The Courtship

Sherbrooke Brides #5

by Catherine Coulter

Dear Reader:

You met Heatherington in The Sherbrooke Bride and Helen Mayberry in Mad Jack. Now the two get together to track down a mystical treasure that Helen calls King Edward's Lamp.

Helen is a big girl --- only two inches shorter than Heatherington --- a resolute taskmistress, owner of her own inn. She adores her father, Lord Prith, and wants to find the lamp more than anything. It is her only passion --- until she meets Heatherington.

Spenser Heatherington, Lord Beecham, enjoys Helen's pursuit of him. He is a renowned womanizer, a resolute bachelor, and really enjoys his life. When she throws him to the ground and sits on him, and he finally admits that he will succumb to her, she informs him, to his chagrin, that she doesn't want a lover, she wants a partner.

But things work out a bit differently than either of them expect. Indeed, Heatherington, unused to being thwarted, takes drastic steps to change his "big girl's" mind.

Do they find Helen's lam? Is there more to this treasure than either of them knows?

Catherine Coulter

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction, Audiobook

341 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book although consider part of the Sherbrooke series is not directly about any of the Sherbrookes. Alex, Douglas, Ryder and Sophie Sherbrooke all make appearances. I enjoyed this book mainly due to the female lead, Helen. She is a very independent woman who owns and runs her own inn. I appreciated that she was not one of the normal virginal women on a hunt for a husband. She is, instead, on a personal quest to find a magical lamp. She happens to meet the man of her dreams because she believes he can translate a scroll she has uncovered. The book tells the story of Helen, Spenser and their quest to find the lamp. There are several plot twists which I enjoyed but the end was somewhat anticlimactic. I would recommend it if you are reading the whole series since characters pop up again and again. The two main characters from this book were introduced in previous Sherbrooke novels.

[Amy Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. I almost felt like I was reading another writer. This one was humorous and light. Yes, they did mention a 'punishment' throughout the book, after I had read other reviews I was expecting to cringe in the bedroom with some S & M stuff. Maybe its just me, but it didn't seem that kinky.

The story of the lamp was anticlimatic as it didn't do anything...so I didn't get that. I really liked the characters so I gave it 5 stars.

I loved the side characters, her dad and his champagne. Teeny and her romance with Mr. Nettle, and Mr. Flock was cute too.

[J.W. Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

So..... this is a conflicting novel. For a couple of reasons. I adored helen, aka big gurl. Lmao. What a pet name. Granted that got better. Amazon. Valkyrie. 🤭 the hero was an idiot. N i say that with love. But i rolled my eyes sooo much i was afraid they stuck...

Now here in 2021. Consent is a huge topic. I dont see this book getting published these days. Consent was thrust out the window. To the hilt, lol. Turning her no to a yes on orgasmic pants n clutching embraces. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Plus a kidnapping. With more beginner nonconsential sexcapades, that once he was balls deep turned her nos to yeses. 🧐🧐🧐

The mystery was odd
The husband secret. Odder

The help, was hilarious. Teeny. Flock. Nettles.

[Miss Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read "The Courtship" in audio format on CD-- and the last of any of the books about the Sherbrookes. There were, like most in the series, some absurd plot trails, but overall, I think there was more plot going on in more layers than in most of the other books in the series, which was refreshing. Helen is an interesting character, and is written fairly consistently. Heatherington seems to be almost a "bad guy" in the opening scene, but turns out to be someone quite likable. I enjoyed "The Courtship" and looked forward to each installment; I listened about two hours a day, during my morning and evening commutes. I was not surprised to find at least one character with an abusive past (seems to be a staple of all of Coulter's historical fiction), but I was quite pleased to have finally come to a book where one or more characters is caught in a rainstorm or gets otherwise soaked to the bone, and *doesn't* nearly die of "the fever" afterwards, only to be nursed back to health by his or her eventual lover. A break with "tradition," and a welcome one.

[Laurel Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice story woven with mystery. I am waiting for the lamp to do something though. Interesting how Spenser just assumed Helen was not a virgin instead of asking her since they made such a big deal out of virginity in all the other books. Want to know why it is a good thing these men in all these books are only lasting a couple minutes at a time and they are saying the women don't have any knowledge of sex sounds like that is a little backwards!!

