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Romancing Miss Quill
Welcome to the extraordinary new series Willful Winterbournes from USA Today Bestselling author Sandra Sookoo.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice… Arthur Charles Winterbourne, Earl of Ettesmere, at the age of forty-four is done indulging in fanciful matters such as love and romance. When his wife died, he was brokenhearted. During the midsummer season, he and his siblings join their mother at the Berkshire countryside for revelry and entertainment, but all his wants is to shut himself away and leave living to the ones who believe in happiness after loss.
Romance doesn’t hold a candle to science… Miss Juliana Quill has no time for courtship or attracting a man, which is why she’s on the shelf at seven and thirty. A self-taught astronomer, she looks after her aging father and wants nothing more than to chart the stars and perhaps discover a new heavenly body. That gives her more satisfaction than marriage or rearing children ever could. No sense in wishing for more, especially since she missed her chance.
Love appears when it’s least convenient… When a handful of mysterious notes throw Arthur and Juliana together at every turn, a slow attraction blooms from friendship. Despite their stubborn refusals, desire flares and grows into a romance neither of them ever expected. While Arthur battles with guilt and memories, she’s nearly petrified by their difference, but these two willful, love-shy people will need to open their hearts and minds to grasp a happy ending they’d never dreamed they could have.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice… Arthur Charles Winterbourne, Earl of Ettesmere, at the age of forty-four is done indulging in fanciful matters such as love and romance. When his wife died, he was brokenhearted. During the midsummer season, he and his siblings join their mother at the Berkshire countryside for revelry and entertainment, but all his wants is to shut himself away and leave living to the ones who believe in happiness after loss.
Romance doesn’t hold a candle to science… Miss Juliana Quill has no time for courtship or attracting a man, which is why she’s on the shelf at seven and thirty. A self-taught astronomer, she looks after her aging father and wants nothing more than to chart the stars and perhaps discover a new heavenly body. That gives her more satisfaction than marriage or rearing children ever could. No sense in wishing for more, especially since she missed her chance.
Love appears when it’s least convenient… When a handful of mysterious notes throw Arthur and Juliana together at every turn, a slow attraction blooms from friendship. Despite their stubborn refusals, desire flares and grows into a romance neither of them ever expected. While Arthur battles with guilt and memories, she’s nearly petrified by their difference, but these two willful, love-shy people will need to open their hearts and minds to grasp a happy ending they’d never dreamed they could have.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
136 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Sookoo
341 books275 followersSandra Sookoo is a bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky humor in the contemporary world. Reading romance is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
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June 21, 2022
Arthur Charles Winterbourne, Earl of Ettesmere, at the age of forty-four is done indulging in fanciful matters such as love and romance. When his wife died five years ago he was broken hearted. His mother summons the family to their country estate in the Berkshire countryside for revelry and entertainment. Romance doesn’t hold a candle to science… Miss Juliana Quill has no time for courtship or attracting a man, which is why she’s on the shelf at seven and thirty. A self-taught astronomer after her brother died, she looks after her aging, ailing father. When a handful of mysterious notes throw Arthur and Juliana together at every turn, a slow attraction blooms from friendship. Despite their stubborn refusals, desire flares and grows into a romance neither of them ever expected.
The first in a new series & an engrossing start it was, I really like the Winterbournes & this story was different, an older couple he’s a widower & she’s a spinster neither want to marry but then they met & both their worlds are turned upside down. Arthur struggles with letting go of the past as he loved Ellen, his wife but the more he gets to know Juliana the more he wants her but if he can’t move forward then he'll lose her. I loved the straight talking Juliana who fell for Arthur, I really liked Arthur but did get a tad frustrated with him as at one point he wanted the cake, the icing & the cherry on the top all for free. Did he come to his senses? Well dive into this lovely romance to find out
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The first in a new series & an engrossing start it was, I really like the Winterbournes & this story was different, an older couple he’s a widower & she’s a spinster neither want to marry but then they met & both their worlds are turned upside down. Arthur struggles with letting go of the past as he loved Ellen, his wife but the more he gets to know Juliana the more he wants her but if he can’t move forward then he'll lose her. I loved the straight talking Juliana who fell for Arthur, I really liked Arthur but did get a tad frustrated with him as at one point he wanted the cake, the icing & the cherry on the top all for free. Did he come to his senses? Well dive into this lovely romance to find out
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 1, 2022
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.
Romancing Miss Quill by Sandra Sookoo is the first book in the Willful Winterbournes series. Arthur Charles Winterbourne, the Earl of Ettesmere, has decided at the age of forty-four that he is done with romance. He was absolutely devastated when his wife died. During midsummer, Arthur and his siblings visit their mother. There will be celebrations, but Arthur plans to hide away. Miss Juliana Quill is thirty-seven years old and doesn’t have time for romance. She devotes her time to being a self-taught astronomer and looking after her father. Soon, these two find themselves fighting attraction to each other.
I liked this historical romance between an older couple. It is refreshing to see in this genre.
Romancing Miss Quill by Sandra Sookoo is the first book in the Willful Winterbournes series. Arthur Charles Winterbourne, the Earl of Ettesmere, has decided at the age of forty-four that he is done with romance. He was absolutely devastated when his wife died. During midsummer, Arthur and his siblings visit their mother. There will be celebrations, but Arthur plans to hide away. Miss Juliana Quill is thirty-seven years old and doesn’t have time for romance. She devotes her time to being a self-taught astronomer and looking after her father. Soon, these two find themselves fighting attraction to each other.
I liked this historical romance between an older couple. It is refreshing to see in this genre.
June 21, 2022
At four and forty, Arthur, the Earl of Ettesmere has been a widower for five years. Afraid to let go of the past and open his heart to love again, he is blind sided by his attraction to Miss Olivia Quill. Olivia is a bricklayer's daughter. She has devoted her life to the stars, something she learned from her brother Ned. Discovering a comet, she is determined to present her find to the Astronomical Society of London. At seven and thirty she's never been kissed. Firmly on the shelf, her world is shifted when she meets and is seduced by Arthur. Of course she is a willing partner and does some seduction of her own. Arthur can't let go of the wife in his past. If he doesn't, he will lose the one woman who brings him back to life. A favorite trope with a mature couple.
