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The Ellsworth Assortment #2
The Belle of Winchester
The only thing standing in the way of her winning Mr. Wright was Mr. Entirely Wrong.
Out of all the swains she collected, Miss Lily Ellsworth knew Mr. Gilbert Wright was the one she would choose in the end. Rich, well-connected, dashing, daring, he was exactly the sort of man to turn heads, even if he hadn’t much of one himself. Lily didn’t mind—a dim husband would be more easily controlled than a clever one. And after seeing how her father chose his several wives, Lily sometimes doubted clever men even existed.
There was the new curate of St. Eadburh’s, of course, but Mr. Simon Kenner might be altogether too clever for comfort. Where every other gentleman of Lily’s acquaintance thinks her an angel, Mr. Kenner shows an alarming tendency to catch her out. And where every other gentleman envies Mr. Wright’s favor with her, Mr. Kenner thinks his cousin is making a colossal mistake.
Between these two opponents, will either gain the whip hand, or will love defeat them both?
The Belle of Winchester is a clean Regency romance and second of The Ellsworth Assortment.
Out of all the swains she collected, Miss Lily Ellsworth knew Mr. Gilbert Wright was the one she would choose in the end. Rich, well-connected, dashing, daring, he was exactly the sort of man to turn heads, even if he hadn’t much of one himself. Lily didn’t mind—a dim husband would be more easily controlled than a clever one. And after seeing how her father chose his several wives, Lily sometimes doubted clever men even existed.
There was the new curate of St. Eadburh’s, of course, but Mr. Simon Kenner might be altogether too clever for comfort. Where every other gentleman of Lily’s acquaintance thinks her an angel, Mr. Kenner shows an alarming tendency to catch her out. And where every other gentleman envies Mr. Wright’s favor with her, Mr. Kenner thinks his cousin is making a colossal mistake.
Between these two opponents, will either gain the whip hand, or will love defeat them both?
The Belle of Winchester is a clean Regency romance and second of The Ellsworth Assortment.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2022
About the author
Christina Dudley
28 books278 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 78 reviews
April 17, 2025
made me remember why i love reading bro omg #neverforgetyourroots
February 13, 2024
I’m so glad I discovered this series, this is just the kind of regency romance I like, I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. It’s cute, light, funny and entertaining.
I can see why Lily is not a universally liked character, she’s far from perfect, she can be very self-centered and, even if her desire to have some fun before getting married is understandable, she’s not very concerned with what others might feel, but she grows and betters, and not all mc have to be perfect, so I find myself fond of her.
She and Simon are a couple I liked a lot, all of their scenes are engaging, I felt the chemistry, the spark and I loved their witty banter so much; they are both clever and witty (so of course Simon is my type) and really do bring out real and unclothed emotions from each other and see each other more clearly than everyone else does.
Just adorable.
Her eyes sparked. “Very well then, Mr. Kenner. If both you and I seem to believe you were more at fault, you must have been. We can’t both be wrong.”
To this he only bowed, though his grin could no longer be suppressed.
She had to feel it, didn’t she? That there was something in the air between them, in the friction between them. When he nettled her and her blue eyes flung sparks, he could hardly be criticized for wanting to do it again. And again.
I can see why Lily is not a universally liked character, she’s far from perfect, she can be very self-centered and, even if her desire to have some fun before getting married is understandable, she’s not very concerned with what others might feel, but she grows and betters, and not all mc have to be perfect, so I find myself fond of her.
She and Simon are a couple I liked a lot, all of their scenes are engaging, I felt the chemistry, the spark and I loved their witty banter so much; they are both clever and witty (so of course Simon is my type) and really do bring out real and unclothed emotions from each other and see each other more clearly than everyone else does.
Just adorable.
Her eyes sparked. “Very well then, Mr. Kenner. If both you and I seem to believe you were more at fault, you must have been. We can’t both be wrong.”
To this he only bowed, though his grin could no longer be suppressed.
She had to feel it, didn’t she? That there was something in the air between them, in the friction between them. When he nettled her and her blue eyes flung sparks, he could hardly be criticized for wanting to do it again. And again.
January 21, 2023
The only thing better than a Christina Dudley book is another Christina Dudley book, and for the first time in my life, I marked the release date of this book in my calendar so I’d remember to download it straight away. I thought Tempted By Folly was superb, but this second book in the series is just as good, lacking only the element of surprise at the endearingly oddball Ellsworth family. With practical Florence safely married off, it’s sparky sister Lily next up, and she’s already decided who she’s going to marry - Mr Gilbert Wright, handsome, rich and dashing. He’s not very bright, but that just means he’ll be easier to manage. But she certainly doesn’t want to tie herself down just yet, because now that Florence is gone and Lily is the Miss Ellsworth and no longer in mourning for their last-but-one stepmother, she’s absolutely ready to have a good time and flirt outrageously and be courted by all the young men of the district.
Except there’s one who isn’t interested at all. Simon Kenner, the new curate of St Eadburh’s, is as clever as his cousin Gilbert Wright is dim, and sparks immediately fly between him and Lily. For those who like a lot of banter between the romantic leads, this may be right up your alley, because these two are sparring almost from the off. They’re both sharp-tongued, but Simon, at least, is usually more circumspect with his ripostes. He can’t quite understand why Lily Ellsworth somehow brings out the worst in him, horrifying his nice sister, Sophie, and causing him to repeatedly bend his steps towards Hollowgate to apologise to Lily, only to fall into another spat with her. Lily, meanwhile, is very put out to find that the annoying curate is capable of tying her in all sorts of knots, when she’s normally so much in command.
