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The Hapgoods of Bramleigh #6
A Fickle Fortune
Scandal makes its own rules...
Harriet Hapgood has always delighted in arranging the lives of others, while generally doing as she pleased. And after having thwarted her cousin Caroline’s engagement the previous summer, what better way to pass a dull winter than in helping Caroline to a new husband? Her cousin sets her sights on the glittering Mr. St. John Rotherwood, so Hetty cheerfully puts her shoulder to the matchmaking wheel.
St. John Rotherwood didn’t always glitter.
A magnificent inheritance has catapulted the erstwhile impoverished Oxford mathematics tutor to the top of London society, where he finds himself eagerly pursued as a matrimonial prize. This apotheosis has not been an unqualified blessing, however. The attention is wearisome, and his formerly humble mother has been transformed by ambition. Is it nostalgia for his university days that draws St. John to Miss Hapgood, sister of his former pupil?
Hetty feels the lure of the season’s most eligible bachelor, but when an evening’s lark leads to scandal, she discovers society has laws as rigorous as any found in mathematics.
She could let Mr. Rotherwood rescue her, but if the world breaks her will, will it also break her heart?
Harriet Hapgood has always delighted in arranging the lives of others, while generally doing as she pleased. And after having thwarted her cousin Caroline’s engagement the previous summer, what better way to pass a dull winter than in helping Caroline to a new husband? Her cousin sets her sights on the glittering Mr. St. John Rotherwood, so Hetty cheerfully puts her shoulder to the matchmaking wheel.
St. John Rotherwood didn’t always glitter.
A magnificent inheritance has catapulted the erstwhile impoverished Oxford mathematics tutor to the top of London society, where he finds himself eagerly pursued as a matrimonial prize. This apotheosis has not been an unqualified blessing, however. The attention is wearisome, and his formerly humble mother has been transformed by ambition. Is it nostalgia for his university days that draws St. John to Miss Hapgood, sister of his former pupil?
Hetty feels the lure of the season’s most eligible bachelor, but when an evening’s lark leads to scandal, she discovers society has laws as rigorous as any found in mathematics.
She could let Mr. Rotherwood rescue her, but if the world breaks her will, will it also break her heart?
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
266 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dudley
28 books267 followersChristina Hwang Dudley is the author of clean historical and contemporary romance.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 16, 2022
After the slightly flat story of Edith and Lionel in A Purloined Portrait, this is an absolute cracker. Hetty in London is a delight. As is inevitable with any Regency novel set during the London season, there are well-worn paths to tread and over-used tropes to drive the plot, but Hetty and her swain are so gloriously different, and the background characters so fascinating, that it’s easy to overlook.
Here’s the premise: in the last book, Hetty’s machinations secured the engagement of her cousin and brother, but left another cousin, Caroline, without a betrothal. Caroline is to have a season in London, and when Hetty is invited to join her, she sees a way to repay Caroline for her previous bad turn and help her to find a husband. Caroline sets her sights on the season’s glittering prize, Mr St John Rotherwood, newly wealthy and formerly a tutor of Hetty’s brother Lionel at Oxford. Hetty has an instant advantage over every other young lady - she knows the prize already, so she determines to use her advantage to Caroline’s benefit. But Mr Rotherwood is a scientist and intellectual, and Caroline is (frankly) an air-head. Instead, it’s curious, avid reader Hetty who has most to say to Mr Rotherwood.
This doesn’t suit Caroline, but it also doesn’t suit Mr Rotherwood’s mother, Anne, who suffered for years as the outcast of the family for marrying beneath her, and is now determined to resume her place in society and see her son marry as befits his new position. You’d imagine she would be sympathetic to her son’s growing love for Hetty and want him to choose with his heart, as she did, but no. All the resentments of the years, and her pride in being a baronet’s daughter, combine to make her ambitious for her son. A duke’s daughter is perhaps beyond his grasp, but there’s the very beautiful, if vapid, Lady Sylvia, an earl’s daughter…
Poor Mr Rotherwood is caught in the middle of these machinations. He hates the emptiness of the social whirl, and would far rather get to know the intriguing Miss Hetty Hapgood, who at least has a brain in her head, but he also wants to make his mother proud of him. It’s a dilemma. And just at this point, a huge scandal erupts around Hetty, and Mr Rotherwood steps forward to save her from condemnation. And so we get into the very traditional trope of the enforced betrothal, which the two protagonists arrange between themselves rather ingeniously.
This might have been a predictable tale, but Dudley eschews the well-worn paths of innumerable other authors, and imbues her characters with creative minds and real emotions. Hetty, in particular, is a wonderful character, always brimming with original ways to solve problems, her own or other people’s, and I was thrilled to bits when she finally snatched her own happy ending from seeming defeat. Mr Rotherwood makes a terrific hero, too, and even his mother, who seemed to be an obstacle for most of the book, softened considerably in the end.
