Desperate Daughters

by Caroline Warfield, Mary Lancaster, Rue Allyn

A Bluestocking Belles Collection With Friends

Love against the odds

The Earl of Seahaven desperately wanted a son and heir but died leaving nine daughters and a fifth wife. Cruelly turned out by the new earl, they live hand-to-mouth in a small cottage.

The young dowager Countess’s one regret is that she cannot give Seahaven's dear girls a chance at happiness.

When a cousin offers the use of her townhouse in York during the season, the Countess rallies her stepdaughters.

They will pool their resources so that the youngest marriageable daughters might make successful matches, thereby saving them all.

So start their adventures in York, amid a whirl of balls, lectures, and al fresco picnics. Is it possible each of them might find love by the time the York horse races bring the season to a close?

Genres: Historical Romance, Anthologies, Short Stories, Romance

809 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2022

About the author

Caroline Warfield is the pseudonym of a writer who wishes she had walked through fascinating times in the shoes of one of her characters—but which one?

Caro has at various times been an army brat, a librarian, a poet, a raiser of children, a nun, a bird watcher, an Internet and Web services manager, a conference speaker, an indexer, a tech writer, a genealogist, and, of course, a romantic. She has sailed through the English channel while it was still mined from WWII, stood on the walls of Troy, searched Scotland for the location of an entirely fictional castle (and found it), climbed the steps to the Parthenon, floated down the Thames from the tower to Greenwich, shopped in the Ginza, lost herself in the Louvre, gone on a night tour of the Singapore zoo, walked in the Black Forest, and explored the underground cistern of Istanbul.

By far the biggest adventure has been forty-five years of marriage to a prince among men.

She sits in front of a keyboard at a desk surrounded by windows, looks out at the trees and imagines. Her greatest joy is when one of those imaginings comes to life on the page and in the imagination of her readers.

Reviews

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: A Bluestocking Belles Collection With Friends
Publication Date: 5/8/22
Period: Regency York

If you read the book synopsis, you know that the Earl of Seahaven desperately wanted an heir, but after 5 wives and nine daughters, he died without that heir. The stories in this anthology show the struggle they went through when they were left practically penniless and how each of them – including his young countess – found their HEAs. Each of the stories is very well written and I think you will like all of them. With this book, as with all books with this premise, I have to wonder how Seahaven, who loved his family but was old, could leave his family with NO protection. Yes, titles are entailed as are major properties, but there is also bound to be some associated wealth and/or properties that are unentailed. Anyway – that aside, the stories are great and I love how each of the ladies used their unique talents to contribute to the welfare of them all.

You’ll find each story unique and special:

Caroline Warfield’s hotel employee, Lady Dorothea (Doro), and her curate Mr. Clark find their future in Lady Dorothea’s Curate.
Mary Lancaster’s musician, Lady Barbara, and Jack Sutton play a merry tune in Concerto
Rue Allyn’s historian, Elizabeth (Bess), and Malcolm K. Marr discover hidden identities in The Butler and the Bluestocking.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s artistic twins Ivy and Iris, who have vowed to only marry brothers, race to find that cousins can be as close as brothers in The Four-to-One Fancy.
Jude Knight’s Chloe (A cousin to the sisters) isn’t fashionable in any way but finds that she fits very nicely with Dom Finchley in Lord Cuckoo Comes Home.
Ella Quinn’s Miss Harriett Staunton and Lord Sextus (don’t you love it) Trevor, go to great lengths to out-maneuver the Duke of Somerset in I’ll Always Be Yours
Alina K. Fields’s Lady Honoria Twisden and Major August Kellborn stirs your heart in Lady Twisden’s Picture
Meara Platt’s botanist, Lady Josefina, and the Duke of Bourne find the cure for their lonely hearts in A Duke for Josefina
Sherry Ewing’s young dowager countess, Patience Bigglesworth, and Richard, Viscount Cranfield finally succumb to fate and find their HEA in A Countess To Remember.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Duke For Josefina
Meara Platt
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋

I can’t remember ever not loving Meara’s stories. She puts such Heart and Passion into every one of them .

This is perfect in every way, it reflects the title so well, the characters gel so sweetly together with a beautiful chemistry.
I’m always happy and satisfied at the end of any of her books.
Just perfect.

I’m sure the other books in this anthology are of they same quality, therefore your in for a real treat.
I’ll add the review s for them asap.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh. A story filled with the hopes and wishes of finding love and praying that loves find you. Before Richard or Patience can truly reach for what they want, they need to honor and take of their loved ones. The short story was very sweet and charming. I found entertainment from their friends and family as they drove Richard crazy and Patience was beginning to lose her patience.
I loved the romance and the sentimental actions between the couple. The book was a easy read. This story is a cozy read to cuttle up to at night.

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful stories. All of them. Especially Josefina and her idiot Duke. A wonderful premise of a step-mother, only 22 herself with 8 step-daughters and her own daughter ranging in ages from 3 to 30 heading to York to be a part of the marriage season.
Each of the girls stories are done by a different author. All inter-weave and all are different, intriguing, some dangerous and all end happily. I think this is the best Bluestocking Belles compilation yet. Well done authors, well done.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly exception group of authors, each with their own unique style, pull together a phenomenal anthology that is full of emotions, unique characters and of course love that is found along the way!

When a 22 year old step-mother is left with 8 stepdaughters (yes her husband had been very prolific, just not with a male heir!) and a baby daughter of her own, the new heir to the estate, throws them out of the home and they are left on their own!

Fortunately, a kind cousin offers the use of her home in York and just when the season is beginning, thus the tangled adventures begin as she tries to find husbands for each of the girls!! Each has a unique story, as each author is unique, but you cannot go wrong with any of them!

As always the amazing Bluestocking Belles have taken each of their individual stories and entwined them altogether to form a fabric of each girls unique interest, to match them with the perfect man!!

Simply Perfect!!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

The women are all very different in other ways as well, with interests ranging from charity work to music to archaeology to herbal medicine.

Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selected as a Discovering Diamonds Reviewer's Choice
If you love a meaty Regency romance, this book is not to be missed. It was like sitting by a roaring fire on a cold winter’s night with a platter of divine cheeses and a glass of wine.

Henry Bigglesworth, Earl of Seahaven, was desperate for a son. He was up to wife No. 5 when he popped his mortal coil, leaving 22-year-old Patience as step-mother to nine girls, some of them older than her, plus a baby daughter of her own.

Enter a nasty distant cousin, heir to the title and estate, and his equally avaricious wife. He evicted the family from their gracious, stately home, leaving them very limited income and a totally inadequate trust for the girls’ dowries. Genteel poverty, it was politely called; we might say they were just above the breadline.

The only home available was a simple cottage left to Patience by her parents, but she and the seven older girls had to work to survive. (Oh no! They had to earn money by their own fair hands! But needs must, and no-one was looking.) Her next problem was, how could she ensure these gently-bred girls met suitable husbands when there was NO money for a London season?

Then a letter arrived from York. A kindly cousin was offering the use of her town house during the York season while she went adventuring to Egypt. The adventures and mis-adventures began.

Diving into this exceptional collection of novellas, each story based on one of the marriageable girls, was an unexpected delight, not because I don’t enjoy Regency romances, but because I rarely read novellas or short stories. The Bluestocking Belles have almost seamlessly woven their individual tales into an integrated tapestry. Their formula works for both lovers of full-length books and readers who enjoy shorter fiction. Each author is an expert in the genre and an accomplished writer. I have only one tiny quibble; Ella Quinn’s story did not blend as smoothly. However, her fans will delight in reconnecting with some of her regular characters as they intertwine with the Seahaven family.

I loved this book, and what great value! A delicious smorgasbord of stories for one small investment! I’m off to grab their other collections.

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 *STARS*
At twenty-two, Patience, dowager Countess of Seahaven is head of the household after the Earl's death. As his fifth wife, she is responsible for all his daughters. Only given a pittance from the estate, the older daughters and Patience work to make money to live on.
An opportunity for a season, they go to York.
Each story is in the same time line with opportunities for sisters, step-sisters and cousin to find love and a husband. I have my favorites, but they may not be yours. Humor, agnst and love at first sight. A title of a peer is not always involved. Very clever idea for an anthology. (What about Susana?)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎊 Desperate Daughters 🎊
A Bluestocking Belles Collection With Friends
Release Date 05/17/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LTHWR3B/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Love against the odds
The Earl of Seahaven desperately wanted a son and heir but died leaving nine daughters and a fifth wife. Cruelly turned out by the new earl, they live hand-to-mouth in a small cottage.

The young dowager Countess’s one regret is that she cannot give Seahaven's dear girls a chance at happiness.

When a cousin offers the use of her townhouse in York during the season, the Countess rallies her stepdaughters.

They will pool their resources so that the youngest marriageable daughters might make successful matches, thereby saving them all.

So start their adventures in York, amid a whirl of balls, lectures, and al fresco picnics. Is it possible each of them might find love by the time the York horse races bring the season to a close?

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

A lovely bundle of novellas narrating the romances these women left to fend for themselves deserve, their stories are sweet, with little challenge but demonstrate their resilience and inner strength.
4 stars

Detailed reviews below.