And now you would probably be thinking - I know how this is going to go, but you’d be wrong. This is a Christina Dudley book, which means that nothing happens quite the way you’d expect. I love the way she gradually ties the characters into more and more tangled knots, only to spring them free at the very last moment with a seemingly impossible twist. I’m not going to spoil the surprise by telling you anything more about it, but both Lily and Simon have to make some adjustments and grow up (yes, and suffer a bit!) before they get to their happy ever after.
I liked that the new stepmother is sensible enough to offer some wisdom to Lily, unlike some of Mr Ellsworth’s previous choices, and I was happy to see that nice Sophie is too smart to have her heart broken. It was also fun to have a little glimpse into the clerical world of Winchester Cathedral (with its echoes of Barchester Chronicles). A wonderful, intelligent and very funny read, with the inevitable five stars.
And I absolutely cannot wait to read Minta’s story. Another one to mark on the calendar.
Except there’s one who isn’t interested at all. Simon Kenner, the new curate of St Eadburh’s, is as clever as his cousin Gilbert Wright is dim, and sparks immediately fly between him and Lily. For those who like a lot of banter between the romantic leads, this may be right up your alley, because these two are sparring almost from the off. They’re both sharp-tongued, but Simon, at least, is usually more circumspect with his ripostes. He can’t quite understand why Lily Ellsworth somehow brings out the worst in him, horrifying his nice sister, Sophie, and causing him to repeatedly bend his steps towards Hollowgate to apologise to Lily, only to fall into another spat with her. Lily, meanwhile, is very put out to find that the annoying curate is capable of tying her in all sorts of knots, when she’s normally so much in command.
And now you would probably be thinking - I know how this is going to go, but you’d be wrong. This is a Christina Dudley book, which means that nothing happens quite the way you’d expect. I love the way she gradually ties the characters into more and more tangled knots, only to spring them free at the very last moment with a seemingly impossible twist. I’m not going to spoil the surprise by telling you anything more about it, but both Lily and Simon have to make some adjustments and grow up (yes, and suffer a bit!) before they get to their happy ever after.
I liked that the new stepmother is sensible enough to offer some wisdom to Lily, unlike some of Mr Ellsworth’s previous choices, and I was happy to see that nice Sophie is too smart to have her heart broken. It was also fun to have a little glimpse into the clerical world of Winchester Cathedral (with its echoes of Barchester Chronicles). A wonderful, intelligent and very funny read, with the inevitable five stars.
And I absolutely cannot wait to read Minta’s story. Another one to mark on the calendar.
January 7, 2023
At the start of the book, you can't but admire the author's writing style, careful, descriptive and learned without ever being esoteric or convoluted. However, as the story began to develop, I found it impossible to warm to Lily as the main female character. She is both naïve, manipulative and very irritating! Yes, there were some funny moments, particularly in the dialogues involving her younger siblings, but what Simon Kenner, the curate, found attractive in her baffles me. It would have been interesting to see the world of horse racing or that of the Cathedral hierarchy and politics further developed. As it is I had to make a real effort to finish the book.
We are promised a third volume focusing on the younger sister, Araminta. She does seem quite feisty, so maybe that will be better. I wonder.
We are promised a third volume focusing on the younger sister, Araminta. She does seem quite feisty, so maybe that will be better. I wonder.
December 28, 2022
I love losing myself in these fun novels. Thanks for another great read.
February 7, 2025
Not impressed
For me this book started rather boring and confusing, considering all the people involved.
I persevered. It picked up and the witty banter was kind of interesting. Not enough to make a truly unlikable heroine, likeable. She was selfish, manipulative, vain, always jumping to conclusions...most unpleasant. The clergyman blasphemed the Lord! They deserve each other. Not interested in the rest.
For me this book started rather boring and confusing, considering all the people involved.
I persevered. It picked up and the witty banter was kind of interesting. Not enough to make a truly unlikable heroine, likeable. She was selfish, manipulative, vain, always jumping to conclusions...most unpleasant. The clergyman blasphemed the Lord! They deserve each other. Not interested in the rest.
October 13, 2023
wish there was more time at the end but this was absolutely a comedy of errors and very second-hand embarrassing. just wish there had been more simon/lily together time at the end
January 27, 2026
Loved the story. The excellent narration made it even better. The female protagonist is a complete delight with all her self-aware vanity and selfishness. As in all good Regency novels her trials and uncertainties help her to become a better, and more sympathetic character. She could give Austen's Emma competition.
September 23, 2024
This author’s books are consistently a four for me. This one was especially charming with some nice character growth by the FMC.
April 5, 2025
Lively and delightful
Another great romance from Christina Dudley! A not-so-likable heroine who learns her lesson and a less-than-angelic curate who knows his mind. What better formula for a witty, exciting and deliciously romantic romp?
Another great romance from Christina Dudley! A not-so-likable heroine who learns her lesson and a less-than-angelic curate who knows his mind. What better formula for a witty, exciting and deliciously romantic romp?