Heat level 4
4 1/2*STARS* ⭐
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Heat level 4
4 1/2*STARS* ⭐
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
July 17, 2022
A Second Chance to Love
Loved this story about mature love. Arthur was still grieving for his wife after five years. He was n his forties and afraid to love again. Then he meets Juliana, still a virgin in her late thirties and studying astronomy. Their love was intense and challenging. Great epilogue!
Loved this story about mature love. Arthur was still grieving for his wife after five years. He was n his forties and afraid to love again. Then he meets Juliana, still a virgin in her late thirties and studying astronomy. Their love was intense and challenging. Great epilogue!
February 17, 2024
Sweet, if a little too long and not particularly high stakes.
July 15, 2022
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the first of a new series by Sandra Sookoo, the Willful Winterbournes. I generally find I look forward to her books, but this one was exceptional.
There were themes of second chance at love, grief/loss of a loved one, mature love, differing classes.
Charles, the Earl of Ettesmere, is a man in his 40s, the father of two grown children, and a widower of several years, having lost his wife, the love of his life to consumption. He has no expectation or inclination of ever finding another love like that again, and wants to constantly carry the memory of his wife close to his heart always, and feels strong guilt in betraying her memory, even though he had promised her before her death that he would try to find happiness again. He wallows in his grief, and has socially isolated himself after his loss.
His mother, the Dowager Countess, writes to him, and her other children and grandchildren, entreating them to return to their family estate in Berkshire for a midsummer gathering to renew relationships, celebrate family, and to honour her lost husband too, with a masquerade on what would have been their anniversary. She is a contrast from Charles in that, despite her loss of a beloved spouse, she maintained her social connections and finds some happiness even after her loss, and it seems like she seeks the same for her children as well. Not just Charles, but his sister is also a widow, twice over.
Charles, and his children go to Berkshire to honour his mother's wishes. His children are adults now and almost flown from the nest, with his daughter coming out soon. They appear to worry about how lonely he may be when he is alone.
His daughter, Emily, runs into Miss Juliana Quill, and her rather rambunctious and rotund beagle one night, when Juliana is out stargazing. She is an amateur astronomer hoping to make a name for herself and honour her dead brother by discovering a heavenly body and naming it after him, and using that to join the astronomical society. She is a commoner, and a bluestocking spinster in her 30s, who is caring for her father who appears to be suffering dementia. He was bricklayer who did work for the Winterbournes and remembers the Earl from when he was a young boy. Emily develops a friendship with Juliana and determines she would be perfect as a future mate for her father and she and her brother play secret matchmakers.
Charles meets Juliana and is intrigued and revitalized by her and they share a mutual attraction and admiration. But Charles blows hot and cold because of his guilt over disrespecting the memory of his wife, and Juliana is anxious because of her lowborn status, but still falls in love with Charles, whereas Charles is too mired in his grief and guilt to recognize his love for her until he almost loses it.
OK, full disclosure - if you have read any of my other reviews, you have to know by now that I am a sucker for animals in stories and this one has a cute, playful, rambunctious, fat, mischievous beagle named Regent and that will automatically cause me to ramp up the rating. I love me some furry four legged love!
But I loved the relationship development between Juliana and Charles. He is so attracted to her and intrigued by her, and she seems so different from his wife. But he is stymied by his own grief. I did not love the hot/cold approach he had with Juliana, but I could understand that he was not purposefully playing with her emotions - he was too scared to open his heart up to hear because he was so fearful of letting go of his past with his wife, and fearful of dishonouring his past and forgetting her. I loved Juliana as the bluestocking spinster, who is also grieving the loss of her brother, so she can relate to Charles on that level, but she was overlooked as a woman by the local men, and is now in her 30s, and all-but given up on finding a husband, but she still opens herself up to finding love and experiencing carnal pleasure with Charles, despite knowing it could lead to heartbreak. Her openness and adventuresome spirit is part of her attraction to Charles as well.
I am intrigued by the other members of the Winterbourne family, such as his sister, Lady Sophia. She has lost two husbands, so can empathize with Charles in his grief, but on saying that, she did not wallow in the death of her first husband and found love again. But perhaps she thinks she would not be lucky a third time? I would like to see otherwise in the near future. I loved her frank and open relationship with her brother and how earthy she was. I am also curious about the married brother who was mentioned but does not show up - there seems to be something odd about his relationship with his wife, that is implied. That sounds like it would be an interesting story in the future....
Anyways, I really enjoyed this story of how Charles overcame his grief to find love again, with Juliana.
4.5 stars out of 5.
This is the first of a new series by Sandra Sookoo, the Willful Winterbournes. I generally find I look forward to her books, but this one was exceptional.
There were themes of second chance at love, grief/loss of a loved one, mature love, differing classes.
Charles, the Earl of Ettesmere, is a man in his 40s, the father of two grown children, and a widower of several years, having lost his wife, the love of his life to consumption. He has no expectation or inclination of ever finding another love like that again, and wants to constantly carry the memory of his wife close to his heart always, and feels strong guilt in betraying her memory, even though he had promised her before her death that he would try to find happiness again. He wallows in his grief, and has socially isolated himself after his loss.
His mother, the Dowager Countess, writes to him, and her other children and grandchildren, entreating them to return to their family estate in Berkshire for a midsummer gathering to renew relationships, celebrate family, and to honour her lost husband too, with a masquerade on what would have been their anniversary. She is a contrast from Charles in that, despite her loss of a beloved spouse, she maintained her social connections and finds some happiness even after her loss, and it seems like she seeks the same for her children as well. Not just Charles, but his sister is also a widow, twice over.
Charles, and his children go to Berkshire to honour his mother's wishes. His children are adults now and almost flown from the nest, with his daughter coming out soon. They appear to worry about how lonely he may be when he is alone.
His daughter, Emily, runs into Miss Juliana Quill, and her rather rambunctious and rotund beagle one night, when Juliana is out stargazing. She is an amateur astronomer hoping to make a name for herself and honour her dead brother by discovering a heavenly body and naming it after him, and using that to join the astronomical society. She is a commoner, and a bluestocking spinster in her 30s, who is caring for her father who appears to be suffering dementia. He was bricklayer who did work for the Winterbournes and remembers the Earl from when he was a young boy. Emily develops a friendship with Juliana and determines she would be perfect as a future mate for her father and she and her brother play secret matchmakers.
Charles meets Juliana and is intrigued and revitalized by her and they share a mutual attraction and admiration. But Charles blows hot and cold because of his guilt over disrespecting the memory of his wife, and Juliana is anxious because of her lowborn status, but still falls in love with Charles, whereas Charles is too mired in his grief and guilt to recognize his love for her until he almost loses it.
OK, full disclosure - if you have read any of my other reviews, you have to know by now that I am a sucker for animals in stories and this one has a cute, playful, rambunctious, fat, mischievous beagle named Regent and that will automatically cause me to ramp up the rating. I love me some furry four legged love!
But I loved the relationship development between Juliana and Charles. He is so attracted to her and intrigued by her, and she seems so different from his wife. But he is stymied by his own grief. I did not love the hot/cold approach he had with Juliana, but I could understand that he was not purposefully playing with her emotions - he was too scared to open his heart up to hear because he was so fearful of letting go of his past with his wife, and fearful of dishonouring his past and forgetting her. I loved Juliana as the bluestocking spinster, who is also grieving the loss of her brother, so she can relate to Charles on that level, but she was overlooked as a woman by the local men, and is now in her 30s, and all-but given up on finding a husband, but she still opens herself up to finding love and experiencing carnal pleasure with Charles, despite knowing it could lead to heartbreak. Her openness and adventuresome spirit is part of her attraction to Charles as well.
I am intrigued by the other members of the Winterbourne family, such as his sister, Lady Sophia. She has lost two husbands, so can empathize with Charles in his grief, but on saying that, she did not wallow in the death of her first husband and found love again. But perhaps she thinks she would not be lucky a third time? I would like to see otherwise in the near future. I loved her frank and open relationship with her brother and how earthy she was. I am also curious about the married brother who was mentioned but does not show up - there seems to be something odd about his relationship with his wife, that is implied. That sounds like it would be an interesting story in the future....
Anyways, I really enjoyed this story of how Charles overcame his grief to find love again, with Juliana.
4.5 stars out of 5.
June 28, 2022
I was enthralled with this second chance romance. It heightened the romance exponentially that Arthur mourned his wife, thinking her the love of his life. Having to come to grips with emotions that felt dishonourable allows him to realize that a heart has the great capacity to love and will make room for a second love, that it can even surpass that first love without taking anything from it. Julianna, having lived well into her thirties never having any hint of romance, left her as a wild conquest with fresh promise. Their love story is well written, with so many profound realizations and moments. I love the way Sandra Sookoo writes. The love within these families shines as they each encourage the romance, despite it being outside of the typical ‘ton’ restrictions. Being almost polar opposite’s was an intriguing element. He an Earl, she the daughter of a bricklayer. He a widow, her an innocent. These elements made for interesting emotional obstacles but it was obvious through Julianna’s interactions with each of his family, that she could easily blend into his world. A remarkably beautiful story that shines like her beloved stars!
Read
May 3, 2024Had some potential with the older couple and astronomer female lead. But it was one of those novels were every single person around them is obsessed with the main couple's love lives (to the point where someone starts sending anonymous letters to the two to get them to meet up at various locations to try and force them together) and it feels like every single conversation revolves around either their sad single status or trying to force them into finding love. DNF around 20%
October 4, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
There are many historical romance novels; yet, “Romancing Miss Quill” is slightly unique when it comes to historical romance.
Read full review in the 2022 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
There are many historical romance novels; yet, “Romancing Miss Quill” is slightly unique when it comes to historical romance.
Read full review in the 2022 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 25, 2023
Excellent writing, as usual by this author, with a slow burn start followed by some steamy romance scenes. The H/h are older and I enjoyed their story. Looking forward to reading Arthur's sibling's stories. 😍 Set in regency England with good historical details.
May 20, 2023
lovely
This story had me turning pages after pages . I literally finished it in 3 days. I was in love with Arthur . I love this author because your books are reality older second chance love stories. To add a smart astronomer as Juliana and a broken man at heart found each other and found love. Must read.
This story had me turning pages after pages . I literally finished it in 3 days. I was in love with Arthur . I love this author because your books are reality older second chance love stories. To add a smart astronomer as Juliana and a broken man at heart found each other and found love. Must read.
May 23, 2023
I've had this book on my tbr pile for a while and was in the mood for historical romance. I was not disappointed.
The book opens with Arthur Charles Winterbourne, the Earl of Ettesmire receiving a letter from his mother requesting him join her and the rest of the family at their country estate in Berkshire for summer. As he's contemplating this journey his sister Sophie arrives and they discuss the possibility. She also hints at him remarrying, something he really doesn't want to think about. He's rescued by his daughter Emily's return from school. Her reaction to spending the summer in the country is a positive one so it's decided. He hopes his son John is of a similar mind.
We meet Miss Juliana Quill as she's perusing the stars from atop her favorite spot on Otis hill near her home outside the village of Wokingham. She's alone save for companion, an overweight beagle named Regent. She's long been interested in Astronomy and preferred the stars to socializing. Which is how she finds herself unwed and without prospects at the age of thirty-seven. She's been following a comet that she's spotted again years after her brother first spotted it before his death. She's charting its trajectory and coordinates in the hopes of having it and her recognized by the Astronomical Society of London.
It's during this foray she meets Lady Emily Winterbourne, the young miss having escaped the manor for a bit of adventure and comes across the wandering Regent and returns him. They have an interesting conversation after which Juliana escorts her home. Her running around without a maid or chaperone would surely be frowned upon if discovered.
Juliana meets Arthur in much the same way as his daughter, when Regent gets away from her. He was walking down the road heading home after meeting with his tenants and his estate manager, when the dog burst from the trees and changed his direction to bounce at his feet.
After this encounter, they both receive a note to meet, with no signature or seal.
Curiosity leads them to follow through and they are both surprised to find the other didn't write the note. They do however enjoy each other's company as Juliana gives him a lesson in astronomy.
I was amused as Arthur keeps trying to talk himself out of being attracted to her. Letting go of his grief is a major problem for him and one he battles throughout this book.
There are more notes and these two seem to find themselves in interesting situations. I really like the way things heat up between them as well, although Arthur's devotion to his late wife gets irritating. For Juliana it's very hard to win over a ghost and still she tries.
This is a fun story with laughter and some sizzle between older adults. I really loved that Arthur's family encouraged the relationship that might otherwise be forbidden. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
The book opens with Arthur Charles Winterbourne, the Earl of Ettesmire receiving a letter from his mother requesting him join her and the rest of the family at their country estate in Berkshire for summer. As he's contemplating this journey his sister Sophie arrives and they discuss the possibility. She also hints at him remarrying, something he really doesn't want to think about. He's rescued by his daughter Emily's return from school. Her reaction to spending the summer in the country is a positive one so it's decided. He hopes his son John is of a similar mind.
