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A Captivating Caper: A Scandalous Spinsters Novel
What happens when a thief gets her heart stolen?
...and what happens when it's stolen by a gorgeous if straight-laced British colonel who's unknowingly hired Everwell's cat burglar as a governess for his daughter?
...and what happens when a man who literally gives orders for a living finds himself falling head over heels for a woman who seems incapable of following any?
Everwell’s light fingered thief, Gemma Kurt is happiest working in the shadows. But the Scandalous Spinster’s latest job has her playing governess to the lonely and unruly daughter of the impervious Colonel Jeremy Webber while secretly searching his house for a missing will. It’s is a true balancing act — one made all the more difficult when it is the handsome Colonel that steals her breath every time they’re together…
Colonel Jeremy Webber buried the pain of losing his wife in work and the dependability of checklists and schedules, locking away his feelings in tidy boxes. Determined to raise his daughter on his own, the busy aide-de-camp can’t keep an eye on his strong willed child and an energetic Lieutenant Governor at the same time. Jeremy’s a man of schedules and rules, but his alluring new governess manages to manoeuvre around every one - including his most important rule…never fall in love again.
Normally Gemma is the thief, but Jeremy is stealing her heart -- even as he’s dangerously close to uncovering secrets that put her and her fellow Scandalous Spinsters in jeopardy. To let him in could risk everything…but could shutting him out mean stealing her own happiness?
...and what happens when it's stolen by a gorgeous if straight-laced British colonel who's unknowingly hired Everwell's cat burglar as a governess for his daughter?
...and what happens when a man who literally gives orders for a living finds himself falling head over heels for a woman who seems incapable of following any?
Everwell’s light fingered thief, Gemma Kurt is happiest working in the shadows. But the Scandalous Spinster’s latest job has her playing governess to the lonely and unruly daughter of the impervious Colonel Jeremy Webber while secretly searching his house for a missing will. It’s is a true balancing act — one made all the more difficult when it is the handsome Colonel that steals her breath every time they’re together…
Colonel Jeremy Webber buried the pain of losing his wife in work and the dependability of checklists and schedules, locking away his feelings in tidy boxes. Determined to raise his daughter on his own, the busy aide-de-camp can’t keep an eye on his strong willed child and an energetic Lieutenant Governor at the same time. Jeremy’s a man of schedules and rules, but his alluring new governess manages to manoeuvre around every one - including his most important rule…never fall in love again.
Normally Gemma is the thief, but Jeremy is stealing her heart -- even as he’s dangerously close to uncovering secrets that put her and her fellow Scandalous Spinsters in jeopardy. To let him in could risk everything…but could shutting him out mean stealing her own happiness?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
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10 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Helliwell
10 books53 followersJoin Michelle's monthly mailing list! http://www.michellehelliwell.com/join
Michelle is a sucker for hopelessly romantic stories -- the swish of heavy skirts, guys in linen shirts, and moody weather is her happy place.
She lives with her husband and two sons in Nova Scotia, Canada where moody weather and bagpipes are plentiful, but alas, guys in puffy shirts are too few.
Instagram: @mlhelliwell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michellehelliwellhis...
Michelle is a sucker for hopelessly romantic stories -- the swish of heavy skirts, guys in linen shirts, and moody weather is her happy place.
She lives with her husband and two sons in Nova Scotia, Canada where moody weather and bagpipes are plentiful, but alas, guys in puffy shirts are too few.
Instagram: @mlhelliwell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michellehelliwellhis...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 19, 2022
I fell in love with the Everwell Society in a “ Dangerous Diversion “. I didn’t think I could love them more BUT I do. “A Captivating Caper “ is superbly done. I’ll be honest and confess that I often imagine I’m a very curvy version of Elouise but I now want to be Emma ! The chemistry between her and Jeremy is sizzling off the page! The plot keeps you reading well into the wee hours and the ladies at Everwell NEVER disappoint.
The description of Halifax in a time gone by has me looking at my city with a renewed adoration . Even the bits and pieces about London , particularly Holywell Street also known as “ Booksellers Row” . Ha! I loved that little tidbit.
Look ,if you haven’t joined the Everwell Society by reading and imagining you are there amidst them . You’re missing out.
The characters are described so well .. down to their clothes and accoutrements of fashion.
I was given an ARC to give an honest review and I’m sitting here wondering if I’ve honestly described it as FABULOUS as it really is. I doubt it I’m not an author but ,Michelle Helliwell IS one of the most splendid authors I read.
The only downside of having read this book is that I now have to wait until the next one in the series. It’s a 5 + star from me.
The description of Halifax in a time gone by has me looking at my city with a renewed adoration . Even the bits and pieces about London , particularly Holywell Street also known as “ Booksellers Row” . Ha! I loved that little tidbit.
Look ,if you haven’t joined the Everwell Society by reading and imagining you are there amidst them . You’re missing out.
The characters are described so well .. down to their clothes and accoutrements of fashion.
I was given an ARC to give an honest review and I’m sitting here wondering if I’ve honestly described it as FABULOUS as it really is. I doubt it I’m not an author but ,Michelle Helliwell IS one of the most splendid authors I read.
The only downside of having read this book is that I now have to wait until the next one in the series. It’s a 5 + star from me.
