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Generations of Love #12
To Have and to Hold
A lying wallflower. A desperate self-made man. And a marriage of convenience that was supposed to make their lives easier.
Matthew Bixby despises social politics. What good are manners and small talk when fighting to free himself from the slums and build a prosperous mill? But only a fool would ignore the fact that business is conducted in ballrooms and parlors as often as it is in offices. With the workers threatening to riot and his mill in danger, Matthew needs a wife who can help him navigate society without adding to his already massive burdens.
If only he had the time to find one.
A spinster knows better than to hope for more than a comfortable home, but a marriage of convenience to a stranger is another thing altogether. Especially when the groom sends his man of business to procure a bride because he cannot bother to do so himself. But only a fool would turn aside a good match—even if she doesn’t meet his marital requirements.
Surely, overcoming her wallflower nature won’t be difficult.
Marriage is supposed to mark the end of their troubles, but with lies and unrealistic expectations standing between them, Matthew and Charlotte discover that a happily ever after requires more than saying, “I do.”
Matthew Bixby despises social politics. What good are manners and small talk when fighting to free himself from the slums and build a prosperous mill? But only a fool would ignore the fact that business is conducted in ballrooms and parlors as often as it is in offices. With the workers threatening to riot and his mill in danger, Matthew needs a wife who can help him navigate society without adding to his already massive burdens.
If only he had the time to find one.
A spinster knows better than to hope for more than a comfortable home, but a marriage of convenience to a stranger is another thing altogether. Especially when the groom sends his man of business to procure a bride because he cannot bother to do so himself. But only a fool would turn aside a good match—even if she doesn’t meet his marital requirements.
Surely, overcoming her wallflower nature won’t be difficult.
Marriage is supposed to mark the end of their troubles, but with lies and unrealistic expectations standing between them, Matthew and Charlotte discover that a happily ever after requires more than saying, “I do.”
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2022
175 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Nichols
37 books473 followersBorn and raised in Anchorage, M.A. Nichols is a lifelong Alaskan, though she briefly ventured south to get a fancy bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University—neither of which had anything to do with why she became an author, but they kept her alive while launching her publishing career.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 7, 2023
1.5/5. Bland characters. Bland writing. Marriage of convenience stories usually allow the reader to witness the slow coming together of the couple physically and emotionally. This one completely failed to mention their consummation which is really odd. I understand that some authors are coy when it comes to intimate scenes, and that's okay. Clean books do not mean not even alluding to the awkwardness or thrill of their first kiss, their first physical union, seeing how this is entirely relevant in a story about two strangers marrying and falling in love long after exchanging their vows. DNF at 80% because I could not see this book improving.
June 20, 2023
⭐Charlotte 30-year-old spinster. gets a marriage proposal via Mr. Bixby’s solicitor, and she accepts. A completely unusual love story, the first time met is on their wedding day -the marriage of convenience, Matthew is a problem solver and obsessed with working, He needs a wife that can help him navigate society, and charlotte doesn't want to be a burden, I like both characters there were good people that care for others, and just want a quiet life, the romance evolves very slowly. I like how they build each other up, and the storyline, However, I felt this story was rather slow in some ways.
August 28, 2022
I generally like this author. But this 1820 story was
lackluster & slow in places. Had kisses & implied
intimacy off-screen.
Charlotte, a 30 year old spinster, dtr of a baronet, was
friends w/ solicitor Mr. Davies. And considered him like a
brother till he was ready to propose. What to do? Davies
had a mill owner employer, Matthew Bixby, who requested
a MOC, with Charlotte. Bixby sent along a letter for her.
Charlotte was subjected to bossiness from her sire, brother
& SIL. And would soon possibly have a new step-mother
younger than Charlotte!
Matthew was obsessed w/ working & mostly ignored his new
bride. Until Davies suggested he re-consider his priorities.
I liked the MCs about the same. Political goings-on seemed
filler to me. Not my cup of tea.
Revised 08/28.
lackluster & slow in places. Had kisses & implied
intimacy off-screen.
Charlotte, a 30 year old spinster, dtr of a baronet, was
friends w/ solicitor Mr. Davies. And considered him like a
brother till he was ready to propose. What to do? Davies
had a mill owner employer, Matthew Bixby, who requested
a MOC, with Charlotte. Bixby sent along a letter for her.
Charlotte was subjected to bossiness from her sire, brother
& SIL. And would soon possibly have a new step-mother
younger than Charlotte!
Matthew was obsessed w/ working & mostly ignored his new
bride. Until Davies suggested he re-consider his priorities.