I am so sorry to reach the end of this glorious series, although happily the author is already writing a new series, with another delightfully quirky family to enjoy. Christina Dudley is one of my absolute favourite authors, without a single dud in her catalogue. This one is another five star read for me, but I commend every one of her books to anyone who wants an original, literate and downright charming Regency.
Here’s the premise: in the last book, Hetty’s machinations secured the engagement of her cousin and brother, but left another cousin, Caroline, without a betrothal. Caroline is to have a season in London, and when Hetty is invited to join her, she sees a way to repay Caroline for her previous bad turn and help her to find a husband. Caroline sets her sights on the season’s glittering prize, Mr St John Rotherwood, newly wealthy and formerly a tutor of Hetty’s brother Lionel at Oxford. Hetty has an instant advantage over every other young lady - she knows the prize already, so she determines to use her advantage to Caroline’s benefit. But Mr Rotherwood is a scientist and intellectual, and Caroline is (frankly) an air-head. Instead, it’s curious, avid reader Hetty who has most to say to Mr Rotherwood.
This doesn’t suit Caroline, but it also doesn’t suit Mr Rotherwood’s mother, Anne, who suffered for years as the outcast of the family for marrying beneath her, and is now determined to resume her place in society and see her son marry as befits his new position. You’d imagine she would be sympathetic to her son’s growing love for Hetty and want him to choose with his heart, as she did, but no. All the resentments of the years, and her pride in being a baronet’s daughter, combine to make her ambitious for her son. A duke’s daughter is perhaps beyond his grasp, but there’s the very beautiful, if vapid, Lady Sylvia, an earl’s daughter…
Poor Mr Rotherwood is caught in the middle of these machinations. He hates the emptiness of the social whirl, and would far rather get to know the intriguing Miss Hetty Hapgood, who at least has a brain in her head, but he also wants to make his mother proud of him. It’s a dilemma. And just at this point, a huge scandal erupts around Hetty, and Mr Rotherwood steps forward to save her from condemnation. And so we get into the very traditional trope of the enforced betrothal, which the two protagonists arrange between themselves rather ingeniously.
This might have been a predictable tale, but Dudley eschews the well-worn paths of innumerable other authors, and imbues her characters with creative minds and real emotions. Hetty, in particular, is a wonderful character, always brimming with original ways to solve problems, her own or other people’s, and I was thrilled to bits when she finally snatched her own happy ending from seeming defeat. Mr Rotherwood makes a terrific hero, too, and even his mother, who seemed to be an obstacle for most of the book, softened considerably in the end.
I am so sorry to reach the end of this glorious series, although happily the author is already writing a new series, with another delightfully quirky family to enjoy. Christina Dudley is one of my absolute favourite authors, without a single dud in her catalogue. This one is another five star read for me, but I commend every one of her books to anyone who wants an original, literate and downright charming Regency.
August 30, 2022
I’m going to review the whole series here. I binged it this week and have done practically nothing but read as I couldn’t tear myself away from these books. They are so great on so many levels. The writing is top notch. The characters are wonderful. The humor is laugh out loud terrific. They are true to the time period (nothing turns me off an author quicker than anachronistic dialogue and behavior). The romance is tender and beautiful (I normally don’t enjoy “clean” romances) and so we’ll done she made a love affair between a 15 year old and a 17 year old so good it’s my favorite. The plots are intelligent, deep, twisted, and interesting. I am continually stopping to google a reference to a painting or a statue or a poem. It’s so much fun! I love this author and I adore these books. I have only been reading HR for a couple of years, but due to Covid I am reading a lot. I haven’t found many “clean” authors in the style of Georgette Heyer that I really love, but I have read a lot of mediocre writing and quite a few really bad books. Christina Dudley is on the list with Stella Riley, Dorothy Mack, and Mary Kingswood. She is spectacular. I’m only thankful she writes in this genre because I hate most modern romance (Jenny Colgan strongly excepted) and wouldn’t have read her no matter how good she is. I love these books so much I think I’m going to buy the paperbacks. They deserve to be read again and again until they are worn and dog eared and need to be replaced. My only tiny complaint is the cover for The Purloined Portrait doesn’t begin to do Lionel justice. What was she thinking with that one? I’m a book cover snob. The cover for The Naturalist is what got me started on these books. Thank you to whoever painted it. Genius.
