy and festive frolicking, grabbing you from the start and holding steady until the end, launching this jewel to a whole new level. Mishaps and serendipity descend in a flurry of thrilling surprises and humourous actions, observing the broken barriers and blurred perimeters solidify as limitations are amplified and enforced, reaching deep for every fiber of strength in a fierce surge of determination, fusing this gem together seamlessly. Attributes and perception in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this tangled web so thoroughly till nothing else exists, blasting this baby into the eye of the hurricane, bursting it into a tailspin with astonishing results, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, hurling this baby to life brilliantly. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity and enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. Throw in 100% on point realism, raising the stakes with such graphic scenarios that are so colorfully descriptive and vividly detailed its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines. Remarkable job Maggie, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
November 18, 2020
Miss Grayson found herself alone, falling into self-pity as she recognizes the time it takes to find oneself 'on the shelf,' otherwise, as a spinster, no one raises an eyebrow at being unchaperoned. After her carriage broke a wheel and her driver ran to get help, Madeline decides to break all her rules and throws a screaming tantrum about fate allowing her fine manners to wilt on the vine without dowery or closely related nobles to attract a suitable male. Just at this point, the proverbial 'tall, dark, and handsome' man offers his help. As she asks if he is the widower (she has been paired with at her charm school student's house party) he throws his overcoat over her and lifts her to his chest, mounting his horse and riding her to the front of the mansion! Imagine her chagrin when she finds out he is not the supposed vicar but the Marquess owner of the estate himself, confirmed bachelor for years, newly infatuated with her. It does not take the whole two weeks of the party for the Marquess to work out that Madeline is not the young debutante he was paired with for the party. Another one of Maggie Dallen's Regency romance comedies par excellence!
November 27, 2020
The Headmistress of the School of Charm, Miss Madeline Grayson has nurtured and seen her charges transformed into beautiful young women, who are now all happily married. Concerned for her well-being, Prudence invites Madeline to a Christmas house party, with a view to matching her up with the local vicar. Things do not go quite as planned and when the Marquess of Ainsley comes upon Miss Grayson in very awkward circumstances, he is immediately taken with her beauty and her spirit. Mistaking Lord Edward for the vicar is bad enough, but realising that a man of his stature has seen her at her worst, has Madeline cringing with embarrassment. This delightful Regency romance made me laugh out loud as Madeline and Lord Edward reach out for the love that they both desperately need in their lives and discover new possibilities. I loved the main characters in this book and the fact that they were a little more mature made this novel very relatable. This romance is part of a series but it is nevertheless and standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
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.
December 15, 2020
Dare to Hope
Madeline head mistress of the school of Charm is lovely accomplished, poor with no dowry if only! Edward having survived a bad marriage has lost hope and gained acceptance of his place in life! Edward comes across a broke down carriage on the road and a beautiful woman railing at the sky! Madeline is mortified to find herself railing at the sky, really having a breakdown on the unfairness of life when a handsome man leaps off his horse to offer her assistance! Mortified when hail starts falling Edward swoops down picks her up and carries her off to his home where Prudence and his nephew have invited her for Christmas! Edward is smitten and makes no effort to hide it and barely acknowledges anyone else exists! This Christmas Madeline who has given so much to her students receives the precious gift of hope! I would have !o ed an epilogue with a glimpse into their future!!!??
Madeline head mistress of the school of Charm is lovely accomplished, poor with no dowry if only! Edward having survived a bad marriage has lost hope and gained acceptance of his place in life! Edward comes across a broke down carriage on the road and a beautiful woman railing at the sky! Madeline is mortified to find herself railing at the sky, really having a breakdown on the unfairness of life when a handsome man leaps off his horse to offer her assistance! Mortified when hail starts falling Edward swoops down picks her up and carries her off to his home where Prudence and his nephew have invited her for Christmas! Edward is smitten and makes no effort to hide it and barely acknowledges anyone else exists! This Christmas Madeline who has given so much to her students receives the precious gift of hope! I would have !o ed an epilogue with a glimpse into their future!!!??
January 24, 2021
5 STARS, HISTORICAL REGENCY ERA ROMANCE, HOUSE PARTY
A great sweet miracles of Christmas story that catches your heartstrings & makes one believe "yes", anything is possible. Madeline & Edward are both older, yet still young enough to have a family together. Each of them are loved by many, they have particular images that they rigidly live with keeping their real selves buried deep inside of them plus left unsaid lonely.