Lady Dorothea's Curate: by Caroline Warfield

Employed at a hotel, Lady Dorothea Bigglesworth had no use for a title. It would only invite scorn, or, worse, pity. Plain Miss Doro Bigglesworth suited her fine. Ben Clarke dedicated his life to helping the neediest. It gave his life meaning. He tended to forget the younger son of a viscount went by “Honorable.” Neither saw the need to mention it to the other, until they were formally introduced— in a ballroom in York. Shocked.

REVIEW A sweet tale of two persons who have to do with their circumstances, yet can’t stop themselves to help other as they have caregiving written onto their soul. Yet They might hide who they really are except for the content of their heart. Still, to find a way toward the other, it is a bit of fate trick and feelings beyond mere attraction that will bring them together.
4 stars

Concerto: By Mary Lancaster

At the age of 27, Lady Barbara has long accepted her position on the shelf. She is thrilled to put aside her music-teaching in order to help her beautiful young sisters find eligible husbands. But then, a chance encounter with an unconventional and mysterious young piano tuner has her heart in a spin. Can she trust him? And can she save him from the lethal threat hanging over them both?

REVIEW an other entertaining tale, Barbara as one of the eldest sisters is doing what she must do to survive, and now to promote her younger siblings in the marriage mart. Until a man sharing her love for music upends her world.
John has lived for his dreams but now he is back home, he is not sure about the right path, if not for a lovely reserved lady, he might turned his back to his family’s history.
But threats might come between them and endanger a future they have not yet secured.
4 stars

The Butler and the Bluestocking: By Rue Allyn

On arriving in York to visit his godmother, the honorable Malcolm K. Marr did not expect to find her house locked and empty. Nor did he expect to have to break in to the house to find shelter. Least of all did he expect to be awakened at mid-day after the break in to find a woman with the bearing of an Egyptian goddess demanding to know what he was doing in her house.

REVIEW A hidden identity and the heroes get to know one another and fall in love until the truth is unearthed. How Malcom can prove Bess she is the woman for him. And can she forgive him all the while accepting his outstretched hand at being who she could be thank you him believing in her.
I liked Malcom, he was misguided but he let his heart speak for him while Bess had to be pushed to move forward, else she would play ostrich.
4 stars

The Four-to-One Fancy: By Elizabeth Ellen Carter

Fate has given twins Ivy and Iris Bigglesworth a season in York. They vow to marry only brothers so the sisters will never be apart. But what are the odds of finding and falling in love with two eligible brothers? Hearts race when they meet two handsome cousins who are betting their future on a risky racing venture. Soon the twins learn there are more than fortunes to be lost on a four-to-one fancy.

REVIEW a double romance with these twin sisters doing their duty for their family yet at the same time sharing hope to find more than a fair spouse. And like in a fairytale, their wish is answered when cousins caught their eyes and began courting them in earnest. James and John have great projects and a bride was not in their agenda until they crossed path with lovely twins.
A cute near fall in love at first sight romance.
4 stars

Lord Cuckoo Comes Home: By Jude Knight

Dom Finchley only came to York as a favor to his half-brother, who asked him to attend a meeting there. After a devastating break with the Finchley family followed by ten years at war, he is keen to get the favor done and then leave to build the home he’s never had. A place to call his own.
Then he meets Chloe.
Chloe Tavistock is past the age for the marriage market, and unfashionable in her shape, her opinions, and her enthusiasms. She is not going to find a husband in York, whatever her fond brother might think.
And then she meets Dom.
Two people who have never fitted in just might be a perfect fit.

REVIEW so far I think this is my favorite story, no gorgeous nor handsome heroes, they are mostly beautiful in the eyes of the smitten beholder. There is no villain nor great action, just a man and a woman who get to know one another, slowly understanding they are made for one another if they can see past their fear, she to be not enough or too much and he to be unfit or improper.
A very lovely romance with a dash of humor about courting and also accepting one’s peculiarities.
5 stars

I'll Always Be Yours: By Ella Quinn

All her life Miss Harriett Staunton believed she was the natural daughter of an earl. In the merchant society in which she was raised, that only garnered improper proposals. Knowing she would never wed, she moved to York, far away from her London family.

Lord Sextus Trevor needs to wed. Unbeknownst to him his father has arranged a marriage. But before he is even told about the betrothal, he’s whisked off to York, where he meets Harriett Staunton and must find a way to defy his father.


REVIEW while this novella is quite a treasure hunt and a wild chase, I enjoyed watching everyone thwarting Somerset’s selfish plans.
It is quite a love at sight tale for Sextus and Harriet, they meet few to none complications to fall in love, it is more how everyone stepped in and helped their mad dash across the country to outsmart Sextus’ father.
A fun kind of road-trip with many conniving protagonists.
4.5 stars
STEAM LEVEL : sweet lovemaking scene

Lady Twisden's Picture Perfect Match: By Alina K. Field

After years of putting up with her late husband’s rowdy friends, Honoria, Lady Twisden has escaped to York where she can paint, investigate antiquities, and enjoy freedom. Then her stepson appears with a long-lost relation in tow. Promised York’s marriage mart and the hospitality of his cousin’s doddering stepmother, Major August Kellborn is shocked to find that his fetching hostess is the one woman who stirs his heart.

REVIEW An other lovely tale. I loved Honoria and Gus, they are no young pup nor miss barely out the school room. They have lived and lost but are still kind and sweet people. As a widow, Honoria can finally make her long restrained dream come true, if only her young a bit overbearing stepson does not intrude into her plans. Augustus did not expect his new found cousin’s stepmother to be so attractive as she was described as a dotty old lady, the lady being even younger than him and rather entrancing.
A sweet romance with a man who is set on winning and protecting his Lady and the kind woman who has won his heart by being her fair gentle but determined self.
5 stars

A Duke For Josefina: By Meara Platt

Lady Josefina would much rather spend her time studying plants and their healing properties, but her father, the Earl of Seahaven, has died and left the family impoverished. Marriage seems her only alternative until she meets the handsome Duke of Bourne in an apothecary in York’s ancient Shambles. He offers her an intriguing proposition, a fake betrothal and a king’s ransom as reward if she returns with him to his estate and finds a cure for his sister’s illness. But will the true reward be his heart?

REVIEW it is good to renew with the author’s fun and light narrative. Josefina and Bourne are good and kind persons, she wants to use her knowledge to help others and if at the same time, she can make a living of it, it will be greatly appreciated. Yet it is not money that made her accept Bourne’s proposal but her inner will to heal others.
Bourne is at his wit’s end with his sister, so when the lovely Josefina crosses his path, she is like a godsend gift, she being attractive is a plus.
They are fun together, each enjoying the other’s peculiar character and charm.
4.5 stars

A Countess to Remember: By Sherry Ewing

Patience, the young Dowager Countess of Seahaven cares for a bevy of stepdaughters, and a Season for each to find husbands seems out of reach. There’s been no chance for romance herself but fate intervenes in the form of Richard, Viscount Cranfield, in York for his sister’s Season. Will Patience allow herself time for love?

REVIEW After everything she has done for her stepdaughters, it is natural Patience get her own happily ever after. It is instant attraction between herself and Richard, their chemistry is over the top and sparks fly.
Their only challenge is to overcome his past mistake and fo4 him to accept she does not come alone.
A very sweet second chance tale.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by one of the authors, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine interlinked novels bring smiles, laughter, some suspense and a great deal of fun as the neglected daughters of the late Earl of Seahaven and his widow come together to ensure the future marriage prospects of at least some of the girls. Poverty has not only driven the older girls out into the workplace, but they have also had to learn skills that would not normally have formed part of their curriculum. Rather than being spurned by York society, the family discovers that they are welcomed and although the gentlemen they attract are sometimes bewildered over their activities, once they understood the circumstances, they are impressed by the girls' resourcefulness and earn their admiration and respect. Although the stories work together to form a whole picture, each one is a standalone. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the authors, all of them well-known and beloved by their readership, have put their own stamp on the novellas with their distinctive style of writing, thereby bringing much enjoyment. I received a copy of this very worthwhile anthology as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Eugenea Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with any collection of stories, the quality varies. That being said, with one notable exception, these stories are entertaining and diverting, if you enjoy lightweight 19th century romances. These are all centered on the ten sisters/stepsisters of a family in which the father of them all (trying unsuccessfully to sire a son) married five times, surviving all his wives but squandering the bulk of his estate, thereby leaving his daughters to shift for themselves with only a name of nobility to commend them. Fortunately, they are all smart, talented, resourceful, and beautiful; and this is the explanation of how they fare in a society where women have limited power over their own lives.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Daughters
A box set had everything romance, mystery and happy endings. Delighted by the humor, intrigue and overall interest. As we know love wins out in the end and each tale was full of great characters. It's the journey along the way that keeps you turning pages and wanting more.

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kisses-only anthology. Some stories were better than
others.

Henry, Earl of Seahaven, needed an heir. He married 5
times + had 10 daughters. Then he died. Most authors
herein told of Patience, Dowager Countess of Seahaven,
her baby daughter and 9 stepdaughters, some older than
Patience.

My fav stories were Lady Dorothea's Curate (will the
truth set the MCs free?), The Butler and the Blue-
stocking (the hero had the perfect surprise for the
heroine) & A Countess to Remember, the last story
giving Patience (age 22) a well-deserved HEA.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine daughters band together to produce profitable matches, but love will claim all nine hearts. The Earl of Seahaven went through five wives trying to breed a male heir. Upon his untimely death, he left his fifth wife and nine daughters homeless and without a dime. Each daughter contributes to the family in her own special way. At Christmas, a plan is hatched to attend one season in York to secure matches for the three youngest daughters. Little do any of these desperate daughters know that love will find them matches, even those daughters on the shelf. Desperate for stability, these daughters are in for an adventurous season.

Lady Dorothea’s Curate – Caroline Warfield writes a heartfelt historical friends-to-lovers romance. I connected with both Doro and Ben right away. The romance between these two is based on friendship. Doro is my favorite sister. 5+ stars

Concerto – Mary Lancaster writes a historical romance with musical undertones. I liked this unlikely couple and their love of music binds their souls. The lyrical narration propels the plot to its exciting conclusion. 5 stars

The Butler and the Bluestocking – Rue Allyn writes an intelligent romance with a mistaken identity subplot. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this gem. Love catches Malcolm unaware yet his deception costs him dearly. There are quite a bit of historical tidbits thrown in which I loved. Brilliant from start to finish. 5+ stars

The Four-to-One Fancy – Elizabeth Ellen Carter writes a fun-filled romance with twin heroines. Ivy and Iris are young but have compassionate hearts. When they meet their matches, the race is on. Addictive writing blends with humor and romance to make this story shine. This is my first read by this author and I absolutely loved it. I will be reading more from her, that’s a promise. 5 stars

I’ll Always Be Yours – Ella Quinn pens a historical romance to delight the senses. I connected with Harriet and her plight. A well-written romance with bits of drama thrown in for good measure. Intricate descriptive narration makes this a gem of a read. I look forward to reading more from this author. 5 stars

Lord Cuckoo Comes Home – Jude Knight flexes her writing prowess in this romantic tale. Characters leap off the page, especially Chloe and Dom. Chloe is a heroine after my own heart. She’s not your cookie-cutter heroine and I loved that. Both Chloe and Dom have gone against society’s grain, so to speak, forging their own path. They seem to be made for each other. Such a sweet ending. 5 stars

Lady Twisden’s Picture Perfect Match – Alina K. Field brings a delightful forbidden romance set in the Regency era to this anthology. I connected with the characters and found myself swept away into the story. Historically accurate, detailed description, unforgettable characters, and romance all blend to make this a sweeping read. Fans of Regency romance will love this one. 5 stars

A Duke for Josefina – Meara Platt writes an emotional romance not to be missed. I connected with Lady Josefina and her love of plants. A fake engagement and more money than she ever dreamt make for an enticing romantic plot. Unexpected romances are my reading jam and with Meara Platt’s exquisite writing, this story stole my heart. 5+ stars

A Countess to Remember – Sherry Ewing writes a heartwarming story for the daughters’ stepmother, Patience. She’s not looking for love but when it shows itself, will she surrender her heart, as her stepdaughters have? I connected with Patience throughout this anthology and seeing her find love after all she’s been through was so moving. I’m a big fan of Sherry Ewing’s books and this one is one of her best. Emotional narration mixed with a historically accurate setting makes this an unputdownable romance. If historical romance is your reading jam, you’ll love this story. 5+ stars

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! At first I thought this collection would only be about the Bigglesworth sisters, but I love how the stories include various (sometimes convoluted) relations, like step children, half-siblings, aunts, cousins etc. Although written by different authors, the stories dovetail, overlap and blend quite well. Each character is so well depicted that they could walk right off of the page, and are easily imaginable. You will find heartache, conflict, misconceptions, danger and all sorts of drama; but there is also humor, adoration, generocity, love and romance. They are all so good that it is hard to pick a favorite, but I believe each reader will find one that specifically resonates with them. This is one of those collections that could be read all at once, or a novella-a-day, but I suspect it will be a book in your romance library that will you will turn to when you need a little something to brighten up your day. Loved it! Very well done!

Lady Dorothea’s Curate - Caroline Warfield
Dorothea (Doro) and Ben
One of ten daughters of the late Earl of Seahaven, Dorothea worked at a hotel to help support her sisters and stepmother. On her day off, she assisted a curate named Ben in his charity work. The were both attracted to each other and a strong bond formed between them. Summoned home for the holidays, Dorothea was not sure if and when she would ever see him again. While home, her stepmother, Patience, divulged a plan that would move the family temporarily to York for the Season. Patience, Dorothea and her sisters worked together to host a ball to launch the three middle sisters. Imagine her surprise when she ran into Ben, the brother of Viscount Stanbeck no less, at the ball. Sparks flew and kisses soothed. This is a lovely story where for once, lies of omission and familial mandates do not keep soulmates from finding each other.

Concerto - Mary Lancaster
Barbara and Jack
Lovely! This story has heart, humor and a very satisfying ending. At twenty-seven, Barbara made her peace with never marrying. Her contribution to the family ‘s coffers came from giving music lessons. She met Jack while he was tuning the piano at a home where she taught. A budding friendship ensued until she made an uncomfortable discovery. Meanwhile, Jack was wrestling with some possible changes in his circumstances. Music introduced them. Greed tried to seperate them, and love united them. Loved it!

The Butler and the Bluestocking - Rue Allyn
Bess and Malcolm
Love at first sight? Malcolm and Bess met under unusual circumstances. He was fascinated by her and in order to remain in her presence he passed himself off as a butler. Bess was absorbed in her scholarly pursuits, something they had in common. One thing led to another and his deception was discovered. She refused to see him, and he began a plan to win her back. This is a validating and uplifting story that breaks societal precedent, proving that intelligence does not have a gender.

The Four-to-One Fancy - Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Ivy and Iris and John and James
A dropped package, a chance meeting, cousin Captains, a fledgling enterprise and an outrageous bet all combine to make this a most enjoyable tale. Ivy and Iris are in York to enjoy the Season and make good matches. John and James are in York to make connections in the racing world. It doesn’t take long after meeting for them to fall in love, but there are several obstacles in their way. In this enchanting story where luck plays a key role, the twins find that they actually can marry and still remain in each other’s daily life. As an added bonus, Lady Luck and her friend karma serve a certain earl his log overdue comeuppance.

Lord Cuckoo Comes Home - Jude Knight
Chloe and Dom
Martin and Chloe’s mother’s second marriage was to the Earl of Seahaven, with whom she had two daughters, Emma and Merry. While out at a reform meeting with one of her half-sister’s half-sister, Dorothea, Chloe found herself in the middle of a riot. Dom, a former army Captain, spotted her and came to her rescue. This is a delightful and heartwarming tale where courting involves a monkey, past hurts are forgiven, and familial bonds are forged and strengthened.

I’ll Always be Yours - Ella Quinn
Harriett and Sextus
Harriett, natural, but unacknowledged daughter of the Earl of Seahaven, moved to York where she met Lady Beaumont. Lady Beaumont took her under her wing and was determined to find her a suitable husband. Sextus, a foreign diplomat, returned to England and was immediately whisked away by one of his sisters and her husband. Apparently, their father had a piece of land he wanted and planned to force Sextus to marry the landowner’s daughter in order to get it. His siblings intended to thwart those plans, which meant Sextus had to marry before their father found him. Lady Beaumont introduced him to Harriett and both were smitten. What followed was a mad dash from here to there and then from York to London, all the while staying just one step ahead of the Duke. This story is full of plotting, excitement and surprises. The characters are remarkable and the devotion of Sextus’ siblings will warm your heart…..oh to be loved and protected like that. So much fun!

Lady Twisden’s Picture Perfect Match - Alina K. Field
Honoria and Gus
Patience’s Aunt Honoria is finally out of mourning, freed from a loveless marriage. At thirty-three she is on her own in a York townhouse where she intends to spend her time painting and preparing to travel abroad. Surprise! Her stepson, Wes, shows up with his cousin, Gus, and crashes her retreat. Wes is clueless and inadvertantly puts Honoria in a dangerous position. War hero and gentleman, Gus expresses his honorable intentions and saves the day. Gus is the fantasy come true that Honoria deserves. This is a quick tale with well defined characters and a very perceptive canine.

A Duke for Josefina - Meara Platt
Josefina and Garrett
Knowledgeable and passionate about herbal medicine, Josefina visits an apothecary where she meets a gentleman who turns out to be the duke with whom she would like to forge a business deal. They have tea in a local tearoom and in his desperation to have her come to his seaside home to assist in the healing of his sister, he blurts out a marriage proposal. Of course the other patrons hear it and she has no choice but to accept…..but it is only a pretend proposal….or is it? This is a charming story where Josefina’s positive and healing energy transforms a family and captures their hearts. The Duke feels loved for the man he is, his sister blossoms, and Dragon and Wolf have found a new playmate.

A Countess to Remember - Sherry Ewing
Patience and Richard
So much responsibility for a twenty-two year old! Patience was the head of the family even though she had stepdaughters who were older than her. In York to give at least three of them a Season, the last thing she expected was to find someone for herself. Richard was in York escorting his sister for the Season. It was love at first touch for the two of them, but circumstances conspired against them. Richard is one of my favorite characters in this whole collection. He is honest, caring, inclusive, loving, steadfast and protective…..exactly what Patience needs. Patience deserves a happy ending after all of the sacrifices she has made for her loved ones. This is a wonderful uplifting story and the epilogue will make your heart sing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the Bluestocking Belles Collections...They write the most heartwarming stories that are all intertwined! The majority of various author collections are stories that are similar but not really related. I truly enjoy them all connected with each other. They could each be stand a lone books but are so much fun in one awesome collection! You get

~LADY DOROTHEA'S CURATE by Caroline Warfield: Dorothea is working hard (in a hotel) to help her family. Since her father's death, 9 girls and 1 stepmom are left to care for each other. She falls for Ben (who is a minister and younger son of a Viscount) who sees such goodness in her. When her stepmom's cousin offers up her home the girls jump at the chance to work/pool their resources to give the younger girls a season. When the both meet up at a ball those small sparks turn into fireworks. This is a great introduction into the "Seahaven" (aka Biggleworths love that name) girls!

~CONCERTO by Mary Lancaster: Barbara is a music teacher: Piano. She has no trouble helping her family and decides to help with giving her younger sisters a chance at finding great matches. She meets a Piano Tuner who has a mysterious past. Her moral compass may just help John, along with her love.

~THE BUTLER AND THE BLUESTOCKING by Rue Allyn: Bess Bess is the history nut of the family. She also was the one I felt had the most uncertainty in her life as feelings go. She will stand tall for her family and do what is needed...but adventure and leaving her comfort zone nope! Until that is she meets her hero Malcolm (in a very odd way) and she must come to trust the true Malcolm in order to leave her safe zone.

~THE FOUR-TO-ONE FANCY by Elizabeth Ellen Carter: Twins Ivy and Iris are going to have a season. They are quite excited. They know what is at stake and will do their duty; however, they make a pact of sort. They know they must marry brothers so they will always be "together". If you think about it to make a great match requires a titled nobleman. Only one brother can carry that. Somehow these girls find an answer. Cousins John and James. The problem they are not looking for brides. Ivy and Iris have solved many problems that have come their way. This one shouldn't be a problem. I would have enjoyed the twins having their own story but fell Ms. Carter did a great job with these two.

~LORD COCKOO COMES HOME by Jude Knight: (this title lol) Here we have a cousin to the sisters. Chloe Tavistock (again these names) is sweet and kind. She is not what one would consider the typical type of heroine, but I love her. She has a kind brother who is determined to get her married. Chloe being strong in her mind (and tongue) has other plans. Until she meets a kind man, with an unusual pet (leaving that there). Dom just needs to get this favor done then he is on his way to make a "home of his own". A home isn't complete without the "heart"

~I'LL ALWAYS BE YOURS by Ella Quinn: Harriet's story is a bit different. She meets a man Trevor who is on the run. Well, just running from an arranged marriage. His father, talk about control issues. Trevor doesn't want to marry a stranger. He runs right into one and falls in love with Harriet. Harriet will need that love because she has some unexpected "truths" coming her way.

~LADY TWISDEN'S PICTURE PERFECT MATCH by Alina K Field: is a bit different. She is Patience's (the Dowager Countess of Seahaven) Aunt. Lady Honoria is a widow who loved her husband, not his friends, and loves the chance to be free in York with her niece and hoard of ladies. Her stepson arrives with a cousin who is older than Honoria and when the two meet there is a connection. They both suffered loss and both carry fond memories. Will they be able to add to those memories?

~ A DUKE FOR JOSEFINA by Meara Platt: Lady Josefina is quite determined to save the world. One medicinal plant at a time. All she needs is place to grow and care for her babies. She shares her idea with a friend in a book store and lets loose a comment that will change her future. She wonders if the ole stupid Duke who owns this intended property will let her rent it. Well she hears coughing from a good looking man and while her friend hides his face; she meets her ole stupid Duke. Bourne the stupid Duke falls in love right then and there. Only in polite society that doesn't happen especially with a Duke who has managed to Stay away from that marriage mart. He is fascinated with Josefina's knowledge of healing and offers a proposition, fake a betrothal, heal his sister and she will be rich beyond her dream....did I say fake a betrothal...like that always works lol. Bourne knows he will never let her go. So now while she is working to heal his sister, He needs to convince her to marry him for real.

~A COUNTESS TO REMEMBER by Sherry Ewing: Finally we meet the infamous Mom/Stepmom. Patience came from humble bakers. A skill that will come in handy. She is very young when the Earl (who was old) offered for her hand. Her parents agreed because they felt he could provide for her. Yikes, now her husband is gone, she is a mom to a toddler girl and many stepdaughters, some who are older than her. YET she loves each and everyone. She lost her parents in a tragic accident not long after giving birth. She lives in their house. WHY? Oh because her husband did not leave much to all of them and the new Earl and nasty Countess give them very little. UGH! But somehow they all manage. When her cousin offers her home in York they put their heads together and decide to give the younger ones a season. There she meets a lovely young woman also on the marriage mart whose Loving brother is taking care of her. Don't even get me started on their parents. Richard Viscount Cranfield falls in love. It does not matter the circumstance. He falls for her daughter and Patience. Only he has a bit of a past, a viper of an EX mistress, who will do whatever it takes to get Richard back....I mean his title back.

These are quite delightful reads.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that prior to each story was a blurb! Highly recommend this bundle and it will bring you hours of entertainment. Only a few typo's to deal with. Such a group of talented author's!

1. LADY DOROTHEA'S CURATE by Caroline Warfield - 5 STARS

What a sweet story. I'm not an author, but I think it would be hard to be the first one out of the block to set up the story. Caroline does an amazing job, with just the right amount of introduction to this large family of 9 girls and a stepmom.

This is a clean story with some passionate kisses. It shows the different classes of people and how the rich feel they should be bowed down too just because they are doing charity. The H is a minister and the h works hard to help her family. They both love helping the poor and for the right reasons.

No cheating, HEA, romantic and clean.

2. CONCERTO by Mary Lancaster- 4.25 STARS

Believable story until the end, with some twists for both. Strong likable characters and worked as a couple. Unique way how they met which as a surprise who he really was.

The part that lowered my rating, was the end with the cousin and the H - far fetched and not doing spoiler's so you will have to read for yourself.

No cheating, HEA, romance and clean except for kisses.

3. THE BUTLER AND THE BLUESTOCKING by Rue Allyn 4.5 STARS

Great banter. I loved how the H and h met and how she showed her bravery from the start. Plus how smart she was to put 2 and 2 together to figure out the H's identity. Very unique storyline that shows how hard it was for a smart women to live in a man's world and had to hide their natural gifts.

This is a clean story with only kisses. They worked as a couple and I felt a connection to them. I wanted to know more what happened to the h during her first season that caused her to be fearful of large crowds. Also, what the H got her an invitation too, I thought she would have problems facing her fears, but nothing was mentioned.

No cheating, HEA, romantic and clean with kisses.

4. THE FOUR-TO-ONE FANCY by Elizabeth Ellen Carter - 4.25 STARS

I think this story would be better if divided and each twin would have separate stories. I didn't feel the story fleshed out the character's enough. You have two cousins in love with twins but they have little time together, so romance is little in this story, but love hits the four fast.

This is another clean story with only kisses. I did like the story of the horse race because it was exciting and I enjoyed the part of the nasty cousin.

No cheating, HEA, little romance and clean with kisses.

5. LORD COCKOO COMES HOME by Jude Knight - 4.75 STARS

What an adorable couple. It was hard to try and remember how the h fit into this big family. The monkey at times was a little too much. Glad a happy ending was also for the monkey - lol.

There is also a back story of the H that was an interesting twist. No cheating, some romance, great main character's, HEA and clean.

6. I'LL ALWAYS BE YOURS by Ella Quinn - 4.25 STARS

I was really enjoying the first 4 stories in this bundle about all the sisters, but this one they are hardly mentioned. As with the last story, confusing how the h fit in. Yes, it is mentioned briefly, but she doesn't have interactions with the sister's. This is more about the H and his family. Title should be Desperate Son because the H was running away from an arranged marriage- lol. I loved how the H's whole family kept several steps ahead of the H's father.

This does have some spice - heat level 3 out of 5. Likable secondary character's too. No cheating, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. Sweet epilogue.

7. LADY TWISDEN'S PICTURE PERFECT MATCH by Alina K Field- 4.5 STARS

This is about an older couple and they were the perfect match. For once the h didn't loathed her deceased husband and also liked her mother in law and stepson.

There is a nasty character and it was enjoyable that the H believed her story so no misunderstanding. There's a dog that added much humorous touch. I especially liked near the end how the h had a set down with her stepson about the H.

Sweet epilogue, no cheating, HEA, romantic and passionate kisses.

8. A DUKE FOR JOSEFINA by Meara Platt - 5 STARS

Now we get back to the sister's - this one being one the the Diamonds. I laughed out loud how the H/h met. This author wrote it so vividly I felt I was in the store watching it unfold. Plus the way they bartered over their cut of profits was priceless!

The h is very beautiful but doesn't realize it and is only interested in helping others with her healing meds. The H is a Duke and his sister took a fall from a horse and not recovering, so he seeks the aid of the h.

The Duke owns two big mean dogs and how the h meets them had me laughing again. Of course by her unorthodox way she first met them, saves her later in the story.

No cheating, HEA, romantic and only kisses.

9. A COUNTESS TO REMEMBER by Sherry Ewing - 4.5 STARS

I couldn't wait for the h's story because she was an amazing character! At 22 she is in charge of her stepdaughter's - some older than she is. From the other stories I always admired her strength and how she worried about her stepdaughter's being ruined. So I found parts of this story out of character. She gets smittened immediately, as does the H when they meet. She puts herself in situations that certainly if caught would be all their ruin.