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Regency era romance with a sense of humor. And a mystery treasure hunt to add to the fun. Part of the bride series.

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Mad Jack more than the Brides trilogy, and I liked this one more than Mad Jack. That's not how a series usually works! This story was the best written and most coherent and cohesive yet. Too many Sherbrookes but they didn't annoy me as much as usual. I quite liked the hero and heroine of this one, and for once there's no "ridiculously innocent virginal heroine betrayed by pain" routine that all the prior books in the series suffer from.

I think one of the reasons I like the fourth and fifth books better is that much of the humor of the original trilogy come from the brides being scared of sex after their first experience, combined with the groom's shock at his own loss of control, both jokes I don't particularly appreciate. The fourth and fifth books depend more on secondary characters and other things for their humor so I find them more fun.


This hero is dominant and says stupidly dominant stuff for a while, but before the book is much more than half over he settles down and accepts the idea of a more equal partnership. He doesn't become a saint, but he stops being a boor. And the heroine's father is a treat, treating his daughter with respect and as an adult.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Courtship is one of the books in Catherine Coulter’s Sherbrooke series which are historical books which include plenty of romance and adventure. The heroine is Helen Mayberry and the hero is Spencer Heatherington, Lord Beecham. While neither of the lead characters are Sherbrookes themselves Alexandra and Douglas Sherbrooke play significant roles in the story as well as Ryder and Sophia Sherbrooke. Helen has for years researched the local legend of King Edward’s Lamp which is reputed to be magical but has not had success in finding it. She has also wanted to meet Spencer Heatherington, not because of his well known reputation as a ladies man but for his character traits which she believes will help her in her quest for the lamp. Highly recommended!

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine has done it again. This book blew my mind. What an awesome book. I found it entertaining, funny, romantic and delicious. The two main characters: Helen and Spenser, what a hoot. I love how much, Spenser could not get enough of Helen. Helen character was a well respected woman. I love that for her. Oh but then Helens father, Lord Prith and the Butlers and the help, I loved. Flock and Teeny, I could not get enough of. I laughed so hard when it came to their characters. Good job. I look forward to reading more of Catherine’s books. I still want to know how Helen came up with the punishments for the levels. Very funny. Lol

[Susan Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't even know if I'd call this book a romance. Most of the book is mainly Helen and Spenser lusting after each other and having sex numerous times. Then, naturally, Spenser realizes he cannot live without Helen.

There is also an ancient scroll and a search for a magic lamp leading to murder and mayhem but an unsatisfactory conclusion (IMHO).

Nevertheless, I gave it 3 stars because it was a quick, enjoyable read.

There was a discipline scene with a male memeber of Helen's staff that I personally found very distasteful.

[Blue Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my current favorite historical romance series, though it was written years ago. This book was about an abnormally tall lady who finally found a man she could look up to. And a man who found a lady who made him want to marry now instead of when he was close to his end of years. There was also a fun quest for a certain magic lamp. The hint of supernatural and whimsy keep this series fresh and fun.

[Delacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5 stars. Read this several years ago and did not care for it. Boring with annoying characters. The whole discipline thing, while memorable, seemed like it was trying to push boundaries a decade before the whole BDSM in indie novels started to appear, yet there is nothing titillating about it, and it is just plain annoying IMO. Not sure if I will ever reread this., but I do own the book, so maybe on my next reading of the series I will, but shall not this time around in 2019

[Juli Cowan · Rating 1 out of 5]

No, just no. The plot is tedious and stupid. Do not waste your time. And if the plot wasn’t enough to make me to dislike it, an unnecessary drugging and kidnapping by our hero almost caused me to hurl the book across the bedroom. Lord Beecham refers to Helen as his "Big Girl", Helen develops unique "disciplines" for her employees. Yeah, NO, just NO.

[Margaret · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave this one star so it showed I read the book, but it is absolute drivel. The book has a very boring, miniscule plot with some sex thrown in. Can you tell I thought it was trash. I only finished it because it was the only book I had around.

[Emmylou Abejuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining read. I simply had to reread several chapters several times, still laughing after each time.

Poor Spenser. Helen is definitely your match.

I would have tried all of Lord Prith's champagne concoctions at least once.

[Cindy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the humor in this book between Spencer and Helen along with the cross over characters from the previous Brides books, Alexandra giving Helen ideas in how to discipline their men, what a hoot!

[Brenda Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Bride series, Can't put them down and when I'm done i want more.

[Chayong · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dove into this book because I’ve loved Catherine Coulter. Except this start was so boring that I sped read through it. It has a pleasant ending.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t love it. Nothing wrong just felt like it didn’t really go with the series.

[Hendrix Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

a very silly romp

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars Slightly boring and slow moving.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very humorous characters!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I love the bawdy, tall, outrageous Helen and the way she captures the heart of the self appointed gift to all women, Hetherington, I quickly tired of their three day marathon lovemaking. Ms. Coulter has woven the Sherbrooke's in and out of this story, which is quite fun. After reading three of the series before this, I loved visiting with the characters I grew to care for. Helen is the rare independent woman of her age who runs a no nonsense inn, where she has developed a punishment system to keep the rowdy men in her employ that today would land her in jail, but it is effective! As in all the books in this series, the plot twists are surprising and quickly move you into wanting to find out what happens next. Except for the tedium of the repeated passion ( it was okay the first couple of times) I enjoyed getting to know this couple and look forward to checking in with them in the next book of this series.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really disappointed in this book. I love the way Catherine Coulter writes. Her characters are human and funny. They are serious when the situation calls for it but I always laugh in her romance novels. I love that I can sit back and read without having to think too much and just enjoy the characters as they are. In this novel, I felt the plot was rather silly. The love scenes were somewhat ridiculous and too many. Ms Coulter's stories usually flow smoothly and have you wanted to find out more. When I finished one of her stories, I often wonder what these people may be doing in the future. They truly almost become real people to me. In this novel I didn't have that. I finished the story mostly because I hate not finishing a book. I found the ending to be the best part, not so much because the story was ending but because the story was finally reading like one of Ms Coulter's books.

[ElizabethRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun treasure hunting story! As a history major, the opportunity to study primary sources is always enjoyed, and when you find one yourself it's even better. It was cool to see Helen and Spenser discover the clues and hunt for the magic lamp. The love story was adorable too. Both participants entered into it with no plans of falling in love and they just so happen to be perfect for each other. The Sherbrookes make another appearance although no Colin and Sinjun, but I'm sure they'll be along soon. After all the next book is the Scottish Bride and I have to admit, Tyson Sherbrooke intrigues me...

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen Mayberry is repeatedly described as a big girl. Mostly because she's so very tall. But not taller than Spenser Heatherington, Lord Beecham. He's just a bit taller. Enough, he believes to make a good partner for her. Not in marriage, of course, but he won't immediately fall into lust like so many of the shorter men do.
The two are wrapped up in the mystery of King Edward's Lamp. It is supposed to grant wishes. A neat little touch of mysticism.
Love seeing characters from the previous brides books. They're in the story, but not overpowering. A fun read.

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really disappointed with this book. The first portion is one step above soft-core porn, with obsessive attention to a certain sexual fetish. Even the most hard-core fetishists don't talk abou it that much! The rest of the book is building up tired gender-stereotype strawmen and knocking them down. Boo. And I so like Catherine Coulter.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do remember this book, and thought, I like a big girl who can take care of herself. I don't know how accurate this is for the time period, but then I think, Helen is not an aristocrat. She's petite bourgeoisie so it's possible. Regardless, I liked the sparring between Helen and Heatherington. A fun read with a happily ever after. What more can a historical romance need?

[Lynne Tull · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book. There was a little intrigue, a little romance, a little humor and more than a little lust! I kept thinking while I was reading it...it felt like a Georgette Heyer novel with a "tongue in cheek" take on Anne Rice's "naughty" books. Of course, true to her word Ms. Coulter keeps the Sherbrooke's involved. They provide more comic relief. I recommend it...

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great tale in the Sherbrooke Bride Series!

Helen Mayberry is such a deliciously drawn character with all her levels of 'discipline' and her tom-boy attitudes.

Just too bad King's Edwards Lamp doesn't really amount to much other than a grand adventure for Helen and Lord Beecham.

Can't wait to continue the series!