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The Wishing Well #2
Arabella and the Reluctant Duke
A runaway Duke’s daughter. A dashingly handsome blacksmith. A festering secret.
Everything was a lie ....until it all unravelled.
Being a Duke’s daughter is not what it’s cut out to be. Surely, there must be more to life than embroidery, balls, and finding a husband? Running away to work as a governess, Lady Arabella does not count on being hired by a precocious 14-year-old girl who runs the family….and a dashingly handsome father.
Mr Philip Merivale, inventor, blacksmith, and widowed father of three lively children, is not amused. There is one thing he dislikes the most: the aristocracy.
Clearly, the pretty girl who answered his daughter’s advertisement must be a lady. Why did she choose his family for her social experiments? She must be taught a lesson on middle-to-lower-class life.
Adjusting to her new life is difficult, especially when Philip is bent on challenging her at every turn. As the spats between the two grow to undeniable attraction, Arabella uncovers Philip’s devastating secret that jeopardizes everything.
How can Arabella succumb to love when her real identity is what Philip despises the most?
Everything was a lie ....until it all unravelled.
Being a Duke’s daughter is not what it’s cut out to be. Surely, there must be more to life than embroidery, balls, and finding a husband? Running away to work as a governess, Lady Arabella does not count on being hired by a precocious 14-year-old girl who runs the family….and a dashingly handsome father.
Mr Philip Merivale, inventor, blacksmith, and widowed father of three lively children, is not amused. There is one thing he dislikes the most: the aristocracy.
Clearly, the pretty girl who answered his daughter’s advertisement must be a lady. Why did she choose his family for her social experiments? She must be taught a lesson on middle-to-lower-class life.
Adjusting to her new life is difficult, especially when Philip is bent on challenging her at every turn. As the spats between the two grow to undeniable attraction, Arabella uncovers Philip’s devastating secret that jeopardizes everything.
How can Arabella succumb to love when her real identity is what Philip despises the most?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2021
499 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 3, 2021
Sofi Laporte is an interesting addition to the company of Regency authors. Her work is refreshingly different and very funny. It’s not a wildly authentic evocation of the Regency, but so well written that I forgive it.
Here’s the premise: Lady Arabella Astley, the sister of the Duke of Ashmore, has run away from her home, all the way to Cornwall in answer to an advertisement for a governess, calling herself Miss Weston. It’s not immediately clear why she felt the need to do this, since there’s no lead in and the first chapter opens with Arabella being interviewed, after a fashion, by the fourteen year old daughter of the house. But it doesn’t really matter, since the three children are delightfully eccentric (and very funny), and then Arabella meets their father… Philip Merivale is a blacksmith and inventor, prone to working shirtless, and devilishly handsome. The family lives in ramshackle style in a cottage, and Arabella finds herself forced to help with the household chores - even cooking! When she’s never even been in a kitchen before! It’s all very educational for a duke’s sister, and Arabella shows her independence and determination in spades when it’s her day to cook. Philip immediately works out that she’s of noble blood, but his secret takes longer to reveal itself.
Given the title, it’s not much of a spoiler to say that Philip is the very unwilling heir to a dukedom. He is the Earl of Threthewick (which is a horrible name, by the way, and impossible to pronounce). I’m not sure why he’s an earl, since a duke’s heir apparent has the rank of a marquess, but let that pass. His son should have a title too (he has the rank of an earl), but let that pass, too. Anyway, Philip has fallen out with his grandfather, the duke, for understandable reasons, and likes to pretend that he’s just a humble blacksmith and the dukedom is nothing to do with him. Which just makes him daft, frankly. He’s going to be the duke one day, whether he likes it or not, and his son after him, and the fact that his son has to point that out to him shows which of the two is the most sensible.
But then, Arabella’s not exactly the most sensible person ever, either. Running away to Cornwall without even so much as a change of clothes and not thinking that her very loving brother might be frantic with worry is also pretty daft. I can admire her pluck, and her brother is definitely over-protective, but still, a little more planning wouldn’t have gone amiss. And then, when she discovers exactly who Philip is, and realises that he’s been berating her for keeping the secret of her noble origins from him, when he’s been doing exactly the same, she doesn’t storm back to the cottage and yell at him, as any normal person would do. She doesn’t tackle him about it at all, she just carries on as if nothing very much had happened. Which doesn’t make much sense to me. I was looking forward to the explosion and it just didn’t happen.
But the romance… ah, the romance! I can forgive all sorts of questionable plot deviousness for a romance like this. Arabella’s journey from oh-my-goodness-a-man-without-a-shirt to despairing love is beautifully drawn, and there were some wonderful moments along the way. Philip’s journey is a little more uneven, and I wanted to slap him upside the head sometimes for not acknowledging what he was feeling, but then a ducal heir who can convince himself that he’s nothing but a humble blacksmith is not a man of great self-knowledge or introspection. At least he got there in the end, if a little bit late and overly melodramatic.
I mentioned above that this is not a particularly convincing version of the Regency. Every author creates his or her own evocation of the era, of course, and since none of us lived through it, they’re all equally valid. But this one feels a little bit off, to me. Arabella teaches Philip how to behave amongst his peers and at formal dinners, and while this is all very funny, it’s more Victorian than Regency. The serving of each separate dish as a course (soup, fish, meat, etc) by footmen, the array of cutlery (oyster forks! When oysters were so abundant and cheap that they were exclusively a dish of the poor until late in the Victorian era; the upper classes only cooked with them), the raised pinkie when drinking tea - please, no! There are also a lot of Americanisms in the writing, so if this bothers you, Laporte is best avoided. But this is one of those cases where I was enjoying the story so much that I merely smiled at these little bumps in the smooth path of my reading.
If you’re not too bothered about these minor details, this is a fun read, with two lovely characters falling very believably in love, a fine array of entertaining minor characters and a nice glimpse at the married life of the couple from the previous book. Four stars.
Here’s the premise: Lady Arabella Astley, the sister of the Duke of Ashmore, has run away from her home, all the way to Cornwall in answer to an advertisement for a governess, calling herself Miss Weston. It’s not immediately clear why she felt the need to do this, since there’s no lead in and the first chapter opens with Arabella being interviewed, after a fashion, by the fourteen year old daughter of the house. But it doesn’t really matter, since the three children are delightfully eccentric (and very funny), and then Arabella meets their father… Philip Merivale is a blacksmith and inventor, prone to working shirtless, and devilishly handsome. The family lives in ramshackle style in a cottage, and Arabella finds herself forced to help with the household chores - even cooking! When she’s never even been in a kitchen before! It’s all very educational for a duke’s sister, and Arabella shows her independence and determination in spades when it’s her day to cook. Philip immediately works out that she’s of noble blood, but his secret takes longer to reveal itself.
Given the title, it’s not much of a spoiler to say that Philip is the very unwilling heir to a dukedom. He is the Earl of Threthewick (which is a horrible name, by the way, and impossible to pronounce). I’m not sure why he’s an earl, since a duke’s heir apparent has the rank of a marquess, but let that pass. His son should have a title too (he has the rank of an earl), but let that pass, too. Anyway, Philip has fallen out with his grandfather, the duke, for understandable reasons, and likes to pretend that he’s just a humble blacksmith and the dukedom is nothing to do with him. Which just makes him daft, frankly. He’s going to be the duke one day, whether he likes it or not, and his son after him, and the fact that his son has to point that out to him shows which of the two is the most sensible.
But then, Arabella’s not exactly the most sensible person ever, either. Running away to Cornwall without even so much as a change of clothes and not thinking that her very loving brother might be frantic with worry is also pretty daft. I can admire her pluck, and her brother is definitely over-protective, but still, a little more planning wouldn’t have gone amiss. And then, when she discovers exactly who Philip is, and realises that he’s been berating her for keeping the secret of her noble origins from him, when he’s been doing exactly the same, she doesn’t storm back to the cottage and yell at him, as any normal person would do. She doesn’t tackle him about it at all, she just carries on as if nothing very much had happened. Which doesn’t make much sense to me. I was looking forward to the explosion and it just didn’t happen.
But the romance… ah, the romance! I can forgive all sorts of questionable plot deviousness for a romance like this. Arabella’s journey from oh-my-goodness-a-man-without-a-shirt to despairing love is beautifully drawn, and there were some wonderful moments along the way. Philip’s journey is a little more uneven, and I wanted to slap him upside the head sometimes for not acknowledging what he was feeling, but then a ducal heir who can convince himself that he’s nothing but a humble blacksmith is not a man of great self-knowledge or introspection. At least he got there in the end, if a little bit late and overly melodramatic.
I mentioned above that this is not a particularly convincing version of the Regency. Every author creates his or her own evocation of the era, of course, and since none of us lived through it, they’re all equally valid. But this one feels a little bit off, to me. Arabella teaches Philip how to behave amongst his peers and at formal dinners, and while this is all very funny, it’s more Victorian than Regency. The serving of each separate dish as a course (soup, fish, meat, etc) by footmen, the array of cutlery (oyster forks! When oysters were so abundant and cheap that they were exclusively a dish of the poor until late in the Victorian era; the upper classes only cooked with them), the raised pinkie when drinking tea - please, no! There are also a lot of Americanisms in the writing, so if this bothers you, Laporte is best avoided. But this is one of those cases where I was enjoying the story so much that I merely smiled at these little bumps in the smooth path of my reading.
If you’re not too bothered about these minor details, this is a fun read, with two lovely characters falling very believably in love, a fine array of entertaining minor characters and a nice glimpse at the married life of the couple from the previous book. Four stars.
June 8, 2023
Kindle marked this as read, but I didn't actually finish it. Got to 52% in, but I just couldn't get interested. Arabella's personality wasn't consistent. I didn't care for the guy at all - he actually annoyed me quite a bit with how conceited he was thinking he was such a great inventor. The kids annoyed me, too, especially the oldest. So... knowing that I couldn't possibly fall in love myself while reading this book, I gave up. Time to move on! It might have been an interesting story if I had kept up with it, but when I don't like the characters, I don't want to spend the time on it.
July 1, 2025
I absolutely loved the ending of this one, but I had a hard time staying interested in this story. I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters that they claimed to have. Idk, maybe it's just a me problem. Overall, I love the concept of this series. The love stories all lead back to a certain wishing well. ✨️
August 18, 2022
This is book 2 in the series and I rate this 3 stars. Arabella is a Duke's sister posing as a governess. Philip is living life as an impoverished blacksmith and inventor rather than accepting the fact that he is heir to a dukedom and a current Earl. Far-fetched but I'll buy. Let's continue...
Philip knows Arabella is of quality but doesn't really call her on it. Arabella learns about Philip's family history but doesn't really call him out on it either so that got annoying. Arabella had never cooked, cleaned, or anything before so the fact that she could travel unchaperoned to answer an advertisement for a governess, let alone navigate the teachings of three children is hardly plausible. Yet she makes efforts and the kids love her.
There were some sweet moments with Philip and Arabella but I couldn't really buy the love thing. I'm a sucker for moments when other people have to point out the chemistry the lovebirds don't see yet and twice Arabella is put on the spot so it does feel a bit one-sided. Although I enjoyed when Arabella kept invading Philip's thoughts. The scene where the one little cloud in the sky spelled imminent thunderstorm so he had to go check on her was cute. But there needed to be more of those moments for Philip to really come to love her.
It was inevitable that Philip would need to finally acknowledge his place in society but I felt bad that the grandfather never got to see the grandkids one more time before dying. Philip robbed him of that even after learning the truth about his parents, which was a shame. Also the whole thing about his grandfather buying the patents was left unresolved.
Overall, the book was good, not great, but it was kinda fun and I wanted to know how it all shook out. I would like to continue the series. I'll keep an eye out for the other books.
Steam was 1/5. 🔥 A few kisses and embraces.
Philip knows Arabella is of quality but doesn't really call her on it. Arabella learns about Philip's family history but doesn't really call him out on it either so that got annoying. Arabella had never cooked, cleaned, or anything before so the fact that she could travel unchaperoned to answer an advertisement for a governess, let alone navigate the teachings of three children is hardly plausible. Yet she makes efforts and the kids love her.
There were some sweet moments with Philip and Arabella but I couldn't really buy the love thing. I'm a sucker for moments when other people have to point out the chemistry the lovebirds don't see yet and twice Arabella is put on the spot so it does feel a bit one-sided. Although I enjoyed when Arabella kept invading Philip's thoughts. The scene where the one little cloud in the sky spelled imminent thunderstorm so he had to go check on her was cute. But there needed to be more of those moments for Philip to really come to love her.
It was inevitable that Philip would need to finally acknowledge his place in society but I felt bad that the grandfather never got to see the grandkids one more time before dying. Philip robbed him of that even after learning the truth about his parents, which was a shame. Also the whole thing about his grandfather buying the patents was left unresolved.
Overall, the book was good, not great, but it was kinda fun and I wanted to know how it all shook out. I would like to continue the series. I'll keep an eye out for the other books.
Steam was 1/5. 🔥 A few kisses and embraces.
May 16, 2024
This is the second of four books in the Wishing Well series. In the first book, four coins are tossed into a wishing well, one for each of four girls and the four books in the series. I like this common thread that ties the books together; it’s a unique touch.
Arabella Astley is the sister of Henry Astley, Duke of Ashmore. As such she is cossetted and protected and feels she has no purpose. This is, in actuality, a 21st century viewpoint thrust into the 19th century Regency era. Women in that time, particularly members of the aristocracy, did not face the same issues that women today face. Arabella would have been raised to behave in a structured, acceptable way, using impeccable manners at all times, and rebellion would not take on the same behaviors as it does in today’s world. Arabella’s rebellion does not feel in line with Regency times.
That’s not to say that rebellion did not occur. It’s happened frequently, across time. Columbus’ crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the belief that he would not fall off the face of the earth was an act of rebellion. And greed, for that matter. However, Arabella’s incredible behavior flies in the face of everything she was brought up to believe. It is too much.
Without a plan, Arabella leaves her brother’s estate and answers an ad for a governess to a middleclass family. What follows is a somewhat convoluted tale of betrayal, death, treachery, and a plethora of misunderstandings. It seems to go back and forth between Regency and modern behaviors and conduct.
Arabella takes up residence with Philip Merivale and his three children. In today’s world, no big deal. But these are Regency times. She is the sister of a duke, and her reputation is in tatters now. She lives with them in a small cottage, with a man to whom she is unrelated. It wasn’t done. Even a rebellious Arabella would not have gone this far in her rebellion against her brother’s control.
Another oddity is the way Arabella leaves her home. She writes no letter, not even a note, giving her brother—who loves her deeply—a clue to her sudden disappearance. Was she abducted? Was she off to one of his other properties? Was she set upon and killed? No one knows. Her brother hires Bow Street Runners who cannot find her either. Arabella’s character would never allow her to simply disappear from the lives of people who love her so much…all in the name of an adventure towards personal worthiness. She simply would not have done it in this way. Familial affection would not allow it. And again…Regency times.
Secondary characters are all over the place. There’s the eighty-year-old evil current Duke of Morley who is manipulative and deceitful. He has caused his grandson, our hero, no end of grief. His character seems to go back and forth. At times, he is ruthless in getting his own way. At other times, he seems contrite over his behavior. Always he is arrogant, in keeping with his ducal heritage. While characters should evolve in a book, his character is malleable and changes often so there is little room for growth and positive change. The reader can feel the writer at work in this duke’s character.
Philip’s maternal grandfather is a Scot who is delightful. The writer can be seen directing him, but he is still a worthy gentleman who cares for his grandson and great-grandchildren. Once he serves his purpose, the writer sends him on his way. I would’ve liked to see him enter and leave less abruptly.
The grandmama, the Dowager Duchess Augusta, is back and remains my favorite character. She says something that I, too, have pondered as I read Regency romances. She states, “These days dukes are raining from the sky. It is really quite incredible. Never has England been populated with so many dukes. One wonders where they all come from.” I’ve wondered the same thing. There are hundreds and hundreds of books written about ducal characters which makes me wonder, too, where they all come from. Her thoughts, mirroring my own, made me chuckle.
London seems to be mere hours away, by carriage. Characters go quickly to and fro. The estate of the Duke of Ashmore is close to that of the Duke of Morley, too. That’s terribly convenient for the storyline, but I’m dubious of the arduous travel of the time occurring in a thrice.
It can be difficult at times to discern who is speaking. Generally, a conversational paragraph “belongs” to one speaker. Two characters shouldn’t share the same paragraph because it becomes difficult to discern who is speaking without speech tags which can become redundant. For instance:
This appears to be Arabella speaking. However, the last statement is made by Philip and should be in its own paragraph, not part of Arabella’s.
The opposite problem occurs, too, where a character’s dialogue is broken into a second paragraph and made to appear to be another character’s speech.
This is all one speaker, but it appears to be two. That last sentence should be part of the initial paragraph.
Another problem is one of addressing the peerage. “Duke” and “Duchess” are titles, not forms of address. For instance,
“You may be right, Duchess” is improper. It should read, “You may be right, Your Grace.”
“I was asking whether you agree that parliamentary representation needs to be reformed, Duke…” This should be, “…parliamentary representation needs to be reformed, Your Grace…”
A peek into Debrett’s or Burke’s Peerage would help the writer with this, I think.
I rated this book 3 stars and considered 2.5 stars because there are too many disconnects to the Regency era. The characters have 21st century values and manners that have been set in a Regency period. It doesn’t gel. However, the writing is good. I like Ms. LaPorte’s style which is so easy to read and enjoy. I liked the first book a bit better and would have liked this one more but for the 21st century feel. I’m unsure if I’ll read the next installments because I prefer Regency romances to reflect the times they are a part of. At the end of the epilogue there are now two coins that glitter; the other two do not. And those coins…they do beckon….
Arabella Astley is the sister of Henry Astley, Duke of Ashmore. As such she is cossetted and protected and feels she has no purpose. This is, in actuality, a 21st century viewpoint thrust into the 19th century Regency era. Women in that time, particularly members of the aristocracy, did not face the same issues that women today face. Arabella would have been raised to behave in a structured, acceptable way, using impeccable manners at all times, and rebellion would not take on the same behaviors as it does in today’s world. Arabella’s rebellion does not feel in line with Regency times.
That’s not to say that rebellion did not occur. It’s happened frequently, across time. Columbus’ crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the belief that he would not fall off the face of the earth was an act of rebellion. And greed, for that matter. However, Arabella’s incredible behavior flies in the face of everything she was brought up to believe. It is too much.
Without a plan, Arabella leaves her brother’s estate and answers an ad for a governess to a middleclass family. What follows is a somewhat convoluted tale of betrayal, death, treachery, and a plethora of misunderstandings. It seems to go back and forth between Regency and modern behaviors and conduct.
Arabella takes up residence with Philip Merivale and his three children. In today’s world, no big deal. But these are Regency times. She is the sister of a duke, and her reputation is in tatters now. She lives with them in a small cottage, with a man to whom she is unrelated. It wasn’t done. Even a rebellious Arabella would not have gone this far in her rebellion against her brother’s control.
Another oddity is the way Arabella leaves her home. She writes no letter, not even a note, giving her brother—who loves her deeply—a clue to her sudden disappearance. Was she abducted? Was she off to one of his other properties? Was she set upon and killed? No one knows. Her brother hires Bow Street Runners who cannot find her either. Arabella’s character would never allow her to simply disappear from the lives of people who love her so much…all in the name of an adventure towards personal worthiness. She simply would not have done it in this way. Familial affection would not allow it. And again…Regency times.
Secondary characters are all over the place. There’s the eighty-year-old evil current Duke of Morley who is manipulative and deceitful. He has caused his grandson, our hero, no end of grief. His character seems to go back and forth. At times, he is ruthless in getting his own way. At other times, he seems contrite over his behavior. Always he is arrogant, in keeping with his ducal heritage. While characters should evolve in a book, his character is malleable and changes often so there is little room for growth and positive change. The reader can feel the writer at work in this duke’s character.
Philip’s maternal grandfather is a Scot who is delightful. The writer can be seen directing him, but he is still a worthy gentleman who cares for his grandson and great-grandchildren. Once he serves his purpose, the writer sends him on his way. I would’ve liked to see him enter and leave less abruptly.
The grandmama, the Dowager Duchess Augusta, is back and remains my favorite character. She says something that I, too, have pondered as I read Regency romances. She states, “These days dukes are raining from the sky. It is really quite incredible. Never has England been populated with so many dukes. One wonders where they all come from.” I’ve wondered the same thing. There are hundreds and hundreds of books written about ducal characters which makes me wonder, too, where they all come from. Her thoughts, mirroring my own, made me chuckle.
London seems to be mere hours away, by carriage. Characters go quickly to and fro. The estate of the Duke of Ashmore is close to that of the Duke of Morley, too. That’s terribly convenient for the storyline, but I’m dubious of the arduous travel of the time occurring in a thrice.
It can be difficult at times to discern who is speaking. Generally, a conversational paragraph “belongs” to one speaker. Two characters shouldn’t share the same paragraph because it becomes difficult to discern who is speaking without speech tags which can become redundant. For instance:
Arabella swallowed. “But…but…none of these are part of my skillset. I have never cooked, cleaned, or washed laundry.” She wouldn’t have an inkling of an idea how to go about any of it. “Piffle. Even Joy knows how to cook.”
This appears to be Arabella speaking. However, the last statement is made by Philip and should be in its own paragraph, not part of Arabella’s.
The opposite problem occurs, too, where a character’s dialogue is broken into a second paragraph and made to appear to be another character’s speech.
“Peggy isn’t here this week, so we all have to cooperate to put food on the table and get things done.” He bent forward.
“But I know what your real problem is.”
This is all one speaker, but it appears to be two. That last sentence should be part of the initial paragraph.
Another problem is one of addressing the peerage. “Duke” and “Duchess” are titles, not forms of address. For instance,
“You may be right, Duchess” is improper. It should read, “You may be right, Your Grace.”
“I was asking whether you agree that parliamentary representation needs to be reformed, Duke…” This should be, “…parliamentary representation needs to be reformed, Your Grace…”
A peek into Debrett’s or Burke’s Peerage would help the writer with this, I think.
I rated this book 3 stars and considered 2.5 stars because there are too many disconnects to the Regency era. The characters have 21st century values and manners that have been set in a Regency period. It doesn’t gel. However, the writing is good. I like Ms. LaPorte’s style which is so easy to read and enjoy. I liked the first book a bit better and would have liked this one more but for the 21st century feel. I’m unsure if I’ll read the next installments because I prefer Regency romances to reflect the times they are a part of. At the end of the epilogue there are now two coins that glitter; the other two do not. And those coins…they do beckon….
June 3, 2025
4.5 stars
This book pulled me out of a reading slump. I really enjoyed seeing Arabella and Philip fall for each other. It was a quick read but it was fun and I was eager to see how things would resolve. Philip's children were lively and fun and the romance was sweet.
This book pulled me out of a reading slump. I really enjoyed seeing Arabella and Philip fall for each other. It was a quick read but it was fun and I was eager to see how things would resolve. Philip's children were lively and fun and the romance was sweet.
June 18, 2023
Cute 💕
April 12, 2024
3.5 stars
A quiet and charming regency.
A quiet and charming regency.
April 20, 2021
Jane Eyre meets Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in this delightful clean Regency romance. In this story, Arabella is a duke’s daughter who grows bored with life in the beau monde and goes incognito as a governess. The father of her young charges is a handsome and brilliant inventor with a slight Scottish accent and a secret heritage.
As someone who likes predictable stories, I enjoyed the easy-to-guess mystery of Phillip Merivale’s past and the natural progression of the feelings between him and Arabella. The addition of his three charming children made the story all the more enjoyable.
This is the middle installment of Sofi Laporte’s “Wishing Well” series, but it easily reads as a stand-alone romance. If you enjoy the “father falling for the governess” trope as well as the “secret identity” trope, then this lighthearted love story will definitely appeal to you.
As someone who likes predictable stories, I enjoyed the easy-to-guess mystery of Phillip Merivale’s past and the natural progression of the feelings between him and Arabella. The addition of his three charming children made the story all the more enjoyable.
This is the middle installment of Sofi Laporte’s “Wishing Well” series, but it easily reads as a stand-alone romance. If you enjoy the “father falling for the governess” trope as well as the “secret identity” trope, then this lighthearted love story will definitely appeal to you.
March 28, 2025
Light easy read with sweet characters. Loved this book.
February 14, 2024
Grrr! I really don't want to put another 3 star book on my list, but I refuse to overlook Grandfather Morely's horrid behavior.
I absolutely loved Arabella in the previous book. I loved her even more in this book. When she takes off to make it on her own and lands at the doorstep of Phillip and his children, she could never have known how wonderful it could be. Phillip is a blacksmith and an inventor. He has three children, and he is secretly an Earl. Well, Arabella is secretly a Duke's sister, so tamato tamato.
I love every moment with them. And I was full on board to hate the Grandfather Duke of Morely. You can't describe the horrible things he did to Phillip and then expect us to want him to see his grandchildren at the end. Just no. If you want us to forgive him, then make his crimes against Phillip less severe. The very idea that anyone could forgive him just because they share blood and he was dying. Bah. Also, at the beginning, the kids say that they treated them poorly at the big house and at the end do a 180 and say Morely was good to them. Pick a lane.
It's sad because I love with my whole heart that love story and those kids, but asking me to overlook what he did to Phillip. Just no.
I absolutely loved Arabella in the previous book. I loved her even more in this book. When she takes off to make it on her own and lands at the doorstep of Phillip and his children, she could never have known how wonderful it could be. Phillip is a blacksmith and an inventor. He has three children, and he is secretly an Earl. Well, Arabella is secretly a Duke's sister, so tamato tamato.
I love every moment with them. And I was full on board to hate the Grandfather Duke of Morely. You can't describe the horrible things he did to Phillip and then expect us to want him to see his grandchildren at the end. Just no. If you want us to forgive him, then make his crimes against Phillip less severe. The very idea that anyone could forgive him just because they share blood and he was dying. Bah. Also, at the beginning, the kids say that they treated them poorly at the big house and at the end do a 180 and say Morely was good to them. Pick a lane.
It's sad because I love with my whole heart that love story and those kids, but asking me to overlook what he did to Phillip. Just no.
April 20, 2021
A duke's sister who longs for more than the status quo. A nobleman who turned his back on his heritage as a boy and grew up as a widowed middle-class blacksmith with three children. Arabella takes a brave stand and runs away to become a governess for board and food. She had no idea what she was walking into. Philip was raised as a blacksmith having no training to take on the responsibilities that one day he could not avoid. When he agreed to hire Arabella as the governess theirs was an immediate attraction between them that would later be severely tested. I loved the three precocious children of Philip. They were absolutely the comic relief needed during some stressful times. An excellent read. I highly recommend it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Original
Page-turner
Realistic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Original
Page-turner
Realistic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
January 17, 2025
This story was pretty implausible and silly but very fun. The main characters were interesting and the plot fast-paced. The ending was satisfying. It made it frustrating that there were a lot of typos and word choice issues that I felt could’ve been solved by a simple read through. And the fact that it’s in a series with Dukes—ugh. What is it with the Dukes?? But all told, it was a fun read.
May 4, 2021
🍀 Arabella and the Reluctant Duke 🍀
The Wishing Well Series #2
A Sweet Regency Romance
✒️ Sofi Laporte
https://www.facebook.com/sofilaportea...
Release Date 04/27/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P52X2YQ/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A runaway Duke’s daughter. A dashingly handsome blacksmith. A festering secret.
Everything was a lie ....until it all unravelled.
Being a Duke’s daughter is not what it’s cut out to be. Surely, there must be more to life than embroidery, balls, and finding a husband? Running away to work as a governess, Lady Arabella does not count on being hired by a precocious 14-year-old girl who runs the family….and a dashingly handsome father.
Mr Philip Merivale, inventor, blacksmith, and widowed father of three lively children, is not amused. There is one thing he dislikes the most: the aristocracy.
Clearly, the pretty girl who answered his daughter’s advertisement must be a lady. Why did she choose his family for her social experiments? She must be taught a lesson on middle-to-lower-class life.
Adjusting to her new life is difficult, especially when Philip is bent on challenging her at every turn. As the spats between the two grow to undeniable attraction, Arabella uncovers Philip’s devastating secret that jeopardizes everything.
How can Arabella succumb to love when her real identity is what Philip despises the most?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her true identity and his pride keep them apart ...
When I read the blurb of this book, I was intrigued and decided to give it a go.
And I was right, this is a much entertaining full of kids mischiefs read.
The author even surprised me at time with some unexpected twists and turns.
I thought at first Arabella a bit silly and light in the head, then after some thoughts, it needs a great dose of courage to leave everything behind and drug one’s own path.
Of course she does not do it in one smooth line, there are bumps and lot of mistakes. Plus herself, has a lot to learn, she might be well educated, she knows nothing about life outside her pampered world.
The opening scene is just so lively and fun, it instantly glued me to the full of mayhem kids.
Philip is of course more than he lets people think about him but he has a prejudice against nobility and I understand why when it is explained. He is a genius in his own way, but he let his pride and stubbornness hold him back.
Yet this book is more than their romance, it is an amusing tale of the difficulties inventors encounter on their path, a droll crash course in society’s etiquette and a pamphlet about the power of love and its many forms.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Wishing Well Series #2
A Sweet Regency Romance
✒️ Sofi Laporte
https://www.facebook.com/sofilaportea...
Release Date 04/27/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P52X2YQ/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A runaway Duke’s daughter. A dashingly handsome blacksmith. A festering secret.
Everything was a lie ....until it all unravelled.
Being a Duke’s daughter is not what it’s cut out to be. Surely, there must be more to life than embroidery, balls, and finding a husband? Running away to work as a governess, Lady Arabella does not count on being hired by a precocious 14-year-old girl who runs the family….and a dashingly handsome father.
Mr Philip Merivale, inventor, blacksmith, and widowed father of three lively children, is not amused. There is one thing he dislikes the most: the aristocracy.
Clearly, the pretty girl who answered his daughter’s advertisement must be a lady. Why did she choose his family for her social experiments? She must be taught a lesson on middle-to-lower-class life.
Adjusting to her new life is difficult, especially when Philip is bent on challenging her at every turn. As the spats between the two grow to undeniable attraction, Arabella uncovers Philip’s devastating secret that jeopardizes everything.
How can Arabella succumb to love when her real identity is what Philip despises the most?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her true identity and his pride keep them apart ...
When I read the blurb of this book, I was intrigued and decided to give it a go.
And I was right, this is a much entertaining full of kids mischiefs read.
The author even surprised me at time with some unexpected twists and turns.
I thought at first Arabella a bit silly and light in the head, then after some thoughts, it needs a great dose of courage to leave everything behind and drug one’s own path.
Of course she does not do it in one smooth line, there are bumps and lot of mistakes. Plus herself, has a lot to learn, she might be well educated, she knows nothing about life outside her pampered world.
The opening scene is just so lively and fun, it instantly glued me to the full of mayhem kids.
Philip is of course more than he lets people think about him but he has a prejudice against nobility and I understand why when it is explained. He is a genius in his own way, but he let his pride and stubbornness hold him back.
Yet this book is more than their romance, it is an amusing tale of the difficulties inventors encounter on their path, a droll crash course in society’s etiquette and a pamphlet about the power of love and its many forms.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
December 31, 2024
Just finished this this morning. I absolutely loved this story. There's one part that I felt was implausible - possibly two - and I'll put those out there right away.
I don't think that Arabella would've risked worrying her brother and sister-in-law. In the first book, she was so desirous of her best friend Lucy (now her sister-in-law) share her thoughts and feelings rather than shutting Arabella out. Now in this story, rather than sharing, she leaves to make her own way. I don't think she would've created that level of anxiety for her loved ones, even if she wanted to. That being said, the premise created a great story. I will NOT reduce a star for this book, it still gets all my points. :-)
And the second - I'm not sure this is justified or not. Anyone who has read the book, please correct me if I'm wrong. I THINK the beginning of the story did not explain what sort of explanation she gave to her brother/sister-in-law for her absence. But I'm Deaf and miss things and I had to do a lot of rewinding because I was often distracted by my responsibilities as a homemaker - the ones that required thinking.... So anyone feel free to correct me here. Take this comment with a huge grain of salt.
This is a young lady falling in love with a widower and his children type of story. She also gives a false last name. The youngest child is a young lady - something like age 14 - who absolutely believes that she and her siblings need a governess. Her dad is great, but all he teaches them is mathematics. Arabella answers the advertisement, arrives, and fortunately, the father is won over and allows her to stay as governess. Arabella's family don't know about this, and some situations they find themselves in - don't worry, this is clean - are definitely NOT appropriate for the Regency era. But this is properly addressed by the fact that the widower/hero figure does not care about society's rules and is all about practicality. The hero figure - I think his name is Phillip - is a blacksmith and an inventor.
Worthy of a mention is a book with a blacksmith for a hero because it made such an impression on me years ago - Karen Witemeyer's To Win Her Heart.
Lovely book! Happy New Year's Eve!
I don't think that Arabella would've risked worrying her brother and sister-in-law. In the first book, she was so desirous of her best friend Lucy (now her sister-in-law) share her thoughts and feelings rather than shutting Arabella out. Now in this story, rather than sharing, she leaves to make her own way. I don't think she would've created that level of anxiety for her loved ones, even if she wanted to. That being said, the premise created a great story. I will NOT reduce a star for this book, it still gets all my points. :-)
And the second - I'm not sure this is justified or not. Anyone who has read the book, please correct me if I'm wrong. I THINK the beginning of the story did not explain what sort of explanation she gave to her brother/sister-in-law for her absence. But I'm Deaf and miss things and I had to do a lot of rewinding because I was often distracted by my responsibilities as a homemaker - the ones that required thinking.... So anyone feel free to correct me here. Take this comment with a huge grain of salt.
