The Misfortunate Miss Farthington

School of Charm #10

by Maggie Dallen

When you're an earl's daughter and you've already set tongues wagging by calling off your engagement, you don't have much to lose.

Unless, of course, you're Miss Farthington, and you've found yourself being pursued by a man as charming as he is clever. In that case you have something very important to lose. Namely, your heart.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Regency, Novella, Fiction, Ebooks

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Helen Gaye Brewster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just keep reading the books in this series! They are very light romances and every time I see there’s a new one I download it. They’re exactly what they’re meant to be. Book number 10 is about the headmistress of the School
of Charm, Miss Farthington. She scandalized everyone when she broke her engagement to a childhood friend when she realized he’s in love with someone else. Miss Farthington was never in love with him but is fond of him as a friend and is happy that he’s found true love.

She loves her job helping the young ladies at the School of Charm gain confidence in themselves and find true love. But she sometimes wonders if she will ever find her own. She knows it will not be with Lord Yardley, her parents’ choice. And she finds it harder and harder to resist her attraction to the handsome scientist who’s the best friend of the fiancé of one of her former students. Miss Farthington’s parents don’t think he’s suitable because of his lack of a large income and a title. Will Miss Farthington find her happy ever after?

These very short, sweet little stories are fun, romantic, and a way to relax your mind.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Farthington, the headteacher of the School of Charm has seen her charges wed. Now her parents want her to find a titled lord to wed but Tessa has only felt her pulse race for one man, Mr Richard Grant, who’s as charming as he is clever. But her parents won’t approve
A delightful quick read & I’m so glad Tessa has found her HEA. I loved both Richard & Tessa & was captivated by their journey aided & abetted by cousin Daphne (I look forward to her story!) & Tessa’s students. A well written charming story with lovely characters & a dash of humour
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really lovely short story. I enjoyed it so much. 4☆

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Misfortunate Miss Farthington is book 10 in the School of Charm series, and although this series is all short stories, this was one of the shortest clocking in at 84 pages. This was a delightful series... light, fluffy, and romantic, but also good fun.

Throughout the last four books we've seen an attraction between Miss Farthington and Mr. Grant, the scientist scholar, and in book 9 (Lydia's story) we see a few sweet moments bringing them closer. But here in book 10 Mr. Grant finally makes the leap to court Miss Farthington, Tessa, properly. Except Tessa's father does not approve. Believing the daughter of an earl deserves better, Richard Grant has his work cut out to prove that he is the best choice for Tessa and will make her the happiest.

Tessa already knows her heart. She loves Richard, but with obligations to marry well, the Earl of Yardley is a much more suitable choice. Tessa hasn't met the man, nor does she want to, but her cousin Daphne is about to help with that. Will Miss Farthington remain a spinster and continue as headmistress? Will Richard give up Tessa so she can live the life she deserves? Will Daphne forget to mail a certain invitation?

This was a short and sweet read, and a charming story to close out the series. While Daphne's character does lead us into another book coming in 2024, we get to meet this mischievous cousin and see her at work, helping Richard and Tessa get the happily ever after they need. Also, if you read book 8 (Eloise's story) you will know that Roderick and Fanny's story is a prequel to a School of Charm spinoff series.

4 stars from me on this one. Chaste kisses and embraces only. I look forward to exploring the author's other works and look forward to her upcoming releases.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The School of Charm series by Maggie Dallen is a sweet and satisfying collection of quick reads that are perfect for young readers starting to explore romance. Each story features lovable, relatable characters and follows a light, predictable arc—but in a way that feels cozy and comforting rather than stale.

What I appreciate most is how age-appropriate the content is. There's nothing more than kissing, and the relationships are respectful, kind, and rooted in good friendships. As a parent of tweens just beginning to show interest in romance books, this series has been a fantastic find. The stories provide just enough emotional depth and romantic spark without diving into territory they’re not quite ready for.

I’m giving the series 4 stars—not because anything was lacking, but simply because I usually reserve 5 stars for books I want to reread or that truly wow me. These are quick, sweet reads that I highly recommend—especially if, like me, you started with more intense romance novels at a young age (Flowers in the Attic, anyone?) and are looking for something gentler for your own kids.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all of the books in this delightful and romantic series, I am so happy that Miss Farthington finally gets her turn. She has been the pillar of support to her students at the School of Charm and has nurtured and guided them through the minefield of the marriage mart, with outstanding results. Unfortunately, it is not what her ambitious parents want for her. Tessa and her parents are definitely not on the same page, and when the only man who really makes her heart race approaches her father, Tessa is disappointed when it would seem that he is not willing to fight for her. Over the years, Tessa has won the love and support of her students and she suddenly discovers just how much they care and to what lengths they will go to ensure that she receives her happily ever after. The novel is entertaining and romantic with the author's characteristic wit and gentle touch and comes to a very happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa and Richard are a bit older than some of typical debutante romances featured in this series. There story is shorter and simpler than most of the others. I found it a sweet, easy read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased the collection for an amazing sale price directly from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation

Book #100 for 2025 reading challenge
(06/13/2025)

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short & sweet fluffy Regency romance to round out the series. If you’ve read the last three books in this series there will be no surprises as to where this book is going, but this time the obstacles to romance feel a little more realistic. I enjoyed this series and although this wasn’t my favorite book it was a good end to the series.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this 3 stars. Very short story that felt rushed. It is Miss Farthington's turn at a chance for love. I struggle with the social norms and with the control her father has on her life. I know it is time era correct and I still don't love reading about it.

[Moey17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy novella, must have read the authors other works to appreciate.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard - a brilliant scientist and lecturer
Tessa Farthington- the school mistress with a slight scandal in her past.
I enjoyed reading this engaging story of class difference and hearts desire. Their story has a loving hea.
Ama

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story, and the headmistress gets her HEA.

[Sam Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

[JLA · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was short and way too mushy. There wasn't much character development. I wanted a bit more of Miss Farthington's back story and more personality from Mr. Grant.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quick read, but felt a bit of a weaker plot than the others

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why Miss Farthington's parents cared who she married since they gave up on her when she had her first scandal.

[Kimbolimbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Junkfood book. Great for Multitasking.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read from Ms Dallen. I have loved the whole series and this one was a lovely sweet quick read. This one is about the Headmistress of the School of Charm. She has helped so many young ladies find their HEA that it was time for her to find her own. This was a very quick read but so enjoyable as they all are. There is nothing in these stories that you would not enjoy. They leave you feeling happy. I received this as a ARC and freely give my review.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The headmistress of the Charm School has returned home for her mother and father to push her into an 'acceptable' betrothal! But Charlotte has already given her heart to a third-born scientist with no hope of title or wealth. Read this story about how her young cousin and her former boarders help her just as she helped them make their marriages to Lords of London. Good story!