We meet Miss Juliana Quill as she's perusing the stars from atop her favorite spot on Otis hill near her home outside the village of Wokingham. She's alone save for companion, an overweight beagle named Regent. She's long been interested in Astronomy and preferred the stars to socializing. Which is how she finds herself unwed and without prospects at the age of thirty-seven. She's been following a comet that she's spotted again years after her brother first spotted it before his death. She's charting its trajectory and coordinates in the hopes of having it and her recognized by the Astronomical Society of London.
It's during this foray she meets Lady Emily Winterbourne, the young miss having escaped the manor for a bit of adventure and comes across the wandering Regent and returns him. They have an interesting conversation after which Juliana escorts her home. Her running around without a maid or chaperone would surely be frowned upon if discovered.
Juliana meets Arthur in much the same way as his daughter, when Regent gets away from her. He was walking down the road heading home after meeting with his tenants and his estate manager, when the dog burst from the trees and changed his direction to bounce at his feet.
After this encounter, they both receive a note to meet, with no signature or seal.
Curiosity leads them to follow through and they are both surprised to find the other didn't write the note. They do however enjoy each other's company as Juliana gives him a lesson in astronomy.
I was amused as Arthur keeps trying to talk himself out of being attracted to her. Letting go of his grief is a major problem for him and one he battles throughout this book.
There are more notes and these two seem to find themselves in interesting situations. I really like the way things heat up between them as well, although Arthur's devotion to his late wife gets irritating. For Juliana it's very hard to win over a ghost and still she tries.
This is a fun story with laughter and some sizzle between older adults. I really loved that Arthur's family encouraged the relationship that might otherwise be forbidden. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 12, 2022
I received an advance copy from the author for my honest review.
The Heroine
Julianna Quill is a spinster who has a deep passion for astronomy. Her mother and brother died, so she is the sole caregiver of her aging, Alzheimer's father. She has always been content with her life and lack of romance or never being married. But when Arthur kisses her, she realizes that maybe she missed out on more than she knew and it sparks a desire in her she had long shut away. Julianna was a very well written character who saw the trouble Arthur was going through to overcome his grief and showed understanding and patience. She allowed herself to explore their relationship while he worked through his emotions, but also knew when she was getting to close to pull back and force him to face his fears before she was irreparably hurt. She was so sweet to his children and even put herself in uncomfortable situations to attend his society events.
The Hero
Arthur Winterbourne, Earl of Ettesmere was in love with his first wife who bore him two beautiful children before you passed away. For five years, he has lived in a fog of grief and mourning his wife. But, when he meets the interesting Julianna he is smitten and, for this first time since his wife's death, she stirs feelings in him he never thought to find again. He struggles with the guilt and betrayal that he feels when he is with Julianna and can't seem to get past the idea of finding love again. He is so very sweet to Julianna and I loved his honesty about how he was feeling about his deceased wife. Ms. Sookoo handled the grief and transition to a new love with care and I was able to see his struggle and feel his ability to love again.
The Plot
I was a little concerned that this story was not going to have enough of a plot to hold my attention which held true for the first few chapters. I feel that is true with any first book in a new series; the author is trying to set up the storyline and the families involved. However, I was quickly pulled into the angst of the romance between Arthur and Julianna and devoured the rest of the book. I was also left excited to see which characters book comes next and can't wait to see their happily ever after!
The Steam
There were a couple of steamy scenes, all of which took place outside! LOL! And I loved it!
Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Country Life, Beta Hero, Single Dad, Titled Hero, Widowed Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Independent Heroine, Scientist Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Angst Romance, Class Difference, Friends to Lovers
The Heroine
Julianna Quill is a spinster who has a deep passion for astronomy. Her mother and brother died, so she is the sole caregiver of her aging, Alzheimer's father. She has always been content with her life and lack of romance or never being married. But when Arthur kisses her, she realizes that maybe she missed out on more than she knew and it sparks a desire in her she had long shut away. Julianna was a very well written character who saw the trouble Arthur was going through to overcome his grief and showed understanding and patience. She allowed herself to explore their relationship while he worked through his emotions, but also knew when she was getting to close to pull back and force him to face his fears before she was irreparably hurt. She was so sweet to his children and even put herself in uncomfortable situations to attend his society events.
The Hero
Arthur Winterbourne, Earl of Ettesmere was in love with his first wife who bore him two beautiful children before you passed away. For five years, he has lived in a fog of grief and mourning his wife. But, when he meets the interesting Julianna he is smitten and, for this first time since his wife's death, she stirs feelings in him he never thought to find again. He struggles with the guilt and betrayal that he feels when he is with Julianna and can't seem to get past the idea of finding love again. He is so very sweet to Julianna and I loved his honesty about how he was feeling about his deceased wife. Ms. Sookoo handled the grief and transition to a new love with care and I was able to see his struggle and feel his ability to love again.
The Plot
I was a little concerned that this story was not going to have enough of a plot to hold my attention which held true for the first few chapters. I feel that is true with any first book in a new series; the author is trying to set up the storyline and the families involved. However, I was quickly pulled into the angst of the romance between Arthur and Julianna and devoured the rest of the book. I was also left excited to see which characters book comes next and can't wait to see their happily ever after!
The Steam
There were a couple of steamy scenes, all of which took place outside! LOL! And I loved it!
Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Country Life, Beta Hero, Single Dad, Titled Hero, Widowed Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Independent Heroine, Scientist Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Angst Romance, Class Difference, Friends to Lovers
June 24, 2022
Romancing Miss Quill by Sandra Sookoo is the first first of a new series, Willful Winterbournes. Sookoo always finds a way to add a quirk to her novels. This time it is the story of a widower who is convinced that he had his great love, she died, and therefore, he is not due another. Arthur Charles Winterbourne, the Earl of Ettesmere is mildly distressed that his mother has invited (read demanded) the presence of he and his children at their country estate for the summer, where she has retired. It is moments before his sister, Sophie, is walking in with an identical letter in her hand. They determine that attendance is the least they can do and travel to the estate. There is not a lot to do there, but since Ettesmere owns it he can occupy himself by visiting tenants and working with his steward. One day when he is walking he is accosted by a very exuberant dog, followed shortly thereafter by its owner, an attractive woman just a few years younger than he. She is nothing if not interesting. Shortly after, his daughter finds Miss Quill, as well, and solicits answers to questions normally addressed to ones’ mother, but since she has none, she asks Miss Quill. They are both enthralled with her. His attraction, is, however, more physical.
This is a regency romance that addresses problems we still see today: middle-aged romance and sex. This has the additional burden of class prejudice. Arthur is riddled with guilt for even speaking to her, let alone anything else he does, but he is helplessly drawn to her. The entire family thinks she is his perfect match and work to make it all happen. Charles is staid, but not dead, yet. He has missed having a woman but truthfully, his sexual relationship with his wife had not been very exciting. Julianna was a woman who had wanted a suitor but time got away from her and now it was too late. There would never be children. She was sad about that, but not about the way she spent her life. Since she was female, an education was out of the question, but she learned everything she could from her brother, Ned, who was availed of the finest education. She was an astronomer, a good one, with no reputation as she was a woman. She didn’t let that bother her, much. She was interesting and enticed Arthur with her conversation as much as her body. A good story with likable characters. I loved it!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Romancing Miss Quill by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #sandrasookoo #romancingmissquill
This is a regency romance that addresses problems we still see today: middle-aged romance and sex. This has the additional burden of class prejudice. Arthur is riddled with guilt for even speaking to her, let alone anything else he does, but he is helplessly drawn to her. The entire family thinks she is his perfect match and work to make it all happen. Charles is staid, but not dead, yet. He has missed having a woman but truthfully, his sexual relationship with his wife had not been very exciting. Julianna was a woman who had wanted a suitor but time got away from her and now it was too late. There would never be children. She was sad about that, but not about the way she spent her life. Since she was female, an education was out of the question, but she learned everything she could from her brother, Ned, who was availed of the finest education. She was an astronomer, a good one, with no reputation as she was a woman. She didn’t let that bother her, much. She was interesting and enticed Arthur with her conversation as much as her body. A good story with likable characters. I loved it!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Romancing Miss Quill by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #sandrasookoo #romancingmissquill
July 17, 2023
I love this story, it is a fast paced read with lots of passion, love, quilt, duty and tons of common sense. I have read hundreds of regent romances and this one tops the list. Most are filled with balls, society and rules that must be followed. This story is based in the county with a noble family, but the pace is slowed down and all kind of let their hair down which was great and a treat to read. This is the first book in a series, and I can’t wait to read the rest. We have an Earl who is still grieving his wife after five years. Thinking it is wrong to even think of another woman as it was disrespectful to his late wife who he loved very much. Even with his son, John and his daughter, and his sister Sophia, all telling him he needs to start living again, fearing he will be Lonely when they leave home. Juliana Quill has had a lot of sorrow in her life but tries to keep a positive outlook. She knows she will never marry or have children of her own at thirty-seven she is more then on the shall and a spinster which is fine with her. She takes care of her father who is suffering with dementia and his memory comes and goes. Her biggest fear is that he will forget who she is. After losing her brother early she took up his hobby of being an astronomer and learned all she could. She wants to publish about the comet he found in his name. Life is fine, she has her stars, her father, a simple life and her beloved beagle, Regent for company. Then she meets the daughter of an Earl and life will never be the same for any of them. What a read! The humor, feelings, emotions are off the charts. When Arthur and Juliana meet with the help of Regent and can’t seem to stop thinking of the other. Events, Stars, help from his kids, his sister and more make a wonderful story you will not be able to put down.
July 13, 2022
This is the first installment of a new series by Ms. Sookoo, Willful Winterbournes. It is always a pleasure to read one of her books and this one was no different. The story is a bit different than most Regencies in that it involves an older couple, Arthur, who is forty-four and a widower, and Juliana who is a thirty-seven year old spinster. Arthur's heart was broken when his wife died five years ago and no longer has any use for love or romance. Juliana doesn't have time for romance or suitors, she is too busy with self-learning astronomy. Astronomy is her passion, and she has no issues with being a spinster, until she meets Arthur. Arthur travels to his family's country estate at the request of his mother, whose main intention is to find a new match for her son. When Arthur meets Juliana, he is immediately attracted to her but promptly feels guilty about it. He had the love of his life with his late wife, how can he have such strong feelings for another and betray his wife that way? As Arthur struggles with his feelings, Juliana decides to let him sort out his feelings before surrendering her heart. His family, however, doesn't sit idly by and just watch, but take matters into their own hands. The story does not have villains, instead being a sweet and charming story of an older couple finding love when they had all but given up on it.
A truly engaging and enjoyable story, I am glad to have had the opportunity to read. This is a brilliant start to a new series and I am looking forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
A truly engaging and enjoyable story, I am glad to have had the opportunity to read. This is a brilliant start to a new series and I am looking forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 25, 2022
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Romancing Miss Quill is a great beginning to a new series! I loved all the characters, especially our two leading characters, and the story pacing is just right. I liked that the relationship was between older characters than we usually get in romances (because late 30s is considered old for this genre). I really liked that Julianna was not some pushover sad sack - she ended up going for what she wanted with Arthur but called him out when he was being wishy washy about his feelings for her. Despite that wishy washy-ness I did like Arthur and understood what was holding him back from going all out in his pursuit of Julianna. The character of Arthur's late wife was also really well crafted. She wasn't a perfect woman or an unlikable one either, she was just a normal woman who died young. The part toward the end involving Julianna's father wasn't a huge surprise as there are enough clues throughout to let you know what was going to happen. I think my favorite parts were those when Julianna realized she wasn't alone anymore and when Arthur came to terms with moving on with his life. Both are so well written. Following Julianna and Arthur's stories as they grew as people and a couple was really enjoyable. The pacing was good and the story so engaging that this was a really quick read. The supporting characters all add something to the story and no one is wasted. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Romancing Miss Quill is a great beginning to a new series! I loved all the characters, especially our two leading characters, and the story pacing is just right. I liked that the relationship was between older characters than we usually get in romances (because late 30s is considered old for this genre). I really liked that Julianna was not some pushover sad sack - she ended up going for what she wanted with Arthur but called him out when he was being wishy washy about his feelings for her. Despite that wishy washy-ness I did like Arthur and understood what was holding him back from going all out in his pursuit of Julianna. The character of Arthur's late wife was also really well crafted. She wasn't a perfect woman or an unlikable one either, she was just a normal woman who died young. The part toward the end involving Julianna's father wasn't a huge surprise as there are enough clues throughout to let you know what was going to happen. I think my favorite parts were those when Julianna realized she wasn't alone anymore and when Arthur came to terms with moving on with his life. Both are so well written. Following Julianna and Arthur's stories as they grew as people and a couple was really enjoyable. The pacing was good and the story so engaging that this was a really quick read. The supporting characters all add something to the story and no one is wasted. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
TW/CW: Family death, grief, Alzheimer’s disease, sex
REVIEW: Romancing Miss Quill is the story of Arthur, the Earl of Ettesmere and Julianna Quill, a commoner with a penchant for astronomy.
This was not my favorite book. It wasn’t terrible, but I found the prose clunky at times, and was several times taken aback by non-sequiters or simply things that didn’t make sense.
THINGS I DID LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
1.The age of the main characters. It’s nice to read about characters who aren’t in their teens and twenties.
2. The fact that Julianna was not only 37, but also had something of her own and didn’t just whine about men.
3. The support of Ettesmere’s family for their relationship. This gave everything a good feeling.
THINGS I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
1.There wasn’t much surprise. You knew what was going to happen from the beginning, and there was very little tension of any sort to keep a reader interested.
2.Arthur’s back and forth on loving again after losing his wife went on far too long. The part with the ‘ghost’ was extremely cheesy.
3.The fact that his mind was on sleeping with her and checking her out even when they were searching for her father, who could have been laying dead somewhere. Bad timing.
Like I said, this isn’t a terrible book, and I wouldn’t recommend against reading it, but it also is far from being my favorite book that I read this year.
REVIEW: Romancing Miss Quill is the story of Arthur, the Earl of Ettesmere and Julianna Quill, a commoner with a penchant for astronomy.
This was not my favorite book. It wasn’t terrible, but I found the prose clunky at times, and was several times taken aback by non-sequiters or simply things that didn’t make sense.
THINGS I DID LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
1.The age of the main characters. It’s nice to read about characters who aren’t in their teens and twenties.
2. The fact that Julianna was not only 37, but also had something of her own and didn’t just whine about men.
3. The support of Ettesmere’s family for their relationship. This gave everything a good feeling.
THINGS I DID NOT LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
1.There wasn’t much surprise. You knew what was going to happen from the beginning, and there was very little tension of any sort to keep a reader interested.
2.Arthur’s back and forth on loving again after losing his wife went on far too long. The part with the ‘ghost’ was extremely cheesy.
3.The fact that his mind was on sleeping with her and checking her out even when they were searching for her father, who could have been laying dead somewhere. Bad timing.
Like I said, this isn’t a terrible book, and I wouldn’t recommend against reading it, but it also is far from being my favorite book that I read this year.
June 22, 2022
FANTASTIC!!! Romancing Miss Quill by Sandra Sookoo is the first in her new series Willful Winterbournes and what a way to start a new series. I have read a lot of Sandra’s books and I find her writing to be better and better with each book that I read. She is a raising star ( no pun intended )!!! So much talent for storytelling and very easy to read. I found this story to be original and had the real feel for the regency era. What I really loved about this book was that the romance between Arthur and Julianna sizzled and they were an older couple. At time I found this sad as the Arthur could not get over the loss of his first wife and It just broke my heart. I also loved the stories of the constellations, and what research must have gone into this book to write it. This second chance at love is truly a worthy read. This story has a commoner that is an astrologer, an Earl that is stuck the past, death, mourning, a scheme, a loving family, a mother who wants them to send the summer at her country estate, a father with an illness, wisdom, pushing the Earl to date again, meeting on top of a hill at night, being invited to a ball, being nervous, feeling like they won’t fit in, being honest, speaking one’s mind and fallen in love. I am highly recommending you read this book… it really was FANTASTIC!!!
June 27, 2022
An enjoyable pastoral romance, this novel finds the Earl of Ettesmere returning to his country estate for the summer at the request of his mother, who insists that she needs to have the companionship of her family. A lonely widower, Arthur Winterbourne, has no intention of ever marrying again, given that he has already had the perfect marriage with the perfect wife. However, his family gang up on him and will do whatever it takes to ensure that he finds a new match, even if it means that the lady they choose for him is opposite in every way to his late wife. Riddled with feelings of guilt over his attraction for Miss Juliana Quill, Arthur vacillates between his feelings for Juliana and his loyalty to his wife, leaving her frustrated with him. However, being a practical woman, Juliana immerses herself in her nightly quest to search out the comet that her late brother first spotted and decides to wait for Arthur to sort himself out before fully giving her heart. Fortunately, she has his family siding with her and despite employing mischievous tactics, they do manage to pull off the romance of the decade. This is the first book in a new series and it promises to bring all the romance and humor that we have come to expect from this author. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 21, 2022
Spinster Julianna(37) is an astronomer that has been trying to become of a member of that society for some time now and consistently rejected because she's a woman. Arthur(44) is a widower being "forced" by his mother to spend the summer with her.
Everyone is trying to convince Arthur that it's time to move on and meet someone new but he just feels like he's betraying his wife but when our MC's meet by accident one afternoon when her dog escapes what ensues is a lot of pining, lust, friendship, guilt, anxiety, etc. Arthur is attracted to Julianna and enjoys her company but feels tremendous guilt about betraying his wife's memory. Julianna is lonely and anxious as her father has Alzheimer's and she's not sure what will happen after he's gone, she's never been courted by anyone as she was always much more into her studies so she isn't exactly sure what is happening between her and Arthur.
I liked how straight forward Julianna was about everything, from questions to advice and how all the members of Arthur's family interacted with her. Arthur was a sweet yet sad man and watching him slowly light up as he spends more time with Julianna was lovely.
I received this ARC through NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing.
Everyone is trying to convince Arthur that it's time to move on and meet someone new but he just feels like he's betraying his wife but when our MC's meet by accident one afternoon when her dog escapes what ensues is a lot of pining, lust, friendship, guilt, anxiety, etc. Arthur is attracted to Julianna and enjoys her company but feels tremendous guilt about betraying his wife's memory. Julianna is lonely and anxious as her father has Alzheimer's and she's not sure what will happen after he's gone, she's never been courted by anyone as she was always much more into her studies so she isn't exactly sure what is happening between her and Arthur.
I liked how straight forward Julianna was about everything, from questions to advice and how all the members of Arthur's family interacted with her. Arthur was a sweet yet sad man and watching him slowly light up as he spends more time with Julianna was lovely.
I received this ARC through NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing.
June 29, 2022
Good tale
She was a spinster whose head was in the stars. He couldn't conceive of wanting to fall in love again.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice… Arthur Charles Winterbourne, Earl of Ettesmere, at the age of forty-four is done indulging in fanciful matters such as love and romance. When his wife died, he was brokenhearted. During the midsummer season, he and his siblings join their mother at the Berkshire countryside for revelry and entertainment, but all his wants is to shut himself away and leave living to the ones who believe in happiness after loss.
Romance doesn’t hold a candle to science… Miss Juliana Quill has no time for courtship or attracting a man, which is why she’s on the shelf at seven and thirty. A self-taught astronomer, she looks after her aging father and wants nothing more than to chart the stars and perhaps discover a new heavenly body. That gives her more satisfaction than marriage or rearing children ever could. No sense in wishing for more, especially since she missed her chance.
Love appears when it’s least convenient… When a handful of mysterious notes throw Arthur and Juliana together at every turn, a slow attraction blooms from friendship. Despite their stubborn refusals, desire flares and grows into a romance neither of them ever expected. While Arthur battles with guilt and memories, she’s nearly petrified by their difference, but these two willful, love-shy people will need to open their hearts and minds to grasp a happy ending they’d never dreamed they could have.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
She was a spinster whose head was in the stars. He couldn't conceive of wanting to fall in love again.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice… Arthur Charles Winterbourne, Earl of Ettesmere, at the age of forty-four is done indulging in fanciful matters such as love and romance. When his wife died, he was brokenhearted. During the midsummer season, he and his siblings join their mother at the Berkshire countryside for revelry and entertainment, but all his wants is to shut himself away and leave living to the ones who believe in happiness after loss.
Romance doesn’t hold a candle to science… Miss Juliana Quill has no time for courtship or attracting a man, which is why she’s on the shelf at seven and thirty. A self-taught astronomer, she looks after her aging father and wants nothing more than to chart the stars and perhaps discover a new heavenly body. That gives her more satisfaction than marriage or rearing children ever could. No sense in wishing for more, especially since she missed her chance.
Love appears when it’s least convenient… When a handful of mysterious notes throw Arthur and Juliana together at every turn, a slow attraction blooms from friendship. Despite their stubborn refusals, desire flares and grows into a romance neither of them ever expected. While Arthur battles with guilt and memories, she’s nearly petrified by their difference, but these two willful, love-shy people will need to open their hearts and minds to grasp a happy ending they’d never dreamed they could have.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
June 29, 2022
Just what is a widower to do? Having lost his wife, Arthur Charles Winterbourne, the Earl of Ettesmere, has decided that he must just live with his loss. His children are older. They manage the loss of their mother well. But they are young and find that the world is full of adventure. His sister has lost two husbands and at times is not physically well but manages her life anyway. He wonders if she uses ill health to cover her feelings. His widowed mother has decided to hold a summer party at their country estate to celebrate what would have been his parents' wedding anniversary. Providing she can persuade her children to come and celebrate with her. He really does not want to go, but for the sake of his mother he makes the journey. As his youngest daughter is exploring the countryside, she discovers and becomes friends with Miss Quill. Miss Quill is exploring the heavens and authenticating a comet; something so uncommon for a woman. This plot is so familiar today as it was centuries ago. How to manage loss and continue living your life. I enjoyed reading and discovering how the family and Miss Quill oversee the problems of loss and make room for new adventures.
July 16, 2022
Romancing Miss Quill
What a lovely book. It tells the tale of Julianna Quill and Arthur Ettesmere who was an Earl. Arthur had been very sad as his wife had died five years previously and as yet he had not looked at
Anyone else . He had children with his wife, a son and daughter who was just about coming to her coming out party. Arthur’s Mother had invited Arthur and the children and Sophie, Arthur’s sister who had been widowed twice to stay at the estate in
The country for the summer. So they all agreed and went. Julianna was a middle aged woman who lived with her Father who was now an old man and whose memories were drifting their own way. Julianna was still a virgin and had never ever been kissed. Julianna and Arthur met and liked each other immensely. But Arthur was besotted with his wife who had died, and used Julianna badly, until he realised that he loved her. It was a wonderful story,
And Julianna had befriended all Arthur’s family and they all trusted her and wanted Arthur and Julianna to be together. It was a love story about mature people getting together. Loved it.
What a lovely book. It tells the tale of Julianna Quill and Arthur Ettesmere who was an Earl. Arthur had been very sad as his wife had died five years previously and as yet he had not looked at
Anyone else . He had children with his wife, a son and daughter who was just about coming to her coming out party. Arthur’s Mother had invited Arthur and the children and Sophie, Arthur’s sister who had been widowed twice to stay at the estate in
The country for the summer. So they all agreed and went. Julianna was a middle aged woman who lived with her Father who was now an old man and whose memories were drifting their own way. Julianna was still a virgin and had never ever been kissed. Julianna and Arthur met and liked each other immensely. But Arthur was besotted with his wife who had died, and used Julianna badly, until he realised that he loved her. It was a wonderful story,
And Julianna had befriended all Arthur’s family and they all trusted her and wanted Arthur and Julianna to be together. It was a love story about mature people getting together. Loved it.
June 29, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Dragonblade publishing for my copy of Romancing Miss Quill.
Lord Arthur Charles Winterbourne, at the age of 44 is done romance been there done that. He is a widow and truly devoted to his late wife. Miss Julianna Quill at the age of 37 is truly confirmed spinster and has on only had one true love the stars. However, when they meet in village they soon find themselves thrown together by mysterious notes. Can love blossom where it has been long forgotten?
I love historical romances and just eat them up. Usually when I read a story with a widow it usually is that the widos's late spouse was horrible this was not the case. Which is so refreshing when I was reading. I loved the relationship Arthur and Julianna form and the understanding between them. I love the Winterbourne family and will love to pick up the other books to ensure each once gets the love they deserve.
Lord Arthur Charles Winterbourne, at the age of 44 is done romance been there done that. He is a widow and truly devoted to his late wife. Miss Julianna Quill at the age of 37 is truly confirmed spinster and has on only had one true love the stars. However, when they meet in village they soon find themselves thrown together by mysterious notes. Can love blossom where it has been long forgotten?
I love historical romances and just eat them up. Usually when I read a story with a widow it usually is that the widos's late spouse was horrible this was not the case. Which is so refreshing when I was reading. I loved the relationship Arthur and Julianna form and the understanding between them. I love the Winterbourne family and will love to pick up the other books to ensure each once gets the love they deserve.
July 3, 2022
4.5 STARS
This touched me because I lost my soulmate and could relate to the H . He has mixed feelings on letting go of this deceased wife hold on his heart. The h comes into his life and is just about opposite in everything his first wife was. Some touching moments with the h and others discussing grief with the H tugged at my heart.
They're are no villains in this story, but a sweet telling of an older couple finding a new normal for themselves. The H is 44 with two older children and the h is 37 and takes care of her ailing father.
Both have kind and caring hearts. The h knows she isn't part of his world. Plus she studies the stars and and that is another strike against her.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5 and filled with love and passion and described several times.
The character's are engaging and I enjoyed their rough road to HEA. I found the story romantic with honest dialogue, no cheating, no cliffhanger and steam. (ljb)
This touched me because I lost my soulmate and could relate to the H . He has mixed feelings on letting go of this deceased wife hold on his heart. The h comes into his life and is just about opposite in everything his first wife was. Some touching moments with the h and others discussing grief with the H tugged at my heart.
They're are no villains in this story, but a sweet telling of an older couple finding a new normal for themselves. The H is 44 with two older children and the h is 37 and takes care of her ailing father.
Both have kind and caring hearts. The h knows she isn't part of his world. Plus she studies the stars and and that is another strike against her.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5 and filled with love and passion and described several times.
The character's are engaging and I enjoyed their rough road to HEA. I found the story romantic with honest dialogue, no cheating, no cliffhanger and steam. (ljb)
July 19, 2022
Julianna has her head in the clouds and In the stars literally day and especially nights!
Arthur Is the Earl of Ettesmere and lonely and stuck in the past mourning his life and love who had died over 5 years ago!
He and his children along with his twice widowed sister are summoned to his mothers side in the country!
When they arrive his daughter meets Miss Quill and a unlikely friendship develops!
These two are both sent secret letters that bring the together often.
Arthur is afraid to let go and embrace his future his wise sister gives her aid. They also have others who invest in their relationship for reasons yet to be revealed.
Arthur Is so afraid and has so many excuses! I fear he has caused Julianna hurt!
When all bets are off can he be the hero she needs??! I love they are and older couple and still fog glasses! Adventures, laughter, ghosts and steamy kisses under the stars will keep you reading until the very end!
Bravo! Now whose next..
Arthur Is the Earl of Ettesmere and lonely and stuck in the past mourning his life and love who had died over 5 years ago!
He and his children along with his twice widowed sister are summoned to his mothers side in the country!
When they arrive his daughter meets Miss Quill and a unlikely friendship develops!
These two are both sent secret letters that bring the together often.
Arthur is afraid to let go and embrace his future his wise sister gives her aid. They also have others who invest in their relationship for reasons yet to be revealed.
Arthur Is so afraid and has so many excuses! I fear he has caused Julianna hurt!
When all bets are off can he be the hero she needs??! I love they are and older couple and still fog glasses! Adventures, laughter, ghosts and steamy kisses under the stars will keep you reading until the very end!
Bravo! Now whose next..
July 17, 2023
A star filled story!
A master at writing emotions for her characters, Ms. Sookoo makes her readers feel the ongoing angst between Arthur and Julianna. These characters are dichotomously different from one another. Juliana is a strong character who knows what she wants and has solid goals for her future. When Arthur enters her life, she keeps her goals while falling in love with him. Arthur is a torn man. His past holds him back so he can have no future. He has feelings for Julianna, but cannot escape his love for his first wife. The ancillary characters give spice to this novel, while Julianna’s father, Mr. Quill, is a constantly sobering presence due to his dementia. The world building is wonderful and one feels as though they are there as the story unfolds. A beautiful second chance story, it hits upon the realities of the feelings that sometimes must be worked through before that happily ever after can be achieved.
A master at writing emotions for her characters, Ms. Sookoo makes her readers feel the ongoing angst between Arthur and Julianna. These characters are dichotomously different from one another. Juliana is a strong character who knows what she wants and has solid goals for her future. When Arthur enters her life, she keeps her goals while falling in love with him. Arthur is a torn man. His past holds him back so he can have no future. He has feelings for Julianna, but cannot escape his love for his first wife. The ancillary characters give spice to this novel, while Julianna’s father, Mr. Quill, is a constantly sobering presence due to his dementia. The world building is wonderful and one feels as though they are there as the story unfolds. A beautiful second chance story, it hits upon the realities of the feelings that sometimes must be worked through before that happily ever after can be achieved.
June 18, 2022
Arthur, Earl of Ettesmere shut himself away from life after the death of his wife. At over forty years old, with two grown children he doesn't need anything more. His family are tired of seeing him so shut off from life. A summer on his country estate to cheer up his mother with the whole family is what is prescribed.
At thirty seven years old Miss Julianna Quill has accepted her life as a spinster. Romance passed her by while she was studying the stars. Her ailing father and pudgy beagle keep her busy.
This is a nice change for a historical romance, having an older couple instead of a debutant. Its easy to put yourself in their shoes. A sensible down to earth heroine, with her head in the stars and a sentimental and conflicted hero. With a supportive and loving family to help things along.
Good fun.
At thirty seven years old Miss Julianna Quill has accepted her life as a spinster. Romance passed her by while she was studying the stars. Her ailing father and pudgy beagle keep her busy.
This is a nice change for a historical romance, having an older couple instead of a debutant. Its easy to put yourself in their shoes. A sensible down to earth heroine, with her head in the stars and a sentimental and conflicted hero. With a supportive and loving family to help things along.
Good fun.
June 21, 2022
Arthur Charles Winterbourne, Earl of Ettesmere, has been a widower for five years. He doesn’t believe he can find love again. In fact, he has not tried. He can’t move past losing his wife. His family feels differently. While attending his mother’s midsummer party, Arthur meets Miss Julianna Quill. She studies the stars and takes care of her elderly ailing father. They have an enjoyable and interesting time together. Both of them think they are too old (he, forty-four and she, thirty-seven) to find love now. It seems fate and the stars, helped by some mysterious notes, may help them find what they are missing. Will they take a chance? They may discover that love knows no age. This is a heartwarming story with charming characters. A great beginning to a new series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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