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The Gardner Girls #2
To All the Earls I've Loved Before
Meet the Gardner Girls:
Four devoted sisters must face pride, peril, and adventure before each finds a love that conquers all.
Sometimes love is an accident
As Angel and Gwendolen are about to discover, love can be found in the strangest places—such as in the dead of night, on a bridge, when a drunk duke stumbles across a knife-wielding woman.
A lady with a secret
Standing at danger's threshold, Lady Gwendolen Gibson (née Gardner) has no idea that love is about to beckon her in. Hiding from a man who seeks to destroy her life and steal her child, the countess has lived for years with a secret past. Now widowed and threatened with the loss of her home, a guardian angel rescues her and makes her an offer she can't refuse.
Out of options and weary of running from her past, Gwendolen wants nothing more than the chance to build a new life for herself and her son. But Gwendolen's secrets will not stay hidden, and as her dangerous adversary steps into the light, he threatens her present, her future, and all she holds dear.
A scoundrel with honor
Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield, lives up to his name. A golden Adonis, his looks leave women swooning in his wake, while his fortune is greater than Croesus'. Returning to England after being betrayed on the battlefield, Angel seeks to alleviate the dullness of his privileged life with the usual womanizing, drinking, racing, and gambling.
Until the night he steps across Blackwater Bridge and discovers a mysterious woman in desperate circumstances. Deciding only he can keep her safe, Angel makes a gallant proposition, offering himself as her protector in a marriage of convenience.
But, although Angel believed he could remain aloof to Gwendolen's charms, this wild-living nobleman finds he cannot steel his heart to a woman who is more than she seems and everything he never knew he needed.
Four devoted sisters must face pride, peril, and adventure before each finds a love that conquers all.
Sometimes love is an accident
As Angel and Gwendolen are about to discover, love can be found in the strangest places—such as in the dead of night, on a bridge, when a drunk duke stumbles across a knife-wielding woman.
A lady with a secret
Standing at danger's threshold, Lady Gwendolen Gibson (née Gardner) has no idea that love is about to beckon her in. Hiding from a man who seeks to destroy her life and steal her child, the countess has lived for years with a secret past. Now widowed and threatened with the loss of her home, a guardian angel rescues her and makes her an offer she can't refuse.
Out of options and weary of running from her past, Gwendolen wants nothing more than the chance to build a new life for herself and her son. But Gwendolen's secrets will not stay hidden, and as her dangerous adversary steps into the light, he threatens her present, her future, and all she holds dear.
A scoundrel with honor
Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield, lives up to his name. A golden Adonis, his looks leave women swooning in his wake, while his fortune is greater than Croesus'. Returning to England after being betrayed on the battlefield, Angel seeks to alleviate the dullness of his privileged life with the usual womanizing, drinking, racing, and gambling.
Until the night he steps across Blackwater Bridge and discovers a mysterious woman in desperate circumstances. Deciding only he can keep her safe, Angel makes a gallant proposition, offering himself as her protector in a marriage of convenience.
But, although Angel believed he could remain aloof to Gwendolen's charms, this wild-living nobleman finds he cannot steel his heart to a woman who is more than she seems and everything he never knew he needed.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2021
492 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Fenna Edgewood
21 books187 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Fenna Edgewood writes steamy, swoon-worthy stories of love, family, and adventure. Fenna lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband and two tiny tots (who are adorable but generally terrible research assistants). She is an award-winning retired academic who has studied English literature for most of her life. Before becoming a full-time author, her last "real" job was teaching high school students above the Arctic Circle. After a long hiatus from writing make-believe as a twelve-year-old, she has returned to the genre with a bang!
For a FREE book from Fenna, join her NL: https://fennaedgewood.com/newsletter/
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For a FREE book from Fenna, join her NL: https://fennaedgewood.com/newsletter/
And be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest deals! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/fenna...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 20, 2021
The book started out strong. The witty dialogue had me instiches. It was an unique story but, then it felt flat.
Angel was the perfect guy. He was funny, clever, rich, and extremely good looking. He's willing to marry a woman in danger with a kid. What's not to like? Gwen had a great senihumor too. The problem with this couple, is the secrets Gwen keeps bc of a lack of trust. She also takes forever to consummate the marriage- another pet peeve of mine.
While the book isn't a disaster, it also doesn't live up to it's potential .
Angel was the perfect guy. He was funny, clever, rich, and extremely good looking. He's willing to marry a woman in danger with a kid. What's not to like? Gwen had a great senihumor too. The problem with this couple, is the secrets Gwen keeps bc of a lack of trust. She also takes forever to consummate the marriage- another pet peeve of mine.
While the book isn't a disaster, it also doesn't live up to it's potential .
September 5, 2022
Delightful, funny, and exceptionally sweet.
I think living with Angel - a duke who could talk! Haha! - would be exhausting 😂😂
I think living with Angel - a duke who could talk! Haha! - would be exhausting 😂😂
August 27, 2021
Rating : 5/5 ... This was really cute and funny
Review in french : cliquez ici
Review in english : Let me just start buy saying that I didn't think I would love this book so much ! It was really entertaining.
To All the Earls I've Loved Before is a funny historical romance. The main strength of this story are the characters. From the beginning, we get attached to the 2 main characters (Gwendolen & Angel) and the secondary characters like Gwendolen's sisters and Angel's friend. Angel is a really character who made me laugh a lot. He is also really swoon worthy :)
I loved the meeting between these 2 characters that everything could oppose: Gwendolen a discreet and loving mother and Angel a privileged womanizer. Despite these differences, this "arranged" marriage will quickly evolve into something deeper.
The plot itself resembles the scenarios of most historical romances. It is not very original. But it is the characters that make all the difference.
Frankly, this book is 100% feel-good. You will laugh and relax while reading it. It's a perfect book for your vacations :). Personally, I'm going to continue with the rest of the Gardner Girls' adventures.
FYI : Each volume of this series is a stand-alone, so you can read them in any order you like.
Review in french : cliquez ici
Review in english : Let me just start buy saying that I didn't think I would love this book so much ! It was really entertaining.
To All the Earls I've Loved Before is a funny historical romance. The main strength of this story are the characters. From the beginning, we get attached to the 2 main characters (Gwendolen & Angel) and the secondary characters like Gwendolen's sisters and Angel's friend. Angel is a really character who made me laugh a lot. He is also really swoon worthy :)
I loved the meeting between these 2 characters that everything could oppose: Gwendolen a discreet and loving mother and Angel a privileged womanizer. Despite these differences, this "arranged" marriage will quickly evolve into something deeper.
The plot itself resembles the scenarios of most historical romances. It is not very original. But it is the characters that make all the difference.
Frankly, this book is 100% feel-good. You will laugh and relax while reading it. It's a perfect book for your vacations :). Personally, I'm going to continue with the rest of the Gardner Girls' adventures.
FYI : Each volume of this series is a stand-alone, so you can read them in any order you like.
September 2, 2021
Hero Great, Heroine Sympathetic, Writing Too Choppy
While this book had aspects I liked, others drove me around the proverbial twist. The first annoyance once I started reading the book was that the title does not reflect the book’s contents. Yes, it is a clever turn of phrase, but the heroine had no single earl—let alone more than one—she loved in the past.
But that was the least annoying aspect of what I didn't like. I read a lot of historical fiction and romance. I believe historical fiction should have heightened language. At the very least, these books should use full sentences. This book is rife with phrases... far too many. In the first “drunk duke” scene, I thought it might just be used to show characterization of his hammered state, but the author continued to use this choppy writing style. I actually almost gave up on the book because I found the choppy writing so unpleasant to read, as I typically do when writers write mostly in phrases, not sentences. But I did find the duke silly, witty, and charming with a great sense of self (not always taking himself seriously) and liked his inherent protective nature. The heroine is certainly sympathetic, and her son is darling. This story has several villains, when we come to know quickly and one that takes a little longer to tease out. Part of the book is epistolary, and at first, it isn't clear how exactly the letters relate to the current storyline; I found this mildly annoying as well.
I have one large quibble with the author. She seems to think Regency couples had everything spelled out in a will. Of course, that was not the case. Before gentry or nobility married, marriage settlements were written up that specifically stated what the wife and any children they may have would get if the husband died before her or them. The disputes with the stepson would have been moot. The marriage settlement was not even brought up at the time the stepson argued about the will; it was like the author had no clue that the marriage settlement would protect a married woman.
All in all, while I enjoyed some aspects of the book, much of what I discussed above took away from my enjoyment of it.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
While this book had aspects I liked, others drove me around the proverbial twist. The first annoyance once I started reading the book was that the title does not reflect the book’s contents. Yes, it is a clever turn of phrase, but the heroine had no single earl—let alone more than one—she loved in the past.
But that was the least annoying aspect of what I didn't like. I read a lot of historical fiction and romance. I believe historical fiction should have heightened language. At the very least, these books should use full sentences. This book is rife with phrases... far too many. In the first “drunk duke” scene, I thought it might just be used to show characterization of his hammered state, but the author continued to use this choppy writing style. I actually almost gave up on the book because I found the choppy writing so unpleasant to read, as I typically do when writers write mostly in phrases, not sentences. But I did find the duke silly, witty, and charming with a great sense of self (not always taking himself seriously) and liked his inherent protective nature. The heroine is certainly sympathetic, and her son is darling. This story has several villains, when we come to know quickly and one that takes a little longer to tease out. Part of the book is epistolary, and at first, it isn't clear how exactly the letters relate to the current storyline; I found this mildly annoying as well.
I have one large quibble with the author. She seems to think Regency couples had everything spelled out in a will. Of course, that was not the case. Before gentry or nobility married, marriage settlements were written up that specifically stated what the wife and any children they may have would get if the husband died before her or them. The disputes with the stepson would have been moot. The marriage settlement was not even brought up at the time the stepson argued about the will; it was like the author had no clue that the marriage settlement would protect a married woman.
All in all, while I enjoyed some aspects of the book, much of what I discussed above took away from my enjoyment of it.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
June 15, 2021
Fenna Edgewood’s follow up in the Gardner Girls series is as engaging and fun as the first, perhaps even more.
“To All the Earl’s I’ve Loved Before” is the story of the eldest Gardner Girl, Gwendolen, and it is a wild ride that I wasn’t able to put down!
Gwen is such a compelling heroine, you are instantly rooting for her while also thinking she would make a fabulous best friend. Her hero, Angel, realizes very quickly how special she is and knows he cannot let her slip away. The ‘will they, won’t they’ push and pull in this novel is exciting and so satisfying when they finally do (because of course, this is a romance novel!).
But what is most special is the trust and love that develops between Angel and Gwendolen. It’s a real relationship, one that readers can recognize and connect to. The lovemaking scenes were completely swoon-worthy, but I found myself sighing out loud as Angel and Gwen confided their fears, hopes, and ultimately love to one another.
This book delivered the first true ‘twist’ I’ve seen in a historical romance in a long time. I won’t spoil it, of course, but my jaw dropped open and Gwen’s status as the most badass woman in the ton was thoroughly cemented.
This is a MUST READ.
“To All the Earl’s I’ve Loved Before” is the story of the eldest Gardner Girl, Gwendolen, and it is a wild ride that I wasn’t able to put down!
Gwen is such a compelling heroine, you are instantly rooting for her while also thinking she would make a fabulous best friend. Her hero, Angel, realizes very quickly how special she is and knows he cannot let her slip away. The ‘will they, won’t they’ push and pull in this novel is exciting and so satisfying when they finally do (because of course, this is a romance novel!).
But what is most special is the trust and love that develops between Angel and Gwendolen. It’s a real relationship, one that readers can recognize and connect to. The lovemaking scenes were completely swoon-worthy, but I found myself sighing out loud as Angel and Gwen confided their fears, hopes, and ultimately love to one another.
This book delivered the first true ‘twist’ I’ve seen in a historical romance in a long time. I won’t spoil it, of course, but my jaw dropped open and Gwen’s status as the most badass woman in the ton was thoroughly cemented.
This is a MUST READ.
July 5, 2024
This book (once again) had me squealing like a teenager! It was so cute!! The relationship between Angel & Henry was adorable- I mean Angel was a beautiful being anyway. Loved the drama and much needed love for Gwen!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2021
Good story. Cute banter. Some issues could have been handled better instead of just glossed over.
October 25, 2021
Love from an unexpected source
Rescued from what would have been a miserable marriage Gwendolyn found true love. And in doing so found true happiness
Rescued from what would have been a miserable marriage Gwendolyn found true love. And in doing so found true happiness
June 29, 2021
📜 To All the Earls I've Loved Before 📜
A Historical Regency Marriage-of-Convenience Romance Novel
The Gardner Girls Series #2
✒️ Fenna Edgewood
https://www.facebook.com/fennaedgewoo...
Release Date 06/27/2021
Publisher Starwater Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092TVXFJ7/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A drunk duke. A knife-wielding woman. A chance encounter in the dead of night. Love can be found in the strangest places.
A lady with a secret
Standing at danger's threshold, Lady Gwendolen Gibson (née Gardner) has no idea that love is about to beckon her in. Hiding from a man who seeks to destroy her life and steal her child, the countess has lived for years with a secret past. Now widowed and threatened with the loss of her home, a guardian angel rescues her and makes her an offer she can't refuse.
Out of options, Gwendolen wants nothing more than the chance to build a new life for herself and her son. But Gwendolen's secrets will not stay hidden and as her dangerous adversary steps into the light, he threatens her present, her future, and all she holds dear.
A scoundrel with honor
Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield, lives up to his name. A golden Adonis, his looks leave women swooning in his wake while his fortune is greater than Croesus'. Returning to England after witnessing the horrors of battle, Angel seeks to alleviate the dullness of his privileged life with the usual womanizing, drinking, racing, and gambling.
Until the night he steps across Blackwater Bridge and discovers a mysterious woman in desperate circumstances. Deciding only he can keep her safe, Angel makes a gallant proposition, offering himself as her protector in a marriage of convenience. But although Angel believes he can remain aloof to Gwendolen's charms, this wild-living nobleman finds he cannot steel his heart to a woman who is more than she seems and everything he never knew he needed.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her secrets lead to more dangers …
After reading the first book in this series, I knew the second would take place before Claire’s story.
It would explain the many hints given about Gwendolen’s marriages.
Yet it was different from what I expected, and while there is danger, betrayal, it is also enlightened by Angel’s charismatic presence. How I loved him, I even imagined him like a kind of big cuddly teddy bear with an angelic face. He is all devilish look and pastimes yet he also defends the widow and the orphan against the big bad wolf. He steps in because he instantly senses there is peril. He might bears a rather muddy aureole, he is still a savior, a raskish knight in less pristine armor.
He is such a jolly kind fellow, he does hesitate he jumps in to save a woman he feels need a champion. Ready to sacrifice his own happiness if it might help someone else, even a near stranger.
Gwendolen is driven by her secrets and need to protect her son, thus how she meets Angel. He stumbles upon her in the dark of the night and since he seems to always be nearby. Her own avenging Angel, even he talks more than he avenges, he stands by her side. She is a quiet woman who made do with what life threw on her path. Motherly and easy, she asks for nothing, except peace, to raise her son gently.
So while their story takes a quickening, their relationship needs a bit more work, for Gwendolen to trust Angel with her darkest secrets and realizes the awesome caring man who has taken her under his wing is the one she never expected but longed to meet.
In all, a wondrous tale alternating letters from the past and present action, offering variant insights and a different view of the events unraveling between the epistolary parts.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an granted copy by the author. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
A Historical Regency Marriage-of-Convenience Romance Novel
The Gardner Girls Series #2
✒️ Fenna Edgewood
https://www.facebook.com/fennaedgewoo...
Release Date 06/27/2021
Publisher Starwater Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092TVXFJ7/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A drunk duke. A knife-wielding woman. A chance encounter in the dead of night. Love can be found in the strangest places.
A lady with a secret
Standing at danger's threshold, Lady Gwendolen Gibson (née Gardner) has no idea that love is about to beckon her in. Hiding from a man who seeks to destroy her life and steal her child, the countess has lived for years with a secret past. Now widowed and threatened with the loss of her home, a guardian angel rescues her and makes her an offer she can't refuse.
Out of options, Gwendolen wants nothing more than the chance to build a new life for herself and her son. But Gwendolen's secrets will not stay hidden and as her dangerous adversary steps into the light, he threatens her present, her future, and all she holds dear.
A scoundrel with honor
Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield, lives up to his name. A golden Adonis, his looks leave women swooning in his wake while his fortune is greater than Croesus'. Returning to England after witnessing the horrors of battle, Angel seeks to alleviate the dullness of his privileged life with the usual womanizing, drinking, racing, and gambling.
Until the night he steps across Blackwater Bridge and discovers a mysterious woman in desperate circumstances. Deciding only he can keep her safe, Angel makes a gallant proposition, offering himself as her protector in a marriage of convenience. But although Angel believes he can remain aloof to Gwendolen's charms, this wild-living nobleman finds he cannot steel his heart to a woman who is more than she seems and everything he never knew he needed.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her secrets lead to more dangers …
After reading the first book in this series, I knew the second would take place before Claire’s story.
It would explain the many hints given about Gwendolen’s marriages.
Yet it was different from what I expected, and while there is danger, betrayal, it is also enlightened by Angel’s charismatic presence. How I loved him, I even imagined him like a kind of big cuddly teddy bear with an angelic face. He is all devilish look and pastimes yet he also defends the widow and the orphan against the big bad wolf. He steps in because he instantly senses there is peril. He might bears a rather muddy aureole, he is still a savior, a raskish knight in less pristine armor.
He is such a jolly kind fellow, he does hesitate he jumps in to save a woman he feels need a champion. Ready to sacrifice his own happiness if it might help someone else, even a near stranger.
Gwendolen is driven by her secrets and need to protect her son, thus how she meets Angel. He stumbles upon her in the dark of the night and since he seems to always be nearby. Her own avenging Angel, even he talks more than he avenges, he stands by her side. She is a quiet woman who made do with what life threw on her path. Motherly and easy, she asks for nothing, except peace, to raise her son gently.
So while their story takes a quickening, their relationship needs a bit more work, for Gwendolen to trust Angel with her darkest secrets and realizes the awesome caring man who has taken her under his wing is the one she never expected but longed to meet.
In all, a wondrous tale alternating letters from the past and present action, offering variant insights and a different view of the events unraveling between the epistolary parts.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an granted copy by the author. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
June 23, 2021
This is the second book in the Gardner Girls series, following the story of Gwendolen and Angel. These books can be read as standalone's as each has its own storyline and ending.
I have to say after I devoured the first book in the series I didn't think Gwendolen's story could live up to my very high expectations, but how wrong I was! Edgewood managed to make her so relatable and I really felt for her as her secrets came out. Gwendolyn was brave, kind, and selfless and every decision she made was for her son. I really loved seeing how she coped as a young widowed mother in society (she was a badass) and every time I learned more about her past the more connected I felt to her.
I felt that she reacted realistically to the things she’s endured and didn’t just jump at the chance to marry Angel but rather based the decision upon whether it was the best way to protect her son.
Angel was a wonderful character; he truly was an Angel, he was so honourable and just a genuinely good person who believed in doing what’s right, and he was delightfully charming and funny. I thoroughly enjoyed their every interaction and really loved Gwendolen and Angel together. They had great chemistry and I really enjoyed that they married at a good point in the book, so we got a lot of their post-marriage problems and drama. I also loved the underlying plot of Wrydham terrorising Gwendolen and Henry, and it made it feel very realistic - it’s a great reason for Gwen to marry, and that Wrydham’s history was so awful and horrifying made him a great villain who I loved to hate and I found that Angel was such a great contrast to the heinous Wrydham and I loved getting to see how it all played out.
Not only was the plot very gripping but it had a full cast of excellent, in-depth characters. It was nice to see Claire (the main character from book 1) from Gwendolen and Angel’s perspective and her grumpiness was hilarious. Getting to see Claire like this really put book 1 into a better perspective for me - I loved book 1 but knowing just how every else sees her adds to the story of book 1 for me.
I also loved Hugh and Rosalind as side characters, they provided a great lighter dynamic as well as giving the main characters more time together. I really loved seeing Gwendolen and Angel’s relationship develop and as always, the angst of neither thinking the other likes then was beautifully done and I couldn’t be happier with how it all went ended. The surprise at the end was delightful and tied up any loose ends as well as bringer another great dynamic to their family.
The amazing cast of characters was outshined only by how special Gwendolen and Angel’s relationship was, the trust and love shone through the page as they confided in one another and built a true relationship.
As always, I loved Fenna’s writing and it flowed beautifully. I also loved the letters that were strewn throughout - the first few were a little confusing as they’re only snippets but as the secrets came out and the story unfolded the letters added such an interesting insight into the events of the past and gave us some new point of views for some of these events - these were woven really well into the story!
Overall, a superb read with two captivating characters - a different change of pace form book 1 but it worked perfectly. It was a great read, and I would highly recommend for those looking for a well-developed, swoon-worthy story full of heartache, loyalty and love.
I have to say after I devoured the first book in the series I didn't think Gwendolen's story could live up to my very high expectations, but how wrong I was! Edgewood managed to make her so relatable and I really felt for her as her secrets came out. Gwendolyn was brave, kind, and selfless and every decision she made was for her son. I really loved seeing how she coped as a young widowed mother in society (she was a badass) and every time I learned more about her past the more connected I felt to her.
I felt that she reacted realistically to the things she’s endured and didn’t just jump at the chance to marry Angel but rather based the decision upon whether it was the best way to protect her son.
Angel was a wonderful character; he truly was an Angel, he was so honourable and just a genuinely good person who believed in doing what’s right, and he was delightfully charming and funny. I thoroughly enjoyed their every interaction and really loved Gwendolen and Angel together. They had great chemistry and I really enjoyed that they married at a good point in the book, so we got a lot of their post-marriage problems and drama. I also loved the underlying plot of Wrydham terrorising Gwendolen and Henry, and it made it feel very realistic - it’s a great reason for Gwen to marry, and that Wrydham’s history was so awful and horrifying made him a great villain who I loved to hate and I found that Angel was such a great contrast to the heinous Wrydham and I loved getting to see how it all played out.
Not only was the plot very gripping but it had a full cast of excellent, in-depth characters. It was nice to see Claire (the main character from book 1) from Gwendolen and Angel’s perspective and her grumpiness was hilarious. Getting to see Claire like this really put book 1 into a better perspective for me - I loved book 1 but knowing just how every else sees her adds to the story of book 1 for me.
I also loved Hugh and Rosalind as side characters, they provided a great lighter dynamic as well as giving the main characters more time together. I really loved seeing Gwendolen and Angel’s relationship develop and as always, the angst of neither thinking the other likes then was beautifully done and I couldn’t be happier with how it all went ended. The surprise at the end was delightful and tied up any loose ends as well as bringer another great dynamic to their family.
The amazing cast of characters was outshined only by how special Gwendolen and Angel’s relationship was, the trust and love shone through the page as they confided in one another and built a true relationship.
As always, I loved Fenna’s writing and it flowed beautifully. I also loved the letters that were strewn throughout - the first few were a little confusing as they’re only snippets but as the secrets came out and the story unfolded the letters added such an interesting insight into the events of the past and gave us some new point of views for some of these events - these were woven really well into the story!
Overall, a superb read with two captivating characters - a different change of pace form book 1 but it worked perfectly. It was a great read, and I would highly recommend for those looking for a well-developed, swoon-worthy story full of heartache, loyalty and love.
July 6, 2022
As an avid reader of this genre and time period, I am particularly attracted to authors who can take a basic plot and character trope and make it unique, interesting, and engaging. This book and the others in the series do that quite successfully.
Gwendolin is a sympathetic, but also realistic young woman who has her priorities straight and is honest enough with herself about her weaknesses. One of the things I dislike most in other regency romances is when the secretiveness of the h and H become the primary plot, where they are unwilling to take the risk to trust the other person. Gwendolin has a few secrets, but she slowly gives them up to the lovable, funny, and self-deprecating Angel throughout the story. Usually, secrets are revealed by an other person or in conversation. What I liked is that both of these characters were smart enough to read the other and ask enough questions to help the secret holder get over the boundary that was keeping them from sharing.
Angel is in a class of heroes that is very small in my estimation. He is proud and a bit arrogant, but in his interactions with Gwendolin when they go wrong or awry, his first question is "what did I say or do wrong." There is a level of self-awareness that regency male characters rarely have, and it is that more complex characterization of him that makes his someone I would love to meet and know.
Another reviewer did not like the epistolary part of the book. I totally disagree. It is a convention that provided the necessary background in a different writing genre than the novel and did so in a way that slowly revealed more about the characters (especially secondary ones like John) rather than having to resort to either flashback storytelling or exposition. Letters used in this way add to the layers of characters because they have to speak in the voice of the person in a way that is different from dialogue. I would have hated to see all of the information that we learn through them be shared in straight dialogue. BORING!
Another reviewer also took issue with the issue of John's will, that it didn't provide for the widow and child. That was a very good catch in terms of period accuracy. Since the marriage was arranged between friends, her mother and John, it is possible that the contracts were less formal especially given the urgency with Gwendolin's pregnancy. In the end, it didn't bother me that much because the lack of funds and support from the will for her and Henry seemed like a secondary reason for her to accept Angel's proposal. The primary one being safety from Redmond.
Gwendolin is a sympathetic, but also realistic young woman who has her priorities straight and is honest enough with herself about her weaknesses. One of the things I dislike most in other regency romances is when the secretiveness of the h and H become the primary plot, where they are unwilling to take the risk to trust the other person. Gwendolin has a few secrets, but she slowly gives them up to the lovable, funny, and self-deprecating Angel throughout the story. Usually, secrets are revealed by an other person or in conversation. What I liked is that both of these characters were smart enough to read the other and ask enough questions to help the secret holder get over the boundary that was keeping them from sharing.
Angel is in a class of heroes that is very small in my estimation. He is proud and a bit arrogant, but in his interactions with Gwendolin when they go wrong or awry, his first question is "what did I say or do wrong." There is a level of self-awareness that regency male characters rarely have, and it is that more complex characterization of him that makes his someone I would love to meet and know.
Another reviewer did not like the epistolary part of the book. I totally disagree. It is a convention that provided the necessary background in a different writing genre than the novel and did so in a way that slowly revealed more about the characters (especially secondary ones like John) rather than having to resort to either flashback storytelling or exposition. Letters used in this way add to the layers of characters because they have to speak in the voice of the person in a way that is different from dialogue. I would have hated to see all of the information that we learn through them be shared in straight dialogue. BORING!
Another reviewer also took issue with the issue of John's will, that it didn't provide for the widow and child. That was a very good catch in terms of period accuracy. Since the marriage was arranged between friends, her mother and John, it is possible that the contracts were less formal especially given the urgency with Gwendolin's pregnancy. In the end, it didn't bother me that much because the lack of funds and support from the will for her and Henry seemed like a secondary reason for her to accept Angel's proposal. The primary one being safety from Redmond.
March 8, 2023
This is another free ebook I received from the author. I’m loving the Gardner sisters’ series. This one is about Gwen, the oldest sister and widow of an older earl, and Angel, a duke and best friend of Hugh (you’ll know who he is later). Angel sees Gwen, a damsel in distress, and decides she needs rescuing—and he’s just the man for the job. He offers her his protection to her and her little son Henry in the form of a marriage, and although she has some misgivings, she reluctantly agrees. Naturally, they fall in love. Eventually, Angel realizes that he didn’t offer to marry her for purely altruistic reasons. He really did feel she could be “the one.”
The banter between Angel and Gwen is clever and amusing. Angel has the ability to insert himself into virtually any situation and make it better by bluffing his way through. On a couple of occasions, he is surprised to stumble upon Gwen in some kind of trouble, and springs into action, usually acting as if he was invited to be there. When Gwen questions why on earth he would give up the opportunity to marry for love, he thinks the following to himself: “It was not as if he had anything better to do, did he? As the countess had already said, his days were a blur of drinking, carousing, gambling. With a decent amount of fornicating thrown into the mix. If fornicating could ever be described as ‘decent.’”
Ms. Edgewood’s heroes are always going to be more enlightened than the average male of that time period, and I’d like to believe there were men like that. This conversation is a great example of how Angel eschews gender expectations. “Perhaps you had every right to know this before you married me. To know that I was—” She swallowed. “—unchaste. Wanton. Soiled.”
“You sound as if you are describing a handkerchief and not a person,” he said incredulously. “Stop it at once…”
Hugh makes an appearance—even though I read his book prior to this one, this should actually come first—and is just as endearing as always. “Oh, my poor aching bones,” Hugh lamented, loudly, from his place on the sofa where he lay propped with pillows. “Oh, my fevered brow.” When everyone present refuses to help him, little Henry jumps to the rescue. “I’ll do it, Uncle Hugh,” Henry said from the corner where he had beenplaying with Herc (the mastiff). He scrambled up and started towards the sofa. “I can wipe your feral brow.”
It’s another great book from the Gardner girls collection and I recommend it.
The banter between Angel and Gwen is clever and amusing. Angel has the ability to insert himself into virtually any situation and make it better by bluffing his way through. On a couple of occasions, he is surprised to stumble upon Gwen in some kind of trouble, and springs into action, usually acting as if he was invited to be there. When Gwen questions why on earth he would give up the opportunity to marry for love, he thinks the following to himself: “It was not as if he had anything better to do, did he? As the countess had already said, his days were a blur of drinking, carousing, gambling. With a decent amount of fornicating thrown into the mix. If fornicating could ever be described as ‘decent.’”
Ms. Edgewood’s heroes are always going to be more enlightened than the average male of that time period, and I’d like to believe there were men like that. This conversation is a great example of how Angel eschews gender expectations. “Perhaps you had every right to know this before you married me. To know that I was—” She swallowed. “—unchaste. Wanton. Soiled.”
“You sound as if you are describing a handkerchief and not a person,” he said incredulously. “Stop it at once…”
Hugh makes an appearance—even though I read his book prior to this one, this should actually come first—and is just as endearing as always. “Oh, my poor aching bones,” Hugh lamented, loudly, from his place on the sofa where he lay propped with pillows. “Oh, my fevered brow.” When everyone present refuses to help him, little Henry jumps to the rescue. “I’ll do it, Uncle Hugh,” Henry said from the corner where he had beenplaying with Herc (the mastiff). He scrambled up and started towards the sofa. “I can wipe your feral brow.”
It’s another great book from the Gardner girls collection and I recommend it.
September 16, 2021
Excellent writing of a very good story
Gwen started out with a big secret as life went on someone was forcing her and her young son out into the street without any support and someone else was trying to abduct her beloved son from her. She needed to fight back on at least two fronts.
Late at night on a bridge over a river in a hooded cape talking to a man also in a hooded cape arguing and along comes a former soldier wondering what this was all about as he saw the woman had a knife in her hand….hummm. What could be going on? The next night the ex soldier, Angel, saw the same hooded/caped woman apparently waiting for someone and tonight she was almost robbed. Long story short he sent her home but bumped into her the next day strolling with her young son. Angel knew this woman needed support and asked her to marry him, he happened to be a Duke. After she refused and then accepting the proposal to marry as a way for Angel to protect her son. Things were moving very fast and Gwen knew he only married her to protect her and her child. Angel knew she was not interested in him and would only protect them.
Angel didn’t know who was after her and she wouldn’t say, to protect Angel from becoming involved. Very soon after their marriage of convenience things started happening on so many level with each of them keeping their own council which certainly didn’t help.
This story is a tender love story with some very dangerous people after her son. Will they open up to one another and be able to keep her secrets and her son safe? This is a very well written story with several unexpected surprises for everyone. It kept me reading every chance I got to see how was this going to get resolved. A very surprising ending some things not too happy but this new couple does have a HEA. An enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone interested in the Regency period romance. 💝
Gwen started out with a big secret as life went on someone was forcing her and her young son out into the street without any support and someone else was trying to abduct her beloved son from her. She needed to fight back on at least two fronts.
Late at night on a bridge over a river in a hooded cape talking to a man also in a hooded cape arguing and along comes a former soldier wondering what this was all about as he saw the woman had a knife in her hand….hummm. What could be going on? The next night the ex soldier, Angel, saw the same hooded/caped woman apparently waiting for someone and tonight she was almost robbed. Long story short he sent her home but bumped into her the next day strolling with her young son. Angel knew this woman needed support and asked her to marry him, he happened to be a Duke. After she refused and then accepting the proposal to marry as a way for Angel to protect her son. Things were moving very fast and Gwen knew he only married her to protect her and her child. Angel knew she was not interested in him and would only protect them.
Angel didn’t know who was after her and she wouldn’t say, to protect Angel from becoming involved. Very soon after their marriage of convenience things started happening on so many level with each of them keeping their own council which certainly didn’t help.
This story is a tender love story with some very dangerous people after her son. Will they open up to one another and be able to keep her secrets and her son safe? This is a very well written story with several unexpected surprises for everyone. It kept me reading every chance I got to see how was this going to get resolved. A very surprising ending some things not too happy but this new couple does have a HEA. An enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone interested in the Regency period romance. 💝
June 24, 2021
Angelus Dante Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield, known by his friend Angel having been told he resembled a golden angel from heaven. He had a horrible headache having spent the evening in a tavern drinking mead which had been his friend Hugh's idea and he had fallen off the type of and passed out. The innkeeper was going to put them in a room to sleep it off. Angel came upon two strangers, a man and a woman the woman had pulled a knife on the man was holding it wrong Angel attempted to correct her hold she couldn't get it. The man left and discuss and the lady entered a carriage. Angel was walking with Lady Julia Pembroke when he spotted the lady from the night before and Lady Julia gave her cut direct. Lady had a little boy with her who was holding a chai when the kite was blown off course and out of control into the branches of a nearby tree. Angel rescued the cot and returned to the boy's mother refused to meet his eyes yes Lady Julia who she was and she told him that she was the Countess of Leicester and she was the widow. Angel said he was going to go home and Lady Julia got upset that he would leave her alone in the park. He pointed out that her maid was with her and she would not be alone. Gwendolen was back on the bridge in the face pain met and pulled a knife on her and Angel showed up again. And he asked her to marry him transactional marriage in name only to protect her from the man who was causing her problems. This is a well-written book and has funny parts in it. It also has a number of letters to and from different people. I really recommend this book it's a quick read and an enjoyable read...
July 5, 2021
A beautiful widow with a child, a mysterious encounter on a bridge, a rakish but charming duke, and painful secrets that haunt them both. To All the Earls I’ve loved before is an engaging Regency romance with verve and zest.
This second installment of the Gardener Sisters tells the story of Gwendolen, the oldest Gardener sister, and Angel, the Duke of Engelfield. Fenna Edgewood has a talent for writing well-developed characters with strong-willed heroines, delightful heroes, and nasty antagonists, which make the ingredients for a captivating story. My particular favorite is Angel, who, despite his flaws, will sneak into your heart with his charm, roguishness, and kindness.
As Gwen and Angel confront their inner and outer demons, the chemistry between the two grows from a gentle slow burn to sizzling passion.
I particularly enjoyed the letters that are interspersed into the story, filling us in on additional background stories. Cameos from characters from the previous book are particularly delightful: we get to encounter Clare again, the sassy heroine of book 1.
Must read for all who enjoy regency romance with a good dose of mystery and action - and a surprising twist.
This second installment of the Gardener Sisters tells the story of Gwendolen, the oldest Gardener sister, and Angel, the Duke of Engelfield. Fenna Edgewood has a talent for writing well-developed characters with strong-willed heroines, delightful heroes, and nasty antagonists, which make the ingredients for a captivating story. My particular favorite is Angel, who, despite his flaws, will sneak into your heart with his charm, roguishness, and kindness.
As Gwen and Angel confront their inner and outer demons, the chemistry between the two grows from a gentle slow burn to sizzling passion.
I particularly enjoyed the letters that are interspersed into the story, filling us in on additional background stories. Cameos from characters from the previous book are particularly delightful: we get to encounter Clare again, the sassy heroine of book 1.
Must read for all who enjoy regency romance with a good dose of mystery and action - and a surprising twist.
August 7, 2021
A woman who is willing to do what it takes to protect her child. A strong , handsome duke who falls in love with the said woman. The villan, actually the villans if we are to add Julia in the equation, though she seems to meet redemption at the end of the story, fulfill their roles of giving that necessary depth to the plot and create the opposition good v. evil. At first sight it would seem a classical story with a classical plot, yet there is more than that. Angel is a too intelligent and brave character with an amazing sense of humor to be dismissed so easily. Even Gwendolyn, in spite of her blunders (her weapon of choice during her nocturnal meetings is a knife in spite of her being an excellent markswoman, failing to discover Angel's feelings and expectations sooner-something that the reader would expect since she is far from a native innocent debutante) seems in the end to gain some substance and her love for her young boy is something to be highly praised. All in all I would say that the story is well-written and once you start reading you are caught in it. So yes, I do consider it a worthwhile experience.
July 8, 2021
This was such a heartwarming story. There is love, suspense, a bit of murder, and eventually a happy ending.
We meet Angel (I hate the name and it's the only con in the story) and Gwen as he saves her from a man on the bridge. Then he saves her over and over again living up to his name. Gwen carries many many secrets that threaten her life, her son's life, and eventually even Angel's life. Throughout this whole ordeal, Angel and Gwen have to figure out their feelings for each other and what to do with them.
The story has mild angst and contains mature scenes. The writing is actually very engaging and the style of writing that I thought would hate ended up working very nice with this story. The slow revelation of the details through the letters was a very nice touch and added a level of suspense that held my attention. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We meet Angel (I hate the name and it's the only con in the story) and Gwen as he saves her from a man on the bridge. Then he saves her over and over again living up to his name. Gwen carries many many secrets that threaten her life, her son's life, and eventually even Angel's life. Throughout this whole ordeal, Angel and Gwen have to figure out their feelings for each other and what to do with them.
The story has mild angst and contains mature scenes. The writing is actually very engaging and the style of writing that I thought would hate ended up working very nice with this story. The slow revelation of the details through the letters was a very nice touch and added a level of suspense that held my attention. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2021
This is the second book in the Gardner Girls series but first chronology as it deals with the eldest Gardner Girl. Gwendolen Gibson (née Gardner), the Countess of Leicester, is now a widow with a young son and is beset on all sides by a man who seeks to destroy her. Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield, is a womaniser, with no thought of marriage, who loves to drink and gamble. When these two meet on Blackwater Bridge Gwendolen is in a precarious situation and a drunk Angel, living up to his name, offers her his protection and a marriage of convenience. But perhaps he has bitten off more than he can chew when his feelings for Gwendolen grow into something much stronger. Can their happiness survive when Gwendolen’s nemesis threatens to ruin everything? I found this a really enjoyable read and it will keep you reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2022
Truth over feelings
Gwendolyn had fallen in love or so she thought with life altering consequences! Her mother rescues her with a marriage to John! John dies without a new will known and she is also being blackmailed!
Wow! Angel beautiful handsome man that he is finds her wheeling a knife towards a cloaked figure he intervenes! He also managed to rescue two more times making it a habit!
When Angel offers his name only as protection Gwendolyn has qualms but she is out of options to protect her son! She is truly ignorant in the ways of men! But Angel is pretty transparent! Also Hugh and Eliza Angel's aunt both give solid advise when she asks! But why not ask your husband!!??
He has proven himself way before marriage like Duh?
The villain is relentless and as the truth revealed he is the enemy of Angel, Henry and Gwen! The ending does redeem her somewhat but she has been fortunate in husbands if not baby daddies! They both were way too forgiving of Julia too!
Gwendolyn had fallen in love or so she thought with life altering consequences! Her mother rescues her with a marriage to John! John dies without a new will known and she is also being blackmailed!
Wow! Angel beautiful handsome man that he is finds her wheeling a knife towards a cloaked figure he intervenes! He also managed to rescue two more times making it a habit!
When Angel offers his name only as protection Gwendolyn has qualms but she is out of options to protect her son! She is truly ignorant in the ways of men! But Angel is pretty transparent! Also Hugh and Eliza Angel's aunt both give solid advise when she asks! But why not ask your husband!!??
He has proven himself way before marriage like Duh?
The villain is relentless and as the truth revealed he is the enemy of Angel, Henry and Gwen! The ending does redeem her somewhat but she has been fortunate in husbands if not baby daddies! They both were way too forgiving of Julia too!
May 28, 2022
I enjoyed this historical romance with all of the characters. The two main characters were Lady Gwendolen Gibson and Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield.
Lady Gwendolen Gibson is a widow with a child. She is being threatened after the lost of her husband. During a meeting with the man that is threatening her and her child a golden Adonis comes to aid her.
Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield has returned home and has decided to seek out different things to do so that he doesn't have a dull life. While returning home after drinking he cross the Blackwater Bridge and see a woman and man talking. He decides to see if the lady needs any help because the man looks like he is threatening her. And also he see that the lady has a knife to.
This was a fun story to read. It has action, suspense, adventure, and a few secrets. It also had a few laughs and giggles to.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Lady Gwendolen Gibson is a widow with a child. She is being threatened after the lost of her husband. During a meeting with the man that is threatening her and her child a golden Adonis comes to aid her.
Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield has returned home and has decided to seek out different things to do so that he doesn't have a dull life. While returning home after drinking he cross the Blackwater Bridge and see a woman and man talking. He decides to see if the lady needs any help because the man looks like he is threatening her. And also he see that the lady has a knife to.
This was a fun story to read. It has action, suspense, adventure, and a few secrets. It also had a few laughs and giggles to.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
June 24, 2021
TITLE: Widow exacts justice in behalf on many, when protecting the Duke that defends her.
Delightfully crafted story that revolves around a young widow with a child who is being threatened from an unknown (to us) person with an unknown threat. An inebriated Duke comes across this lady in a threatening situation, and finds himself becoming increasingly involved with, and protective of, the lady.
The story slowly unfolds to the Duke, and, by extention, to us. There is an old grudge between the Duke and another soldier that reaches down to the time of the story, that the author skillfully weaves into the story, and offers a final resolution that seems just to the reader.
This is the first book I have read from this author, and I look forward to future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Delightfully crafted story that revolves around a young widow with a child who is being threatened from an unknown (to us) person with an unknown threat. An inebriated Duke comes across this lady in a threatening situation, and finds himself becoming increasingly involved with, and protective of, the lady.
The story slowly unfolds to the Duke, and, by extention, to us. There is an old grudge between the Duke and another soldier that reaches down to the time of the story, that the author skillfully weaves into the story, and offers a final resolution that seems just to the reader.
This is the first book I have read from this author, and I look forward to future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2021
Angel and Gwendolen's Story . . .
Gwendolen is a young widow with a son, and is threatened by the past. Angelus Dante Beaumont (“Angel”), the Duke of Englefield, decided to give her the ultimate protection by offering a marriage of convenience. But being together and enjoying each other’s company turns into more as they learn to care for and trust each other. And when a cruel former lover Wyndham won’t stay out of her life and threatens her, will Angel be there to keep her safe (again)?
This was such an enjoyable book because the characters were so wonderful that the reader worried about them and wanted only the best for them. Gwendolen and Angel were a fantastic couple and both self-sacrificing, Gwendolen for her son and Angel for Gwendolen and Henry when they needed his help. Acting from the heart, truly caring, it just melted me.
Gwendolen is a young widow with a son, and is threatened by the past. Angelus Dante Beaumont (“Angel”), the Duke of Englefield, decided to give her the ultimate protection by offering a marriage of convenience. But being together and enjoying each other’s company turns into more as they learn to care for and trust each other. And when a cruel former lover Wyndham won’t stay out of her life and threatens her, will Angel be there to keep her safe (again)?
This was such an enjoyable book because the characters were so wonderful that the reader worried about them and wanted only the best for them. Gwendolen and Angel were a fantastic couple and both self-sacrificing, Gwendolen for her son and Angel for Gwendolen and Henry when they needed his help. Acting from the heart, truly caring, it just melted me.
July 13, 2021
Fenna Edgewood’s “ To All the Earls I've Loved Before” Is Book 2 in The Gardner Girls Series is the wonderful story of the eldest Gardner Girl, Gwendolen.
Driven by her secrets Gwendolyn Gibson (née Gardner), the Countess of Leicester longs to raise her son in peace and keep him safe.
Angelus Dante Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield, known to be a scoundrel, is a noble and honorable man, a protector, known also to his friends as Angel. It is said that he resembles a golden angel from heaven. He is not only handsome but also an irresistibly charming hero with a wonderful sense of humor.
The characters are charming and irresistible and the dialogue and imagery bring the story to life beautifully. I enjoyed this fantastic story immensely!
Thank you so much Ms Edgewood for this delightful romance and love story.
Driven by her secrets Gwendolyn Gibson (née Gardner), the Countess of Leicester longs to raise her son in peace and keep him safe.
Angelus Dante Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield, known to be a scoundrel, is a noble and honorable man, a protector, known also to his friends as Angel. It is said that he resembles a golden angel from heaven. He is not only handsome but also an irresistibly charming hero with a wonderful sense of humor.
The characters are charming and irresistible and the dialogue and imagery bring the story to life beautifully. I enjoyed this fantastic story immensely!
Thank you so much Ms Edgewood for this delightful romance and love story.
July 21, 2021
The second book about the Gardner girls is about Gwendolen, the oldest, and Angel a Duke that comes to her rescue. Gwendolen married a Lord, an old family friend, six years prior to the beginning of this story. The reasons behind that comes out through the story. Angel sees Gwendolen for the first time at night on a bridge where she seems to be in need of help. After that first meeting they run into each other a few times, and it is clear to Angel that this lovely widow is in need of assistance and help to protect herself and her son. Angel is a Duke with a hearth of gold and offers his help. There is more to both of these characters and the people arround them than what it might seem at first glance. I liked the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2021
Gwen is the young widow of an older Earl who left everything to his greedy son from his first marriage, leaving Gwen and her young son destitute.
She is being threatened by someone when she is rescued by Angel, a handsome and clever duke who decides that a marriage of convenience with Gwen is the honourable, gentlemanly thing to do in this situation.
I loved the set up of this book. The characters are interesting with mysterious backstories that are explained to the reader by letters at the start of the chapters throughout the book.
The romance is a bit slow, because Gwen needs to learn to trust that Angel has more feelings for her than just his fulfilling gentlemanly honour.
I enjoyed this book slightly more than the first in this series, but they were both good reads.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
She is being threatened by someone when she is rescued by Angel, a handsome and clever duke who decides that a marriage of convenience with Gwen is the honourable, gentlemanly thing to do in this situation.
I loved the set up of this book. The characters are interesting with mysterious backstories that are explained to the reader by letters at the start of the chapters throughout the book.
The romance is a bit slow, because Gwen needs to learn to trust that Angel has more feelings for her than just his fulfilling gentlemanly honour.
I enjoyed this book slightly more than the first in this series, but they were both good reads.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
July 8, 2021
Well put together, well written, regency story with romance and intrigue. The writing style is a bit reminiscent of Georgette Heyer, also a bit of old-fashioned word use, The letters that connect the chapters are a nice touch, and shows the feeling of the writers well, it is, as it were, a story in itself. Characters well developed.Gwendolyn is a young widow with a son, and threatened by the past. enter Angel,duke of Englefield to the rescue. what begins as a marriage of convenience will turn into a love match. Meanwhile ther are intriges to get by, because the past will not leave Gwendolyn alone: a former, despicable lover, turns out to not only be a part of Gwwendolyns past, but also of Angel’s
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2022
A Duke Trumps an Earl
Overall, To All the Earls I've Loved Before by Fenna Edgewood is an entertaining read.
I liked the diverse characters in this twist on a much written story. I also liked the humorous dialogue and the period descriptions. I just wish there had not been more balance between thoughts, descriptions and dialogue. The over use of thoughts slowed the pace considerably. However, by the climatic conclusion and the sweet epilogue, I forgave the slower pace.
One other observation. I liked the tactic the author used to explain the back story through written correspondence.
Content 411: In addition to some mild swearing, there are a couple of descriptive marital sex scenes.
Overall, To All the Earls I've Loved Before by Fenna Edgewood is an entertaining read.
I liked the diverse characters in this twist on a much written story. I also liked the humorous dialogue and the period descriptions. I just wish there had not been more balance between thoughts, descriptions and dialogue. The over use of thoughts slowed the pace considerably. However, by the climatic conclusion and the sweet epilogue, I forgave the slower pace.
One other observation. I liked the tactic the author used to explain the back story through written correspondence.
Content 411: In addition to some mild swearing, there are a couple of descriptive marital sex scenes.
November 2, 2023
As a person who reads a lot (around 200-250 books per year), it is a very rare occasion to find a very good author, and it happens less and less. I was truly delighted to stumble upon Mrs Edgewood's book. I was reading it through Zoom meeting ("yes...yes... that seems like the most logical course of action....ehhh...yes!) and discreetly throughout the funeral service for a zombie (which looked very much like a stick - kids are getting weirder and weirder) and at night when my husband mumbled: "Go to sleep! You will be a monster-grump tomorrow!"
But it was simply too good to put it down! It's hard to pin point why. I suppose it was a very good balance of intrigue, action, budding romance passion, and endearing backstory of Steven and John.
But it was simply too good to put it down! It's hard to pin point why. I suppose it was a very good balance of intrigue, action, budding romance passion, and endearing backstory of Steven and John.
June 27, 2021
Absolutely love this second book in this amazing debut series!
Gwendolen is the eldest Gardner sister. With the sudden passing of her husband, she's left facing dire circumstances while trying to raise her young son. She's not waiting on anyone to come to her rescue though which is why she's on a bridge in the middle of the night meeting with someone who's doing everything they can to ruin her life.
Angel is a Duke who's been aimlessly but successfully living a life of drunken antics and debauchery since his return from serving in the army. When he accidentally saves Gwendolen twice in as many days, he decides he wants to offer her the ultimate protection by marrying her.
This book was excitement and intrigue from page one! I fell in love with Gwendolen and Angel because of their witty banter and chemistry. Their connection is more than physical and their interactions were almost playful because they trusted each other. Angel is swoony and completely smitten with Gwendolen. It was so hard to put this one down because the characters were so likeable and compelling. This series just keeps getting better and I'm so excited to read more about the Gardner Girls as they find their love and happiness. Don't miss out on this one, it's a perfect summer read!!
I was kindly provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gwendolen is the eldest Gardner sister. With the sudden passing of her husband, she's left facing dire circumstances while trying to raise her young son. She's not waiting on anyone to come to her rescue though which is why she's on a bridge in the middle of the night meeting with someone who's doing everything they can to ruin her life.
Angel is a Duke who's been aimlessly but successfully living a life of drunken antics and debauchery since his return from serving in the army. When he accidentally saves Gwendolen twice in as many days, he decides he wants to offer her the ultimate protection by marrying her.
This book was excitement and intrigue from page one! I fell in love with Gwendolen and Angel because of their witty banter and chemistry. Their connection is more than physical and their interactions were almost playful because they trusted each other. Angel is swoony and completely smitten with Gwendolen. It was so hard to put this one down because the characters were so likeable and compelling. This series just keeps getting better and I'm so excited to read more about the Gardner Girls as they find their love and happiness. Don't miss out on this one, it's a perfect summer read!!
I was kindly provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2021
An Imperfect Goddess and Her Shining Knight.
The way this book was written was interesting and I rather liked its style. Lady Gwendolen Gibson and Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield have run across each other a time or two in rather unique ways you could say too. As the story progresses Angel will decide that Gwen needs a proctor and they enter into an agreement that will not be what is expected. Hugh and Rosalind were great and added so much to the story but I loved Claire and Henry too. The characters felt so real, great writing by the author. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
The way this book was written was interesting and I rather liked its style. Lady Gwendolen Gibson and Angel Beaumont, the Duke of Englefield have run across each other a time or two in rather unique ways you could say too. As the story progresses Angel will decide that Gwen needs a proctor and they enter into an agreement that will not be what is expected. Hugh and Rosalind were great and added so much to the story but I loved Claire and Henry too. The characters felt so real, great writing by the author. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
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