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Timeless Victorian Collection #7
An Autumn Kiss
Will one kiss change their lives?
In this collection:
THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH by Laura Rollins:
Miss Ruth Hughes is certain she’s caught in a time loop—every day she wakes to find it exactly as the one before. A thrilling prospect to be sure. If the many books she reads on time travel has taught her anything, it is that to break free she must complete an all-important task. For Ruth the task is straightforward: reunite a couple, once desperately in love but forced apart by society. Unfortunately, things are not always as easy as they first appear. Struggling, Ruth opens up to the handsome Lord Lambert and he readily agrees to help. With autumn on the brink of turning into winter, time is running out for Ruth to help the ones who need her most. And, with a bit of luck, perhaps she can even find a little time for her own happily ever after.
MR. DOWLING'S REMEDY by Annette Lyon:
Crandall Dowling’s aspirations of becoming a physician collapse when he develops symptoms that land him in an asylum. He’s been at Sherville Retreat long enough for autumn leaves to appear when Beverly Stanton arrives. She’s held under the dubious diagnosis of “hysteria” but seems perfectly sane, unlike Crandall, though his verbal and physical tics don’t seem to scare or even bother her. Beverly and Crandall develop a friendship fueled by an undeniable attraction that under other circumstances could become more. But in an asylum, one cannot plan a future, let alone one of love or marriage. Then tragedy strikes, testing staff and patients beyond anyone’s training. When the dust settles, Beverly’s diagnosis may be reversed, but if she leaves, what will become of her? What of Crandall? And what of their autumn-born love?
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull:
Mr. Adrian Everard has tried everything to keep his father’s factory open, but a single solution remains. Marry an heiress before Christmas to fund the desperately needed railway. The local landowner, Lady Anne Baxter, will not agree to sell her garden—or her heart. Indeed, his childhood friend is determined to sabotage all his efforts to find a wife. As the deadline for Adrian to choose a bride draws close, one thing becomes painfully obvious. Saving the factory will mean losing the woman he loves forever.
Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL
A NOTE OF CHANGE
A GENTLEWOMAN SCHOLAR
AN AUTUMN KISS
Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS
AN EVENING AT ALMACK'S
A WEEK IN BRIGHTON
TO LOVE A GOVERNESS
WIDOWS OF SOMERSET
A CHRISTMAS PROMISE
A SEASIDE SUMMER
THE INNS OF DEVONSHIRE
TO KISS A WALLFLOWER
A LADY'S WAGER
An Autumn Kiss is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book
Timeless Romance Anthology® is a registered trademark of Mirror Press, LLC
In this collection:
THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH by Laura Rollins:
Miss Ruth Hughes is certain she’s caught in a time loop—every day she wakes to find it exactly as the one before. A thrilling prospect to be sure. If the many books she reads on time travel has taught her anything, it is that to break free she must complete an all-important task. For Ruth the task is straightforward: reunite a couple, once desperately in love but forced apart by society. Unfortunately, things are not always as easy as they first appear. Struggling, Ruth opens up to the handsome Lord Lambert and he readily agrees to help. With autumn on the brink of turning into winter, time is running out for Ruth to help the ones who need her most. And, with a bit of luck, perhaps she can even find a little time for her own happily ever after.
MR. DOWLING'S REMEDY by Annette Lyon:
Crandall Dowling’s aspirations of becoming a physician collapse when he develops symptoms that land him in an asylum. He’s been at Sherville Retreat long enough for autumn leaves to appear when Beverly Stanton arrives. She’s held under the dubious diagnosis of “hysteria” but seems perfectly sane, unlike Crandall, though his verbal and physical tics don’t seem to scare or even bother her. Beverly and Crandall develop a friendship fueled by an undeniable attraction that under other circumstances could become more. But in an asylum, one cannot plan a future, let alone one of love or marriage. Then tragedy strikes, testing staff and patients beyond anyone’s training. When the dust settles, Beverly’s diagnosis may be reversed, but if she leaves, what will become of her? What of Crandall? And what of their autumn-born love?
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull:
Mr. Adrian Everard has tried everything to keep his father’s factory open, but a single solution remains. Marry an heiress before Christmas to fund the desperately needed railway. The local landowner, Lady Anne Baxter, will not agree to sell her garden—or her heart. Indeed, his childhood friend is determined to sabotage all his efforts to find a wife. As the deadline for Adrian to choose a bride draws close, one thing becomes painfully obvious. Saving the factory will mean losing the woman he loves forever.
Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL
A NOTE OF CHANGE
A GENTLEWOMAN SCHOLAR
AN AUTUMN KISS
Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS
AN EVENING AT ALMACK'S
A WEEK IN BRIGHTON
TO LOVE A GOVERNESS
WIDOWS OF SOMERSET
A CHRISTMAS PROMISE
A SEASIDE SUMMER
THE INNS OF DEVONSHIRE
TO KISS A WALLFLOWER
A LADY'S WAGER
An Autumn Kiss is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book
Timeless Romance Anthology® is a registered trademark of Mirror Press, LLC
300 pages, ebook
Published September 20, 2022
133 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Laura Rollins
25 books160 followersSome books have been previously published as L.G. Rollins
Laura Rollins has always loved a heart-melting happily ever after. It didn’t matter if the story took place in Regency England, or in a cobbler’s shop, if there was a sweet romance, she would read it.
Life has given her many of her own adventures. Currently she lives in the Rocky Mountains with her best-friend, who is also her husband, and their four beautiful children. She still loves to read books and more books; her favorite types of music are classical, Broadway, and country; she loves hiking in the mountains near her home; and she’s been known to debate with her oldest son about whether Infinity is better categorized as a number or an idea.
Laura Rollins has always loved a heart-melting happily ever after. It didn’t matter if the story took place in Regency England, or in a cobbler’s shop, if there was a sweet romance, she would read it.
Life has given her many of her own adventures. Currently she lives in the Rocky Mountains with her best-friend, who is also her husband, and their four beautiful children. She still loves to read books and more books; her favorite types of music are classical, Broadway, and country; she loves hiking in the mountains near her home; and she’s been known to debate with her oldest son about whether Infinity is better categorized as a number or an idea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 15, 2022
Such a fun and unique collection of novellas! I thoroughly enjoyed each of the stories and was excited to discover some new authors. They each had a definite fall feel to them to match the gorgeous cover! 4.5 overall
The Plucky Miss Ruth - Adorable story about a bluestocking who feels like each day is the same as the last and decides she needs to break the loop with the help of Lord Lambert. Their romance is soooo sweet and I love how much he loves and appreciates her intelligence and love of learning. This one had two romances for the price of one!
Mr. Dowling's Remedy - I honestly was not sure how on earth a romance between two people in an insane asylum was possibly going to work but I was pleasantly surprised! Lots of historical details about mental health and the romance was so sweet.
A Railway Through the Roses - This was a friends to lovers between an heiress and her best friend and next door neighbor who has to marry for money in order to fund a new railway. Miscommunication played a large part of the conflict but I still enjoyed it and was hooked into the story.
CW: Mr. Dowling's remedy has some language (one of the characters has Tourette's and uses the word 'whore' several times, and there is mention of some early practices used on people in asylums that may be disturbing.
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
The Plucky Miss Ruth - Adorable story about a bluestocking who feels like each day is the same as the last and decides she needs to break the loop with the help of Lord Lambert. Their romance is soooo sweet and I love how much he loves and appreciates her intelligence and love of learning. This one had two romances for the price of one!