I liked the MCs about the same. Political goings-on seemed
filler to me. Not my cup of tea.
Revised 08/28.
August 19, 2022
Can I have about two hundred more pages of this book please? I need more Matthew in my life, he's just so sincere, so honorable and sweet, with just a dash of husbandly dense-ness that prohibits him from understanding his wife's feelings. I feel like M.A. Nichols' books get more and more relatable, her snap shots of marriage are just so spot on to me. How Matthew is a problem solver and how Charlotte doesn't want to add to his burdens. I totally got Charlotte just wanting to quietly sit in a corner rather than seemingly bothering anyone. So nice to have Mary and Ambrose in this, possibly my favorite couple in all of her books. Another solid and enjoyable read in this series.
April 7, 2023
*Sigh*
I think it's me. Of course it's me because I see all the 4*/5* ratings.
But this is not at all what I expected or needed.
The plot and bare bones of the book are great and so is the beginning.
The plain firmly on shelf 30 h and the wealthy rough-edged miner turned mill owner.
From the synopsis, I thought the H will be this alpha male who knows what he wants and goes after it damning all social norms. And they'll build their 'partnership' as they tackle local society and whatever issues he's confronting on the work front. I expected some hiccups.
But the local society was not at all accommodating or receiving of the shy baronet's daughter, and his work problems were more than the normal worker issues. We are talking the worker's rebellion, the Peterloo massacre, workers act etc. as background. The other owners completely ignore his sound advice.
Add his dependent family - especially the ramblings of his pessimistic brother.
Her selfish, uncaring family is worse actually.
Pretty gloomy scenarios.
More so if you add the dismal state of their marriage.
We don't even get shown their wedding night. She travels all the way, marry within 10 minutes of arrival, father leaves in a hurry, a boring breakfast with the local society, he shuts himself in study.
And then they wake up a month later. Or she does, as the husband is already up and out.
I kept going but then I had to skim to end the boredom.
I think it's me. Of course it's me because I see all the 4*/5* ratings.
But this is not at all what I expected or needed.
The plot and bare bones of the book are great and so is the beginning.
The plain firmly on shelf 30 h and the wealthy rough-edged miner turned mill owner.
From the synopsis, I thought the H will be this alpha male who knows what he wants and goes after it damning all social norms. And they'll build their 'partnership' as they tackle local society and whatever issues he's confronting on the work front. I expected some hiccups.
But the local society was not at all accommodating or receiving of the shy baronet's daughter, and his work problems were more than the normal worker issues. We are talking the worker's rebellion, the Peterloo massacre, workers act etc. as background. The other owners completely ignore his sound advice.
Add his dependent family - especially the ramblings of his pessimistic brother.
Her selfish, uncaring family is worse actually.
Pretty gloomy scenarios.
More so if you add the dismal state of their marriage.
We don't even get shown their wedding night. She travels all the way, marry within 10 minutes of arrival, father leaves in a hurry, a boring breakfast with the local society, he shuts himself in study.
And then they wake up a month later. Or she does, as the husband is already up and out.
I kept going but then I had to skim to end the boredom.
December 10, 2022
Wonderful story!
I truly enjoyed this book! M.A. Nichols has such a way of writing that you feel the emotions of the characters. I was rooting for Charlotte! She deserved happiness! Mary and Ambrose were two of my favorite characters from the Regency Love series and I loved that they were in this story! I genuinely look forward to the next!
I truly enjoyed this book! M.A. Nichols has such a way of writing that you feel the emotions of the characters. I was rooting for Charlotte! She deserved happiness! Mary and Ambrose were two of my favorite characters from the Regency Love series and I loved that they were in this story! I genuinely look forward to the next!
November 27, 2022
She's the best!
Another great Historical romance With some history in it And lots of romance! Great writer! Always an unusual plot And distinctive characters.
Another great Historical romance With some history in it And lots of romance! Great writer! Always an unusual plot And distinctive characters.
August 29, 2022
There are many precious and poignant moments in this book. It certainly gave me plenty to consider.
September 9, 2022
wonderful series
I have read and loved every book in this series please do not miss even one of them I am impatiently waiting for another such series
I have read and loved every book in this series please do not miss even one of them I am impatiently waiting for another such series
May 18, 2023
Not a very good stiry
I did not like the story. It was not outlined very good. I would not recommend this book at all
I did not like the story. It was not outlined very good. I would not recommend this book at all
April 6, 2025
No third act break up? I remember reading a post where readers were saying that they hate third act break ups. My first thought was, " There are romances without that?". Here is one, and it was quite refreshing.
At the beginning of the story, Charlotte is a spinster living with her family and basically doing as she is told. A man of business named Mr Daves makes a friend of her, and her family thinks that he wants to marry her. When he announces what he is actually there for and I was hoping it was a grand scheme. Maybe he secretly WAS Mr Bixby.
Well, he wasn't.
That is okay. As soon as we met Matthew Bixby, I loved him. And to think that he is considered stand offish at the rectory.
Matthew and Charlotte marry and become closer almost immediately. But before they met, Matthew wrote her a letter, and those words eat at her confidence through the whole journey of the book.
Truth be told, Matthew didn't know what he wanted or how he was getting so much more. He at the time only saw a wife as a means to an end. Daves, who promised Charlotte that Matthew was a good man, is upset with Matthew at first because he doesn't see what a wonderful thing he has. That opens Matthew's eyes pretty quickly.
I love that the Ashbrooke's are in this book. Now, I want to go back and see if the Bixby family is in the background of Dottie's book. Are they in there?
This book takes place during the time when the workers were fighting against the owners. There are quite a few scenes of violence. Charlotte takes them both way better than I could ever have.
Did the violence just come to its climax and then go away for real like it does in this story?
I love that Matthew takes on all of everyone's worries and burdens. He makes the perfect match for Charlotte, who thinks she is only a burden. It is he that can best attest that she eases his heavy burden.
This is a really wonderful grown-up up kind of love story!
At the beginning of the story, Charlotte is a spinster living with her family and basically doing as she is told. A man of business named Mr Daves makes a friend of her, and her family thinks that he wants to marry her. When he announces what he is actually there for and I was hoping it was a grand scheme. Maybe he secretly WAS Mr Bixby.
Well, he wasn't.
That is okay. As soon as we met Matthew Bixby, I loved him. And to think that he is considered stand offish at the rectory.
Matthew and Charlotte marry and become closer almost immediately. But before they met, Matthew wrote her a letter, and those words eat at her confidence through the whole journey of the book.
Truth be told, Matthew didn't know what he wanted or how he was getting so much more. He at the time only saw a wife as a means to an end. Daves, who promised Charlotte that Matthew was a good man, is upset with Matthew at first because he doesn't see what a wonderful thing he has. That opens Matthew's eyes pretty quickly.
I love that the Ashbrooke's are in this book. Now, I want to go back and see if the Bixby family is in the background of Dottie's book. Are they in there?
This book takes place during the time when the workers were fighting against the owners. There are quite a few scenes of violence. Charlotte takes them both way better than I could ever have.
Did the violence just come to its climax and then go away for real like it does in this story?
I love that Matthew takes on all of everyone's worries and burdens. He makes the perfect match for Charlotte, who thinks she is only a burden. It is he that can best attest that she eases his heavy burden.
This is a really wonderful grown-up up kind of love story!
May 6, 2025
I highly recommend M.A. Nichols Regency Romances. I have marked up several of her books with dozens of highlights, as she often nails it so perfectly when describing the human condition. Unfortunately this was not one of them. Hardly a highlight in my notes for this.
With this book, M.A. folowed the scripts of writers with less talent than she has, rather than remaining true to her own voice. Once Charlotte and Matthew fell in love their relationship became boring with endless repetition of the same thoughts and words of endearment and descriptions of affection and Charlotte dealing with her insecurities in the exact same words she had already used in previous chapters. There was little development of other characters either, though the potential was there. Again, so unlike her usual. This book even succumbed to the cliche that annoys me more than anything - the heroin describing how the hero smells. It's funny - I was just singing her praises to a friend the other day and one of the things I mentioned is that she doesn't do this. Ugh!
Don't get me wrong - I liked Matthew and Charlotte. They are good people. They just got stuck in a loop once they realized they really did love each other.
It was fun having the Ashbrooks from "Shameless Flirt" show up; in fact they were a saving grace. No, I can't recommend this one, but we all have off days.
With this book, M.A. folowed the scripts of writers with less talent than she has, rather than remaining true to her own voice. Once Charlotte and Matthew fell in love their relationship became boring with endless repetition of the same thoughts and words of endearment and descriptions of affection and Charlotte dealing with her insecurities in the exact same words she had already used in previous chapters. There was little development of other characters either, though the potential was there. Again, so unlike her usual. This book even succumbed to the cliche that annoys me more than anything - the heroin describing how the hero smells. It's funny - I was just singing her praises to a friend the other day and one of the things I mentioned is that she doesn't do this. Ugh!