December 30, 2022
Lily Ellsworth loves being surrounded by suitors. Tall, short, plain, handsome–it gives her a thrill to be the center of masculine attention. Of course, she knows she will eventually have to choose one of them and settle down to the humdrum existence of married life, and when that time comes, she’s resolved to accept Mr. Gilbert Wright, the dashing, wealthy, not-very-articulate-but-decently-handsome owner of the race horse Slapbang.
But while Lily Ellsworth is busy casting her net to add to her coterie of suitors, Mr. Wright’s cousin, the new curate Simon Kenner, refuses to be taken in. Although others are determined to hang on every word from Miss Ellsworth’s lips, Simon is humorously critical of her flirtatious ways. An eloquent preacher certain to rise in the Church of England, Simon is destined to marry a lady who will do him credit, not one who sets the neighborhood talking every time she goes out into the garden. However charming Miss Ellsworth might be, she is not the woman for him–at least, that’s the argument he keeps making to himself. But when Mr. Wright makes a bid for the lady’s hand in marriage, Simon Kenner is forced to admit to himself that his interest in Lily Ellsworth goes far beyond a priest’s for a parishioner…
The Belle of Winchester is the second book in Christina Dudley’s new series, The Ellsworth Assortment. The series chronicles the adventures of the ramshackle offspring of Mr. Ellsworth who has had five children by four successive wives. The first book is charming in and of itself, but does not need to be read first in order to enjoy this second installment.
Lily Ellsworth is a flirt, but an adorable one. As the book progresses, she works to remedy her flaws and become a kinder more compassionate person, and one cannot help sympathizing with her as she tries to untangle herself from the romantic imbroglios that surround her. Simon Kenner is everything that one could want in a Regency hero–a little of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s brooding arrogance combined with Henry Tilney’s teasing good-naturedness, mixed together with the admirable religious sentiments of Edmund Bertram. The relationship between Lily and Simon is perfection, from the moment he catches her stealing the roses in his garden to the delicate jabs he inserts in conversation every time they meet in the drawing room.
The comedic situations and back-and-forth banter in this book are laugh-out-loud funny, and the romance is delightfully swoon-worthy. This was my favorite book of 2022! Five stars, and highly recommended!
But while Lily Ellsworth is busy casting her net to add to her coterie of suitors, Mr. Wright’s cousin, the new curate Simon Kenner, refuses to be taken in. Although others are determined to hang on every word from Miss Ellsworth’s lips, Simon is humorously critical of her flirtatious ways. An eloquent preacher certain to rise in the Church of England, Simon is destined to marry a lady who will do him credit, not one who sets the neighborhood talking every time she goes out into the garden. However charming Miss Ellsworth might be, she is not the woman for him–at least, that’s the argument he keeps making to himself. But when Mr. Wright makes a bid for the lady’s hand in marriage, Simon Kenner is forced to admit to himself that his interest in Lily Ellsworth goes far beyond a priest’s for a parishioner…
The Belle of Winchester is the second book in Christina Dudley’s new series, The Ellsworth Assortment. The series chronicles the adventures of the ramshackle offspring of Mr. Ellsworth who has had five children by four successive wives. The first book is charming in and of itself, but does not need to be read first in order to enjoy this second installment.
Lily Ellsworth is a flirt, but an adorable one. As the book progresses, she works to remedy her flaws and become a kinder more compassionate person, and one cannot help sympathizing with her as she tries to untangle herself from the romantic imbroglios that surround her. Simon Kenner is everything that one could want in a Regency hero–a little of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s brooding arrogance combined with Henry Tilney’s teasing good-naturedness, mixed together with the admirable religious sentiments of Edmund Bertram. The relationship between Lily and Simon is perfection, from the moment he catches her stealing the roses in his garden to the delicate jabs he inserts in conversation every time they meet in the drawing room.
The comedic situations and back-and-forth banter in this book are laugh-out-loud funny, and the romance is delightfully swoon-worthy. This was my favorite book of 2022! Five stars, and highly recommended!
February 16, 2024
Review in February 2024
Re-read for 4the time. An exquisite romance. What a good thing my memory is so bad. I did not remember important parts of this book. But I did remember the really wonderful male protagonist. He must be the sexiest clergyman ever. This is a real treat. Recommend you read it--it's so lovely.
Review in August 2023
I reread this entrancing regency romance again about 7 months after the first time and enjoyed it even more. Clergyman Simon Kenner is still a fantastic hero, Lily Ellsworth is still completely nuts. If you like Jane Austin and Georgette Heyer you will love Christina Dudley.
Review in December 2022
Christina Dudley does it again. After finishing the first book of this series by her I read this, her second book where she has the hero as a clergyman. How can a clergyman be made sexy? But she does it. And what a hero he is! Every scene Simon Kenner is in makes you love him more. It is very obvious that Lily Ellsworth of the Ellsworth Assortment is now ready for marriage, but wants to flirt and have as many appointments with rich, young men as she could want since her elder sister, Florence, is now married and on her honeymoon. Furthermore, her father has remarried and her new Mama is just right for him. One of Lily's suitors, Mr Wright is very good looking, rich and fascinated by her and Lily imagines she may say yes if he offers. But Mr Kenner seems to be on her mind much more, upsetting her and making her wonder why she thinks of him so much. I loved this Regency novel and can recommend it.
Re-read for 4the time. An exquisite romance. What a good thing my memory is so bad. I did not remember important parts of this book. But I did remember the really wonderful male protagonist. He must be the sexiest clergyman ever. This is a real treat. Recommend you read it--it's so lovely.
Review in August 2023
I reread this entrancing regency romance again about 7 months after the first time and enjoyed it even more. Clergyman Simon Kenner is still a fantastic hero, Lily Ellsworth is still completely nuts. If you like Jane Austin and Georgette Heyer you will love Christina Dudley.
Review in December 2022
Christina Dudley does it again. After finishing the first book of this series by her I read this, her second book where she has the hero as a clergyman. How can a clergyman be made sexy? But she does it. And what a hero he is! Every scene Simon Kenner is in makes you love him more. It is very obvious that Lily Ellsworth of the Ellsworth Assortment is now ready for marriage, but wants to flirt and have as many appointments with rich, young men as she could want since her elder sister, Florence, is now married and on her honeymoon. Furthermore, her father has remarried and her new Mama is just right for him. One of Lily's suitors, Mr Wright is very good looking, rich and fascinated by her and Lily imagines she may say yes if he offers. But Mr Kenner seems to be on her mind much more, upsetting her and making her wonder why she thinks of him so much. I loved this Regency novel and can recommend it.
January 6, 2023
I so wanted to love this book. I loved this character when I met her in the previous book and wanted her to be as precocious as her sister was correct. The book however was dull! I read and fell asleep over and over again. This belle didn't chime.
Lily was never described by the author as to what made her a great beauty. Her wit and education seemed to be lacking. Mr Kenner is described as tall, "whip thin' and a quick whit.
His his sister Miss Sophie Kenner is again lacking in physical description but is a lesser character.
Lily was never described by the author as to what made her a great beauty. Her wit and education seemed to be lacking. Mr Kenner is described as tall, "whip thin' and a quick whit.
His his sister Miss Sophie Kenner is again lacking in physical description but is a lesser character.
January 30, 2023
Hard to score a book highly when you don't care for the heroine. :( I could see absolutely no reason for him to feel himself in love with her when he decided he was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2023
⭐⭐ 1\2
Frankly I cannot think of a more ill-suited couple!
Frankly I cannot think of a more ill-suited couple!
January 18, 2024
Christina Dudley is one of my absolute favorite Regency romance authors. The Hapgoods of Bramleigh is a masterpiece, and I loved the first installment of The Ellsworth Assortment. However, this book was a struggle for me to get through. On my first attempt when the book was released, I DNFed at page 58. I couldn't put my finger on what it was, but something was just off. Since my TBR list has been pretty dry lately, I decided to reattempt this book. I've been wanting to read Araminta's story, but I hate skipping books in series so I felt I had to get through this one first. I soon discovered what I disliked about it the first time around.
While this book has good moments, I was frequently frustrated by Lily's behavior and attitude. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a heroine who makes stupid mistakes and gets into silly muddles. If her faults were simply due to naïveté, I could look past them. But every time I felt myself warming up to Lily, she would do or say something that completely flabbergasted me.
I loved Lily's clever quips in the first book. Reading from her POV, however, she comes off as extremely arrogant, vain, and selfish. For one, she looks down on the very sweet Mrs. and Miss Hambly for NO REASON other than that they are poor and old. She manipulates the emotions of her suitors and gives them hope only to coldly reject them in the end. Yes, no means no, and Mr. Dailey forcing himself on her after she rejected him was completely wrong. However, she strings along Gilbert Wright for nearly the entire novel. Gilbert is not a bad man - is he a bit stupid and impulsive, sure. But he seems to genuinely be in love with Lily, however quickly he "moves on" in the end.
Lily, on the other hand, is only concerned with receiving attention from as many men as possible, even when she has absolutely no serious thoughts of courtship, so she can have her "fun." When she impulsively accepts Gilbert's proposal, her main concern is not that she doesn't really love him or that she's falling in love with Mr. Kenner -- no, she's upset that her other conquests are now going to look elsewhere and forget about her.
What bothered me the most about Lily's behavior was her very poor treatment of her so-called "friend" Sophie Kenner. Lily is constantly putting down Sophie in her mind and clearly sees her as inferior. When Mr. Frayne's attentions turn to Sophie after Lily's engagement to Gil, instead of being happy for her friend (who has been hopelessly in love with Gil for years) she has the AUDACITY to be angry about it despite the fact that she never seriously considered him in the first place! This moment had me audibly scoff while reading. Speaking of Gil and Sophie, Lily is completely insensitive to Sophie's feelings for him and continually flaunts their relationship in front of her.
I love Dudley's work. I really do. This book is written just as well as all of her other work. I just can't stand Lily. Luckily in the end she seemed to mend her ways (somewhat) but I still felt very unsatisfied with many aspects of her character.
While this book has good moments, I was frequently frustrated by Lily's behavior and attitude. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a heroine who makes stupid mistakes and gets into silly muddles. If her faults were simply due to naïveté, I could look past them. But every time I felt myself warming up to Lily, she would do or say something that completely flabbergasted me.
I loved Lily's clever quips in the first book. Reading from her POV, however, she comes off as extremely arrogant, vain, and selfish. For one, she looks down on the very sweet Mrs. and Miss Hambly for NO REASON other than that they are poor and old. She manipulates the emotions of her suitors and gives them hope only to coldly reject them in the end. Yes, no means no, and Mr. Dailey forcing himself on her after she rejected him was completely wrong. However, she strings along Gilbert Wright for nearly the entire novel. Gilbert is not a bad man - is he a bit stupid and impulsive, sure. But he seems to genuinely be in love with Lily, however quickly he "moves on" in the end.
Lily, on the other hand, is only concerned with receiving attention from as many men as possible, even when she has absolutely no serious thoughts of courtship, so she can have her "fun." When she impulsively accepts Gilbert's proposal, her main concern is not that she doesn't really love him or that she's falling in love with Mr. Kenner -- no, she's upset that her other conquests are now going to look elsewhere and forget about her.
What bothered me the most about Lily's behavior was her very poor treatment of her so-called "friend" Sophie Kenner. Lily is constantly putting down Sophie in her mind and clearly sees her as inferior. When Mr. Frayne's attentions turn to Sophie after Lily's engagement to Gil, instead of being happy for her friend (who has been hopelessly in love with Gil for years) she has the AUDACITY to be angry about it despite the fact that she never seriously considered him in the first place! This moment had me audibly scoff while reading. Speaking of Gil and Sophie, Lily is completely insensitive to Sophie's feelings for him and continually flaunts their relationship in front of her.
I love Dudley's work. I really do. This book is written just as well as all of her other work. I just can't stand Lily. Luckily in the end she seemed to mend her ways (somewhat) but I still felt very unsatisfied with many aspects of her character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2023
Some Spoilers
Lily Ellsworth is self-centered, immature, thoughtless, capricious, and sometimes cruel. She's very aware of her beauty and wants nothing more than attention from the men who are attracted to her. Her greatest aim is to accumulate suitors and proposals that she can refuse. She's intelligent, but only shows it when she wants to be more clever with words than someone else. There is little to like about her.
The new curate in town is Simon Kenner. He's well-educated and well-read, and he uses his knowledge to make timely quotes in verbal sparring matches with Lily. His attempts at humor are mildly amusing at best, and he sometimes can't control his annoyance.
The two of them get off on the wrong foot and are constantly insulting each other. He is a bit confused by his attraction to her beauty and her unusual temperament. He has been pursuing the idea of marriage, as a young, single curate in his position should do in order to avoid the attention of local eligible females and their mothers. Simon has found them all wanting, all of them either simpering, eyelash-fluttering airheads and/or physically unattractive. Shallow man!
Lily gets kissed by one of her desperate admirers after refusing his proposal. She had been looking forward to refusing him! Another example of her cruelty: leading men on to their desperation, then politely refusing them. There were witnesses to this scene, and rumors fly. Soon after, Gil Wright proposes to her, and after he tells her he beat Simon up for telling him about the rumors, she accepts. Immediately, she regrets it and makes him promise to wait a week before telling anyone. She had planned to marry him somewhere down the line, because he's rather dumb and manageable, but only after having her fun. More cruelty. Her mistake in accepting him has to play itself out in convoluted ways, until she realizes who she really wants.
Although the writing is very good and I loved the author's The Hapgoods of Bramleigh series, I didn't feel much sympathy for Lily and Simon. I would still read any book by Christina Dudley, however, as she is an excellent writer.
Lily Ellsworth is self-centered, immature, thoughtless, capricious, and sometimes cruel. She's very aware of her beauty and wants nothing more than attention from the men who are attracted to her. Her greatest aim is to accumulate suitors and proposals that she can refuse. She's intelligent, but only shows it when she wants to be more clever with words than someone else. There is little to like about her.
The new curate in town is Simon Kenner. He's well-educated and well-read, and he uses his knowledge to make timely quotes in verbal sparring matches with Lily. His attempts at humor are mildly amusing at best, and he sometimes can't control his annoyance.
The two of them get off on the wrong foot and are constantly insulting each other. He is a bit confused by his attraction to her beauty and her unusual temperament. He has been pursuing the idea of marriage, as a young, single curate in his position should do in order to avoid the attention of local eligible females and their mothers. Simon has found them all wanting, all of them either simpering, eyelash-fluttering airheads and/or physically unattractive. Shallow man!
Lily gets kissed by one of her desperate admirers after refusing his proposal. She had been looking forward to refusing him! Another example of her cruelty: leading men on to their desperation, then politely refusing them. There were witnesses to this scene, and rumors fly. Soon after, Gil Wright proposes to her, and after he tells her he beat Simon up for telling him about the rumors, she accepts. Immediately, she regrets it and makes him promise to wait a week before telling anyone. She had planned to marry him somewhere down the line, because he's rather dumb and manageable, but only after having her fun. More cruelty. Her mistake in accepting him has to play itself out in convoluted ways, until she realizes who she really wants.
Although the writing is very good and I loved the author's The Hapgoods of Bramleigh series, I didn't feel much sympathy for Lily and Simon. I would still read any book by Christina Dudley, however, as she is an excellent writer.
May 23, 2025
A hilarious good time
A hilarious good time.
One thing I've learned on my 3rd Christina Dudley book is that she will make you laugh out loud several times during the course of reading her books.
I laughed so much reading this. It was definitely the book I went to when I wanted to be lightly entertained and just have a good easy time.
The cast of all characters are all beautifully a part of the whole. From the smallest supporting character to the main character, they ALL made the story a good good time. It truly felt like I was reading about the lives of genuine real people out there. This author truly knows how to make use of her characters.
And the English? It was peak!!!! Absolutely TRANSPORTING. We took a trip to 1800s England to enjoy the life and culture of the period. Loved loved loved this about this book.
More than saying this was a romance, I would say it was a book about how the lives of two people become hilariously intertwined and how that contributes to their happy ending. It wasn't overly swoony and filled with goosebump inducing kind of moments. It was a more somewhat realistic and very hilarious approach to love. I liked that. Made it quite relatable.
I will say though that I personally do not enjoy the "enemies to love interest" trope. I usually consume it better if there are little to no barbs involved. The ratio of barbs determines my appreciation 😂 . I find it to be quite odd and very unlike what love truly should be, even before it develops. Love should be kind and gentle. Not enjoying throwing barbs at or hurting the other person in any way - even if it means there is chemistry between the two. I just honestly find it absurd. I'm more of a gentle-over-time-growth-into love-in-my-stories kind of person. That to me is the most romantic of things. So for the enjoying of barb throwing and for some almost very minute steamy content at the end (it was steam free 99.9% of the book) I have knocked off a star.
A hilarious good time.
One thing I've learned on my 3rd Christina Dudley book is that she will make you laugh out loud several times during the course of reading her books.
I laughed so much reading this. It was definitely the book I went to when I wanted to be lightly entertained and just have a good easy time.
The cast of all characters are all beautifully a part of the whole. From the smallest supporting character to the main character, they ALL made the story a good good time. It truly felt like I was reading about the lives of genuine real people out there. This author truly knows how to make use of her characters.
And the English? It was peak!!!! Absolutely TRANSPORTING. We took a trip to 1800s England to enjoy the life and culture of the period. Loved loved loved this about this book.
More than saying this was a romance, I would say it was a book about how the lives of two people become hilariously intertwined and how that contributes to their happy ending. It wasn't overly swoony and filled with goosebump inducing kind of moments. It was a more somewhat realistic and very hilarious approach to love. I liked that. Made it quite relatable.
I will say though that I personally do not enjoy the "enemies to love interest" trope. I usually consume it better if there are little to no barbs involved. The ratio of barbs determines my appreciation 😂 . I find it to be quite odd and very unlike what love truly should be, even before it develops. Love should be kind and gentle. Not enjoying throwing barbs at or hurting the other person in any way - even if it means there is chemistry between the two. I just honestly find it absurd. I'm more of a gentle-over-time-growth-into love-in-my-stories kind of person. That to me is the most romantic of things. So for the enjoying of barb throwing and for some almost very minute steamy content at the end (it was steam free 99.9% of the book) I have knocked off a star.
December 29, 2025
Lily Ellsworth is awful. She is proud, selfish, vain, impatient, self-centred and prideful. One wants to shake her and smack her in equal measure while reading.
And yet, this book was so funny, so enjoyable, that I started it and couldn't stop. I think only Christina Dudley can achieve the wit and humour so successfully in a Regency romance, especially with the entertaining aside comments to the reader, that makes me fall in love with yet another of her books.
One of the most satisfying parts of the novel was the verbal crossing of swords that existed between Simon and Lily. Both characters are gifted with a quick wit and an even quicker tongue and their run- ins with each other are supremely enjoyable.
Simon made for an engaging and very pleasing hero. His desire to be a good 'leader of the flock' combined with his annoyance at saying sharp, yet also somewhat rude (but always accurate, of course!) things whenever he was in the presence of Lily was very funny. I cannot but agree with his wish to sometimes want to shoot off the lovely head of the beautiful Lily.
The siblings! They were so much fun they deserve a mention here. I loved how Minta, Tyrone and Beatrice were in the habit of asking innocent, if not badly timed, questions and driving their sister up the wall with their comments.
I hope that marriage improves Lily and turns her into a more caring character, and that she grows out of the embarrassing and immature behavior that she displays throughout the story. Simon is the perfect match for her, and will certainly keep her out of trouble in future...
While not my favorite of her books, this one was excellent. I would have wished for the ending to have been a little longer, yet overall I was very happy. I look forward to hearing more of the Ellsworth family in the later books in the series...
And yet, this book was so funny, so enjoyable, that I started it and couldn't stop. I think only Christina Dudley can achieve the wit and humour so successfully in a Regency romance, especially with the entertaining aside comments to the reader, that makes me fall in love with yet another of her books.
One of the most satisfying parts of the novel was the verbal crossing of swords that existed between Simon and Lily. Both characters are gifted with a quick wit and an even quicker tongue and their run- ins with each other are supremely enjoyable.
Simon made for an engaging and very pleasing hero. His desire to be a good 'leader of the flock' combined with his annoyance at saying sharp, yet also somewhat rude (but always accurate, of course!) things whenever he was in the presence of Lily was very funny. I cannot but agree with his wish to sometimes want to shoot off the lovely head of the beautiful Lily.
The siblings! They were so much fun they deserve a mention here. I loved how Minta, Tyrone and Beatrice were in the habit of asking innocent, if not badly timed, questions and driving their sister up the wall with their comments.
I hope that marriage improves Lily and turns her into a more caring character, and that she grows out of the embarrassing and immature behavior that she displays throughout the story. Simon is the perfect match for her, and will certainly keep her out of trouble in future...
While not my favorite of her books, this one was excellent. I would have wished for the ending to have been a little longer, yet overall I was very happy. I look forward to hearing more of the Ellsworth family in the later books in the series...
January 14, 2026
Better than the first book! Lily was such a flawed character and it was so fun to read about her. I love a book that acknowledges the characters flaws and has a satisfying arc for them. Mr Kenner was also a breath of fresh air and one of my favorite types of love interest (intellectual and teasing).
Again this book had a priest as the love interest but it wasn’t overly concerned with the characters own personal faith. It was enjoyable to learn more about the church as a social space and I did do a little research on my own to understand the religious ranks involved.
The author continues to write interesting and relatable family dynamics.
The one thing that has bothered me over these two books is how the main characters and author treat the family staff and poorer members of society. The staff have silly unserious names like “Boots” or “Bobbins” and often characters find themselves disgusted or dismissive of the poorer members in their community. I’m not sure if it’s intentional commentary by the author about British gentry or if it’s meant to soften the often awful conditions for lower class citizens in 1801.
Again this book had a priest as the love interest but it wasn’t overly concerned with the characters own personal faith. It was enjoyable to learn more about the church as a social space and I did do a little research on my own to understand the religious ranks involved.
The author continues to write interesting and relatable family dynamics.
The one thing that has bothered me over these two books is how the main characters and author treat the family staff and poorer members of society. The staff have silly unserious names like “Boots” or “Bobbins” and often characters find themselves disgusted or dismissive of the poorer members in their community. I’m not sure if it’s intentional commentary by the author about British gentry or if it’s meant to soften the often awful conditions for lower class citizens in 1801.
December 26, 2023
Avevo comprato questo libro da un po', ma ho tardato a leggerlo, colta da vari dubbi; tanto che ho anticipato la storia di Araminta.
I motivi della mia esitazione erano principalmente due: non avevo per niente amato la bella sorella vanitosa di Florence, e non ero ancora disposta a farmela piacere; e inoltre, essendo vissuta in un 'milieu' cattolico, nonostante la mia ormai cinquantennale familiarità con il romanzo inglese, devo confessare un residuo senso di imbarazzo davanti a storie d'amore con uomini di culto... e non posso dire che Jane Austen, per quanto facesse parte della numerosissima prole di un pastore protestante, abbia fatto abbastanza per sgombrare il campo da simili pregiudizi.
Invece mi son dovuta ricredere: Simon Kenner è forse il più affascinante tra gli eroi creati da Christina Dudley, e i numerosi e dichiarati difetti di Lily Ellsworth non hanno fatto altro che rendermela più cara.
Ancora una volta, complimenti all'autrice, per la sua conoscenza del periodo, per la finezza nella costruzione dei personaggi e della storia, e per la brillantezza dei dialoghi!
I motivi della mia esitazione erano principalmente due: non avevo per niente amato la bella sorella vanitosa di Florence, e non ero ancora disposta a farmela piacere; e inoltre, essendo vissuta in un 'milieu' cattolico, nonostante la mia ormai cinquantennale familiarità con il romanzo inglese, devo confessare un residuo senso di imbarazzo davanti a storie d'amore con uomini di culto... e non posso dire che Jane Austen, per quanto facesse parte della numerosissima prole di un pastore protestante, abbia fatto abbastanza per sgombrare il campo da simili pregiudizi.
Invece mi son dovuta ricredere: Simon Kenner è forse il più affascinante tra gli eroi creati da Christina Dudley, e i numerosi e dichiarati difetti di Lily Ellsworth non hanno fatto altro che rendermela più cara.
Ancora una volta, complimenti all'autrice, per la sua conoscenza del periodo, per la finezza nella costruzione dei personaggi e della storia, e per la brillantezza dei dialoghi!
January 12, 2023
Just wonderful
This series is SO. cute. I loved the humor. Christina Dudley books have actual wit. Not just silly circumstances designed to be funny but genuine, smart wit. I thoroughly enjoy that. And for that reason probably, I really enjoyed the hero, Simon Kenner and his dry wit. I feel like the author develops her characters well though I will admit that Lily’s immature character at the beginning wasn’t my most favorite I still enjoyed her and it wasn’t obnoxiously overdone like most novels. More in the style of Emma, I think (though better because Emma annoys me for longer lol) One other complaint was the use of God’s name in vain. I know it’s not a Christian series but even still. did 1810s curates speak like that, really? All in all, I can’t wait for Minta!!! She’s one of my favorite sisters.
This series is SO. cute. I loved the humor. Christina Dudley books have actual wit. Not just silly circumstances designed to be funny but genuine, smart wit. I thoroughly enjoy that. And for that reason probably, I really enjoyed the hero, Simon Kenner and his dry wit. I feel like the author develops her characters well though I will admit that Lily’s immature character at the beginning wasn’t my most favorite I still enjoyed her and it wasn’t obnoxiously overdone like most novels. More in the style of Emma, I think (though better because Emma annoys me for longer lol) One other complaint was the use of God’s name in vain. I know it’s not a Christian series but even still. did 1810s curates speak like that, really? All in all, I can’t wait for Minta!!! She’s one of my favorite sisters.