Mr. Dowling's Remedy - I honestly was not sure how on earth a romance between two people in an insane asylum was possibly going to work but I was pleasantly surprised! Lots of historical details about mental health and the romance was so sweet.
A Railway Through the Roses - This was a friends to lovers between an heiress and her best friend and next door neighbor who has to marry for money in order to fund a new railway. Miscommunication played a large part of the conflict but I still enjoyed it and was hooked into the story.
CW: Mr. Dowling's remedy has some language (one of the characters has Tourette's and uses the word 'whore' several times, and there is mention of some early practices used on people in asylums that may be disturbing.
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
September 20, 2022
4.5 stars
I always enjoy these romance novella collections from Mirror Press. I’ve read several, from the different ‘lines’ (Timeless Victorian, Timeless Regency, Timeless Romance, etc.) and every single collection has been superbly curated. An Autumn Kiss is no exception.
“The Plucky Miss Ruth” by Laura Rollins had a first kiss I’m still swooning over – sweet and gentle but with loads of breathless tension – and a fun bookish angle, a la The Time Machine. Also, who in the last two years hasn’t felt like they were stuck in a bit of a continuous loop like Ruth does? In “Mr. Dowling’s Remedy” by Annette Lyon, our hero (who suffers from what we now know as Tourette’s) and heroine (who is falsely committed by her greedy stepfather) are both patients in an insane asylum – definitely a unique setting for a HEA but Lyon pulled it off to perfection. The historical insight into mental health here is fascinating, by the way. Finally, Lisa H. Catmull’s “A Railway Through Roses” combines two of my favorite tropes – a friends-to-more focus with a little bit of marriage-of-convenience flavor thrown in too. The angst of their respectively suppressed feelings was tangible through the pages, and I was rooting for them to figure things out!
Bottom Line: I fell in love with An Autumn Kiss – from its delightfully autumnal cover to each romance on its pages. It was truly a pleasure to watch every couple in this collection find their happily-ever-after. The stories all had something to set them apart from other romances, and the overall collection gives you a nice taste of each author’s style. Not to mention, you’ll be entertained from beginning to end. And with fall in the air – or trying very hard to be – here in Georgia (praise the Lord!), this autumn-tipped collection hit the spot!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I always enjoy these romance novella collections from Mirror Press. I’ve read several, from the different ‘lines’ (Timeless Victorian, Timeless Regency, Timeless Romance, etc.) and every single collection has been superbly curated. An Autumn Kiss is no exception.
“The Plucky Miss Ruth” by Laura Rollins had a first kiss I’m still swooning over – sweet and gentle but with loads of breathless tension – and a fun bookish angle, a la The Time Machine. Also, who in the last two years hasn’t felt like they were stuck in a bit of a continuous loop like Ruth does? In “Mr. Dowling’s Remedy” by Annette Lyon, our hero (who suffers from what we now know as Tourette’s) and heroine (who is falsely committed by her greedy stepfather) are both patients in an insane asylum – definitely a unique setting for a HEA but Lyon pulled it off to perfection. The historical insight into mental health here is fascinating, by the way. Finally, Lisa H. Catmull’s “A Railway Through Roses” combines two of my favorite tropes – a friends-to-more focus with a little bit of marriage-of-convenience flavor thrown in too. The angst of their respectively suppressed feelings was tangible through the pages, and I was rooting for them to figure things out!
Bottom Line: I fell in love with An Autumn Kiss – from its delightfully autumnal cover to each romance on its pages. It was truly a pleasure to watch every couple in this collection find their happily-ever-after. The stories all had something to set them apart from other romances, and the overall collection gives you a nice taste of each author’s style. Not to mention, you’ll be entertained from beginning to end. And with fall in the air – or trying very hard to be – here in Georgia (praise the Lord!), this autumn-tipped collection hit the spot!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 20, 2022
What a fun collection of stories, perfect for the autumn season! I loved how each one was unique in its premise.
THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH was the story of a girl stuck in a time loop. I know that feeling all too well, where each day feels like I'm living a repeat of the previous day. The way she decided to break free from that and how she went about it was highly entertaining and sweet.
MR DOWLING'S REMEDY was about a man with Tourette's syndrome and a girl with "hysterics," although I don't think they really had a name for his condition. The setting was in a mental institution and I adored the way they met and continued to forge a relationship. The culmination of events was intense and satisfying.
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES was adorable and slightly aggravating, as I could see how things should be and the characters couldn't. A childhood friendship, a father forcing marriage, selflessness, and a house party equaled so much fun.
Each story was a perfect bite-sized afternoon read and was entertaining and enjoyable.
Content: mild romance; MR DOWLING'S had moments of mild peril/danger
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH was the story of a girl stuck in a time loop. I know that feeling all too well, where each day feels like I'm living a repeat of the previous day. The way she decided to break free from that and how she went about it was highly entertaining and sweet.
MR DOWLING'S REMEDY was about a man with Tourette's syndrome and a girl with "hysterics," although I don't think they really had a name for his condition. The setting was in a mental institution and I adored the way they met and continued to forge a relationship. The culmination of events was intense and satisfying.
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES was adorable and slightly aggravating, as I could see how things should be and the characters couldn't. A childhood friendship, a father forcing marriage, selflessness, and a house party equaled so much fun.
Each story was a perfect bite-sized afternoon read and was entertaining and enjoyable.
Content: mild romance; MR DOWLING'S had moments of mild peril/danger
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
September 20, 2022
I enjoyed the uniqueness of all three of these novellas. So interesting to think about some of the circumstances and happenings during this time of history.
The characters were all unique and strong and willing to work towards what was right and good. Three happily ever afters with sweet love stories for each novella.
Laura Rollins and Lisa Catmull were new to me authors. I'd heard of them and their books but this was my first time reading something from them. I'll be checking out more of their books as time allows.
Lisa Catmull's books was my favorite of the three. I was hooked and read it with a few tears and then smile.
Here are the books included in the anthology!
~THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH by Laura Rollins~
~MR. DOWLING'S REMEDY by Annette Lyon~
~A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull~
Content: Each book is clean! One of the reasons that I love these anthologies so much!!!
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
The characters were all unique and strong and willing to work towards what was right and good. Three happily ever afters with sweet love stories for each novella.
Laura Rollins and Lisa Catmull were new to me authors. I'd heard of them and their books but this was my first time reading something from them. I'll be checking out more of their books as time allows.
Lisa Catmull's books was my favorite of the three. I was hooked and read it with a few tears and then smile.
Here are the books included in the anthology!
~THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH by Laura Rollins~
~MR. DOWLING'S REMEDY by Annette Lyon~
~A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull~
Content: Each book is clean! One of the reasons that I love these anthologies so much!!!
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 15, 2022
An enjoyable collection of historical romance novels set in the Victorian era.
October 14, 2022
These are all wonderful stories. One is even written about love in an insane asylum. You have to be a pretty good author to pull that off. They are each a complete story. All proper romances with nice chemistry.