October 5, 2022
A Captivating Caper, the second in Michelle Helliwell’s Scandalous Spinsters series, was as good, if not better than the first, and let me tell you I loved the first. Set in Victorian Halifax, these delightful Scandalous Spinsters and Wayward Women are teachers from the Everwell Society who have skills above and beyond that of everyday teachers. They go the extra mile, sometimes bending the law, to help those who can’t always help themselves (similar to Robin Hood and his merry men).
As the youngest teacher at Everwell Manor the former acrobat, Gemma Kurt with her expertise of blending into the background and sleight of hand, is the perfect Scandalous Spinster to apply for the position of governess for Miss Ivy Webber at Hastings House, her mission, to search the house undetected for a missing will.
I very much enjoyed reading about Gemma’s and her charge’s father, Colonel Jeremy Webber, the Lieutenant Governor George Tupper’s handsome Secretary, a stickler for rules, tip-toeing around their attraction for one another.
I am looking forward to reading about more “Capers” of the Everwell Society.
As the youngest teacher at Everwell Manor the former acrobat, Gemma Kurt with her expertise of blending into the background and sleight of hand, is the perfect Scandalous Spinster to apply for the position of governess for Miss Ivy Webber at Hastings House, her mission, to search the house undetected for a missing will.
I very much enjoyed reading about Gemma’s and her charge’s father, Colonel Jeremy Webber, the Lieutenant Governor George Tupper’s handsome Secretary, a stickler for rules, tip-toeing around their attraction for one another.
I am looking forward to reading about more “Capers” of the Everwell Society.
November 2, 2022
A Captivating Caper is the second book in Helliwell's Scandalous Spinsters series, but the first I have read, having won it at a recent book reading/signing event at the Dartmouth Book Exchange. The Everwell Society offers not only a refuge for women and a school for underprivileged children, but is run by a group of Robin Hood-like women, all with their own talents and abilities, who tackle undercover assignments to help the poor win over their rich oppressors. As a Haligonian I enjoyed reading a tale set in Victorian Halifax, easily picturing some of the scenes. I was happy to discover that although this is part of a series, the book stands superbly alone.
I was most captivated by the scope of the series of books, still being written, as each will highlight one of five spinsters allowing the reader to know each individually. What struck me was its possibility as a television miniseries: an episode for each of the amazing spinsters, one for each book. Wouldn't it be fun, and it could be done. Some of my favourite books I have read because I loved the tv series. Just think how far from Nova Scotia these tales could go.
I was most captivated by the scope of the series of books, still being written, as each will highlight one of five spinsters allowing the reader to know each individually. What struck me was its possibility as a television miniseries: an episode for each of the amazing spinsters, one for each book. Wouldn't it be fun, and it could be done. Some of my favourite books I have read because I loved the tv series. Just think how far from Nova Scotia these tales could go.
September 11, 2022
I was CAPTIVATED from beginning to end! LOVED IT! REALLY, This book is EVERYTHING! The suspense was on point!! So intrigued, simply fabulous - combining my love of history and suspense.
There were a lot of awws, OMGs! and great big smiles while I read this book.
The characters were OUTSTANDING! So well developed that you had no choice but to root for them - even secondary characters, not something you often see. My LOVE for Gemma and Jeremy knows no bounds - these two NEED each other for all the right reasons - they fit together perfectly and as I love them both, I'm overjoyed they have each other!! Jeremy's daughter Ivy was truly one of my favourite characters, she felt so real and I loved seeing her interact with the adults.
This is the second book in the Scandalous Spinster series and Helliwell hit it out of the park! I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review and I have to say I LOVED IT and could not put it down but didn't want it to end. It is a MUST READ.
There were a lot of awws, OMGs! and great big smiles while I read this book.
The characters were OUTSTANDING! So well developed that you had no choice but to root for them - even secondary characters, not something you often see. My LOVE for Gemma and Jeremy knows no bounds - these two NEED each other for all the right reasons - they fit together perfectly and as I love them both, I'm overjoyed they have each other!! Jeremy's daughter Ivy was truly one of my favourite characters, she felt so real and I loved seeing her interact with the adults.
This is the second book in the Scandalous Spinster series and Helliwell hit it out of the park! I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review and I have to say I LOVED IT and could not put it down but didn't want it to end. It is a MUST READ.
September 28, 2022
I honestly don’t know how she does it. She has a way with words that not only moves you but captivates you in a way that the world around disappears and you become fully emerged into the world of the story. The types of stories that keep you reading until you finish all in one sitting because your so drawn in that you can’t put it down are rare gems and should be treasured. Michelle Helliwell is one of those rare authors that have the amazing talent and gift to create these rare gems. I am proud to not only have been granted the pleasure of reading this amazing piece of work before it comes out in print, but I am even more proud to call her a friend.
December 26, 2022
This is not my first Michelle Helliwell book and it won't be my last. I absolutely love the way she builds her characters and the world they live in. This series, especially, is a loads of fun as it is set in the city where I live, a departure from the usual historical romance, but a very welcomed one. The city comes alive as do the characters and the story. Definitely recommend!
June 29, 2023
A Victorian read talking place in Halifax. Love at first site when dashing soldier meets lucious , spinister /acrobatic/ cunning teacher at first site. The story is quite predictable and the characters are your average type being a mixture of good and bad. A meh read that wasn’t that captivating .
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews