Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
While Charity Shackleford might be considered far more outspoken than her twin sister Chastity, she was much less inclined to make a complete cake of herself. Something her twin appeared to be doing with increasing regularity.

Indeed, when details of Chastity’s latest faux pas threatened to travel beyond the confines of Blackmore, it appeared that removing her from the vicinity was the only answer. Naturally, as always, Grace, the eldest daughter and current Duchess of Blackmore was tasked with picking up the pieces.

Unfortunately, just as she was about to inform their father of her intention to take Chastity for a short holiday to their sister Faith in Torquay, the Reverend was unexpectedly called upon to attend his curate’s sadly dying mother. Firmly of the opinion that their father could not be trusted to stay out of mischief long enough to give anybody the last rites, Grace instructed Charity to accompany him.

On reaching the trading port of Dartmouth, Charity quickly learned that nothing was as it seemed. Indeed, she discovered her sister’s worst fears were well founded as she, her father and Percy found themself embroiled in a long-standing conspiracy involving smuggling and murder.

Only the arrival of the mysterious Jago Carlyon stood between them and the infamous leader of the Hope Cove smuggling ring. Struggling to fight her undeniable attraction to the handsome Cornishman, Charity had to decide whether he could be trusted with her heart, or more importantly her life.

Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humor and a little bit of steam...

Praise for the Shackleford

‘Very funny, kept laughing out loud when reading them.’
‘Such an entertaining series, full of laughter and delightfully quirky characters.’
‘Terrific series, very funny.’
‘Thoroughly enjoyed this series, love the humour.’
‘There is constant action and so much funny banter, I couldn’t help laughing.’
‘These were wonderful. Lots of fun and great love stories.’

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2023

2310 people are currently reading
771 people want to read

About the author

Beverley Watts

50 books257 followers
Beverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
 
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
 
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
 
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,585 (52%)
4 stars
1,617 (32%)
3 stars
672 (13%)
2 stars
74 (1%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Tiny Dragon Books~ Reviews .
420 reviews21 followers
July 28, 2024
Charity by Beverley Watts
Another fantastic regency romance! As a twin to love-obsessed (but dependant) Chastity, Charity realises that she will need to enter the marriage mart asap, before her romantic sister ruins her reputation completely. While Chastity is spirited off to Torquay by the Duchess, Charity travels with her troublesome father to aid his curate, Percy, with his mother’s underhanded dealings. But somehow Charity finds herself on the run from malicious smugglers and taking sanctuary in the home of the handsome Jago to escape their murderous intent. However, there is more to the story than Charity realises…

I must be honest- this was my least favourite of the series so far. While way more action packed than some of the other books, I just didn’t get invested in the romance for Charity and Jago. There was no build, and I found plot holes everywhere. However, I love the writing style and the audiobook narrators and will carry on!

Profile Image for Ginny Vann.
47 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2024
So far this has been my favorite out of the series. I love Charity and Jago! I couldn’t put it down. Their characters were the most developed.
Profile Image for Holly Ortega.
587 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2023
Loved Charity’s book as well. Love Watts combination of live and mystery.
Profile Image for Penelope.
1,477 reviews15 followers
May 3, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. As I get to know this family better and their rather unusual antics, I seem to enjoy each new book more. CHARITY was a enjoyable diversion while I gardened and walked outside.

1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).

18mos have passed since PATIENCE, bk5. Spring is turning into Summer, Devon and Cornwall, England, 1813 ~

Charity, the more practical and plain speaking twin of the 3 remaining unmarried Shackleford daughters, has been delegated to travel with her father to Dartmouth where the Reverend hopes to assist his curate, Percy, with complicated family problems. Since Reverend Shackleford tends to find trouble only too easily Charity has been assigned by her married oldest sister, Her Grace, to keep an eye on their father.

Jago Cardel of Cornwall, 29, has been away from his home, the Tradenik estate in Cornwall overlooking the sea, for the past 2yrs. That time has been spent looking for the leader of a deadly smuggling ring who he believed murdered his sister, with 50 other innocents, two years ago. Jago meets Charity and her father in Dartmouth during his investigation and before long their missions become intertwined. When Jago’s interest in the smuggling ring draws the attention of the deadly leader, Jago’s enemies soon start taking a second look at Charity and her father.

Comments ~
1) Each book in the Shackleford Sister series features one of Reverend Shackleford’s eight daughters, with the 9th and final book featuring the Reverend’s only son.
2) CHARITY is bk6 in the 9bk Shackleford Sisters Historical/Comedy Romance series and can probably be read and enjoyed as a standalone title. Each novel after bk1, however, returns certain older siblings and their (newly) acquired spouses in peripheral roles in the books that follow.
3) In my previous reviews of bks 1-3, I remarked upon the frequent & ridiculous behavior of Mr Shackleford. (His character has been the comic relief, especially in the earlier books). But the characters in HOPE, PATIENCE and CHARITY, I felt were more restrained. Plenty of adventure and craziness still occurs and the stories move quickly. This is my first series by this author.
4) Readers looking for a light palate cleanser, a Regency Comedic Romance Romp, something a bit crazy and not particularly deep might enjoy checking out this series. Books 3, 4, 5 &6 (FAITH, HOPE, PATIENCE & CHARITY) are my favorites so far (but the first 2 grabbed my attention, so there is that).

READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language and English slang are used.
VIOLENCE - PG-13+. Yes. Brief mention of “pirate” violence, ie., knife mutilation.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Brief open door intimacy occurs near the end, which could be skipped if desired.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,629 reviews69 followers
June 2, 2024
Reverend Shackleford is pleased with himself. He has married off his five older daughters, single-handedly if you ask him. He has only three left and then his son Anthony will be able to take his rightful place in society. He is sure his eldest daughter, the Duchess of Blackmore, will take the girls in hand. Little does he know his plans and his younger daughters might clash.
Charity and Chastity are the last set of twins. They are considered quite pretty; but they are different in character. Charity is considered plainspoken and sarcastic. She is honest to a fault. however, she now is being dishonest in her feelings of marriage. She would like to be married; but doesn't like the idea of a Season as she might fail at that. However, her twin Chastity would enjoy a Season and needs to be away from the village as she has "fallen in love" with a very unsuitable man. However, Charity had told her sister Grace that she and Chastity decided not to have a season.

Reverend Shackleford's curate, Percy, suddenly goes of to Salcombe to help his mother. This concerns the Reverend because Percy hasn't seen his mother for years. Concerned about Percy's ineptness in dealing with business, the Reverend is going to follow him. He decides to take Charity and go help Percy, leaving Chastity to care for her stepmother and two sisters. Chastity has gotten herself into a possibly notorious situation, Grace steps in and takes her off to visit their sister, Faith. This will get her out of a potentially bad situation. This leaves Prudence to care for her sibling, Anthony.

When they get to Salcombe, they find Percy's mother in jail for smuggling. The Reverend tries to help Percy and , as usual, finds himself in trouble. Chastity, her father and Percy, with the help of Jago Cardell, a fisherman who wants to get into smuggling, have to escape from Salcombe and the smugglers. Chastity is drawn to Jago and is hurt when she finds out he is not who he says he is. Can they get away and keep Percy's mother unhurt?
994 reviews10 followers
February 23, 2025
HISTORICAL 5 STARS ROMANCE DRAMA

Beverley Watts earns 5 STARS as she presents Book 6 an interesting & action packed storyline in her Series: The Shackleford Sisters. Great characters that fit the story & the location depicted.

The Reverend's curate Percy Noon left town to supposedly tend to his sick mother. However, the Reverend was worried sick because he knew that Mother Noon wasn't sick but in jail & Percy needed his help. Then, the twins Chastity & Charity were at age to be married & Chastity had almost ruined herself so was off with their older sister Grace to visit their sister Faith who was due to give birth.

Charity was traveling with Augustus Shackleford, her father to locate Percy & help his mother. While their carriage is stopped to allow Freddy, the Reverend's foxhound to run & do his business a gentleman walking asked if he could be of assistance. His manner & speech pattern told he was of gentleman class. His name was Jack & helped Charity find Freddy.

Jago, was in the vicinity because he was looking for the head smuggler who he believed was responsible for killing his sister a little over 2 years ago. Perry's mother was hiding smuggled liquor on her person, so they decided to work together.

Then lots of things started happening & these 4 had to leave town in a hurry because the head smuggler Jack was now after them. They fled north to his home where his family's mine was & Estate was with his bedridden father

Even though there is tragedy, Charity & Jago find each other & now just have to live to get married. Exciting & a shocking conclusion to what happened to Jago's sister.

RECOMMENDED
Author 2 books2 followers
September 25, 2024
I gave Charity a shaky 5, because the writer in me felt Watts definitely had foreshadowing down to a fine art in this one. I couldn't put it down and yet was afraid to turn the page as the villain could be lurking around the corner. I hope Ms. Watts has a line of mystery novels because she has a gift for it. As in all the Shackleford novels, Reverend Shackleford is still up to his shenanigans with his sidekick Percy, but this one is toned down somewhat. We have an irredeemable villain, who is surprisingly handled in the end without much angst involved. The angst is ongoing with a less than anticlimactic ending. This is my only negative comment. It's as if Watts ran out of energy (which is understandable if she stayed on the edge of her seat writing as I did reading, and that's knowing what the ultimate HEA ending would be). We again have heat, which can easily be flipped through if it disturbs you, but if you've made it this far in the series, you've learn to expect it and either appreciate her level 3 description or have your fingers ready to flip past it. I have to say I did not finish this one as quickly as the others due to having to rest between the lurking murderer with his readied knife waiting to slit someone's throat, anyone's it seems and for pure enjoyment. That is a little too much for me in my Regency novels.
42 reviews
January 20, 2024
The Shackleford sisters rule

This was another enjoyable read. Following the same trend as the other books this is a light hearted tale, with plenty of comic relief and not to be taken seriously. Just a bit of fun! It was nice to see a bit more interaction with Charity and her man, as some of the other books there is little interactions between the love interests, when you actually just want to see their love story unfold not necessary so much of the farce. Charity's character was actually quite refreshing as she wasn't wild like her other sisters and didn't have a foul mouth. It was good to see a contrast from her siblings. Would have liked a chapter at the end with Jago meeting the whole family for the first time, as I think it would have been hilarious with him being confronted with all the nobles and then the sisters. Look forward to reading Chastity next x
50 reviews
August 16, 2024
Another 3 stars for this entry in the Shackleford Sisters series. In this book, I felt there were a few in consistencies in Reverend Agustus' and Percy's established characters. They were not quite as bumbling and comical as they have been in the previous 5 stories. I didn't necessarily mind the change, but it was different. However, this change did make the male narrators voices for all characters glaringly more difficult to listen to. Why so many narrators? Pick one, preferably Eilidh Beaton, and stick with it.
Although the plot was much like the all the previous books in the series, I did feel that this one was a bit convoluted. I sort of had to fill in the blanks to figure out what the villains were doing. I also felt there were a number of loose ends. This book just seemed a bit more superficial than the others and lacked some of the necessary details.
Profile Image for Carôle Ceres.
892 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2024
These just keep getting better/more interesting…

This is such an improvement from the first story - Grace - and by this point all of the regular characters really grow on you, especially the Duke and the Reverend (& you also get to appreciate the cleric a little more too)!

The bonus with these books are the fact that there are 9 siblings and they have 9 completely different stories! There’s no repetition and no boredom. The personalities of each sibling is brought to the fore in their story and the Reverend’s love for each child is always evident.

I listened to the audiobook version of this title. This was recorded this year (2024), so I’ll have to wait a few months for Chastity’s story. It looks like it’ll be worth it!
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,330 reviews12 followers
January 9, 2025
His sweet Charity

I absolutely loved Charity and Jagos story. Charity goes with her father to help Percy with his mother. Jago has been undercover for 2 years trying to find his sisters killer.
When the two meet by accident sparks fly. Charity also realizes there more to her father helping Percy than meets the eye. She accidentally gets herself embroiled with a ruthless killer that Jago, Revenue men and others have trying to find who Jack is.
You have intrigue, killers, lies and so much more in this intriguing story.
Profile Image for Agnes.
280 reviews
December 20, 2023
Well, it was not a bad book, but not the best in terms of the plot. [spoilers alert]
.....
We believe that there is a guilty party, that turned out guilty of other things. Who was truly a guilty party was surprising, but very tangled and ambiguous in the end.
Not a bad book altogether but I missed a bit of Reverend shananigans. Also what about poor fingerless fisherman?! First he lost his daughter, then his fingers and we know nothing more!
470 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2024
Fifth one down

This is the fifth book in the series. Daughter number five travels with her father to assist Percy with his mother. The three of them find themselves in trouble after locating Percy''s mom. There is a man they meet named Jago who is seeking his sisters murderer. All roads lead Charity and Jago into finding mystery and love. Nothing seems to go the way you anticipate so the twists will keep you turner the pages. I am off to read Charity's story. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Pansy.
2,209 reviews24 followers
August 31, 2024
No aristocrat!

Oh, Nicholas had a cameo, and some of the other brothers'-in-law got honorable mentions, but otherwise this story was pirates and a mine owner. *GASP* A person in trade! Still a story well worth reading. It made me smile and a few times, I even laughed out loud. Don't worry, there is action too. And of course, the happy-ever-after. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Profile Image for Katie Roberts.
925 reviews7 followers
September 12, 2024
Enjoyment level: 5 ⭐
Plot: 5 ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
Spice: 0.5🌶️

This series is so much fun. They are silly, light and easy to read but also manage to be exciting and dramatic.

I didn't care much about the younger sisters, but now I feel quite invested in them! Charity is a lot of fun, and Jago is typical of the men of these books - seemingly content to go along with the reverend and his absurdity!

All is all, a really fun, irreverent read!
718 reviews11 followers
October 9, 2024
Excellent fun!

Another amazing addition in the lives of (The Shakleford Sisters) the characters continue to make the readers want more from this series. Mystery, suspense and romance are all found in this series. You can't get enough from this talented author who manages to make us laugh and cry as she paints a incredible picture of a hilarious family who manages to get into trouble at every turn!
298 reviews
December 10, 2024
A romping good adventure!

Charity goes with her father to help Percy get his mother out of jail and inadvertently discovers the identity of an illusive smuggler. Jago is hot on the trail of the smuggler who he believes killed his sister. Jago and the Shackleford crew team up to bring Jack to justice and love ensues. It’s a bit instalove, but still a great time. There is a pinch of spice but not much. I enjoyed this entry in the series.
666 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2024
Book 6 in the series finds the twins in hot water. Chastity is caught kissing a boy and Charity must go with her father the Victor and his curate to assist with Percy’s mother who might be on her deathbed.
A handsome Jago Carylon or Jago Cordell as Charity knows him has problems of his own who helps her when the family pet Freddie runs off.
Hope Cove has a smuggling ring and Jago is trying to find who killed his sister.
Laughs, adventure and love are found in this latest book.
Profile Image for Elin Torres.
196 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2025
A fun caper romance

The Shakleford's are at it again in the sixth installment of this series. Percy has to travel to help his smuggler mother out of a scrap and the Reverend and Charity follow along.
Jago has been trying to hunt down the smuggling ring that murdered his sister for the past two years. This puts puts Jago and Charity in each others path. These books are entertaining and a quick read.
Profile Image for Romance Novels List.
132 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2025
The book was somewhat tolerable, but I ended up DNF’ing it mainly because of the father’s antics. His constant meddling and need to take control became frustrating. On top of that, his character felt contradictory—he’s a pastor, supposedly a man of the cloth, yet he has no problem getting drunk, drinking stolen liquor, and lying regularly. Not exactly honorable behavior. Meanwhile, his daughters are expected to remain honorable at all times, which felt hypocritical and hard to overlook.
27 reviews
March 16, 2023
charity

I wasn’t so sure i would actually enjoy this romp after a couple of chapters, but
Needless to say I did. I didn’t find it a hurried page turner.
I did however enjoy just picking it up and plowing on when I had time.
A little tricky to understand some of the old English phraseology, but all in all a good read.
I have therefor pre ordered Chastity.
291 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2024
Highly recommended!

This is the sixth book of this series, having thoroughly enjoyed the first five books in this series I was keen to read book six. I was not disappointed. A wonderful book that had me eagerly turning each page as I desperately wanted to find out what happens next.
Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Rudhmellowen .
148 reviews
July 13, 2024
Another "dicked in the nob" tail from the Shackleford family this time involving smugglers and the rugged wilds of Cornwall... I have to say this may be my favourite sister, but it's so hard to choose between them!
Love this family, loved the rugged hero, loved the action... Can't wait for her twin's story!!!
129 reviews
August 7, 2024
Sanity wins out!

The ways in which each characters real self was revealed in sometimes odd ways and at hilarious predicaments kept me constantly excited for more. I could not put the book down. For readers who like puzzles this is a great one. 5 stars for the enjoyment of the race.
354 reviews
October 22, 2024
Charity and The mine master

So so so much fun! This story was hilarious and witty and full of events and intricacies. For once we find out more about Percy as well. And we see another of the daughters finding her love match with kindness and bluntness from her side and hope and acceptance from him.
75 reviews
December 25, 2024
Another good addition to the series

I liked this one! I thought I wouldn’t because really, how many more dire circumstances could there be for another Shackleford girl? But I liked it.. the story was good and of course the reverend and his cohort funny. Only a few left in the series, looking forward to them as well.
32 reviews
February 13, 2025
Another Good Story

Book 6 of the series did not disappoint. From the beginning there was suspense as Augustus Shackleford leads another of his 8 daughters on a merry adventure. The funny wording in the book just cracks me up: Dicked in the nob; she tied her deuced garter in public; and others. I highly recommend thos book. Can’t wait for the Chastity book.
168 reviews
April 20, 2025
I love this series. The Shackleford sisters are so much fun. I laugh out loud at their mishaps as they find the loves of their lives. I also love that they are written in "old English." I chuckle every time they say " God's teeth, may hap, dueced,chit, and so much more. I will be sad when the series ends.
Profile Image for June.
415 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2025
Having read the 5 previous Shackleford sister books i was most disappointed in this one and will not complete reading the rest of the series (Sorry Anthony) Each sister is somewhat unique in their own way but the stories are pretty much the same with a few twists here and there. This particular one just became so predictable it was redundant-
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.