Don't get me wrong - I liked Matthew and Charlotte. They are good people. They just got stuck in a loop once they realized they really did love each other.
It was fun having the Ashbrooks from "Shameless Flirt" show up; in fact they were a saving grace. No, I can't recommend this one, but we all have off days.
August 23, 2022
This wasn't my favourite read by Nichols although I did find it thoroughly enjoyable.
Matthew arranges a marriage to Charlotte in hopes of smoothing his way in society. Charlotte is a spinster and therefore seizes this opportunity for independence despite her lack of social grace. What follows is a story that never seemed to find its footing. I did enjoy reading Charlotte and Matthew grow in their relationship, but it felt hard to fully invest in because the stakes where never clear. There was this shadow plot of unrest amongst the mill workers which was supposed to drive the tension. But it was not fully explored. Instead we meandered in and out of that plot which lessened its weight on the central plot. Then we have Matthew worrying about his family, but we never really grasp the extent or depth of these so called problems, so again nothing to sink my teeth into. And even Charlotte's lack of social grace never seemed to have true consequences of long-term ramifications, so I wasn't invested there either.
It was a fine read, I just never felt that spark or emotional depth that I'm used to with Nichols. Can't wait for the next release though.
Matthew arranges a marriage to Charlotte in hopes of smoothing his way in society. Charlotte is a spinster and therefore seizes this opportunity for independence despite her lack of social grace. What follows is a story that never seemed to find its footing. I did enjoy reading Charlotte and Matthew grow in their relationship, but it felt hard to fully invest in because the stakes where never clear. There was this shadow plot of unrest amongst the mill workers which was supposed to drive the tension. But it was not fully explored. Instead we meandered in and out of that plot which lessened its weight on the central plot. Then we have Matthew worrying about his family, but we never really grasp the extent or depth of these so called problems, so again nothing to sink my teeth into. And even Charlotte's lack of social grace never seemed to have true consequences of long-term ramifications, so I wasn't invested there either.
It was a fine read, I just never felt that spark or emotional depth that I'm used to with Nichols. Can't wait for the next release though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
I've read all of Nichols' books in her Regency and Victorian series. Some I've loved (A True Gentleman), one I did not like at all (Flame and Ember), and some are in between. This book is one of my least favorites. Character development is important but so is plot. Nothing really happens. It can be argued that yes, mill workers revolt and do violence. A huge issue in industrial England at the time, Nichols misses an opportunity to further explain the effects it had on many. Rocks are thrown, buildings are burned, but the emotional and practical impacts are missing.
However, this is not so with heroine Charlotte and hero Matthew. They emote continuously with each other and in their heads, to the point that I question whether they were even aware of their surroundings. All remaining characters are two-dimensional, and if I hadn't read "A Shameless Flirt", Ambrose and Mary would have been included.
This book is clean and well-edited. Even though I didn't care for this installment, I have her next novel on pre-order and hope I like it better. 2.5 stars
However, this is not so with heroine Charlotte and hero Matthew. They emote continuously with each other and in their heads, to the point that I question whether they were even aware of their surroundings. All remaining characters are two-dimensional, and if I hadn't read "A Shameless Flirt", Ambrose and Mary would have been included.
This book is clean and well-edited. Even though I didn't care for this installment, I have her next novel on pre-order and hope I like it better. 2.5 stars
March 7, 2024
This is another winner by M A Nichols. Charlotte is the daughter of a baronet, aged 30. She is a spinster. Matthew Bixby is a mill owner who is too busy to search for a wife. He has come up the hard way and has lots of rough edges. He's looking for a partner to help him with the social aspects of his business, at which he does not excel.
Bixby sends his man of business out to find a refined lady who would marry him (sight unseen). When Charlotte receives Bixby's letter (from the hand of the man of business), she realizes this may be her last chance to marry. Her father is about to marry his next wife (a child of 16), and Charlotte knows what her life will be like. She has had other stepmothers. So, Charlotte accepts the marriage offer.
This is the story of how Charlotte and Matthew meld into a family. It is delightful reading. My only complaint was the dragging of the story before the riot (and the results that ended the story). This author never disappoints. I wish she would write faster because I'm coming to the end of her booklist. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Bixby sends his man of business out to find a refined lady who would marry him (sight unseen). When Charlotte receives Bixby's letter (from the hand of the man of business), she realizes this may be her last chance to marry. Her father is about to marry his next wife (a child of 16), and Charlotte knows what her life will be like. She has had other stepmothers. So, Charlotte accepts the marriage offer.