September 19, 2022
This collection's stories are unique and captivating! I enjoyed each one equally, with vibrant characters, fascinating plots, and a full story arc even with the shorter format. These feel longer than the typical novella, and I was immersed in the Victorian era with its exciting vibe of progress. The first story has paranormal elements of the Groundhog Day variety, and it was fun to see Ruth try different methods and behavior to discover the elements needed to break the loop. The second story had a setting I've found both fascinating and disturbing- an asylum, where injustice occurs and those affected have little means to combat it. I loved the sweet friendship and romance that blossoms as Beverly and Crandall find hope and comfort in one another. I'm so glad that the time finally came when standards and accountability were more widely enforced. The last story showed that even though times were progressing, financial need and business prospects were still a major factor in marriage connections. Adrian and Anne are at an impasse with bringing prosperity to the area through railroad transportation, and it takes falling in love for them to finally realize that compromise is achievable. Overall, the romance and chemistry between the well-drawn characters made this a stand-out collection and wonderful addition to the series!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
September 12, 2022
Such a lovely collection! I listened to the audiobook version, which was nicely read by the narrator. Hearing a historical romance set in England read to you in a British accent just makes the experience that much more immersive, doesn't it? :)
THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH by Laura Rollins was a sweet story that give us two romances in one! The title character, Miss Ruth, isn't even thinking of a romance for herself for much of the story--she's focused on helping her cousin Nettie recover from the difficult year she has been having. When she encounters a slight acquaintence, Lord Lambert, on one of their daily walks, she soon enlists his help in reuniting her cousin with her etranged former fiance. Watching Ruth fall into love without even realizing it is just as delightful as witnessing the second chance at romance that she facilitates (after only a few teensy, tiny hiccups along the way, of course).
Rating: 4 stars / A-
MR. DOWLING'S REMEDY by Annette Lyon has one of the most unique settings for a historical romance that I think I've ever seen--the main characters are inmates in an asylum. Beverly Stanton is there because of a vague diagnosis of "hysteria" (AKA her stepfather wanted to be rid of her inconvenient existence) and Crandall Dowling is there with an even less realistic disgnosis of...demonic possession, apparently? He actually has what seems to be Tourette syndrome, and goodness, is it difficult to watch how he is treated for much of the book. Beverly isn't bothered by his situation, though, and I loved watching them secretly fall in love while trying to find a way for them to be able to have a life outside of the asylum. The way in which they do manage to find their HEA is as believable as it is rewarding, though, yikes--things do get rather intense there for a bit!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull is a sweet friends-to-lovers story. It's told through Annie's POV, so we're not 100% sure that Adrian has the same feelings for her that she's fairly clueless about until the last chapter in a half, but we're just as hopeful that he does as is everyone else close to her. This one also has a lovely secondary romance happening in the background for her cousin, and the glimpse into HEA that the epilogue gives us for both couples is especially satisfying.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH by Laura Rollins was a sweet story that give us two romances in one! The title character, Miss Ruth, isn't even thinking of a romance for herself for much of the story--she's focused on helping her cousin Nettie recover from the difficult year she has been having. When she encounters a slight acquaintence, Lord Lambert, on one of their daily walks, she soon enlists his help in reuniting her cousin with her etranged former fiance. Watching Ruth fall into love without even realizing it is just as delightful as witnessing the second chance at romance that she facilitates (after only a few teensy, tiny hiccups along the way, of course).
Rating: 4 stars / A-
MR. DOWLING'S REMEDY by Annette Lyon has one of the most unique settings for a historical romance that I think I've ever seen--the main characters are inmates in an asylum. Beverly Stanton is there because of a vague diagnosis of "hysteria" (AKA her stepfather wanted to be rid of her inconvenient existence) and Crandall Dowling is there with an even less realistic disgnosis of...demonic possession, apparently? He actually has what seems to be Tourette syndrome, and goodness, is it difficult to watch how he is treated for much of the book. Beverly isn't bothered by his situation, though, and I loved watching them secretly fall in love while trying to find a way for them to be able to have a life outside of the asylum. The way in which they do manage to find their HEA is as believable as it is rewarding, though, yikes--things do get rather intense there for a bit!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull is a sweet friends-to-lovers story. It's told through Annie's POV, so we're not 100% sure that Adrian has the same feelings for her that she's fairly clueless about until the last chapter in a half, but we're just as hopeful that he does as is everyone else close to her. This one also has a lovely secondary romance happening in the background for her cousin, and the glimpse into HEA that the epilogue gives us for both couples is especially satisfying.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 18, 2022
Ohh I am falling in love with these anthology collections. Each one features several short stories with a theme. This one takes place in the Victorian era and all are autumn stories! Love the beautiful cover that sets the theme wonderfully. If you like historicals and fall weather, think cool strolls around the garden and crisp colorful autumn leaves then curl up with your blanket, cup of tea and grab this book!
The Plunky Miss Ruth - I have wanted to read a story by Laura Rollins for a while now so I was super excited for this one and it was everything I thought it would be. It told the story of Ruth who feels she is stuck in a continuous time loop where everyday is the same. She does her research to break the loop with the help of Lord Lambert. These two are so cute together. I loved their strolls and conversations and how much Lord Lambert appreciates Ruth. This story is so charming and you actually get two happily every afters.
Mr. Dowlings Remedy - when I read that this story took place in an asylum I wasn’t really sure what I would think of it but I really loved this one! In face I found myself telling my husband and kids all about it. It was fascinating to read what an asylum was like in the Victorian era and how they handled mental wellness. The romance being Beverly and Crandall is very sweet, there is an action scene and I was engrossed from beginning to end.
A Railroad through the Roses - this one started a bit slow for me at first and I had trouble keeping a couple characters straight but once I got into
I really enjoyed it. A lot of this story revolves around a miscommunication between the characters. The reader is rewarded with a wonderful romance between Adrien and Annie. I loved their HEA and the epilogue.
I love that these stories are short enough to read in between other books but also can be read one after another. Every single one is so well written and has a unique aspect. Perfect book to curl up with for fall! Im looking forward to reading more from all three authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 4.5
September 24, 2022
4 1/2 stars
I loved this novella collection! Each story was so different and unique, but each was lovely. The connecting theme is love growing out of friendship set in my favorite season of autumn.
The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins is a creative take on a time loop much like the Groundhog Day movie. Every day, Ruth Hughes feels stuck in the same repeating routine. Each day she tries to figure out a new way to break the cycle. Her routine is somewhat disrupted when she bumps into Lord Harvey Lambert and the two quickly reacquaint themselves. They conspire to help Ruth’s cousin Nettie reconnect with a former love believing that if they can get them back together, the time loop will be broken. I loved the fun way these two plotted together to help Nettie, and how their relationship grows from friendship and mutual admiration. Their second kiss was my favorite.
Mr. Dowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon is an amazing heart-wrenching romance between two people unfairly sent to an asylum. Beverly Stanton’s step-father wants her out of the way. She’s too intelligent for his liking and stands in the way of his financial plans. Crandall Dowling is a former medical student most likely suffering from Tourette Syndrome who’s demonized and thought of as evil. They become fast friends working to find a way out of the asylum. But when a tragic event occurs, both realize how much they’ve come to care for one another. I loved this romance. Though the setting is bleak and highlights the injustices of Victorian asylums, the story is ultimately hopeful and beautiful.
A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H. Catmull is an enjoyable story of childhood friends finally seeing each other in a new light. Adrian Everard’s father has given him an ultimatum to marry. He must quickly find a wealthy wife to save the factory which supports many in their small Langton Village and convince his childhood friend, Lady Anne Baxter to allow him to build a railroad on her property. Anne has secretly wanted Adrian to see her as more than a business partner/friend for six years. Ever since her parents died, Adrian has been the one to comfort and support her. Anne decides to do everything to warn off his potential fiancés. Though she hates change, she must ultimately choose whether to sacrifice for the village while Adrian marries another, or fight for her home and Adrian. I loved the various scenes where these two wind up alone together and the teasing nature of their relationship. Their kiss in the boat was my favorite. *sigh*
It’s hard to decide which of these three I liked best because they were all so well written, romantic, and different. It’s a great collection that made me want to read more of each authors’ works. Highly recommend to fans of clean Victorian romances. I received an advanced complimentary copy through AustenProse PR. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
I loved this novella collection! Each story was so different and unique, but each was lovely. The connecting theme is love growing out of friendship set in my favorite season of autumn.
The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins is a creative take on a time loop much like the Groundhog Day movie. Every day, Ruth Hughes feels stuck in the same repeating routine. Each day she tries to figure out a new way to break the cycle. Her routine is somewhat disrupted when she bumps into Lord Harvey Lambert and the two quickly reacquaint themselves. They conspire to help Ruth’s cousin Nettie reconnect with a former love believing that if they can get them back together, the time loop will be broken. I loved the fun way these two plotted together to help Nettie, and how their relationship grows from friendship and mutual admiration. Their second kiss was my favorite.
Mr. Dowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon is an amazing heart-wrenching romance between two people unfairly sent to an asylum. Beverly Stanton’s step-father wants her out of the way. She’s too intelligent for his liking and stands in the way of his financial plans. Crandall Dowling is a former medical student most likely suffering from Tourette Syndrome who’s demonized and thought of as evil. They become fast friends working to find a way out of the asylum. But when a tragic event occurs, both realize how much they’ve come to care for one another. I loved this romance. Though the setting is bleak and highlights the injustices of Victorian asylums, the story is ultimately hopeful and beautiful.
A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H. Catmull is an enjoyable story of childhood friends finally seeing each other in a new light. Adrian Everard’s father has given him an ultimatum to marry. He must quickly find a wealthy wife to save the factory which supports many in their small Langton Village and convince his childhood friend, Lady Anne Baxter to allow him to build a railroad on her property. Anne has secretly wanted Adrian to see her as more than a business partner/friend for six years. Ever since her parents died, Adrian has been the one to comfort and support her. Anne decides to do everything to warn off his potential fiancés. Though she hates change, she must ultimately choose whether to sacrifice for the village while Adrian marries another, or fight for her home and Adrian. I loved the various scenes where these two wind up alone together and the teasing nature of their relationship. Their kiss in the boat was my favorite. *sigh*
It’s hard to decide which of these three I liked best because they were all so well written, romantic, and different. It’s a great collection that made me want to read more of each authors’ works. Highly recommend to fans of clean Victorian romances. I received an advanced complimentary copy through AustenProse PR. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
September 29, 2022
This collection of novellas was so wonderful to read! It was the perfect thing to get me into the fall season, I am so ready for cool weather and fall leaves! The first novella, The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins swept me away to beautiful gardens and where Ruth was certain she was stuck in a time loop. It was quite entertaining to listen to her inner dialogue about the time loop and what she felt like she needed to accomplish to end it. I loved her kindness, compassion, and her ability to be herself!
The next novella, Mr. Dowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon was like nothing I have ever read before! It pulled me into the story so quickly I could not put it down. I had to know the outcome for both Beverly and Crandall. Reading a story about people being committed into a mental asylum was so completely intriguing and it was certainly eye opening. I felt drawn to Crandall and Beverly, I was cheering for them every step of the way! This is a remarkable story full of emotion that will have you thinking about it for days to come.
The last novella, A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H. Catmull was delightful! I loved the banter between Anne and Adrian. I wondered if Adrian would ever see Anne as more than a business partner. Catmull did an amazing job with the emotional rollercoaster that Anne experienced. I felt like I was right there with her, feeling it all. This collection of novellas is one of my favorites so far! Definitely just what you need to get you feeling fallish! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The next novella, Mr. Dowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon was like nothing I have ever read before! It pulled me into the story so quickly I could not put it down. I had to know the outcome for both Beverly and Crandall. Reading a story about people being committed into a mental asylum was so completely intriguing and it was certainly eye opening. I felt drawn to Crandall and Beverly, I was cheering for them every step of the way! This is a remarkable story full of emotion that will have you thinking about it for days to come.
The last novella, A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H. Catmull was delightful! I loved the banter between Anne and Adrian. I wondered if Adrian would ever see Anne as more than a business partner. Catmull did an amazing job with the emotional rollercoaster that Anne experienced. I felt like I was right there with her, feeling it all. This collection of novellas is one of my favorites so far! Definitely just what you need to get you feeling fallish! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I love these Timeless anthologies. Give me all the fall + sweater weather + crunchy leaves vibes and I’m there. This book had sweet stories and many you just wanted to cuddle up with a cozy blanket.
🍂
The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins
⏰ This is a very short novella but I loved how Ruth was confident in being her bluestocking self and read as much as she could about time travel abs time loops - think Groundhog’s Day but during Victorian times in a garden. Ruth sets out to right a past wrong for her cousin and in the process stumbles upon a few gentlemen in the garden.
🍂
Mr Rowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon
🏥 Beverly is wrongly put in an asylum for hysteria where she meets Crandall. He suffers from Tourette’s which wasn’t known then and the treatment there is painful to read. It’s a sweet story of two people who feel an instant connection to each other in an unlikely place. Will they ever get out? Will they continue to be labeled by their diagnosis? Can they even dream of a future?
I do feel that Lyon addresses the situation well because many were placed in asylums for minor ailments at the time but they just didn’t know but it was still shocking to read about in a romance book. And with Tourette’s, the person can’t control their body or language. I do want to mention that “whore” is said frequently in Crandall’s outbursts. The dramatic start of this book with its unusual surroundings eases into the middle of the story and then I wanted to cheer for the couple.
🍂
A Railway Through The Roses by Lisa Catmull
🌹 This is a new to me author but I loved the plight of Anne. Her unrequited love for her next door neighbor Adrian as he overlooks her for a house party where he’ll pick his bride. She unknowingly and knowingly tries to throw off his picks by letting nature take its course. All the while she’s grieving for the death of her parents. Autumn is a time for change and the melancholy weather can depress others but after the darkness comes the light. Adrian while thickheaded was so charming.
🍂
Thank you to the publisher and Austenprose PR for the e-arc copy of this book. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
I love these Timeless anthologies. Give me all the fall + sweater weather + crunchy leaves vibes and I’m there. This book had sweet stories and many you just wanted to cuddle up with a cozy blanket.
🍂
The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins
⏰ This is a very short novella but I loved how Ruth was confident in being her bluestocking self and read as much as she could about time travel abs time loops - think Groundhog’s Day but during Victorian times in a garden. Ruth sets out to right a past wrong for her cousin and in the process stumbles upon a few gentlemen in the garden.
🍂
Mr Rowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon
🏥 Beverly is wrongly put in an asylum for hysteria where she meets Crandall. He suffers from Tourette’s which wasn’t known then and the treatment there is painful to read. It’s a sweet story of two people who feel an instant connection to each other in an unlikely place. Will they ever get out? Will they continue to be labeled by their diagnosis? Can they even dream of a future?
I do feel that Lyon addresses the situation well because many were placed in asylums for minor ailments at the time but they just didn’t know but it was still shocking to read about in a romance book. And with Tourette’s, the person can’t control their body or language. I do want to mention that “whore” is said frequently in Crandall’s outbursts. The dramatic start of this book with its unusual surroundings eases into the middle of the story and then I wanted to cheer for the couple.
🍂
A Railway Through The Roses by Lisa Catmull
🌹 This is a new to me author but I loved the plight of Anne. Her unrequited love for her next door neighbor Adrian as he overlooks her for a house party where he’ll pick his bride. She unknowingly and knowingly tries to throw off his picks by letting nature take its course. All the while she’s grieving for the death of her parents. Autumn is a time for change and the melancholy weather can depress others but after the darkness comes the light. Adrian while thickheaded was so charming.
🍂
Thank you to the publisher and Austenprose PR for the e-arc copy of this book. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
October 11, 2022
Each of these stories was so unique, it's one reason I enjoy these collections.
THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH by Laura Rollins--Ruth Hughes, a bluestocking with an interest in science finds love on her daily walks through the park. She feels she's stuck in a time loop as each day is the same. I could sympathize with her as that's how it felt at the beginning of the Covid pandemic and we were stuck at home. I enjoyed watching Ruth's interactions with Lord Lambert on her daily walks.
MR. DOWLING'S REMEDY by Annette Lyon--Crandall Dowling and Beverly Stanton find themselves committed to Sherville Retreat (an asylum), and become friends while trying to find a legal way they could be released. I thought the author made Crandall and Beverly's love story believable. I really enjoyed seeing what an mental institution in the Victorian era was like--I found it frightening how easy it was to have someone, especially a woman, committed.
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull--Adrian Everard is trying to keep his father's business open and the only way he can do that is to marry a woman with a large dowry and convince his neighbor, Lady Anne Baxter to allow a railway through her property. Lady Anne would love Adrian to see her as something more than a business partner and she definitely doesn't want a railroad running through her beloved garden. I wondered how these two were going to get together and worried that it might not happen.
Each of these novellas is so different but they're all well written. I even discovered a new author--Lisa H. Catmull. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for review. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
THE PLUCKY MISS RUTH by Laura Rollins--Ruth Hughes, a bluestocking with an interest in science finds love on her daily walks through the park. She feels she's stuck in a time loop as each day is the same. I could sympathize with her as that's how it felt at the beginning of the Covid pandemic and we were stuck at home. I enjoyed watching Ruth's interactions with Lord Lambert on her daily walks.
MR. DOWLING'S REMEDY by Annette Lyon--Crandall Dowling and Beverly Stanton find themselves committed to Sherville Retreat (an asylum), and become friends while trying to find a legal way they could be released. I thought the author made Crandall and Beverly's love story believable. I really enjoyed seeing what an mental institution in the Victorian era was like--I found it frightening how easy it was to have someone, especially a woman, committed.
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull--Adrian Everard is trying to keep his father's business open and the only way he can do that is to marry a woman with a large dowry and convince his neighbor, Lady Anne Baxter to allow a railway through her property. Lady Anne would love Adrian to see her as something more than a business partner and she definitely doesn't want a railroad running through her beloved garden. I wondered how these two were going to get together and worried that it might not happen.
Each of these novellas is so different but they're all well written. I even discovered a new author--Lisa H. Catmull. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for review. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
December 11, 2022
Readers looking for uncommon romantic beginnings and lives outside the ballrooms of the Victorian era will find this collection to be a worthwhile treat!
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 16, 2022
I read most of the anthology collections and was excited to read this one, because I love Autumn. I love these books, because they often introduce me to new Authors.
The Plucky Miss Ruth 🍎
By Laura Rollins
This was a fun story with a little meddling and cute friendship turned to more. I loved Ruth the blue stocking and my favorite part is when Lord Lambert professes that he likes that about her and prefers not to engage in small talk. Such a fun story that includes many autumn walks. This one had more than one romance and it was delightful to see each couple come together.
Mr. Dowling’s Remedy 🏥🌳
By Annette Lyon
This book took place in an unexpected setting of an Asylum. While I was surprised at first, the romance was sweet and I enjoyed learning more about the history of mental health treatment and the reforming laws. There’s nothing like love stories where the main characters work together to overcome challenges.
A railway through the roses 🥀
By Lisa H. Catmull
This story was by a new to me author and I really enjoyed it! I can’t wait to look into her other books. The story was engaging and I loved watching the main character grow and realize what she wanted in life as well as who she wanted to spend her life with. While miscommunication played a part, it was done in a way that I really enjoyed it.
Content warning: the second story doesn’t dive deep into mistreatment at the asylum, but it does touch on it at multiple times and this could be troublesome to some individuals. There is also a character with Tourette’s that utters “whore” on multiple occasions.
The Plucky Miss Ruth 🍎
By Laura Rollins
This was a fun story with a little meddling and cute friendship turned to more. I loved Ruth the blue stocking and my favorite part is when Lord Lambert professes that he likes that about her and prefers not to engage in small talk. Such a fun story that includes many autumn walks. This one had more than one romance and it was delightful to see each couple come together.
Mr. Dowling’s Remedy 🏥🌳
By Annette Lyon
This book took place in an unexpected setting of an Asylum. While I was surprised at first, the romance was sweet and I enjoyed learning more about the history of mental health treatment and the reforming laws. There’s nothing like love stories where the main characters work together to overcome challenges.
A railway through the roses 🥀
By Lisa H. Catmull
This story was by a new to me author and I really enjoyed it! I can’t wait to look into her other books. The story was engaging and I loved watching the main character grow and realize what she wanted in life as well as who she wanted to spend her life with. While miscommunication played a part, it was done in a way that I really enjoyed it.
Content warning: the second story doesn’t dive deep into mistreatment at the asylum, but it does touch on it at multiple times and this could be troublesome to some individuals. There is also a character with Tourette’s that utters “whore” on multiple occasions.
September 13, 2022
An Autumn Kiss is a perfect addition to the Timeless Victorian Collection. These three novellas are the perfect length for a quick cozy romantic read. The time period is represented marvelously.
In “The Plucky Miss Ruth,” Ruth finds herself in a time loop. There is excellent use of emotion and of humor. She is trying to help her cousin reconnect with a lost love and in doing so finds herself finding love as well in an unexpected place. This sweet story was perfectly paced and had a fun premise. Would it be a Victorian without the advancements in science and women’s rights that were gradually happening?
“Mr. Dowling’s Remedy” was a complete surprise to me in that it was set in an asylum. I could feel the desperation of Crandall and Beverley being held against their will. I felt the emotions as the story went a long and they were not able to interact freely. I was able to feel the joy as the story progressed. It illustrated the troubles that were not freely spoken of then, or now. The story was delightful as they navigated the challenges with which they were faced.
“A Railway Through the Roses” had me holding my breath for the two main characters. Generally, if they are the main characters, they get together in a romance. This one had me worried until nearly the end. The odds seemed impossible that it would happen. The characters were relatable and had me cheering for a happily ever after.
Overall, the stories in this collection couldn’t be more different from each other, but at the same time, they go together so well. I loved this journey and as always look forward to the next one.
I received an early copy of this delightful anthology, and this is my honest review
In “The Plucky Miss Ruth,” Ruth finds herself in a time loop. There is excellent use of emotion and of humor. She is trying to help her cousin reconnect with a lost love and in doing so finds herself finding love as well in an unexpected place. This sweet story was perfectly paced and had a fun premise. Would it be a Victorian without the advancements in science and women’s rights that were gradually happening?
“Mr. Dowling’s Remedy” was a complete surprise to me in that it was set in an asylum. I could feel the desperation of Crandall and Beverley being held against their will. I felt the emotions as the story went a long and they were not able to interact freely. I was able to feel the joy as the story progressed. It illustrated the troubles that were not freely spoken of then, or now. The story was delightful as they navigated the challenges with which they were faced.
“A Railway Through the Roses” had me holding my breath for the two main characters. Generally, if they are the main characters, they get together in a romance. This one had me worried until nearly the end. The odds seemed impossible that it would happen. The characters were relatable and had me cheering for a happily ever after.
Overall, the stories in this collection couldn’t be more different from each other, but at the same time, they go together so well. I loved this journey and as always look forward to the next one.
I received an early copy of this delightful anthology, and this is my honest review
August 8, 2022
This anthology is truly wonderful. Each story is very distinct from the others and each is also very compelling. It will keep you reading and wanting more with each page and chapter. The first story is The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins, this a fun story about a bluestocking, Ruth, helping her cousin. Ruth feels like she is caught in a continuous loop. Everyday nothing seems to change and being interested in science, she decides that something needs to change to break the loop and that something is to allow her cousin, Nettie, a second chance with her ex-fiancee. Recruiting Lord Lambert to help in her endeavors, they set out as partners to give the second chance to Nettie and Mr. Parker. But love frequently has different plans. Although set in what would be called an unhappy setting, the second story, Mr. Dowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon, is able to handle it without becoming depressing. It is set in the Victorian era where mental health was not understood and effective treatment was lacking. Beverly’s step-father wants to be rid of her to get control of her home and fortune, so he finds two doctors willing to sign certification papers (for the right price) to have her committed to an asylum. Having no choice Beverly decides her best course of action is to appear calm and unruffled to convince the staff that she is ready to be released. Upon arrival she meets Crandall Dowling who has been committed due to a condition we now identify as Tourette’s. Together they build a quiet friendship each helping the other in their struggles. Little do they know that Crandall will make a discovery that will turn their lives on end. A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H Catmull is the final story. Annie is a Baroness but that does not mean her life is easy. She has lost both her parents and now her friend, Adrian, who has helped through that loss and more wants her to allow a railroad line through her property so his father can increase his business. Although she owns other properties, this is where she grew up and this is where her memories are but the village is struggling and the rail line would help it. Now not only is Adrian pushing for the railway he also announces that he must marry quickly for money to fund the venture. Unfortunately, he has never seen Anne as anything but a business partner. With so many forces pulling on her Anne is faced with decisions she feels inadequate to handle. An excellent book and I fully recommend it. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
September 4, 2022
Three novellas set in Victorian times with forward thinking heroines who feel at home discussing science, politics, economy, etc.
The Plucky Miss Ruth
A young woman tries to escape the monotony of her days by reuniting two former lovers.
An entertaining story I liked most. It has a nice plot, a moral to the story, and happy ending. I especially like the idea of the continuous loop - there are the ones you want to escape from, and there are the ones you want to be stuck in forever.
From the historical point if view, I would take the details with a grain of salt. I did not agree with a number them.
Otherwise, a lovely story.
Mr. Dowling's Remedy
A young woman is admitted to a soul asylum where she befriends a patient, and together they find a way out of the institution.
A most informative and historically interesting story. Mr. Dowling's character is so well written, I had to do my own research about the Tourette syndrome.
I was not much into the repeated use of the era's colorful language, and there was a setting detail or two that did not quite add up.
But it is a wonderful novella to draw attention to people with the syndrome.
A Railway Through the Roses
A young baroness tries to save her rose garden, but ends up choosing other people's interests over her own.
A story with the most autumn feel in it. But I had hard time following the dialogues and the plot.
All three novellas will make quick and and clean reads - a good start to the fall season.
🍁🏵️🍂
The Plucky Miss Ruth
A young woman tries to escape the monotony of her days by reuniting two former lovers.
An entertaining story I liked most. It has a nice plot, a moral to the story, and happy ending. I especially like the idea of the continuous loop - there are the ones you want to escape from, and there are the ones you want to be stuck in forever.
From the historical point if view, I would take the details with a grain of salt. I did not agree with a number them.
Otherwise, a lovely story.
Mr. Dowling's Remedy
A young woman is admitted to a soul asylum where she befriends a patient, and together they find a way out of the institution.
A most informative and historically interesting story. Mr. Dowling's character is so well written, I had to do my own research about the Tourette syndrome.
I was not much into the repeated use of the era's colorful language, and there was a setting detail or two that did not quite add up.
But it is a wonderful novella to draw attention to people with the syndrome.
A Railway Through the Roses
A young baroness tries to save her rose garden, but ends up choosing other people's interests over her own.
A story with the most autumn feel in it. But I had hard time following the dialogues and the plot.
All three novellas will make quick and and clean reads - a good start to the fall season.
🍁🏵️🍂
September 29, 2022
An Autumn Kiss’ is a lovely Victorian romance collection with each novella set in fall with sweet kisses!
🍁Book 1:
“Today, the autumn air seemed welcoming. Almost enchanting.”
‘The Plucky Miss Ruth’ by Laura Rollins is a wonderful story set mostly in a beautiful autumn garden. Ruth and her cousin Nettie take a walk there everyday. They are stuck in a continuous loop of repetitiveness day after day until they meet someone new. There are flowers, handsome gentleman, and some matchmaking fun. I loved that there are two love stories in this novella. There are many garden walks, easy conversations, fluttering hearts, sweet kisses with the cutest happily ever after!
🍁Book 2:
“They continued walking, now stepping on autumn leaves that had fallen onto the path, their colors ranging from pale gold to dark orange.”
‘Mr. Dowling’s Remedy’ by Annette Lyon is the most unique Victorian story I’ve ever read because it takes place in an asylum. I was intrigued to see how a love story could unfold in this setting. My heart broke for Beverly and her situation. It broke even more for Crandall who suffered from a certain condition. An unlikely friendship blossoms between these two, and with each others help they’re able to turn the darkness in their story into light. This story was emotional and touching and my empathy grew from reading it.
Content: mild swearing, the word whore is said often as a character has Tourette’s Syndrome and can’t control it, sad situations and treatment of patients.
🍁Book 3:
“Cool autumn air brushed my cheeks, and the sun warmed me.”
‘A Railway through the Roses’ by Lisa H. Catmull is a childhood friends to more story that I loved. When a railway line comes between childhood friends Adrian and Anne, they have much to decide, much to discover and overcome. This book has the cutest main characters, an intriguing story line, fun moments, a house party, and lovely romantic tension. I enjoyed the flirty witty banter, childhood memories, and the sweet moments and kisses. The author’s writing style drew me in and I couldn’t stop reading!
🍁Each story is unique and I enjoyed the fall feel.🍁
Thank you for an arc copy, all opinions are my own.
🍁Book 1:
“Today, the autumn air seemed welcoming. Almost enchanting.”
‘The Plucky Miss Ruth’ by Laura Rollins is a wonderful story set mostly in a beautiful autumn garden. Ruth and her cousin Nettie take a walk there everyday. They are stuck in a continuous loop of repetitiveness day after day until they meet someone new. There are flowers, handsome gentleman, and some matchmaking fun. I loved that there are two love stories in this novella. There are many garden walks, easy conversations, fluttering hearts, sweet kisses with the cutest happily ever after!
🍁Book 2:
“They continued walking, now stepping on autumn leaves that had fallen onto the path, their colors ranging from pale gold to dark orange.”
‘Mr. Dowling’s Remedy’ by Annette Lyon is the most unique Victorian story I’ve ever read because it takes place in an asylum. I was intrigued to see how a love story could unfold in this setting. My heart broke for Beverly and her situation. It broke even more for Crandall who suffered from a certain condition. An unlikely friendship blossoms between these two, and with each others help they’re able to turn the darkness in their story into light. This story was emotional and touching and my empathy grew from reading it.
Content: mild swearing, the word whore is said often as a character has Tourette’s Syndrome and can’t control it, sad situations and treatment of patients.
🍁Book 3:
“Cool autumn air brushed my cheeks, and the sun warmed me.”
‘A Railway through the Roses’ by Lisa H. Catmull is a childhood friends to more story that I loved. When a railway line comes between childhood friends Adrian and Anne, they have much to decide, much to discover and overcome. This book has the cutest main characters, an intriguing story line, fun moments, a house party, and lovely romantic tension. I enjoyed the flirty witty banter, childhood memories, and the sweet moments and kisses. The author’s writing style drew me in and I couldn’t stop reading!
🍁Each story is unique and I enjoyed the fall feel.🍁
Thank you for an arc copy, all opinions are my own.
September 23, 2022
"What a change a handful of days could make. Not long ago, she considered Lord Lambert no more than a passing acquaintance. Now, he was quickly becoming a dearest friend." -Laura Rollins, The Plucky Miss Ruth
This lovely collection of Victorian love stories is the perfect way to kick off and celebrate the Fall season! From a story about a woman who finds an unlikely partner in her scheme to her her cousin reconcile with a past love; to a woman who is relegated to an asylum by her unkind stepfather, only to find hope and a hero; to a woman who has feelings for her best friend, who is out to change all she has held dear; each story had a wonderful mix of romance and excitement!
I would highly recommend picking up a copy and adding some extra brightness to your day!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This lovely collection of Victorian love stories is the perfect way to kick off and celebrate the Fall season! From a story about a woman who finds an unlikely partner in her scheme to her her cousin reconcile with a past love; to a woman who is relegated to an asylum by her unkind stepfather, only to find hope and a hero; to a woman who has feelings for her best friend, who is out to change all she has held dear; each story had a wonderful mix of romance and excitement!
I would highly recommend picking up a copy and adding some extra brightness to your day!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 9, 2022
I absolutely adored this collection of short stories!
In The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins, Ruth conspires with her friend Lord Lambert to get her cousin Nettie back together with Mr. Parker, who she was forced to break up with because her parents didn't approve. I loved the relationship of Ruth and Lord Lambert as they schemed to get Nettie and Mr. Parker to cross paths again. The characters were very likable and I enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
In Mr. Dowling's Remedy by Annette Lyon, Beverly Stanton is falsely accused of being a lunatic by her step-father and thrown into an asylum. There she meets Mr. Dowling, who seemingly struggles from Turrets Syndrome, and they become fast friends. I thought it was an interesting scenario to create a love story from and appreciated the uniqueness of the characters.
In A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H. Catmull, Anne Baxter, a baroness, is less than thrilled to watch her oldest friend and neighbor Adrian seek out a rich wife in order to secure funds to build a railroad and reinforce business for his factory. Through this wife-finding venture, Anne realizes that she may have feelings more than friendship for Adrian, but is it too late? I also loved the characters in this story. I would recommend this collection of short love stories to anyone who needs an escape for a couple of hours.
In The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins, Ruth conspires with her friend Lord Lambert to get her cousin Nettie back together with Mr. Parker, who she was forced to break up with because her parents didn't approve. I loved the relationship of Ruth and Lord Lambert as they schemed to get Nettie and Mr. Parker to cross paths again. The characters were very likable and I enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
In Mr. Dowling's Remedy by Annette Lyon, Beverly Stanton is falsely accused of being a lunatic by her step-father and thrown into an asylum. There she meets Mr. Dowling, who seemingly struggles from Turrets Syndrome, and they become fast friends. I thought it was an interesting scenario to create a love story from and appreciated the uniqueness of the characters.
In A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H. Catmull, Anne Baxter, a baroness, is less than thrilled to watch her oldest friend and neighbor Adrian seek out a rich wife in order to secure funds to build a railroad and reinforce business for his factory. Through this wife-finding venture, Anne realizes that she may have feelings more than friendship for Adrian, but is it too late? I also loved the characters in this story. I would recommend this collection of short love stories to anyone who needs an escape for a couple of hours.
August 6, 2022
I have enjoyed the Timeless Collection books in the past and this one holds true.
I found the authors I have enjoyed before and discovered a new one to read.
Three stories with well written storylines and characters. Each storyteller has a different view of gardens and tells of love, romance and discovery in very different ways.
Each story is beautiful and in some ways haunting in the way the story is woven.
The Plucky Miss Ruth is centered around a very scientific minded young lady and her cousin and their path through a garden to find their own love.
Mr Dowling’s Remedy is set in a very different environment, a mental retreat hospital. What was set in a odd place is a gentle story that despite false diagnoses and hard treatment love finds a way for the main characters.
A Railway Through the Roses is also set in a between two friends who desire very different points of view of progress for their small town. That they struggle to find a solution that doesn’t break both their hearts.
I recommend reading this book for a enjoyable read.
I received an ARC copy of this book and all the opinions are mine.
I found the authors I have enjoyed before and discovered a new one to read.
Three stories with well written storylines and characters. Each storyteller has a different view of gardens and tells of love, romance and discovery in very different ways.
Each story is beautiful and in some ways haunting in the way the story is woven.
The Plucky Miss Ruth is centered around a very scientific minded young lady and her cousin and their path through a garden to find their own love.
Mr Dowling’s Remedy is set in a very different environment, a mental retreat hospital. What was set in a odd place is a gentle story that despite false diagnoses and hard treatment love finds a way for the main characters.
A Railway Through the Roses is also set in a between two friends who desire very different points of view of progress for their small town. That they struggle to find a solution that doesn’t break both their hearts.
I recommend reading this book for a enjoyable read.
I received an ARC copy of this book and all the opinions are mine.
August 11, 2022
4.5* I loved the variety of settings and premises in these short stories! The Victorian era has so many scientific discoveries and mechanical advancements to explore, which the authors each incorporated, making the plots richer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
August 3, 2022
Unique storylines.
I love anthologies, and this was another set of sweet romances. The storylines were unexpected in a good way. One story took place in an asylum; I always appreciate how far we’ve come in understanding mental and physical health and the rights of patients after reading about how things were in the 1800s! Loved the autumn setting of the stories and the colorful descriptions of the season.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I love anthologies, and this was another set of sweet romances. The storylines were unexpected in a good way. One story took place in an asylum; I always appreciate how far we’ve come in understanding mental and physical health and the rights of patients after reading about how things were in the 1800s! Loved the autumn setting of the stories and the colorful descriptions of the season.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 6, 2022
I very rarely give novella collections a five-star rating, but this one impressed me so much that I just had to do it. Each story has a unique spin on it that I just loved.
In The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins, the leads have met each other before, but only recently did they have the opportunity to go beyond simple pleasantries to something more meaningful. Ruth’s “time loop” is intriguing as is her penchant for articles on scientific discovery. The inclusion of this concept takes the story from pleasant to utterly entertaining. Her matchmaking is entertaining as well, and, of course, her own happily ever after is not far away. There hasn't been a Rollins' book I haven't liked, so I knew that I was in good hands with the opening story.
Mr. Dowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon has one of the most interesting – and unlikely – setting of a romance that I’ve read. Beverly Stanton is sent to an asylum by her conniving stepfather, where she meets Dr. Crandall Dowling. And no, he’s not a doctor for the asylum, but rather a patient who suffers from what I believe would be called Tourette’s syndrome today. I wasn’t sure how the author would pull this off, but she does so in a compassionate, dignified way. Their romance ends up being so sweet and tender, and everything resolves in quite an exciting and unexpected way.
A Railway through the Roses by Lisa L. Catmull is by a new-to-me author, but I loved it. It can be classified by one word – chemistry! There is such a wonderful chemistry between the two main characters. I simultaneously enjoyed it and also wanted to bonk their heads together because their solution was so obvious. However, matters of the heart were not discussed openly like matters of business. Due to being orphaned, Lady Ann is the owner of her own land and serious about being business-minded and being a good steward for those that live and work on her land. Adrian and Ann are childhood friends, so they are hung up on the concept of friendship and business, despite what simmers beneath the surface for them both. The ending is oh-so satisfying. I would love to read one of Catmull��s novels since I enjoyed this novella so much.
I highly recommend this collection to readers of historical romance. This is the first Timeless Victorian Collection that I’ve read, but I’ll definitely be looking for more of the books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this collection from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
In The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins, the leads have met each other before, but only recently did they have the opportunity to go beyond simple pleasantries to something more meaningful. Ruth’s “time loop” is intriguing as is her penchant for articles on scientific discovery. The inclusion of this concept takes the story from pleasant to utterly entertaining. Her matchmaking is entertaining as well, and, of course, her own happily ever after is not far away. There hasn't been a Rollins' book I haven't liked, so I knew that I was in good hands with the opening story.
Mr. Dowling’s Remedy by Annette Lyon has one of the most interesting – and unlikely – setting of a romance that I’ve read. Beverly Stanton is sent to an asylum by her conniving stepfather, where she meets Dr. Crandall Dowling. And no, he’s not a doctor for the asylum, but rather a patient who suffers from what I believe would be called Tourette’s syndrome today. I wasn’t sure how the author would pull this off, but she does so in a compassionate, dignified way. Their romance ends up being so sweet and tender, and everything resolves in quite an exciting and unexpected way.
A Railway through the Roses by Lisa L. Catmull is by a new-to-me author, but I loved it. It can be classified by one word – chemistry! There is such a wonderful chemistry between the two main characters. I simultaneously enjoyed it and also wanted to bonk their heads together because their solution was so obvious. However, matters of the heart were not discussed openly like matters of business. Due to being orphaned, Lady Ann is the owner of her own land and serious about being business-minded and being a good steward for those that live and work on her land. Adrian and Ann are childhood friends, so they are hung up on the concept of friendship and business, despite what simmers beneath the surface for them both. The ending is oh-so satisfying. I would love to read one of Catmull��s novels since I enjoyed this novella so much.
I highly recommend this collection to readers of historical romance. This is the first Timeless Victorian Collection that I’ve read, but I’ll definitely be looking for more of the books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this collection from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 30, 2023
I love this cover with the autumn colored gown to match the title. And I enjoyed reading these novellas. It is a fun collection and each of them have something unique from most of the romances I've read. Very enjoyable reading.
The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins
It was a fun idea to set this story in a continuous loop and to have it be such a normal concept to the two main characters so no one was freaking out. And having a double love story was fun too. Very much enjoyed it.
Mr. Dowling's Remedy by Annette Lyons
I spent most of this story wondering how in the world this love story could move into its happily ever after. It seemed as if the HEA could only be reached by an unbelievable ending. Each scenario I thought of seemed to be so unlikely or just plain bizarre. Good thing I wasn't the author. Ms. Lyons does a far better job of coming up with the ending. I loved that the heroine was unaffected by the behaviors of those around her that others considered scary or even evil. Seriously, asylums in this time period are horrifying. I'm just glad the ending wasn't horrifying as well.
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull:
This is a new to me author. This sweet clean romance seemed like it took forever for the two lovebirds to see the obvious solution to their problem but they got there eventually. I was rooting for their happily ever after.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins
It was a fun idea to set this story in a continuous loop and to have it be such a normal concept to the two main characters so no one was freaking out. And having a double love story was fun too. Very much enjoyed it.
Mr. Dowling's Remedy by Annette Lyons
I spent most of this story wondering how in the world this love story could move into its happily ever after. It seemed as if the HEA could only be reached by an unbelievable ending. Each scenario I thought of seemed to be so unlikely or just plain bizarre. Good thing I wasn't the author. Ms. Lyons does a far better job of coming up with the ending. I loved that the heroine was unaffected by the behaviors of those around her that others considered scary or even evil. Seriously, asylums in this time period are horrifying. I'm just glad the ending wasn't horrifying as well.
A RAILWAY THROUGH THE ROSES by Lisa H. Catmull:
This is a new to me author. This sweet clean romance seemed like it took forever for the two lovebirds to see the obvious solution to their problem but they got there eventually. I was rooting for their happily ever after.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 17, 2022
It feels like there are often a common thread through the Timeless Romance Collections besides the obviouse ones. In this one there are, of course, the Autumn theme and a kiss or two, but there are also a lingering melancoly, that fits very well with the Fall theme. But this sadness is more than season related, it's born of circumstanses outside of the characters's control and we mourn with them for their losses and unfullfilled hopes. But each story is written beautifully and the happiness found in the end is so sweet.
October 9, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins
Mr. Dowling's Remedy by Annette Lyon
A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H. Catmull
MY TAKE
Three very different stories set in Victorian England, including one set in one of the terrible places called a mental hospital of that period. A very enjoyable read.
4 1/2 stars
The Plucky Miss Ruth by Laura Rollins
Mr. Dowling's Remedy by Annette Lyon
A Railway Through the Roses by Lisa H. Catmull
MY TAKE
Three very different stories set in Victorian England, including one set in one of the terrible places called a mental hospital of that period. A very enjoyable read.
4 1/2 stars
September 20, 2022
"The Plucky Miss Ruth" was fun and sweet. I really enjoyed it, though the epilogue was unnecessary and had too much telling instead of showing.
"Mr. Dowling's Remedy" was educational about Victorian lunatic asylums but rather dismal.
"A Railway Through the Roses" had too much lack of communication driving the plot.
Content: no profanity (unless you count things like whore or blast) or sex.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC.
"Mr. Dowling's Remedy" was educational about Victorian lunatic asylums but rather dismal.
"A Railway Through the Roses" had too much lack of communication driving the plot.
Content: no profanity (unless you count things like whore or blast) or sex.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC.
October 26, 2023
This isn't my favorite novella collection by a longshot. I loved the first story. It was sweet and adorable and I wish I had enjoyed the other two stories as much. The second story was not my cup of tea at all and the third story had way too much angst and drama for my tastes. The first story gets 5 stars, the second story gets 2 stars and the third gets 2 stars.
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