Madeline is in the middle of nowhere with a broken wheel on her carriage, thinking she is absolutely alone since her driver had left to go to town, & is feeling different so she just starts letting out all of her excess energies that she had been holding in for years. While she is stomping her feet & yelling at the top of lungs at the sky, a voice makes a comment to something she had been yelling. Oh no, oh yes, it is that type of great surprise romance that keeps the reader flipping pages.
Recommend
A great sweet miracles of Christmas story that catches your heartstrings & makes one believe "yes", anything is possible. Madeline & Edward are both older, yet still young enough to have a family together. Each of them are loved by many, they have particular images that they rigidly live with keeping their real selves buried deep inside of them plus left unsaid lonely.
Madeline is in the middle of nowhere with a broken wheel on her carriage, thinking she is absolutely alone since her driver had left to go to town, & is feeling different so she just starts letting out all of her excess energies that she had been holding in for years. While she is stomping her feet & yelling at the top of lungs at the sky, a voice makes a comment to something she had been yelling. Oh no, oh yes, it is that type of great surprise romance that keeps the reader flipping pages.
Recommend
December 8, 2020
(4.5 stars) - A sweet little Christmas confection
Miss Grayson is feeling keenly the loneliness of her 4 pupils having made happy matches and moved on, & the sort of injustice in that she'd done everything as she'd been told she was supposed to yet became a spinster anyway.
After her carriage breaks down & the driver goes to get help, she ends up letting loose with all her anger & frustration when the Marquess of Ainsley comes across her. He's immediately struck with the fascinated realization that the lovely woman is a kindred soul.
This is a short but lovely wrap up of a sweet and entertaining series packaged with a happy ending and a new beginning
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
Miss Grayson is feeling keenly the loneliness of her 4 pupils having made happy matches and moved on, & the sort of injustice in that she'd done everything as she'd been told she was supposed to yet became a spinster anyway.
After her carriage breaks down & the driver goes to get help, she ends up letting loose with all her anger & frustration when the Marquess of Ainsley comes across her. He's immediately struck with the fascinated realization that the lovely woman is a kindred soul.
This is a short but lovely wrap up of a sweet and entertaining series packaged with a happy ending and a new beginning
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
February 7, 2022
Sweet and lovely Miss Grayson, headmistress at the School of Charm, doesn’t see romance in her future. She is resigned to being a spinster for the rest of her life. What she doesn’t expect is that someone else is sure she won’t.
When Miss Grayson travels to a Christmas house party that includes all her former students and their fiancés her carriage is bogged down in mud near the manor and her driver goes to fetch help. Miss Grayson is feeling down about her circumstances in life and gets out of the carriage and throws a temper tantrum while she thinks no one is watching. Then, she’s rescued by the Lord of the manor, the Marquess of Ainsley, who’s intrigued by the lovely woman he saw who was so upset!
As they all have fun getting ready for Christmas, another nice woman arrives with her mother who expects her daughter to catch the eye of the Marquess. But he only has eyes for Miss Grayson.
This is a sweet story with very little tension. If you’ve read the rest of the series you’ll be glad to see Miss Grayson find her happy-ever-after. But, it was so sweet it was a little boring to me. Everything was predictable, too. At this point, if you’ve read all the books in the series so far you’ll either decide to throw in the towel or, like me, decide you’ve come this far you might as well finish the series.
When Miss Grayson travels to a Christmas house party that includes all her former students and their fiancés her carriage is bogged down in mud near the manor and her driver goes to fetch help. Miss Grayson is feeling down about her circumstances in life and gets out of the carriage and throws a temper tantrum while she thinks no one is watching. Then, she’s rescued by the Lord of the manor, the Marquess of Ainsley, who’s intrigued by the lovely woman he saw who was so upset!
As they all have fun getting ready for Christmas, another nice woman arrives with her mother who expects her daughter to catch the eye of the Marquess. But he only has eyes for Miss Grayson.
This is a sweet story with very little tension. If you’ve read the rest of the series you’ll be glad to see Miss Grayson find her happy-ever-after. But, it was so sweet it was a little boring to me. Everything was predictable, too. At this point, if you’ve read all the books in the series so far you’ll either decide to throw in the towel or, like me, decide you’ve come this far you might as well finish the series.
December 1, 2024
Madeline is a spinster with boiling frustrations. She is happy for her friend’s marriages, and sad for the life she wished she had. On her way to visit Prudence the wheel of her carriage breaks, and a man appears out of know where bringing her to safety from the snowstorm. Soon she realizes it is Prudence’s uncle in law. The attraction is immediate and intense. They easily fall in love, and get engaged in a sleigh ride.