This is the story of how Charlotte and Matthew meld into a family. It is delightful reading. My only complaint was the dragging of the story before the riot (and the results that ended the story). This author never disappoints. I wish she would write faster because I'm coming to the end of her booklist. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
October 12, 2025
An Engaging Story
I loved this book that felt a bit like one of my favorite British classics, “North and South”. I appreciate how Matthew and Charlotte kept persevering in their relationship, and even in their own personal growth, discovering that they could trust each other and be authentic in their relationship - a relationship that became a beautiful partnership in life. Was fun to have Ambrose and Mary Ashbrook from “Shameless Flirt” (one of my favorite M.A. Nichols stories) as part of this story too. Another wonderful romantic story with depth!
I loved this book that felt a bit like one of my favorite British classics, “North and South”. I appreciate how Matthew and Charlotte kept persevering in their relationship, and even in their own personal growth, discovering that they could trust each other and be authentic in their relationship - a relationship that became a beautiful partnership in life. Was fun to have Ambrose and Mary Ashbrook from “Shameless Flirt” (one of my favorite M.A. Nichols stories) as part of this story too. Another wonderful romantic story with depth!
November 26, 2023
Wondrous trading experience.
I learned a great deal about the millworker vs masters strikes in England in the 1800's. Ms Nichols has a wonderful knack with words. This could be a cute movie, but then, you'd miss all her descriptive musings. And it would just be a barebones story with a little angst. My only regret is not having read the books in chronological order.
I learned a great deal about the millworker vs masters strikes in England in the 1800's. Ms Nichols has a wonderful knack with words. This could be a cute movie, but then, you'd miss all her descriptive musings. And it would just be a barebones story with a little angst. My only regret is not having read the books in chronological order.
February 21, 2024
This is the 2nd book l've read from my new fav author and l was not disappointed. Something about how you come to know the characters so intimately, I honestly don't know what it is but I just love her writing. I took a look and she's written tons of books and I'm so excited to read every last one of them.
August 26, 2024
A marriage that began with a letter
... and found its way to love. Matthew and Charlotte are both stubbornly independent and have only had themselves to rely on. They struggle at first to get to know each other, but by the end they make excellent partners. I really loved the setting and getting to see Ambrose and Mary Ashbrook, too.
... and found its way to love. Matthew and Charlotte are both stubbornly independent and have only had themselves to rely on. They struggle at first to get to know each other, but by the end they make excellent partners. I really loved the setting and getting to see Ambrose and Mary Ashbrook, too.
August 25, 2022
Kisses only. This is kinda a side-step from from the other books in the series. Ambrose and Mary Ashbrook are in it but Matthew and Charlotte are their friends rather than family. I didn’t really connect with the characters for some reason.
February 15, 2023
Another Favorite
Loved this book and the entire story. Both main characters were so sweet and easy to relate too. I also loved that previous characters made cameos in the new couple's story.
Loved this book and the entire story. Both main characters were so sweet and easy to relate too. I also loved that previous characters made cameos in the new couple's story.
February 22, 2023
Expectations!
Charlotte agrees to an arranged marriage of convenience based upon a letter from a stranger listing his expectations. Matthew is so use to carrying responsibilities of many that he doesn't see what he really needs. M.A. Nichols writes an engrossing story!
Charlotte agrees to an arranged marriage of convenience based upon a letter from a stranger listing his expectations. Matthew is so use to carrying responsibilities of many that he doesn't see what he really needs. M.A. Nichols writes an engrossing story!
February 21, 2024
Good Book
When you spend your whole life staying out of sight it is not easy to believe when you are finally being seen. It started as a marriage of convenience but ended being the best thing for both.
When you spend your whole life staying out of sight it is not easy to believe when you are finally being seen. It started as a marriage of convenience but ended being the best thing for both.
August 19, 2022
I love how this book turned out. I hope you do, too!
August 29, 2022
M.A. Nichols is a must-read for me, but this was one of my least favorites. The relationship part got rather overshadowed by the labor relations plotline.
October 1, 2022
A really nice romance of conveinience. There were times when i wished one would have heard them talking more throughout the book... but the shoouting scene in the end was nice.
October 23, 2022
3.5 rounded up
December 21, 2022
M. A. Nichols has yet to disappoint.
March 21, 2023
Love wins out.
With much repition , with each change of what is happening, I did like the story. I would recommend it to future readers.
With much repition , with each change of what is happening, I did like the story. I would recommend it to future readers.
September 28, 2023
Clean sweet
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews