Hartfords

by Katherine Spearing

Hartfords challenges gender roles in a patriarchal society and will appeal to fans of Jane Austen.

"Think Jane Austen with an extra dash of spunk." —Ginny Barker, Cheetos for Breakfast

Is love a choice or the work of fate?

Or just the force behind a sister's scheming?

In a world of propriety and convention, the five Hartford sisters are anything but conventional. So unconventional, they'll likely never attract husbands, ensuring they'll be a disgrace to their family and community by dying spinsters.

Then, the eldest sister, Samantha, defies the odds and secures a husband-a wealthy and handsome husband no less. The Hartford's biggest critic, Daniel Copeland, predicts no other man would ever be as foolish.

To end his criticism, Samantha and her husband make a pact with Daniel, stating he must end his verbal onslaught of their family if every sister is engaged by the end of the year.

Thus a game of matchmaking ensues-countered by Daniel's sabotage-and the quest for love becomes a very time-sensitive race.

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2021

About the author

Katherine Spearing MA, CTRC is the founder of Tears of Eden, a nonprofit supporting survivors of spiritual abuse, and the former executive producer and host of the groundbreaking podcast Uncertain, a podcast that pioneered pivotal conversations around Spiritual Abuse. She also is a Certified Trauma Recovery Practitioner working primarily with clients who have survived cults, high-control environments, spiritual abuse, and sexual abuse.

Katherine is a huge advocate for the power of art to help us on our healing journey. She participates in improv theater both as a performer and coach and is the author of one novel. Her next book, A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts, captures the experience of Spiritual Abuse. She has been a guest on a number of podcasts, including IndoctriNation and A Little Bit Culty, is the author of several nonfiction articles, and writes regularly at katherinespearing.com and tearsofeden.org.

Reviews

[Classic Jane Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully sweet and heartfelt novel that is just the right dose of fun to cheer you up!

This book will appeal to fans of Austen or Alcott or really anyone who enjoys a good book about sisterly affection with some romance sprinkled into it. The Hartford sisters are unconventional and spirited individuals whom society is certain will never attract husbands. After the eldest sister, Samantha, manages to find true love, the Hartford's loudest critic, Daniel Copeland, makes a bet with her that her sisters will not have the same good fortune. Matchmaking soon commences to ensure that Samantha's sisters are all engaged by the end of the year.

The sisters (and Daniel) learn that even when you intervene with fate, who you fall in love with can still surprise you. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a sweet, historical romance that emphasizes sisterhood. Plus, you get multiple love stories in one book! It's just the right amount of charming to make your day brighter.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, light-hearted quick-read for fans of Jane Austen and/or romantic comedy. Fun all the way through and hard to put down!

[Lillian Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story! The characters were strong and loved the sisterly bond, as well as the sneaky little bargain! If you need a quick, light hearted book this one is perfect!

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Austen meets modern-day womanhood meets a dash of a Winston Brothers novel. Loved it!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a light and fun read which is exactly what I needed. It was a mix of Little Women and Jane Austen style. The stories of each sister within the larger story and short and not a lot of depth, but they are sweet and fun. I really enjoyed it.

[Dee Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What sort of man would marry a Hartford?”

That’s what the folks of Tree Town ask about the 5 Hartford siblings.

It’s the 1840’s and women are expected to act with reserve and propriety. But the Hartford sisters are known for their unconventional ways. Educated, strong willed, independent sisters with a close family bond their home town has them destined to Spinsterhood.

When the eldest sister, Samantha Hartford finally marries she is goaded into a bet with her family’s aristocratic, snobby neighbor Daniel Copeland.

He is convinced none of the remaining Hartford sisters will find acceptable suitors. Samantha, however is confident that all four of her siblings can find true love… before the end of one year. A wager is set and the fun begins.

This is like 4 novellas in one. As we get introduced to each sister and her potential suitor we watch their friendships grow and their love stories unfold. These are short and sweet romances with swoon worthy hero’s (and one brooding but redeemable anti-hero).

Predictable? Absolutely! But this was a fun, light hearted read and an absolute delight.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a fun read! I just re-read it again and it never fails to leave me in a warm and fuzzy mood… and also sad cause it is over, again. Definitely the book you should at least once every year.

[Yee Mon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was light, fun and very entertaining. It gave me little women/pride and prejudice vibe. I love the characters and how the story ended.

[Sunit · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and simple read! I loved it. The characters are easily relatable and sometimes it’s funny the whirlwind of emotions they go through because I know I would have done the same thing in that situation. If you are looking for a book that has a suspense on every page, this is not it. But if you are looking for a fun read and feel good about the characters, this is it!

[Cassidy Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly light hearted and fun read. I found myself giggling often and it’s a true book for Austen fans and such. It is by no means a long read- perfect for a pick me up.
The characters all make you fall in love with them and the author did a good job of playing into the type of story is without making it boring.

[Amber Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Lovers of Alcott and the Brontës will find a new favorite in Katherine Spearing's The Hartfords. The charming characters will win your heart as you join them on this romance with a twist.

[Riley Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute!!

[Dean Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me believe in myself as a reader again. I started it while I was traveling home for the holidays and finished it by Christmas. I could not put it down and it helped my be patient with and empathize with my sister, mom and grandmother. The societal lens of Daniel and Samantha and their playful frenemy relationship are a fun and dramatic catalyst to the accidentally in love stories of the other Hartford sisters. I particularly enjoyed Victoria and Allison, and was intrigued by all the Hartford sisters stories, the Copeland family, Harvest Day, the horses in the beach, the Dancing scenes, and all of the captivating details of Tree Town.

[Alice Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a semi modernised Pride and Prejudice part romcom of modern womanhood. It’s a fun and cute quick read.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook. Would have been better if a professional read it and not the author.

[Claire Dueck · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is like comfort food; i feel like i’m coming home when reading this (and i have re-read several times, and even gifted it to friends). not only are the romances adorable, they also feel realistic. not only are the characters fun, their relationships and arcs make sense and are heartfelt. this book isn’t just fluff, it’s a beautiful picture of humanity at its best, kind, willing to learn, and hopeful.