March 28, 2023
At first was. not on board. Even though I love horse stories, I am not always drawn in by English racing stories, and betting and the like. But I was pleasantly surprised by the clerical milieu and the witty repartee between the heroine and the clergyman. In addition, even though I lack a religious bent, and am hardly even spiritual, this was one of the first mentions of prebendaries I'd seen since writing a dissertation about a 12th century poet and prebendary, Wace. I think they also figure in Trollope, don't they? Dudley makes us think of the worldly clergy of Austen world.. The French thrown in by Jeannette and others is correct, there are not too many contretemps to get through before the happily ever after. In real life the witty husband or wife might get a little satirical and negative as the frost leaves the pumpkin (I know to my grief).. But here it's all good fun.
November 15, 2025
4.5 ✨
After reading the first book in this series, I was so impatient to read Lily's story, that in my ✨Folly✨ I downloaded the ebook and started reading, instead of waiting for the print version I had already purchased to come in the mail.
Lily's story was very lively to read (as I expected for her). She can be self centered, impulsive, and a bit foolish, but she's also loving, truthful, and intelligent. I liked the picture of two people used to being adored by others finding love because they see each other as they are.
I also enjoy the chaos in the Ellsworth family and how it permeates their love lives (I have a similar family). Personally I loved Florence's story more because I identify with her, but I did very much enjoy this book and Lily's lively personality.
After reading the first book in this series, I was so impatient to read Lily's story, that in my ✨Folly✨ I downloaded the ebook and started reading, instead of waiting for the print version I had already purchased to come in the mail.
Lily's story was very lively to read (as I expected for her). She can be self centered, impulsive, and a bit foolish, but she's also loving, truthful, and intelligent. I liked the picture of two people used to being adored by others finding love because they see each other as they are.
I also enjoy the chaos in the Ellsworth family and how it permeates their love lives (I have a similar family). Personally I loved Florence's story more because I identify with her, but I did very much enjoy this book and Lily's lively personality.
December 31, 2022
I rarely give books 5 stars. I rate books right after I finish them and use the emotion I feel to decide. I came across Christina Dudley by chance one day and decided to give her Hapgood series a chance. I went through them very quickly and was so excited to discover the next series. The 5 stars is really a recognition of how much I like all of her books I have read so far. I LOVE the characters in her books. Even her side ones she builds so nicely. I love the family dynamics she creates. Loving families that have quirks and foibles, with siblings that truly love each other, and odd fathers that somehow become endearing. Then putting these characters into fun plots.
January 23, 2023
I always enjoy myself when reading a Christina Dudley book. I love the flow of the story, the characters and how the story is resolved. In this and the 1st book in this series I wondered how everything would come about without being contrived or falling flat. From reading this author in the past I wasn't worried I'd be dissapointed. I was right! It's fun and satisfying how the story gets turned around for a HEA and matters are resolved. I enjoy the dialogue and interesting people on the page. I'm looking forward to finish the series. I loved reading Georgette Heyer so I appreciate this author for writing in a similar style. As always a great clean romance.
December 30, 2022
I loved this second installment of Christina Dudley’s new series. Her plot and character development are so detailed it feels like I am there watching the events unfold. And now with the second book the characters feel like old acquaintances or even friends. And the endings are always appropriate and satisfying for the characters I’ve come to care so much about. I especially love Christina Dudley’s depiction of family dynamics. I’m a big fan if all of her work and I highly recommend The Belle of Winchester.
October 6, 2024
Disappointing
It’s difficult to like and enjoy a book when you dislike the heroine of the story. I really disliked her; she seemed to have no redeeming features, apart from being beautiful, if you want to call that a redeeming feature. Only at the end did she change her attitudes and behaviours. The writing was acceptable, although there were a few typos, along with the ubiquitous « so-and-so and me » instead of « so-and-so and I ». Apart from that, the characters were colourful and interesting and the dialogue was entertaining.
It’s difficult to like and enjoy a book when you dislike the heroine of the story. I really disliked her; she seemed to have no redeeming features, apart from being beautiful, if you want to call that a redeeming feature. Only at the end did she change her attitudes and behaviours. The writing was acceptable, although there were a few typos, along with the ubiquitous « so-and-so and me » instead of « so-and-so and I ». Apart from that, the characters were colourful and interesting and the dialogue was entertaining.
April 5, 2024
I loved the sisterly relationship between Lily and Florence. In the first book, Lily's "tell it like it is" approach to life and her advice to her oh-so-cautious sister drew me into their stories. This story follows the self-focused attitude of the most sought-after beauty of the county who plans to take advantage of her power over men... until she meets a man who challenges her resolve to get what she thinks she wants, deserves.
December 27, 2022
Perfect story for Lily
Witty banter, misunderstandings, and wonderful characters. The story of Lily as the belle of Winchester and her downfall was well told. Her growing self knowledge and maturity was a natural product of her experiences. I loved Simon's personality and independence of thought and feeling. Sophie was also a delight. A great pleasure to read.
Witty banter, misunderstandings, and wonderful characters. The story of Lily as the belle of Winchester and her downfall was well told. Her growing self knowledge and maturity was a natural product of her experiences. I loved Simon's personality and independence of thought and feeling. Sophie was also a delight. A great pleasure to read.
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