Liked: the beginning, her articulated frustrations.
Disliked: there was no time spent describing the courtship so it felt a bit fast. Lots of typos, and this one felt more like a soap opera compared to the most recent ones. A lot of repetitive monologues.
Liked: the beginning, her articulated frustrations.
Disliked: there was no time spent describing the courtship so it felt a bit fast. Lots of typos, and this one felt more like a soap opera compared to the most recent ones. A lot of repetitive monologues.
December 31, 2021
A charming, wholesome novella with some fun mistaken identity thrown in. It was a little too insta-lovey for me to give it 5 stars, but I still enjoyed it very much.
I especially felt for Miss Grayson who was a victim of her class and financial situation. I was so glad to see her get her HEA-not just because she gets the guy, but because she is finally able to be free and hopeful.
I also appreciated that even though Miss Farthington was initially her "competition", she instead ended up being an encouraging friend. A refreshing change from pitting female against female.
I especially felt for Miss Grayson who was a victim of her class and financial situation. I was so glad to see her get her HEA-not just because she gets the guy, but because she is finally able to be free and hopeful.
I also appreciated that even though Miss Farthington was initially her "competition", she instead ended up being an encouraging friend. A refreshing change from pitting female against female.
March 20, 2022
In a society that placed an unwed woman of 25, "on the shelf", but looked a gentleman of 40, of being in his prime, and capable of marrying a girl of 19, it just seems a bit out of proportion to me.
So, having our young Miss Grayson, the headmistress in our previous episode, meeting Edward, Marquess of Ainsley, to from the last episode, well, it's not surprising, with a little Christmas magic mixed in, that mutual attraction causes these two, otherwise paragons of virtue, to act a bit quirky.
Yeah, definitely well worth reading.
So, having our young Miss Grayson, the headmistress in our previous episode, meeting Edward, Marquess of Ainsley, to from the last episode, well, it's not surprising, with a little Christmas magic mixed in, that mutual attraction causes these two, otherwise paragons of virtue, to act a bit quirky.
Yeah, definitely well worth reading.
December 8, 2020
Finally Headmistress Miss Grayson finally gets her own happily ever after. It all starts with a little misunderstanding of identity and poor Miss Grayson letting out her frustrations. You feel for Miss Grayson and her hero who deserves his own happily ever after. It’s a sweet read that is a must read. I absolutely adored this story ever though it was a little short because I just wanted more. Cute read!!
December 8, 2020
** Sigh **
Such a sweet, drama-free read!
Another 5-star novella by Maggie Dallen.
I loved the happily-ever-afters for all the Misses in the previous 4 books... and especially now for Madeline too.
If you’re looking for a clean historical romance series for your teenage daughters to devour over Christmas (or anytime of the year, for that matter!), then I highly recommend the School of Charm series.
Such a sweet, drama-free read!
Another 5-star novella by Maggie Dallen.
I loved the happily-ever-afters for all the Misses in the previous 4 books... and especially now for Madeline too.
If you’re looking for a clean historical romance series for your teenage daughters to devour over Christmas (or anytime of the year, for that matter!), then I highly recommend the School of Charm series.
June 11, 2025
Yay for mature love!
Edward has passed 40. Madeline is considered a spinster (though her age is not revealed). It's refreshing to read a tale of passion and intense attraction for two older characters. During Christmastide in a very small group , two unlikely people discover the magic of the season.
Very sweet.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased the collection for an amazing sale price directly from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation
Edward has passed 40. Madeline is considered a spinster (though her age is not revealed). It's refreshing to read a tale of passion and intense attraction for two older characters. During Christmastide in a very small group , two unlikely people discover the magic of the season.
Very sweet.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased the collection for an amazing sale price directly from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation
December 7, 2020
Oh, I love this story. Two lost souls finding their other half. This story couldn’t have been any sweeter. As usual, it was wonderfully written with lots of emotion. It was lovely to read about a little older couple. There was no sex in this book. This is just the perfect read for that relaxing rest time. I received this as an ARC and freely do my review.
August 9, 2021
I enjoyed this short historical romance story with the two main characters that were. Miss Madeline Grayson and Lord Edward, Marquess of Ainsley. Plus also the rest of the characters too.
This was a fun enjoyable to read. There were a parts that were quite funny to read.
I saw this book and decided to give a try.This is my honest unbiased opinion.
This was a fun enjoyable to read. There were a parts that were quite funny to read.
I saw this book and decided to give a try.This is my honest unbiased opinion.
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