This is a young lady falling in love with a widower and his children type of story. She also gives a false last name. The youngest child is a young lady - something like age 14 - who absolutely believes that she and her siblings need a governess. Her dad is great, but all he teaches them is mathematics. Arabella answers the advertisement, arrives, and fortunately, the father is won over and allows her to stay as governess. Arabella's family don't know about this, and some situations they find themselves in - don't worry, this is clean - are definitely NOT appropriate for the Regency era. But this is properly addressed by the fact that the widower/hero figure does not care about society's rules and is all about practicality. The hero figure - I think his name is Phillip - is a blacksmith and an inventor.
Worthy of a mention is a book with a blacksmith for a hero because it made such an impression on me years ago - Karen Witemeyer's To Win Her Heart.
Lovely book! Happy New Year's Eve!
May 23, 2021
The wishing well series continues, this time following Arabella, the younger sister of the Duke of Ashmore from book 1.
Arabella decides she wants to find herself and make a difference, something she cannot do from the porcelain world she lives in. Arabella decides to run away from home and become a governess. Why not? Afterall, her friends have, and a governess is a respectful position. After accepting a position in the household of Mr Philip Merivale, Arabella finds its not so easy to find oneself.
At first, there is not much chemistry between the characters as Philip is stubborn and difficult to love in the first part of the story. He is dedicated to his family and inventions, but against anything aristocratic, even manners. His past plays a big role in this, and his family history does a level of excitement to the book.
Arabella just wants to help others. She is quiet, and is prone to tears, which I found to be quite funny after a while because, honestly, that is just her personality. She feels deeply, and her tears come at the most unexplained times. It was endearing after it clicked. The same case for Philip, the man was just awkward in any situation that didn’t involve his funny, misbehaving children and math. Put these two socially awkward souls together and you get a love story filled with ups and downs but overall understanding.
I also loved seeing characters from the first book once again! Lucy, Ash, and Grandmama, hilarious! Sofi Laporte really does know how to stay true to her characters.
Hoping to see more in books three!
Arabella decides she wants to find herself and make a difference, something she cannot do from the porcelain world she lives in. Arabella decides to run away from home and become a governess. Why not? Afterall, her friends have, and a governess is a respectful position. After accepting a position in the household of Mr Philip Merivale, Arabella finds its not so easy to find oneself.
At first, there is not much chemistry between the characters as Philip is stubborn and difficult to love in the first part of the story. He is dedicated to his family and inventions, but against anything aristocratic, even manners. His past plays a big role in this, and his family history does a level of excitement to the book.
Arabella just wants to help others. She is quiet, and is prone to tears, which I found to be quite funny after a while because, honestly, that is just her personality. She feels deeply, and her tears come at the most unexplained times. It was endearing after it clicked. The same case for Philip, the man was just awkward in any situation that didn’t involve his funny, misbehaving children and math. Put these two socially awkward souls together and you get a love story filled with ups and downs but overall understanding.
I also loved seeing characters from the first book once again! Lucy, Ash, and Grandmama, hilarious! Sofi Laporte really does know how to stay true to her characters.
Hoping to see more in books three!
April 20, 2021
Arabella, the sister of a strict ruled Duke, feels stifled. She does not see her worth. So she answers an advertisement to be a governess. She hopes the backstory she has will fool her employer. Little did she know it would be one of the children that hires her, Miss Katy Merivale.
Philip Merivale, Earl of Threthewick reluctantly though he refuses to acknowledge the title, has three children who are all smart. Maybe too smart as his oldest took matters into her own hands to get help so she may enter society.
Philip knows Arabella is more than she is admitting. As they learn to get along, the areas that each need help in gets better. Arabella learns to cook. Philip learns to understand his children need and wants.
Our intrepid villain, the Duke of Morely, is Philip's grandfather. His parenting style has lost him his family and he now understands why. He wants to make amends but Philip refuses to have anything to do with him or the title.
As events unfold, Philip sees where his title can open doors and assist his children. When Arabella's identity is revealed Philip is the only one unforgiving of her deception. Arabella points out that his title is just that but when Philip does forgive his grandfather it is due to seeing how he was starting to act just like he did which is not what Philip wants.
So come along as Sofi weaves her spell of adventure, intrigue, and wishes. You will see rich characters and defined writing.
Philip Merivale, Earl of Threthewick reluctantly though he refuses to acknowledge the title, has three children who are all smart. Maybe too smart as his oldest took matters into her own hands to get help so she may enter society.
Philip knows Arabella is more than she is admitting. As they learn to get along, the areas that each need help in gets better. Arabella learns to cook. Philip learns to understand his children need and wants.
Our intrepid villain, the Duke of Morely, is Philip's grandfather. His parenting style has lost him his family and he now understands why. He wants to make amends but Philip refuses to have anything to do with him or the title.
As events unfold, Philip sees where his title can open doors and assist his children. When Arabella's identity is revealed Philip is the only one unforgiving of her deception. Arabella points out that his title is just that but when Philip does forgive his grandfather it is due to seeing how he was starting to act just like he did which is not what Philip wants.
So come along as Sofi weaves her spell of adventure, intrigue, and wishes. You will see rich characters and defined writing.
May 21, 2023
A clean story. As I write I am debating g is this 3 or 4 stars. We have a Dukes sister who feels claustrophobic in her life so goes off to be a governess to Cornwall. Her employer is a blacksmith inventor, and both he and her pretend their status’s are different - she is a baron’s daughter in hard times a she in reality is an Earl, heir to a Duke who he hates. It was implausible. She left home with what seems like no spare clothes, she is intelligent so I am sure she would have thought of that, but harder to leave with a larger bag. I am pretty sure everyone where he lived would have known who he was - servants talk, and the old duke made no secret of it. I liked how Arabella had no idea how to do anything and had to learn, and there were parts of their interaction that were enjoyable. You could see there was going to be a huge denouement when Arabella’s identity came out. I liked how the children were, and I did enjoy the proposal and Dowager Duchess Augusta’s comments. There were bits that were never followed up on, did Arabella manage to alter dresses for Katy, what did Philip do when he discovered all his parents had been bought up by the old duke? As an aside why in these sorts of stories do the dresses/clothes of deceased wives/ sisters/ random people all seem to fit nearly perfectly the heroine who has nothing with her? So despite these issues did I enjoy the story? Yes I did, so I think I will go with 4 stars but it is probably 3.5.
April 30, 2022
Whimsical
This is an interesting book that entices you to believe in love at first sight.
Being a Duke’s daughter is not what it’s cut out to be. Surely, there must be more to life than embroidery, balls, and finding a husband? Running away to work as a governess, Lady Arabella does not count on being hired by a precocious 14-year-old girl who runs the family….and a dashingly handsome father.
Mr Philip Merivale, inventor, blacksmith, and widowed father of three lively children, is not amused. There is one thing he dislikes the most: the aristocracy.
Clearly, the pretty girl who answered his daughter’s advertisement must be a lady. Why did she choose his family for her social experiments? She must be taught a lesson on middle-to-lower-class life.
Adjusting to her new life is difficult, especially when Philip is bent on challenging her at every turn. As the spats between the two grow to undeniable attraction, Arabella uncovers Philip’s devastating secret that jeopardizes everything.
How can Arabella succumb to love when her real identity is what Philip despises the most?
The author has written another very good story.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is an interesting book that entices you to believe in love at first sight.
Being a Duke’s daughter is not what it’s cut out to be. Surely, there must be more to life than embroidery, balls, and finding a husband? Running away to work as a governess, Lady Arabella does not count on being hired by a precocious 14-year-old girl who runs the family….and a dashingly handsome father.
Mr Philip Merivale, inventor, blacksmith, and widowed father of three lively children, is not amused. There is one thing he dislikes the most: the aristocracy.
Clearly, the pretty girl who answered his daughter’s advertisement must be a lady. Why did she choose his family for her social experiments? She must be taught a lesson on middle-to-lower-class life.
Adjusting to her new life is difficult, especially when Philip is bent on challenging her at every turn. As the spats between the two grow to undeniable attraction, Arabella uncovers Philip’s devastating secret that jeopardizes everything.
How can Arabella succumb to love when her real identity is what Philip despises the most?
The author has written another very good story.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 30, 2025
This one was a stand alone even though it is the second in the series and has same characters. The personalities and situations didn't carry over, so if you are reading the first book, don't expect a continuation of where the story line was at, just the premise of the wishing well. Honestly, the only thing that kept me finishing this book was having a great narrator on the audiobook (Kuddos to Ella Lynch for that!). I felt that there were some annoying inconsistencies with characters...FL getting chewed out for leaving kids alone when the ML had done just that the first time the kids were introduced, the narrator saying the ML never yells at the end of the book when he spent the whole book doing just that, etc. I also didn't like how the characters just shrugged off past behaviors without giving proper character development. Then the end felt like a regency version of a stereotypical Hallmark movie...a big explosion of emotion, taking off to a different town, then a realization that they overacted, then the apologize while professing their love and everyone lives happily ever after. I'm planning to give this author one more chance with the 3rd book in the series but if it goes the same way, I don't know if I will finish it.
August 13, 2023
2.25 grudging 🌟
This is such an unimaginative, boring, predictable fare with zero chemistry between the H&h . The supporting characters are simply props with no evident purpose. In reality, this is a nobook, as Robin states, "You don't have a choice to not be a duke- its inevitable." So much for the hero trying to fight his lineage.🤷♀️🤦♀️
Overall, historicals are becoming extremely classist- the hero is either a Duke or bastard who has achieved super riches by his sheer hard work and determination.
I'm really curious: what if the hero here wasn't a Duke? Would Arabella not marry him even though she wished for a Duke? Or would she hold out for one?
Lastly, I'm not sure that when dukes address each other, they call them Duke, across the table! What happened to Your Grace?
This is the consecutive second book where table manners seem to have disappeared. 😒
Overall, an insipid affair that cab be totally avoided.
Recommended: 👎
This is such an unimaginative, boring, predictable fare with zero chemistry between the H&h . The supporting characters are simply props with no evident purpose. In reality, this is a nobook, as Robin states, "You don't have a choice to not be a duke- its inevitable." So much for the hero trying to fight his lineage.🤷♀️🤦♀️
Overall, historicals are becoming extremely classist- the hero is either a Duke or bastard who has achieved super riches by his sheer hard work and determination.
I'm really curious: what if the hero here wasn't a Duke? Would Arabella not marry him even though she wished for a Duke? Or would she hold out for one?
Lastly, I'm not sure that when dukes address each other, they call them Duke, across the table! What happened to Your Grace?
This is the consecutive second book where table manners seem to have disappeared. 😒
Overall, an insipid affair that cab be totally avoided.
Recommended: 👎
May 2, 2021
I enjoyed this historical romance story with the two main characters that were Lady Arabella and Mr Philip Merivale. And also the rest of the characters to.
Lady Arabella is a Duke's daughter that is tried of her brother telling her how her life should be like. She also tried of the same things all the time. So she decides to answer an ad for a governess post. But when she gets there she surprised to find out that the young girl is the one that placed the ad not her father.
Mr. Philip Merivale has three lovely children. He is surprised to find out that his daughter has posted an ad for a governess when a lady show up for the position.
This book had quite a bit of mystery secret surprises that was fun to guess. There was quite a bit of laughs throughout the story.
I received a complimentary copy via author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Lady Arabella is a Duke's daughter that is tried of her brother telling her how her life should be like. She also tried of the same things all the time. So she decides to answer an ad for a governess post. But when she gets there she surprised to find out that the young girl is the one that placed the ad not her father.
Mr. Philip Merivale has three lovely children. He is surprised to find out that his daughter has posted an ad for a governess when a lady show up for the position.
This book had quite a bit of mystery secret surprises that was fun to guess. There was quite a bit of laughs throughout the story.
I received a complimentary copy via author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
January 25, 2024
Setting aside the implausibility of the entire story, I'll just ask this:
Do you like stories where the heroine often seems to excuse the hero's petulant, immature behavior and instead is bewildered by what she might have said or done to cause him to be angry or upset? Do you like it when the heroine's love for the hero keeps growing, even though he obviously has issues and is moody?
If the answer to those questions is yes, I think you will like this story. Because I feel like this was the dynamic we got for about 90 percent of the book.
There is some growth toward the end of the book--the heroine stands up for herself more, and the hero is properly chastened after someone points out to him that his own actions have not been much better than those he accused the heroine of. But on the whole, this type of story is not my cup of tea.
Do you like stories where the heroine often seems to excuse the hero's petulant, immature behavior and instead is bewildered by what she might have said or done to cause him to be angry or upset? Do you like it when the heroine's love for the hero keeps growing, even though he obviously has issues and is moody?
If the answer to those questions is yes, I think you will like this story. Because I feel like this was the dynamic we got for about 90 percent of the book.
There is some growth toward the end of the book--the heroine stands up for herself more, and the hero is properly chastened after someone points out to him that his own actions have not been much better than those he accused the heroine of. But on the whole, this type of story is not my cup of tea.
January 30, 2022
Delightful and charming
The second book in the Wishing Well series by Sofi Laporte is an absolute delight. Arabella, the sister of the Duke hero in the first book, has in essence run away from home to become a governess to three charming seemingly middle class children. Their widowed father Philip is a blacksmith and an inventor but is there more to the family’s story? Can two people with family secrets form a relationship? I loved this sweet, entertaining romance and especially appreciated the pluckiness of Arabella as portrayed by the author. Of course, a Lady formerly pampered by servants can manage lighting a stove and cooking breakfast. The scene was delightful. I enjoyed the mystery and the romance and can’t wait to read book three.
The second book in the Wishing Well series by Sofi Laporte is an absolute delight. Arabella, the sister of the Duke hero in the first book, has in essence run away from home to become a governess to three charming seemingly middle class children. Their widowed father Philip is a blacksmith and an inventor but is there more to the family’s story? Can two people with family secrets form a relationship? I loved this sweet, entertaining romance and especially appreciated the pluckiness of Arabella as portrayed by the author. Of course, a Lady formerly pampered by servants can manage lighting a stove and cooking breakfast. The scene was delightful. I enjoyed the mystery and the romance and can’t wait to read book three.
March 8, 2024
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Heirs and Rebels
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sofi Laporte
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: Arabella
Listen𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Easy
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Audiobook
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Historical romance
4/𝟱
🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁
~ a young lady determined to change her circumstances
~ family bonds and reforging relationships
~ different voices for characters, but well done
Lady Arabella has decided that she is fed up being closeted and pampered. She runs off to Cornwall in the hopes of living her best life as a governess, in the middle of nowhere with a poor as mice family. But much like her, the family is as it seems, and as they fall in love with each other, and Arabella learns to fry eggs, this family will find its centre.
✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.
🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗵
~ being abandoned cannot ever be good
~ grandfather was horrid
♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sofi Laporte
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: Arabella
Listen𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Easy
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Audiobook
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Historical romance
4/𝟱
🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁
~ a young lady determined to change her circumstances
~ family bonds and reforging relationships
~ different voices for characters, but well done
Lady Arabella has decided that she is fed up being closeted and pampered. She runs off to Cornwall in the hopes of living her best life as a governess, in the middle of nowhere with a poor as mice family. But much like her, the family is as it seems, and as they fall in love with each other, and Arabella learns to fry eggs, this family will find its centre.
✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.
🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗵
~ being abandoned cannot ever be good
~ grandfather was horrid
♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)
September 1, 2025
**LAST NIGHT**
Okay…so I literally just finished it. I loved it. I was genuinely screeching into my pillow, with hysterical abandon, not so very many minutes ago. Some of those…SCENES…simply could not be imbibed without their proper dosage of screeching. Not possible.
And gaaash, that part where Arabella runs into her family with Philip….ugh. I can’t even. AHEM **puts on deep, haughty ducal impersonation** “Merivale, did you compromise my sister?”
SCREEEEEECH!! 😱😱😱
?!?! What the hay I can’t even BIFKETMFURMAKPIFFLE!!!
PHILIP thought he was going to apoplexy!?! You kidding me? I had a seizure right on the spot.
I can’t WAIT to find out where our next coin takes us! Bring on the dukes, baby!
August 11, 2024
Oh, what a pleasant romp through a tale of trying to escape who you really are.
I enjoyed Arabella's character quite a bit. I loved the adventure she took herself on to find meaning and purpose outside of the expected norm for her life. Her relationships with the kids she taught were excellent and even her mistakes were kind of adorable.
See this review and more like it on my Substack about books:
https://momsmusings.substack.com/p/ar...
Philip's character was...something else. My goodness, I am not used to reading such UNrefinement in regency tales. However, there was something about i that just worked. He was impulsive and spoke before thinking but he was also a deep feeler and thinker who made amends as soon as he saw his folly.
The story was captivating and there were many moments that made me smile, which I love.
I enjoyed Arabella's character quite a bit. I loved the adventure she took herself on to find meaning and purpose outside of the expected norm for her life. Her relationships with the kids she taught were excellent and even her mistakes were kind of adorable.
See this review and more like it on my Substack about books:
https://momsmusings.substack.com/p/ar...
Philip's character was...something else. My goodness, I am not used to reading such UNrefinement in regency tales. However, there was something about i that just worked. He was impulsive and spoke before thinking but he was also a deep feeler and thinker who made amends as soon as he saw his folly.
The story was captivating and there were many moments that made me smile, which I love.
August 4, 2021
Romance - Sweet and Clean
Violence - None
Language - None
Series - Book 2 * These really should be read in order *
Don't ever start a new book late at bedtime, especially one you can't put down. I enjoyed Arabella's story, though not as much as I did with the first book in the series.
This book was definitely not your run-of-the-mill Regency Romance. There were twists I did not expect.
I won't give spoilers, but Arabella and Phillip definitely had to work through a lot of things to finally reach their happily ever after. ❤ Totally worth it in the end.
Violence - None
Language - None
Series - Book 2 * These really should be read in order *
Don't ever start a new book late at bedtime, especially one you can't put down. I enjoyed Arabella's story, though not as much as I did with the first book in the series.
This book was definitely not your run-of-the-mill Regency Romance. There were twists I did not expect.
I won't give spoilers, but Arabella and Phillip definitely had to work through a lot of things to finally reach their happily ever after. ❤ Totally worth it in the end.
July 24, 2024
Some of it is real cute, but a lot is frustrating.
How dare Philip be mad that Arabella wasn't 100% transparent, and then promptly insisting he's not an Earl. He knew she was a lady, he continued to treat her like she wasn't. I'm also not a huge fan of how he dismissed all of her accomplishments as useless. I'm never a huge fan of the widower/ father story lines. Saying it was an unhappy marriage, etc doesn't make me like it. Especially when she's 22 and he's at least 36 (22 when married, oldest daughter is 14).
How dare Philip be mad that Arabella wasn't 100% transparent, and then promptly insisting he's not an Earl. He knew she was a lady, he continued to treat her like she wasn't. I'm also not a huge fan of how he dismissed all of her accomplishments as useless. I'm never a huge fan of the widower/ father story lines. Saying it was an unhappy marriage, etc doesn't make me like it. Especially when she's 22 and he's at least 36 (22 when married, oldest daughter is 14).
November 15, 2025
He's a blacksmith who's really an earl and a future duke, who wants to spurn the aristocracy because his grandfather, the current duke, is a terrible person. She's a duke's daughter and sister who wants to become a governess for his children under a pseudonym, pretending to be an impoverished gentlewoman, learning to cook and to kiss and whatnot. Because the lap of luxury with her loving brother is too stifling and she wants to live her own life and make her own choices, she ran away secretly, risking scandal and a lot of heartache for her worried family.
I found this story to be implausible overall. I dunno, maybe it was supposed to be.
Steam level: Ogling his naked chest.
I found this story to be implausible overall. I dunno, maybe it was supposed to be.
Steam level: Ogling his naked chest.
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