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January 26, 2026After scotching her cousin Caroline’s chances with her brother, Hetty Hapgood is determined to do right by her and accepts an invitation to join Caroline for the London Season. A new wealthy bachelor is the talk of the Ton and Hetty determines he is just the thing for Caroline, but Mr. St. John Rotherwood has other ideas.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
June 21, 2023
Matchmaking Schemes, Fortune-Hunters, Reputation-Damaging Scandals – A Typical London Season
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
SERIES: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh #6 (Note: Each book is standalone and can be read out of order, however I would recommend reading #2 A Very Plain Young Man, #3 School for Love, and #5 The Purloined Portrait prior to reading this to understand the story arcs of the main characters better.
THE PREMISE: With her older brother at school and her cousin/dearest friend away on an artist expedition abroad, Harriet Hapgood accepts the invitation to join her cousin Caroline during the London Season and help Caroline make an ambitious match. The matrimonial prize Caroline is hoping to win is the newly minted “Marble Millionaire,” Mr. St. John Rotherwood, who recently inherited a magnificent fortune. Mr. Rotherwood just happens to be Harriet’s brother’s former tutor, and he is eager to enjoy the pleasures of being a man of leisure…but it isn’t Harriet’s cousin Caroline who captures his interest…
MY THOUGHTS: I was so ready for this story! I adore the Hapgoods – what a family! Each member is endearing, diverting, and likable. And to see the series conclude (I’m of course gutted about this) with dear Harriet’s romantic adventures is sure to to end things with a bang!
For those of you who are not yet acquainted (you need to rectify this ASAP), the Hapgoods are an almost impoverished gentry family with four independently-minded daughters, a blustery and unsophisticated squire, and an often indisposed and indolent mother living in Somerset. Their extended family includes a widowed banker with three mischievous and playful children (now almost all grown) and their caring and loving stepmother.
Harriet is a clever sort of girl – one who has spent her time observing everyone and thinks she knows everything. She is perceptive, wise, and a little bit rebellious. She has a real thirst for knowledge in general, and I love her nerdy interests in mathematics, history, and Latin. In Jane Austen terms, I’d describe her as a cross between Margaret Dashwood and Emma Woodhouse with a little bit of Elizabeth Bennet mixed in. I adore Hetty! She makes a most endearing heroine. I love that she is so genuine – that she is herself and doesn’t conform to society’s dictates. Even though she has matured, Hetty still manages to land herself into some scrapes and scandals in this tale, and it was great fun to see how she handled them.
And now a paragraph just about Mr. St. John Rotherwood. What a worthy hero. So well-suited for dear Hetty! I loved his story and his journey. With his mother being disowned by her family, growing up impoverished, and needing to support his mother from a young age it was easy to admire Mr. Rotherwood’s dutiful nature and attentive responsibility. And it was interesting to see how so much changed for him when he became the Season’s most eligible bachelor. I loved that he wasn’t totally swept up by the glitter and power of his new elevation. That he preferred more simple pleasures, valued sincere connections over high statuses, and was more comfortable in anonymous settings. He is indeed, very noble, as we get to see numerous times. But what I might have loved most was seeing how he adorably struggled to speak the words of his heart.
Every aspect of A Fickle Fortune was supremely satisfying! The noble hero, the pert heroine, their journey to love full of surprising twists and turns, the thrilling action of a London Season, the witty repartee and comedic capers, and the happy conclusion for all! Well done, Christina Dudley! This traditional Regency Romance series is brilliantly conceived and expertly executed! What a treasure for us readers! I am all eager anticipation for you next series – The Ellsworth Assortment!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
SERIES: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh #6 (Note: Each book is standalone and can be read out of order, however I would recommend reading #2 A Very Plain Young Man, #3 School for Love, and #5 The Purloined Portrait prior to reading this to understand the story arcs of the main characters better.
THE PREMISE: With her older brother at school and her cousin/dearest friend away on an artist expedition abroad, Harriet Hapgood accepts the invitation to join her cousin Caroline during the London Season and help Caroline make an ambitious match. The matrimonial prize Caroline is hoping to win is the newly minted “Marble Millionaire,” Mr. St. John Rotherwood, who recently inherited a magnificent fortune. Mr. Rotherwood just happens to be Harriet’s brother’s former tutor, and he is eager to enjoy the pleasures of being a man of leisure…but it isn’t Harriet’s cousin Caroline who captures his interest…
MY THOUGHTS: I was so ready for this story! I adore the Hapgoods – what a family! Each member is endearing, diverting, and likable. And to see the series conclude (I’m of course gutted about this) with dear Harriet’s romantic adventures is sure to to end things with a bang!
For those of you who are not yet acquainted (you need to rectify this ASAP), the Hapgoods are an almost impoverished gentry family with four independently-minded daughters, a blustery and unsophisticated squire, and an often indisposed and indolent mother living in Somerset. Their extended family includes a widowed banker with three mischievous and playful children (now almost all grown) and their caring and loving stepmother.
Harriet is a clever sort of girl – one who has spent her time observing everyone and thinks she knows everything. She is perceptive, wise, and a little bit rebellious. She has a real thirst for knowledge in general, and I love her nerdy interests in mathematics, history, and Latin. In Jane Austen terms, I’d describe her as a cross between Margaret Dashwood and Emma Woodhouse with a little bit of Elizabeth Bennet mixed in. I adore Hetty! She makes a most endearing heroine. I love that she is so genuine – that she is herself and doesn’t conform to society’s dictates. Even though she has matured, Hetty still manages to land herself into some scrapes and scandals in this tale, and it was great fun to see how she handled them.
And now a paragraph just about Mr. St. John Rotherwood. What a worthy hero. So well-suited for dear Hetty! I loved his story and his journey. With his mother being disowned by her family, growing up impoverished, and needing to support his mother from a young age it was easy to admire Mr. Rotherwood’s dutiful nature and attentive responsibility. And it was interesting to see how so much changed for him when he became the Season’s most eligible bachelor. I loved that he wasn’t totally swept up by the glitter and power of his new elevation. That he preferred more simple pleasures, valued sincere connections over high statuses, and was more comfortable in anonymous settings. He is indeed, very noble, as we get to see numerous times. But what I might have loved most was seeing how he adorably struggled to speak the words of his heart.
Every aspect of A Fickle Fortune was supremely satisfying! The noble hero, the pert heroine, their journey to love full of surprising twists and turns, the thrilling action of a London Season, the witty repartee and comedic capers, and the happy conclusion for all! Well done, Christina Dudley! This traditional Regency Romance series is brilliantly conceived and expertly executed! What a treasure for us readers! I am all eager anticipation for you next series – The Ellsworth Assortment!
Austenesque Reviews
August 15, 2022
A welcome return to form for the final installment. Sparky, clever Hetty gets her HEA with a suitable hero. Aside from a minor quibble with the final twist this was a very satisfying read.
December 31, 2022
Gain a fortune, lose a fortune, gain true love.
November 27, 2024
A delightful end to the series! Thoroughly enjoyed. Just found an Easter egg tying this book to Book 6 of the Ellsworth Assortment series. Love it!!!
June 16, 2022
This was such a good read! I feel like I've just been jerked out of England, so let me get my bearings about me.
This was a sweet, clean, Regency romance set in England (that one's kind of a given since I felt like I'd just been jerked outta there). The cast of characters is delightful, and it had all the different romance tropes imaginable, minus the love triangle, which I despise anyway. It was so fun living there with the Rotherwoods, Sidneys, and Hapgoods. I enjoyed seeing London and its sights and sounds through their eyes and ears. The banter was great, and the mischief that certain ones of them got into was amusing, and I had a smile on my face much of the time.
If you enjoy Regency romances, you should definitely check this one out!
*I was given this ebook by the author for review. Opinions are my own*
This was a sweet, clean, Regency romance set in England (that one's kind of a given since I felt like I'd just been jerked outta there). The cast of characters is delightful, and it had all the different romance tropes imaginable, minus the love triangle, which I despise anyway. It was so fun living there with the Rotherwoods, Sidneys, and Hapgoods. I enjoyed seeing London and its sights and sounds through their eyes and ears. The banter was great, and the mischief that certain ones of them got into was amusing, and I had a smile on my face much of the time.
If you enjoy Regency romances, you should definitely check this one out!
*I was given this ebook by the author for review. Opinions are my own*
June 25, 2025
In realtà, quella di questi giorni è una rilettura (la prima risaliva a tre anni fa), che mi ha indotto a correggere la valutazione fino alle fatidiche quattro stelle. La storia è deliziosa e ben scritta, come sempre, con qualche eco dei migliori scrittori dell'ottocento inglese: per esempio, in Mrs. Rotherwood non c'è forse qualche traccia di Mrs. Thornton di 'North and South'?
E ritrovare ancora una volta i vari Hapgoods, nei vari stadi della loro crescita, fa decisamente piacere.
CD è una delle migliori scrittrici di regency in circolazione, su questo non ci piove.
E ritrovare ancora una volta i vari Hapgoods, nei vari stadi della loro crescita, fa decisamente piacere.
CD è una delle migliori scrittrici di regency in circolazione, su questo non ci piove.
August 14, 2022
Had great promise but
It was such a great plot but then it got over written to the point of boredom. Maybe 75 pages too long and and ending that was not expected. Rags to riches, then back to rags. Took the enjoyment away. Good writing and good characters. Too bad.
It was such a great plot but then it got over written to the point of boredom. Maybe 75 pages too long and and ending that was not expected. Rags to riches, then back to rags. Took the enjoyment away. Good writing and good characters. Too bad.
October 29, 2024
Having thwarted her cousin Caroline's engagement the previous summer, Harriet Hapgood now finds herself in London with her Sidney relations trying to help her cousin make a match. It seems that Caroline, as well as half of London, has set her sights on the 'marble millionaire' Mr Rotherwood, who happens to have been Lionel's former tutor, until he recently came into money. Hetty endeavours to try her best to help Caroline win the eligible Mr Rotherwood, even as she begins to find herself increasingly drawn towards the former mathematics tutor herself.
The last in the Hapgoods of Bramleigh series, this was yet another entertaining addition to what has been a highly enjoyable series. By now the Hapgoods truly seem like old friends, and it was lovely to see all the old faces come together in the epilogue at the end.
Hetty has always been a spirited character, such that having her as the heroine of her own story was always likely to be good fun, and she did not disappoint. Needless to say she gets into some mischief here and there, and is as headstrong and intelligent as she has always been, however, I also liked her dedication to her family and the importance that family holds to her. Mr Rotherwood was the perfect foil to Hetty, more than her match when it came to intelligence, but also wonderfully noble of character. It was also interesting to follow his journey as someone new into society and wealth.
Lionel was as fun as ever, and I actually quite liked Caroline in this book too. The predominantly London setting made for a change of scene from the rest of the series. As always the romance was clean cut and told with good old-fashioned charm, with lots of humour and lively characters. There were one or two twists in the story that I hadn't actually seen coming, but suffice to say everything worked out in the end.
This has been a delightful series from start to finish and I look forward to now reading some of Dudley's other series in future.
The last in the Hapgoods of Bramleigh series, this was yet another entertaining addition to what has been a highly enjoyable series. By now the Hapgoods truly seem like old friends, and it was lovely to see all the old faces come together in the epilogue at the end.
Hetty has always been a spirited character, such that having her as the heroine of her own story was always likely to be good fun, and she did not disappoint. Needless to say she gets into some mischief here and there, and is as headstrong and intelligent as she has always been, however, I also liked her dedication to her family and the importance that family holds to her. Mr Rotherwood was the perfect foil to Hetty, more than her match when it came to intelligence, but also wonderfully noble of character. It was also interesting to follow his journey as someone new into society and wealth.
Lionel was as fun as ever, and I actually quite liked Caroline in this book too. The predominantly London setting made for a change of scene from the rest of the series. As always the romance was clean cut and told with good old-fashioned charm, with lots of humour and lively characters. There were one or two twists in the story that I hadn't actually seen coming, but suffice to say everything worked out in the end.
This has been a delightful series from start to finish and I look forward to now reading some of Dudley's other series in future.
July 18, 2022
Harriet Hapgood is all grown up. With Lionel at school and her closest friend Edith studying art abroad, she agrees to experience the London season with her cousin Caroline, and even try to help Caroline get a husband. But when Caroline sets her sights on the newly rich Mr. Rotherwood (Lionel’s former tutor at Oxford), Hetty wonders how an intelligent man like Rotherwood could ever be attracted to an empty-headed chatterer like Caroline.
Bonding with Mr. Rotherwood herself over Shakespeare, mathematics, and their general interests, Hetty finds it difficult to keep herself in the background as her aunt and cousin desire. When a foolish scrape causes Hetty to become the center of scandalous attention, Mr. Rotherwood plays the hero to save her reputation. But Hetty is not interested in marrying a man who is noble when what she wants is a man in love….
This final installment of the Hapgoods of Bramleigh completes the story of the irrepressible Harriet Hapgood who has (mostly) grown out of her hoydenish ways and grown into a vivacious beauty. Mr. Rotherwood is in the unenviable position of being thrust suddenly into the limelight of the marriage mart (after an unexpected inheritance) by a mother determined that her son will have only the best. The Hapgoods, certainly, are not that. Harriet, being a Hapgood, knows the importance of family, and her refusal to drive a wedge between Rotherwood and his mother is endearing.
Bonding with Mr. Rotherwood herself over Shakespeare, mathematics, and their general interests, Hetty finds it difficult to keep herself in the background as her aunt and cousin desire. When a foolish scrape causes Hetty to become the center of scandalous attention, Mr. Rotherwood plays the hero to save her reputation. But Hetty is not interested in marrying a man who is noble when what she wants is a man in love….
This final installment of the Hapgoods of Bramleigh completes the story of the irrepressible Harriet Hapgood who has (mostly) grown out of her hoydenish ways and grown into a vivacious beauty. Mr. Rotherwood is in the unenviable position of being thrust suddenly into the limelight of the marriage mart (after an unexpected inheritance) by a mother determined that her son will have only the best. The Hapgoods, certainly, are not that. Harriet, being a Hapgood, knows the importance of family, and her refusal to drive a wedge between Rotherwood and his mother is endearing.
August 11, 2022
Endearing and laugh out loud funny
Oh I just love these Hapgood books! I will miss them. Hetty’s story did not disappoint! I think this author does a great job of writing an enjoyable, laugh out loud story without resorting to unrealistic escapades. I really like St. John. I thought he was resolute and manly but also thoughtful and imperfect in an endearing way. Hetty, too, matured in a believable way though I must admit I was ready for her to capitulate a little sooner than she did even if I feel like I do the same—put too much emphasis on well-analyzed consequences. They were a good match though. And I never felt like the book wasted time so I enjoyed it.
One comment: there seemed to be many people with similar names! Lady Sylvia and Miss Sidney. Mr. Pickford and Mr. Pinckney. Sir Keane and Mr. Kean. The author is gifted enough that I could keep them straight but I admit to having to pay closer attention with all the Sylvias and Sidneys. Oh and it is a pet peeve of mine when main characters don’t have phonetic names because I think I had to mentally correct myself every single time I read St. John “this is pronounced Sin-jun” because my eyes already read Saint John lol
Oh I just love these Hapgood books! I will miss them. Hetty’s story did not disappoint! I think this author does a great job of writing an enjoyable, laugh out loud story without resorting to unrealistic escapades. I really like St. John. I thought he was resolute and manly but also thoughtful and imperfect in an endearing way. Hetty, too, matured in a believable way though I must admit I was ready for her to capitulate a little sooner than she did even if I feel like I do the same—put too much emphasis on well-analyzed consequences. They were a good match though. And I never felt like the book wasted time so I enjoyed it.
One comment: there seemed to be many people with similar names! Lady Sylvia and Miss Sidney. Mr. Pickford and Mr. Pinckney. Sir Keane and Mr. Kean. The author is gifted enough that I could keep them straight but I admit to having to pay closer attention with all the Sylvias and Sidneys. Oh and it is a pet peeve of mine when main characters don’t have phonetic names because I think I had to mentally correct myself every single time I read St. John “this is pronounced Sin-jun” because my eyes already read Saint John lol
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July 16, 2022A Fitting Finale
Frankly, I didn't think I'd care all that much for a novel about a girl who'd been such a brat to my beloved heroins (see books #1 & #2, esp. #2), but I did. Book #3 helped me with that. It also helped that she and Edith had become bosom buddies and her brother was the hero of Book #5. Here again we get glimpses into the lives of the original Hapgoods of Bramleigh. I find echos of Book #1 (still probably my favorite although this one was very good) in this one that I didn't find in the intervening novels. SPOILER ALERT: The one thing I found a bit nauseating in Book #6 was something I believed would disappear more even than I wished it would (and in this I was vindicated). Book #5 seemed to me to contain gentle reminders to have a care for the plight of those less fortunate. Here there were more such gentle reminders which I also didn't take amiss.
When I saw mention of events I knew to have occurred during that time, I Googled them to refresh my memory.
Great read. Please take another bow, Christina Dudley!
Frankly, I didn't think I'd care all that much for a novel about a girl who'd been such a brat to my beloved heroins (see books #1 & #2, esp. #2), but I did. Book #3 helped me with that. It also helped that she and Edith had become bosom buddies and her brother was the hero of Book #5. Here again we get glimpses into the lives of the original Hapgoods of Bramleigh. I find echos of Book #1 (still probably my favorite although this one was very good) in this one that I didn't find in the intervening novels. SPOILER ALERT: The one thing I found a bit nauseating in Book #6 was something I believed would disappear more even than I wished it would (and in this I was vindicated). Book #5 seemed to me to contain gentle reminders to have a care for the plight of those less fortunate. Here there were more such gentle reminders which I also didn't take amiss.
When I saw mention of events I knew to have occurred during that time, I Googled them to refresh my memory.
Great read. Please take another bow, Christina Dudley!
August 11, 2022
While not fun to deal with in real life, I have a fondness for troublemaking little girl characters. So when naughty little Hetty was first introduced in the second book, I really looked forward to reading her story. In this book, Hetty is now a spirited and intellectual teenager. Invited to town for the season by her maternal relatives, the Sidneys, she decides to make up for interfering with her cousin Caroline's previous (false) engagement to her brother Lionel by finding her a new man. Unfortunately for Hetty, Caroline has set her sights on London's new most eligible bachelor, St. John Rotherwood, who she hasn't even met! But Mr. Rotherwood just happens to be Lionel's former university tutor, giving Hetty an upper hand even though she only knows him from one dinner.
This was a great end to the series, although I'm very sad to be parting with the Hapgoods. I could read about them forever and never get bored.
This was a great end to the series, although I'm very sad to be parting with the Hapgoods. I could read about them forever and never get bored.
July 1, 2023
Marvellous
I do love a good saga, and thisnone is better than most. The books are well written, the characters are wonderful, the dialogue is excellent. There's humour, drama, and of course, romance! The only problem with finding a good saga is the sadness at reaching the finale. This one finished it all off perfectly. I admit, a lot of this was due to the main character, Hetty, who grew on me since her inclusion in the saga during School for Love. Having now caught up on Christina Dudley's Regency novels, it seems I'll have to find a new author until December when the latest book from the Ellsworth collection is released.
I do love a good saga, and thisnone is better than most. The books are well written, the characters are wonderful, the dialogue is excellent. There's humour, drama, and of course, romance! The only problem with finding a good saga is the sadness at reaching the finale. This one finished it all off perfectly. I admit, a lot of this was due to the main character, Hetty, who grew on me since her inclusion in the saga during School for Love. Having now caught up on Christina Dudley's Regency novels, it seems I'll have to find a new author until December when the latest book from the Ellsworth collection is released.
July 17, 2022
I have absolutely loved this series and this authors writing style/voice, prose. I love the family dynamics especially with the siblings. Lots of wonderful charcters in this one. I think the H of this book is my favorite. Though they made minor appearances I would totally read a book with Clunker and Clinker as main characters. The story just flowed and I read this in a day or two. This always give me the flavor of my fav. Georgette Heyer. I appreciate the clean read with some good humor & witt.
September 4, 2022
Quick wit and sharp tongue. Not always thinking of the long term repercussions of her actions. Hettie Hapgood is quick to follow her brother Lionel into situations where ladies should avoid but young men can get away with. A masquerade ball was just such and event. She considered herself properly chaperoned with her brother and his friends from university. Unfortunately a less than savory young man saw her as "fast" and made unwelcomed advances on her. She could have been ruined except for the arrival of her brothers' former tutor. Mr. Rotherford.
May 24, 2023
The best might be the last!
A Fickle Fortune, by Christina Dudley, is the final installment in the 6-book series The Hapgoods of Bramleigh. Each and every one of these books is extremely well-written and enjoyable to read, but this one might be the best of all. Certainly it is at least the equal of the outstanding first book, The Naturalist. It might be read as a stand-alone. Indeed any of them might. But they are a little bit like Crackerjacks. You can't eat just one. I only find myself, at the end of this reading journey, wishing there were more!
A Fickle Fortune, by Christina Dudley, is the final installment in the 6-book series The Hapgoods of Bramleigh. Each and every one of these books is extremely well-written and enjoyable to read, but this one might be the best of all. Certainly it is at least the equal of the outstanding first book, The Naturalist. It might be read as a stand-alone. Indeed any of them might. But they are a little bit like Crackerjacks. You can't eat just one. I only find myself, at the end of this reading journey, wishing there were more!
July 5, 2024
fun story
Well written story. No great misunderstandings that are annoying.
Ms Dudley does a great job of weaving a light hearted story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one a second time after reading the last Ellsworth book which mentioned Mr Rotherwood. However I am bummed those story never referenced his own speculation that'd would have been successful. I kept waiting too hear that he was slightly recovered doe to his own investment apart from house mother's solicitors unwise investments.
Well written story. No great misunderstandings that are annoying.
Ms Dudley does a great job of weaving a light hearted story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one a second time after reading the last Ellsworth book which mentioned Mr Rotherwood. However I am bummed those story never referenced his own speculation that'd would have been successful. I kept waiting too hear that he was slightly recovered doe to his own investment apart from house mother's solicitors unwise investments.
August 21, 2024
Entertaining, surprising & heartwarming
Loved this book. I found it engrossing. It was hard to put it down. There were moments of heartbreak, moments of rejoicing and others of hilarity. I love the ability of this writer to humanize the characters, to render them so real and lovable, even with their faults and failures. The story is very well written with very few typos or grammatical errors. The most frequent error is the ubiquitous « so-and-so and me » instead of « I ». I highly recommend books by this author. They are a joy to read.
Loved this book. I found it engrossing. It was hard to put it down. There were moments of heartbreak, moments of rejoicing and others of hilarity. I love the ability of this writer to humanize the characters, to render them so real and lovable, even with their faults and failures. The story is very well written with very few typos or grammatical errors. The most frequent error is the ubiquitous « so-and-so and me » instead of « I ». I highly recommend books by this author. They are a joy to read.
July 24, 2022
A fitting romance for Hetty
I knew Hetty's romance would be wild, and this story did not disappoint. But SinJin is a rather silly name. Fortunately its bearer is not att all silly. Though I confess I was quite concerned about how things were going to turn out toward the end.
I've loved spending time with the Hapgoods. I only hope we might see what becomes of Rosie in the future.
I knew Hetty's romance would be wild, and this story did not disappoint. But SinJin is a rather silly name. Fortunately its bearer is not att all silly. Though I confess I was quite concerned about how things were going to turn out toward the end.
I've loved spending time with the Hapgoods. I only hope we might see what becomes of Rosie in the future.
December 26, 2022
fun and relaxing
I have read most of this series now. If you like georgette Heyer and the like I think you would like it. The end is predictable as the heroine always meets the hero early in the book. I suppose it is the small plot twists and the character development that makes them fun to read. I’m read to relax like cousin Caroline— I have enough opportunity to read for personal development and these clean romances are a nice escape on a rainy day
I have read most of this series now. If you like georgette Heyer and the like I think you would like it. The end is predictable as the heroine always meets the hero early in the book. I suppose it is the small plot twists and the character development that makes them fun to read. I’m read to relax like cousin Caroline— I have enough opportunity to read for personal development and these clean romances are a nice escape on a rainy day
January 21, 2023
So, Hetty is just 17 and that makes her lack of caution and common sense somewhat understandable. But reading the second half of this story was excruciating for me. Poor Pinckney is ruined, and has ruined the woman he loves!! Egads. And none of the villains are punished! It ends with Napoleon’s return and everything in chaos. Very painful. It’s good that Hetty is flexible about money and Rotherwood is too and they love each other, but it all left me feeling frustrated.
March 26, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Not all Regency Romance novels are enjoyable, I can tell you! I've read (or started and couldn't finish,) some shockers. Christina Dudley knows her craft; I'm sure that she is reasonably true to the era, but that's not why I enjoyed this book so much. I enjoyed the way she developed her quirky, gorgeous main players and their stories. (Loved the letters.) And who doesn't love a happy ending.....(the reason why I'm a Regency Romance tragic!)
November 25, 2024
Me ha gustado bastante la protagonista y la historia no se me ha hecho nada aburrida, hasta que llegué al final. El final se ha sentido precipitado y ese giro dramático de los acontecimientos no me ha pegado nada con el curso de la historia. Un poco decepcionada con el final pero ha sido una historia entretenida, en general. Por otro lado, tampoco me ha parecido una historia excesivamente romántica, eso me ha dado pena porque creo que la relación entre los protagonistas tenía mucho potencial.
November 15, 2025
A lovely wrap to this incredible series! There are so many twists and heart-revealing turns in this delicious story I don’t know what to drool over first. Rotherwood is pretty much perfect all the way through, but Hetty, Aunt Lavinia, and Lady Ann go through some amazing changes on their way to the cameo-filled epilogue. Interesting historical threads woven throughout. Just a wonderfully satisfying romance from every angle.
November 8, 2022
Fortune lost and fortune gained
I keep thinking I have read the best of books and then this one came along. I felt like I lived this story
One day I was happy, then sad, or angry, and then sorry. It was a roller coaster of emotion and action. I am sad to get to the end, but I am totally satisfied.
I keep thinking I have read the best of books and then this one came along. I felt like I lived this story
One day I was happy, then sad, or angry, and then sorry. It was a roller coaster of emotion and action. I am sad to get to the end, but I am totally satisfied.
November 19, 2022
Oh, what a tangled web we weave...
A delightful Regency romance filled with false starts, unexpected twists and turns, and a tear-worthy happy ending. It's sort of a rags, but content, to riches and unhappy, to rags again, but extremely happy adventure.
If there's a moral to be taken from this tale, it's the old one that love beats money anytime.
A delightful Regency romance filled with false starts, unexpected twists and turns, and a tear-worthy happy ending. It's sort of a rags, but content, to riches and unhappy, to rags again, but extremely happy adventure.
If there's a moral to be taken from this tale, it's the old one that love beats money anytime.
January 11, 2023
A Delightful Series comes to an end!
I would like to say, this author comes as close as possible to writing authentic Regency Romances. I loved this whole series, this being the last one. Each book held me spell bound. The characters were consistent and relatable. The dialogues were witty, and the romances were clean and believable.
I would like to say, this author comes as close as possible to writing authentic Regency Romances. I loved this whole series, this being the last one. Each book held me spell bound. The characters were consistent and relatable. The dialogues were witty, and the romances were clean and believable.
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