I wish the other sister, Susana, had a story. She was creative and hard working in her sewing and helping her sister's change so their gowns would look different.

No cheating, HEA and fast on attraction and clean with kisses. Did enjoy the suspense someone causes them. We are treated to a nice epilogue one year in the future, that brought a smile to my face. (ljb)

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a different story because the Earl of Seahaven died before having a son. However, he had multiple wives and left nine daughters and his fifth wife. The ten women were reduced to poor subsistence in a small cottage when someone else inherited the Earl's title and property. However, Patience, the fifth wife, is resourceful. Overall score = G+.

LADY DOROTHEA'S CURATE (Caroline Warfield) -- 5 Stars
Because Lady Dorothea Bigglesworth was firmly on the shelf, she got a job at a hotel (not mentioning her title). She volunteered weekly at the soup kitchen run by Ben Clarke (Honorable, but he eschewed his title too). When Patience gathers the stepdaughters together to go to York for a Season (for the three most beautiful of the daughters), Doro reluctantly leaves. Ben and Doro meet again at a York ball some months later. Short and delightful.

CONCERTO (Mary Lancaster) -- 4 Stars
Barbara is another of the older daughters earning money for the family. She teaches music. One day, while teaching students, Barbara encounters the piano tuner, Mr. Jack. Unbeknownst to her, Jack is an up-and-coming pianist of some repute. Jack left home years ago to pursue his dream. Now that he's back, does he accept his family's role for him or continue roaming Europe with his music?

THE BUTLER AND THE BLUESTOCKING (Rue Allyn) -- 4 Stars
Honorable Malcolm K. Marr arrives at his godmother's house, which is empty and locked. Exhausted, he breaks into a window and falls asleep. He's awakened the next day by Lady Bess, holding a gun. He convinces her he's the no-longer employed butler and would be willing to work for room and board. Since the Seagraves are just about penniless, they accept his offer. Malcolm soon learns that Lady Bess is a noteworthy researcher of Egyptian artifacts. When Bess finds out he is a famous Egyptologist, she fires Malcolm. He realizes he loves her and tries to make things right. Not very likely, but a charming story, nonetheless.

THE FOUR-TO-ONE FANCY (Elizabeth Ellen Carter) -- G+
This is Iris and Ivy's story; they are the twins in the story. They are also two of the three that the family is betting their all on making good marriages. Through the good offices of a relative, the family uses a fancy house in York for the Season. The twins soon meet the male cousins, who are starting up a horse training facility. It is a long shot, but the men are enthusiastic. It's not very likely, but it's a pleasant story.

LORK CUCKOO COMES HOME (Jude Knight) -- 4 Stars
Cloe Tavistock has been mentioned previously; she lives with her brother in York. She has been on the shelf for a long while and doesn't expect to marry. She has a monkey that gets her into trouble. Dom Finchley goes to the same meeting as Chloe and Dora (from the first story). When trouble erupts, Dom Finchley saves Chloe and her monkey from the melee. Although he is there to do a favor for his half-brother, he decides to stay because he is instantly smitten with Chloe. This is a pleasant story.

I'LL ALWAYS BE YOURS (Ella Quinn) -- 2 Stars
Oddly enough, Miss Harriett Staunton is related to the Bigglesworth's females; she is the Earl of Seahaven's illegitimate daughter. The female Bigglesworths do not know about her. Lord Sextus Trevor needs to marry, but he wants his choice, not his father's. I thought this story was ridiculous. The other Bigglesworths are near penury, but this one inherits 50,000 pounds. Ridiculous.

LADY TWISDEN'S PICTURE PERFECT MATCH (Alina K. Field) -- 3 Stars.
Lady Twisden is an aunt to Patience Bigglesworth. She is a widow with a stepson, Wes. Obviously, the marriage was unhappy, and Lady Twisden has moved to a small cottage and is enjoying her painting. When Wes arrives at his mother's house, he brings his former officer. Augustus Kellborn is immediately attracted to Lady Twisden (who is thirty-three years of age). He is also a distant relative. Thinking the widow was an elderly woman, he agreed to Wes' entreaty to stay with her. He's shocked to find she is younger than himself. He is immediately smitten and offers for her after only a few days in her company. Ridiculous.

A DUKE FOR JOSEFINA (Meara Platt) -- 4 Stars
Lady Josefina's interest is in the healing arts with herbs. However, the family has gathered to live in a borrowed house in York for the Season. This is for Josefina, Iris, and Ivy, the three prettiest of the Earl of Seahaven's daughters. He left them small dowries and Patience is trying to help them get a good start in life. Josefina meets a man in the apothecary shop who wants to hire her to help his sister, who has no interest in walking after a horse accident. He offers her a scandalous amount of money. Then, he offers to marry her. They go to his estate with this sham arrangement. It is an endearing story, and the characters are wonderful. However, it isn't realistic.

A COUNTESS TO REMEMBER (Sherry Ewing) -- 3.5 Stars
In this story, Patience, the twenty-two-year-old dowager Countess of Seahaven meets her match. Unfortunately, this took place too quickly. However, Richard Viscount Cranfield is an unusual man. He isn't shocked by the bevy of stepchildren he will inherit by choosing Patience. Richard's past mistress tries to gum up the work, and the couple has to work through the mess she made at the Bigglesworth's Ball.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl of Seahaven desperately wanted a son and heir but died leaving nine daughters and a fifth wife. Cruelly turned out by the new earl, they live hand-to-mouth in a small cottage. The young dowager Countess Patience’s one regret is that she cannot give Seahaven's dear girls a chance at happiness. When a cousin offers the use of her townhouse in York during the season, the Countess rallies all her stepdaughters. They will pool their resources so that the three youngest marriageable daughters might make successful matches, thereby saving them all. So start their adventures in York, amid a whirl of balls, lectures, and al fresco picnics.

Lady Dorothea’s Curate - Caroline Warfield
Lady Dorothea (Doro) works in a hotel in Harrogate where she meets a curate Mr Clark they work together in a soup kitchen where their feelings grow only for Doro to go home for Christmas & not return. Then Ben joins his brother Harry in York. An absolute delight both Ben & Doro have been hiding their identities but all is resolved in a closet!

Concerto - Mary Lancaster
Lady Barbara loves music & is earning money as a music tutor. She’s happy that the piano at the Haston house is being tuned by Mr Jack. Jack Sutton loves music & has spent years travelling throughout the world but is now back home in Yorkshire. Oh my this was also SO good, a lovely romance plus Jack’s life is in danger

The Butler and the Bluestocking - Rue Allyn
Lady Elizabeth (Bess) isn’t interested in balls & socialising she's much rather be poring over old documents. Malcolm K. Marr arrives at his godmother's home to find it empty he breaks a window, helps himself to a whisky, falls asleep only to be awakened by a goddess holding a pistol - so he claims to be the butler. Another delightful read. Secrets, hidden identities & chemistry that sizzles

The Four-to-One Fancy - Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Twins Ivy and Iris are really close & have vowed to only marry brothers. Captain John Bentley, a newly minted viscount & his cousin Captain James Bentley arrive at the dilapidated estate near to York. They have dreams of starting a racing & breeding stables so enter York's society to curry favour with prospective clients. They meet Ivy & Iris & sparks fly & four hearts are changed forever. I loved this sweet story especially as John & James saw Ivy & Iris as individuals & culd tell them apart

Lord Cuckoo Comes Home - Jude Knight
Chloe half sister to Doro doesn’t think she’s fashionable as she’s too curvy meets Dom Finchley who rescues her when a meeting turns violent. Dom was rejected by his father when he was found to be a by cast of the Duke of Haverford, now after ten years as a soldier he’s visited York as a request from his half brother, he’s eager to leave to go to his newly inherited estate then he meets Chloe. This was just absolutely lovely, they weren’t diamonds but two ordinary people who met their soul mate. There’s humour with Rosario the mischievous monkey. My favourite novella of the anthology
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I’ll Always Be Yours - Ella Quinn
Lord Sextus Trevor is a diplomat & has just returned to England from Russia before going to Austria on another posting, His father the Duke of Somerset is determined Sextus will marry a woman of his choosing but Sextus & his siblings have other thoughts on the matter. Sextus is whisked to York where he meets Miss Harriett Staunton . Then the fun & games begin! Another well written lovely novella, wonderful characters with some old friends helping Sextus & Harriet outwit the Duke. Secrets are revealed & a lovely couple find love

Lady Twisden’s Picture - Alina K. Fields
Lady Honoria Twisden a widow, also the aunt of Patience moves to York so she can indulge in her love of painting & also to give her stepson Wes room to find his feet but she’s no sooner settled when Wes and Major August Kellborn arrive on her doorstep. Another sigh worthy read! Gus & Honoria aren't in the first blush of youth but neither in their dotage, I loved their story, which had humour as well as two mature people falling inlove

A Duke for Josefina - Meara Platt
Lady Josefina would rather be tending plants & helping people rather than attending ton events, then she meets the Duke of Bourne in the apothecary & they strike a bargain over tea & cakes. Josefina is an utter joy & I adored her, Gareth falls hard & fast but doesn’t realise for a while. An injured sister & two guard dogs add to the enjoyment

A Countess To Remember - Sherry Ewing
Patience Bigglesworth young dowager countess has moved heaven & earth to give her stepdaughters a season in York. Richard, Viscount Cranfield has travelled to York at his parents behest to accompany his sister Josephine in the hope she can find a match. What a lovely finale to the anthology. Richard & Patience fall hard & fast for each other but she’s a houseful of daughters & he's a known rake. I loved their story with its misunderstandings.
Nine wonderful novellas, all are so well written & mesh together seamlessly. Another delightful treat from the Belles, which I highly recommend

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Alda Delicado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Daughters is an amazingly coherent set of lovely tales. Detailing the fates of the daughters of the late Earl of Seahaven, which left nine unmarried daughters and their very young stepmother in a dire financial situation, each story follows the adventures of one of them in pursuit of love. With different authors and approaches, each story achieves a new and fresh approach maintaining the harmony of the collection nonetheless.
The first story by Caroline Warfield introduces the family through one of the older sisters, Dorothea. She works in a hotel in a small village where she met and developed an infatuation with the local curate. The family decides to attend the season in York to procure marriages for the younger daughters, requiring all the sisters’ help. Doro will help her sisters but she also finds in York more than she expected.
Concerto follows Barbara, another one of the older daughters that contributes to the family with music lessons. While teaching some students she meets a technician tuning the family’s piano and she is delighted to find a similar musical soul, but as always things are much more complicated than they appear. Mary Lancaster crafts a solid tale that blends seamlessly with the context of the collection.
Rue Allyn’s story is centered on Beth a reclusive scholar that is devoted to the education of her younger sisters. She arrives in York and meets a young man at her aunt’s house that is passing as her butler but is actually a famous scholar in Ancient Egypt. Their attraction is mutual and maybe it’s not too late for Beth to meet her soul mate.
The Seahaven family has twin daughters, Iris and Ivy that are making their debut in York, and that is one of their main hopes of finding a good marriage. But the spirited twins have a special requirement because they don’t want to be separated… Could the Bentley cousins be the answer to their prayers?
Jude Knight got to write the story of Chloe, who although she is not living with the girls is a Seahaven half-sister. She is an eccentric and she received a very strict education from her uncle. Dom Finchley is a retired military that inherited a decaying estate and that had the unfortunate fate of being the son of his mother’s lover instead of her husband’s. These two misfits find each other more in common than anyone expected.
Harriet is the illegitimate daughter of a peer and received the education of a lady despite her mother’s merchant origins. But Viscountess Beaumont is determined to arrange for her marriage and she already had a candidate in mind, Sextus Trevor, the son of the Duke of Somerset, a diplomat that is looking for a wife, although his requirements are very different from his fathers’…
Lady Twisden is a widow that values her freedom and wants to paint and travel since her step-son is old enough to live his own life. But her plans may change when she meets Major August Kellborn, a military man who recently arrived from the continental war and that is looking for a bride to enjoy his retirement.
Josefina is one of the best hopes for the family to find some security. Unfortunately, no prospective grooms share her interests and her desire to help and heal people. Until she meets the Duke of Bourne that asks her to help heal his sister that suffered a debilitating accident with a horse and needs Josefina’s talents.
The last story is about Patience the stepmother of the Seahaven family that at twenty-two is hardly a proper matron and chaperone, but she takes her responsibilities very seriously. With the successful matches of most of her stepchildren, she is free to find her happy ending with Viscount Cranfield in York sponsoring his sister’s debut.
After more than 700 pages we have nine delicious tales, each one with an individual and unique story with strong and dedicated heroines and cleverly executed plots that are seamlessly interwoven with each other. Overall a great collection that I gladly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Daughters is a collection of charming stories about a family of remarkable women. A very young Dowager Countess Seahaven and her stepdaughters have worked together to make ends meet since the earl died. When her cousin offer to let them have her townhouse in York for the Season, they decide to pool their resources and talents to give the youngest three marriageable girls a season and a chance to find good husbands. It’s a lot of work and a lot of fun.

Lady Dorothea’s Curate by Caroline Warfield
While working at the hotel in Harrogate, Doro helps to run a soup kitchen with Ben Clarke, a young curate. They have come to like each other, then Doro goes home for Christmas and doesn’t return. They meet again when the Season begins in York. Maybe fate has brought them together and given a chance to find love.

Concerto by Mary Lancaster
Lady Barbara love music and earns money giving music lessons. Jack Sutton is a well-known composer and musician who is tuning her client’s piano when they meet. Barbara and Jack’s story is a beautiful romance with a dash of mystery and danger.

The Butler and the Bluestocking by Rue Allyn
Lady Elizabeth is a scholar, researcher, and author. Her interest is in antiquities. Malcolm K. Marr, an Edinburgh professor, has the same interests. When Bess finds him in the library of her cousin’s (his godmother) home and mistakes him for a burglar, he saves his hide and gives himself the chance to get to know her by claiming to be the butler. He isn’t a very good one. This is a fun story. The chemistry between these two is strong from the start. What will happen when secrets are revealed.

The Four-to-One Fancy by Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Twins Ivy and Iris vow to marry brothers so that they can stay close to each other. Captain John Bentley, the new Viscount Tyrell, and Captain James Bentley, his cousin have come to Yorkshire to inspect his new estate with the hope they can establish a racing park and breeding stables. They meet Ivy and Iris, whom they can tell apart by the way, and immediately lose their hearts to the lovely girls. Not brothers, but cousins will do nicely. Delightful story.

Lord Cuckoo Comes Home by Jude Knight
Chloe and Doro are half-sisters, so she is included in their plans for the Season. She is quite pretty, but believes she is too curvy to attract a suitor. Dom Finchley is half-brother to the new Duke of Haverford and the Marquess of Pevenwood. Dom rescues Chloe and Rosario, her monkey, from a rather chaotic lecture. The rest of the story is a cute adventure with a happy ending.


I’ll Always be Yours by Ella Quinn
When Diplomat Lord Sextus Trevor returned to London, her is met by his siblings and whisked away to York. It seems his father, Duke of Sommerset, intends to marry him off for a piece of property. His siblings intend to help Sextus thwart the Duke’s plan. In York, he meets Harriet Staunton. He is immediately taken with her and determines she will be the perfect wife for a diplomat, him. This one has love at first sight, wonderful characters, a bested duke, and a happy ending. I would not want to be Lord Septimus

Lady Twisden’s Picture by Alina K. Field
Lady Honoria Twisden, Patience’s aunt, has come to York for peace and painting. When her stepson Wes brings home Major August Kellborn, the peace is disturbed, in several ways. Contrary to what Gus expected, Honoria is not a dottering old stepmother, but a lovely young widow. Gus and Honoria are perfect for each other and can find love, if they can get Wes out of the way. Full of humor and enjoyable.

A Duke for Josefina by Meara Platt
Lady Josefina is a botanist and an expert in herbal medicinals. When she meets Gareth, Duke of Bourne at the apothecary, he asks and she agrees to try to help with a cure for his sister who has not completely healed from an injury. Josefina is a delight. She wins over his sister, his guard dogs, and Gareth. This one is a happily ever after all round.

A Countess to Remember by Sherry Ewing
Patience has done everything she could to give her stepdaughters a chance for good marriages. She succeeded, beyond expectation. Might it be her turn now? Richard, Viscount Cranfield, has accompanied his sister to York for the Season. He is impressed by Patience. Richard and Patience, the rake and the sweet dowager, fall for each other almost immediately. This is the perfect ending for a set of lovely stories.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Cheryl Rosenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of family with ten girls with a step mother of twenty two years old who were displaced when their father died by the new Earl all working at what they do best to help the family survive.
Lady Dorothea's Curate: One of the eldest girls working to help the family survive fell in love with a preacher working in the slums helping the needy. Before either could say their feelings she was called to help the family in York for several months. In the meantime Ben went to his brothers for the season only to find his Lady Dorothea. Do they work it out or do they stay apart?
Concerto: lady Barbara is another of the eldest who's working as a pianist and giving piano lessons. On her Last lesson she meets a piano tuner and there is an instant attraction, but she like the others has to leave to help the three who were thought to make the best matches.
Butler an the Bluestockng: on arrival at his godmothers home before his series of speeches Malcom finds her gone. Next morning he's awoken by another of the eldest women and says he's the butler even though he knows nothing about being a butler just so he can be near Bess.
The Four-to-one Fancy: the twins Ivy and Iris are to make their come out to try and find husbands but don't want to be separated. They meet cousins who are starting up a racing stables and training park. The men work hard trying to get things set up before the last race of the season. Does it all work out for the girls?
Lord Cuckoo Comes Home: Lord Dom is trying to stay away from his brothers for over ten years. Now he meets Chloe and she wants to know why he is trying to avoid the men. They finally cant avoid then, only to find out there was no need all was straightened out.
I'll always be Yours: A unknown sister, Harriett, but a daughter of the Eal of Seacrest was raised by merchants was in York to try and find a suitor. Lord Sextus son of a Duke was on his way to see his father and was waylaid by a sister and taken to York to find him a wife before his father found out. His father had married off two of his sisters for land he wanted, now wanted the same for Sextus without even telling him. When introduced to each other the was an instant attraction. Through friends and relatives they subverted their father and he didn't find out for two weeks after the wedding.
Lady Twisden's Picture Perfect Match: Widowed, Honoria, came to York to relax and paint before wanting to travel. As a cousin to the Seacrest family, offered to assist in the ball for the girls. Her stepson moved in with his friend, Gus, Gus's valet, and his dog. Unbeknownst to Gus, Wes's stepmamma was a thirty year old instead of an elderly woman that he thought. There was an instant attraction to each, but Honoria tried to ignore the attraction. A neighbor of Wes tried to tell Wes he wanted to marry mamma when instead he just wanted a fling. Gus saw his instantly and tried to protect Honoria. Who does she pick?
A Duke for Jisefina: Josefina's tlentwas plants and healing. She was looking in York for a place to grow her healing plants. She finds a place, but its owner is a Duke. He offers her his conservatory for her plants if she comes help him with his ill sister plus give her a large settlement.
A Countess to remember: Patience is the stepmamma of nine girls aging thirty down to ten plus her own three year old daughter. Even though the oldest work and try to help out its still hard to make ends meet. While in York for the season she meets Viscount Richard who can't take his eyes off her, he was so attracted. At the ball she had for he daughters Richard's ex mistress shows up without an invitation and tries to entice Richard back. Patience sees her and won't let him try to explain. Later, back home she's miserable will she try to contact him or will she forget about him?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is an Anthology of related stories. They are set in the Regency period, but instead of London it is in York. As the blurb tells you, “The Earl of Seahaven desperately wanted a son and heir but died leaving nine daughters and a fifth wife. Cruelly turned out by the new earl, they live hand-to-mouth in a small cottage.” All I can say is that’s a lot of daughters! The craziest part of this anthology is what all the girls must do to try and make a success of their York Season. I enjoyed this anthology, but was left wondering why there wasn’t a story for Susanna, another of the Earl’s daughters.

4 Stars Caroline Warfield’s Lady Dorothea’s Curate is a sweet story about one of the Earl’s older daughters, Dorothea. I really loved both Dorothea and her man of choice, Ben.

4 Stars Mary Lancaster’s Concerto
Lady Barbara and Jack Sutton are the two main characters in this story. I have to say that not only did I love these two, I totally enjoyed their story!

3.5 Stars Rue Allyn’s The Butler and the Bluestocking
Elizabeth (Bess), and Malcolm K. Marr are the two main characters in this one. You know, this was a good story and I appreciate how Bess as the oldest daughter is incredibly intelligent and lovely too. This is a sometimes amusing and sometimes frustrating story (said by a 21st century woman reading about a 19th century woman and her struggles).

4 Stars Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s The Four-to-One Fancy
Twins Ivy and Iris with Captain John Bentley, the new Viscount Tyrell, and his cousin Captain James Bentley are the main characters in this story. This story is amusing, romantic and adds the perfect touch of retribution too!

3 Stars Jude Knight’s Lord Cuckoo Comes Home
Chloe Tavistock and Captain Dom Finchley are the main characters in this story. All right, I will be honest with you about how I feel here. While the story itself isn’t bad, it made me a little crazy. I didn’t understand how Chloe could be the half sister of Dorothea and frankly, I thought Chloe’s monkey Rosario was just an annoying addition to the story.

2.5 Stars Ella Quinn’s I’ll Always Be Yours
Miss Harriett Staunton and Lord Sextus Trevor are the main characters of this story. I liked both of them, but I spent half the story being enraged on the behalf of the Earl’s daughters. No, I won’t explain why since you have to read the story to see the explanation. The biggest problem I had with the story is that there were too many characters from Ms. Quinn’s other stories so I had no idea who they were or what was going on.

3 Stars Alina K. Fields’s Lady Twisden’s Picture
Lady Honoria Twisden and Major August Kellborn are the main characters of this story. Sighs. I did like the story and I liked both characters. Lady Twisden’s stepson annoyed me, but in general was just another nuance to this romance.

4 Stars Meara Platt’s A Duke for Josefina
Lady Josefina and the Duke of Bourne are the main characters of this story. Honestly, the biggest issue I had in this story is the heroine’s name. Josefina isn’t an English name, it’s a Spanish name. I have no idea how the Earl and whichever wife it was at the time managed to name her that. This is a fun story and very enjoyable.

3.5 Stars Sherry Ewing’s A Countess To Remember
Patience Bigglesworth, the Dowager Countess of Seahaven and Richard, Viscount Cranfield are the main characters of this story. We have Patience in almost every story as she is the stepmother of almost all of the ladies in them. This is a good story, has a HEA, but left me wanting to know what happened with Josephine and Milton.

[Mia Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Daughters: A Bluestocking Belles Collection With Friends consist of an all star list of amazing, award winning authors:
Caroline Warfield, Elizabeth Ellen Carter, Jude Knight, Rue Allyn, Sherry Ewing, Ella Quinn, Alina K. Field, Mary Lancaster and Meara Platt. Nine wonderful authors and nine delightful stories!

Lady Dorothea's Curate: by Caroline Warfield
Ms. Warfield does a wonderful job setting up the main theme of the story about these nine sisters and their stepmother. Doro and Ben are two kind and benevolent souls who find their way to love quite unexpectedly. It’s such a sweet romance and the author expresses it beautifully.

Concerto: By Mary Lancaster
Another lovely story of a sister on the shelf. Will Barbara and John find the same tune within their souls. A wonderful love story.

The Four-to-One Fancy: By Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Double romance and double the fun. This is a charming story of twins who Long to stay close forever by marrying brothers. It’s almost Love at first sight. A fun story that melts the heart.

Lord Cuckoo Comes Home: By Jude Knight
Ms. Knight writes wonderful stories of love. Dom and Chloe don’t always fit in but fit together beautifully. A charming story.

I'll Always Be Yours: By Ella Quinn
For Harriet and Sextus it’s love at first sight but being a forbidden match he must deny his father’s wishes. This is a charming story of romance and family.

Lady Twisden's Picture Perfect Match: By Alina K. Field
Honoria and the Major, a more mature couple are great characters and perfect for one another. Lot’s of romance and humor in this delightful story.

A Duke For Josefina: By Meara Platt
Another fun love story with great characters and humorous situations. I love how they met and realized they were perfect for one another.

A Countess to Remember: By Sherry Ewing
Patience was my favorite character! At such a young age with nine stepdaughters whom she did everything she could to make them good matches and surpassed all their expectations. She was such an amazing person and I was so glad to see her get her HEA. Ms Ewing created a beautiful love story for her.

The Butler and the Bluestocking: By Rue Allyn
This was a fun story of misleading identity. Elizabeth and Malcom were great characters with awesome chemistry.

All of these novellas are delightfully charming, filled with wonderful characters, great chemistry, heartwarming moments, humor and wit and intriguing storylines. Grab your favorite beverage, get comfy in your favorite reading place and settle in for the fun and excitement of falling in love with amazing women and the dashing men who fell in love with them.

Thank you so much ladies for this wonderful collection of stories filled with love and romance.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this entertaining anthology of an ousted dowager countess (the 5th wife who is 22) and her 9 step daughters along with her toddler by the new earl. There is also a cousin, half sister (by a different father and only to the 2nd 2 youngest), and the Aunt to the dowager countess. My only critique is one of the 9 (Susanna) did not get a story and there is nothing said of what happens to her.

(1st 3 stories has a mistaken identities one way or another)
Lady Dorothea’s Curate by Caroline Warfield
Lady Dorothea (Doro), - 4th oldest by 2nd wife hotel employee- catering,
Ben Clark - second son and a curate really likes to help the poor in need.

Concerto by Mary Lancaster
Lady Barbara- 2nd oldest (at 27)music teacher to make money also very talented musician
Jack Sutton- a professional musician and composer.

The Butler and the Bluestocking by Rue Allyn
Elizabeth (Bess), - the oldest, working on deciphering a finding on Rosetta stone. writes articles under a different name.
Malcolm/Mal K. Marr - a history professor -

The Four-to-One Fancy by Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Ivy and Iris,- 6 and 7th oldest, Twins and artist who have vowed to only marry brothers,
John and Jack Bentley (viscount and captain) - cousins who are trying to make a horse race training site at their estate.

Lord Cuckoo Comes Home by Jude Knight’s (one of my favorites)
Chloe- (half sister from a different father to the 2nd 2 youngest)
Dom Finchley- recently inherited land, has a sketchy birthright.

I’ll Always Be Yours by Ella Quinn
Miss Harriett Staunton- distant cousin, never thought to be married
Lord Sextus Trevor- Foreign diplomat go to great lengths to out-maneuver the Duke of Somerset

Lady Twisden’s Picture by Alina K. Fields
Lady Honoria Twisden - Patience's aunt, recent widow who wants to travel.
Major August Kellborn - a look alike to a distant relative (in the past)

Duke for Josefina by Meara Platt’s (one of my favorite)
Lady Josefina -5th oldest, a medicinal botanist
Gareth, Duke of Bourne - has a sister who needs medical help, physically and emotionally.

A Countess To Remember by Sherry Ewing’s
Patience Bigglesworth, - dowager countess 5th wife of the late earl and the guardian of 9
stepdaughters as well as her own daughter. For the past 3 trying to make ends meet.
Richard, Viscount Cranfield- brought his sister to York to find a husband.

All the stories have a wonderful and loving HEA

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 22, 2022: I am not done, just with the first story. I usually forget details once I'm finished and I've eight more stories to go so I'll change the finish date when I'm totally done. But for now:

Lady Dorothea's Curate by Caroline Warfield: They are both hiding their backgrounds. She is an earl's daughter and he is a Viscount's brother. They both love a life of service to the poor and that's how they meet. Life separates them but they don't forget the other so when they meet again, it's love at second sight. This was well written and a complete story. I did not feel it rushed and the words flowed so easily I am inclined to read the backlog of this author. 5*

Concerto by Mary Lancaster: Really liked this one because of the music trope. Another well written and complete story. 4.5*

The Butler and the Bluestocking by Rue Allyn: This was another great story though not as tight as the previous two. What do I mean by "tight"? I mean it skipped along, was not as detailed, the romance was not explored well enough. The story was still enjoyable, it seemed rushed at the end. Good, just not great. 3.5*

Four-to-One Fancy by Elizabeth Ellen Carter: The twins were fun! A good story though it was pretty much insta-love which can work for a novella. The ladies met, not brothers but, cousins raised together. One is a new viscount. I kept the two couples straight because Iris has an "s" and so does James. These two men were an absolute dream. They were hardworking like the ladies and not afraid to get messy doing it. I liked it. 3.5*

Lord Cuckoo Comes Home by Jude Knight: Dom and Chloe are a good match. Interesting solution to the monkey issue. Don't know if it was clever or convenient. Didn't really get to know either of them. Cute story, though. 3*

I'll Always Be Yours by Ella Quinn: Ella Quinn is hot and cold for me. This was warm/cool for me. I loved the characters and their evasion from his father in order to marry was fun. I was lost though with the enormous number of characters to keep straight. 3*

Lady Twisdon's Picture Perfect Match by Alina K. Field: Another great couple who are happy to meet each other as they each had, more or less, given up on a match. 4*

A Duke for Josephina by Meara Platt: I loved Josephina. What a hoot she is. Innocent in a straight-forward and honest way. The meeting of Josephina and the duke was pure gold. I thought the story might wobble because of the "fake" betrothal. It did a little, but not as much as I thought it would. I am not a fan of fake betrothals. The animosity between the duke and his sister in the beginning was surprising as I thought he was quite concerned about her yet he treats her with disdain and frustration. That was not necessary at all. 3.5*

A Countess To Remember by Sherry Ewing:

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from Booksprout; this is my honest review. Average 4.11 stars.
One thing for sure is that if French or any other language is not your primary one, skip it or have it checked by a pro. Don't use Google please, it's insulting.
All of the couples have something in common, be it music, good deeds, etc. I loved that.
Anyone else noticed that Susana had no story? That's too bad.
TRIGGER ALERT: Attempted gang rape, sexual harassment, attempted rape.
1. Lady Dorothea's Curate {Benjamin & Dorothea} - 5 stars. LOL in the first chapter, Ben insists 3 times on some particulars. Wow. My favorite story.
2. Concerto {John & Barbara} - 4 stars. I thought her reaction to the concerto a bit much but she apologized later on. Fun.
3. The Butler and the Bluestocking {Malcolm & Elizabeth} - 3 stars. Selfish brat. As the eldest, she should have taken over some of the tasks her sisters covered for her.
4. The Four-To-One Fancy {John & Ivy + James & Iris} - 5 stars. Fun twins, fun cousins. They go well together. I loved the butler's speech.
5. Lord Cuckoo Comes Home {Dom Finchley & Chloe Tavistock} - 4 stars. I liked their story, but Chloe comes out of the blue; she's not part of the stepsisters under Patience.
6. I'll Always Be Yours {Sextus Trevor & Harriet Staunton} - 3 stars. Doesn't fit with the other ones. More explicit too. Also very confusing - had to reread a lot of the passages to understand.
7. Lady Twisden's Picture Perfect Match {Augustus Kellborn & Honoria Twisden} - 2 stars. Sexual harassment, attempted rape, but the fight with the colors was beautiful. Wes is such a self-centered member of peerage. Then the epilogue gives out spoilers for Patience's story.
8. A Duke for Josefina {Gareth & Josefina} - 5 stars. Mostly funny and endearing.
9. A Countess to Remember {Richard & Patience} - 3 stars. I found Milton's surname awkward with John Sutton from story #4; are they related? I don't think so. I couldn't get into the story as much as I usually do with Ewing's stories. Patience likes to play victim and it shows in this story. There's an attempted gang-rape too.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Especially fun because they all go together pretty well, impoverished daughters of a dead Earl connive together to put the middle sisters through a York season

4 -- Lady Dorothea's Curate by Caroline Warfield -- she works at a hotel, he is the local curate; they fall in love as poor workers and are surprised to find they are both well-connected (still poor)
4 -- Concerto by Mary Lancaster -- she teaches music, he is piano tuner and composer and new baronet, his cousin tries to kill him to get the title
3 -- The Butler and the Bluestocking by Rue Allyn -- she researches the Rosetta Stone and he accidently acts as the butler
2 -- The Four-to-One Fancy by Elizabeth Ellen Carter --very boring, everything just works out that twin sisters, who never want to separated, fall in love with cousins who are just alike. And there is no confusion, no need to learn which is whom, everyone just falls in love with the right one. Boom.
3 --Lord Cuckoo Comes Home by Jude Knight --she has a stupid monkey which adds a lot of fun to the mix
2 -- I'll Always Be Yours by Ella Quinn -- soooooo many of the characters or repeats from other books/stories by this author. The main characters never do anything except fall in the love as arranged. How to flee the evil duke is all taken care of by the huge cast of characters. The wedding itself is organized by the cast. The main characters just show up as directed. The only thing they do on their own is have sex at the end.
4 -- Lady Twisden's Picture Perfect Match -- she's the ancient stepmother (i.e. 33 years old) and he's her stepson's hero cousin, great characters, the stepson is so presumptuous
3 --A Duke for Josefina by Meara Platt --she is looking for a place to plant her herbs, he offers his place as long as she helps his sister, fun beginning, rushed ending
3 -- A Countess to Remember by Sherry Ewing -- Half of the story is spent tying all the other stories together, but still was fun

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Bluestocking Belles Collection . . .

The background for these stories is that Henry Bigglesworth, Earl of Seahaven, wanted a son and heir. Instead, after trying his luck with 5 wives, all he was able to produce is nine daughters. The new earl and his greedy wife tossed them out to live in a small cottage where they struggled. The dowager Countess Patience, only 22 herself, regretted not being able to help them find husbands, but when a cousin offers her townhouse in York during the season, the Countess rallies her stepdaughters to see if they can possibly get a match for at least some of the girls. Grab your copy and enjoy their stories.

*** Highlight of “LADY TWISDEN'S PICTURE PERFECT MATCH” by Alina K Field ***
Honoria, Lady Twisden, who is Patience’s aunt, is at last ready to make her own dreams come true by indulging in her love of painting. But her young stepson Wes thwarts her efforts by showing up and bringing Major August Kellborn around to meet his seemingly ancient stepmother -- who actually turned out to be not only very attractive, but younger than the Major! Can he win the heart of this wonderful lady and make her his? Love and humor abound in this one.

*** Highlight of “A COUNTESS TO REMEMBER” by Sherry Ewing ***
Patience Bigglesworth, the young Dowager Countess of Seahaven, is an amazing woman. Only 22, she is responsible for all of her stepdaughters and has worked diligently to give them a Season and a chance to find marriage. Richard, Viscount Cranfield, is in York to give his sister, Josephine, her chance to find a match. To the reader’s delight, Richard and Patience instantly fall hard when they meet each other. But with her being stepmother to so many stepdaughters and Richard being known as a rake, there are bound to be misunderstandings on their way to a HEA. Read their story and see if they find their happiness at last.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely mostly NC17 collection of romances about ten orphaned ladies and their Dowager Countess stepmother doing what they can to get by will fill most of a week and the proceeds support the education of girls in Afghanistan.

LADY DOROTHEA'S CURATE by Caroline Warfield is a lovely tale about Lady Dorothea Bigglesworth and her fondness for the curate at Pilgrim's Rest.

CONCERTO by Mary Lancaster recounts the plan of the Seahaven daughters centering on 27-year-old Lady Barbara Biggleworth after she meets the piano tuner Mr. Jack Sutton who is over 30. PG15

THE BUTLER AND THE BLUESTOCKING by Rue Allyn pivots on the Rosetta Stone for which Lady Elizabeth Regina Bigglesworth is verifying the translation of Mr. Thomas Young.

THE FOUR-TO-ONE FANCY by Elizabeth Ellen Carter considers identical twins Ladies Ivy and Iris Bigglesworth, 18, cousins Captain John Bentley, Viscount Tyrell, and Captain James Bentley, and Crimson Lad owned by the Captains Bentley.

LORD CUCKOO COMES HOME by Jude Knight is a PG15 romp in which Captain Lord Diomedes/Dom Finchley, 28, rescues Lady Chloe Tavistock, 22, and her monkey Rosalia.

I'LL ALWAYS BE YOURS by Ella Quinn is a delightful romp involving young people thwarting the Duke of Somerset and his land grabbing plans as well as attending the reform meeting.

LADY TWISDEN'S PICTURE PERFECT MATCH by Alina K. Field, set mostly at St. Hedwig's Place, York, is two and a half hours of sheer delight.

A DUKE FOR JOSEFINA by Meara Platt starts in York and then moves to Cumbe Grange near Scarborough with laughs along the way.

A COUNTESS TO REMEMBER by Sherry Ewing is a lovely romance about Dowager Countess Patience Seahaven and her love at first sight.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.