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Business of Love
Ashbrook Abbey
Ambrose Notley couldn't imagine a better future than that of a rich bachelor. In fact, Loftus Notley, Ambrose's uncle and owner of the charming Ashbrook Abbey, leads the exact kind of life Ambrose longs for--freedom from worry, responsibility, and...any and all entanglements with the female gender. Ambrose has spent the majority of his adolescence rallying for a spot in his uncles affection--or rather, his uncle's will. To Ambrose's surprise, his uncle offers him an ultimatum: marry the young ward Kate or lose all prospect of Ashbrook Abbey.
Kate wants nothing more than to return to the cottage on the sea after the death of her parents. However, her guardian makes it clear she cannot assume her inheritance until she is rightfully married. But will marrying a stranger--her only option to escape the confines of Ashbrook Abbey--be too high of a price to pay for the respite of her childhood home?
Can a marriage of convenience remain strictly business, or will the overgrown bachelor find a way to sneak into her already broken heart?
Kate wants nothing more than to return to the cottage on the sea after the death of her parents. However, her guardian makes it clear she cannot assume her inheritance until she is rightfully married. But will marrying a stranger--her only option to escape the confines of Ashbrook Abbey--be too high of a price to pay for the respite of her childhood home?
Can a marriage of convenience remain strictly business, or will the overgrown bachelor find a way to sneak into her already broken heart?
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
237 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Heather Chapman
9 books214 followersBeing the youngest of four sisters (and one very tolerant older brother), Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Austen, and the other staples of female moviedom. These stories inspired Heather to begin writing at an early age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and finally settled down in a small farming community in southeastern Idaho with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys time spent with family, volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and almost anything creative.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 26, 2022
I liked the second half of the book better than the first half. It felt a little awkward at the start, but much sweeter later. Novellas are hard. There's not a lot of time for character and plot development. It was a sweet story, but I still felt like it was missing something. There were a couple incorrect word choices (evening instead of even, and distinguished instead of extinguished), which I found surprising since this story was previously published in an anthology.
February 23, 2023
This was a short and sweet romance. I liked the male character. I wish it was longer with more depth.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Series: Business of Love book 2, standalone
#kindleunlimited
August 31, 2025
Ashbrook Abbey
is a novella in the Business of Love collection with the premise of a marriage of convenience. This little story has problems with how the marriage arrangement after the wedding is executed; it’s riddled with problems that I do not think would happen in a Regency timeline.
Ambrose is trying to earn the inheritance of Ashbrook Abbey from his uncle, who wants him to marry in order to earn it, and no one better than to his ward, Kate. Kate wants nothing more than to move back home to her cottage that she grew up in, but she cannot inherit it until she weds. So, in order to ‘win’ the approval of his uncle, and Kate to get her cottage, they agree to a marriage of convenience. She gets what she wants, Ambrose gets a better chance of getting what he wants.
They agree, they marry, and then they move into her cottage. Really? I know he’d want to visit it, but wouldn’t he want to take her to his estate, especially with a mother whose health is failing? Not only that, but the cottage has only two servants; if Ambrose is so wealthy, why wouldn’t he hire more servants? This makes no sense. I guess Heather Chapman needed to make up contents of this story somehow.
I really cannot recommend this quick read, even in the sweet, clean historical romance genre it’s supposed to be. It’s just too unbelievable. 2**½*
Ambrose is trying to earn the inheritance of Ashbrook Abbey from his uncle, who wants him to marry in order to earn it, and no one better than to his ward, Kate. Kate wants nothing more than to move back home to her cottage that she grew up in, but she cannot inherit it until she weds. So, in order to ‘win’ the approval of his uncle, and Kate to get her cottage, they agree to a marriage of convenience. She gets what she wants, Ambrose gets a better chance of getting what he wants.
They agree, they marry, and then they move into her cottage. Really? I know he’d want to visit it, but wouldn’t he want to take her to his estate, especially with a mother whose health is failing? Not only that, but the cottage has only two servants; if Ambrose is so wealthy, why wouldn’t he hire more servants? This makes no sense. I guess Heather Chapman needed to make up contents of this story somehow.
I really cannot recommend this quick read, even in the sweet, clean historical romance genre it’s supposed to be. It’s just too unbelievable. 2**½*
August 23, 2024
Disappointing
I wasn’t impressed with this book. The quality of writing was mediocre. The characters were inadequately developed. I felt no empathy for any of the characters. The dialogue seemed artificial and often absurd. The characters react in ways which seem unnatural and irrational. The entire storyline seemed inane. For instance, the matter of which cousin is legal heir to Ashbrook is complicated by the fact that no one knows which uncle (their fathers) was the elder? Seems very unlikely to me. Certainly the language is not appropriate to the Regency period. Moreover, there does not seem to be any regard to the customs and social mores of this time. For instance, the fact that the heiress, who inherited from her parents, had so few servants she was obliged to work alongside the employees? Why weren’t they able to hire more servants? What absurdity! Well, at least it was short!
I wasn’t impressed with this book. The quality of writing was mediocre. The characters were inadequately developed. I felt no empathy for any of the characters. The dialogue seemed artificial and often absurd. The characters react in ways which seem unnatural and irrational. The entire storyline seemed inane. For instance, the matter of which cousin is legal heir to Ashbrook is complicated by the fact that no one knows which uncle (their fathers) was the elder? Seems very unlikely to me. Certainly the language is not appropriate to the Regency period. Moreover, there does not seem to be any regard to the customs and social mores of this time. For instance, the fact that the heiress, who inherited from her parents, had so few servants she was obliged to work alongside the employees? Why weren’t they able to hire more servants? What absurdity! Well, at least it was short!
January 5, 2023
Loftus Notley, Ambrose's uncle and owner of the charming Ashbrook Abbey, leads the exact kind of life Ambrose longs for--freedom from worry, responsibility, and...any and all entanglements with the female gender. Ambrose has spent the majority of his adolescence rallying for a spot in his uncle's affection--or rather, his uncle's will. To Ambrose's surprise, his uncle offers him an ultimatum: marry the uncle's young ward Kate or lose all prospect of Ashbrook Abbey. Kate wants nothing more than to return to the cottage on the sea after the death of her parents. However, her guardian makes it clear she cannot assume her inheritance until she is rightfully married.
Content: clean regency era romance
Content: clean regency era romance
February 1, 2023
sweet and better than most
This was a sweet novella. Novellas are notoriously difficult for authors but I felt like this one was better paced than most. Was it predictable? Yes. Was it pretty shallow? Yes. But still enjoyable. I’m interested in reading something full length by heather. Oh one weird thing was how Kate likened Ambrose to a child a couple times in an admiring way. On a positive note, other than a few instances that were strange or overly emotive, the rest of the writing seemed balanced and far better than most of the novels in this category.
This was a sweet novella. Novellas are notoriously difficult for authors but I felt like this one was better paced than most. Was it predictable? Yes. Was it pretty shallow? Yes. But still enjoyable. I’m interested in reading something full length by heather. Oh one weird thing was how Kate likened Ambrose to a child a couple times in an admiring way. On a positive note, other than a few instances that were strange or overly emotive, the rest of the writing seemed balanced and far better than most of the novels in this category.
November 17, 2022
This is a sweet novella.
Kate's guardian wants to see her able to return to her parents' home. But she can only do so after being married. He plans to invite his 2 nephews to see if either of them will court her. Maybe that will also help him decide which one should inherit his estate. Will either of the young gentlemen suit Kate?
This was a good read. I liked that it didn't seem super obvious right from the beginning.
Kate's guardian wants to see her able to return to her parents' home. But she can only do so after being married. He plans to invite his 2 nephews to see if either of them will court her. Maybe that will also help him decide which one should inherit his estate. Will either of the young gentlemen suit Kate?
This was a good read. I liked that it didn't seem super obvious right from the beginning.
December 7, 2022
Ashbrook Abbey
I really enjoyed this story Kate wanted to go to her home cottage for one year after her parents death. Ambrose and his twin were in competition for the Ashbrook Abbey property of their uncle. Ambrose talked Kate into marrying him and living with him in her cottage. That way both got what they wanted, he wanting the Abbey and she wanting the cottage. Enjoy their story.
I really enjoyed this story Kate wanted to go to her home cottage for one year after her parents death. Ambrose and his twin were in competition for the Ashbrook Abbey property of their uncle. Ambrose talked Kate into marrying him and living with him in her cottage. That way both got what they wanted, he wanting the Abbey and she wanting the cottage. Enjoy their story.
February 19, 2023
A novella about a young woman who will inherit her family cottage upon her marriage. After the tragic death of her parents in a boating accident. Her guardian arranges for her to meet his nephews as adults. They are to see if they can convince Kate to marry one of them. If they are successful they will inherit the grand abbey that belongs to their uncle.
The competition is won and the bride is married.
The competition is won and the bride is married.
April 20, 2024
2 - 2 1/2 Stars
This is a novella that I read about two weeks ago and I can barely remember it. I think it was kinda cute but not very memorable. The H/h fall in love. HEA
This is a novella that I read about two weeks ago and I can barely remember it. I think it was kinda cute but not very memorable. The H/h fall in love. HEA
November 9, 2022
Ash took Abbey
Great Characters, it's so easy as a reader to like Ambrose & Kate. Great storyline, this reader was hesitant to be pleased for Kate when Ambrose offered the "business arrangement" of their marriage. Ms Chapman is a Great storyteller, so didn't see the decision that Ambrose made coming; I could feel the love of these two people. Great Read.
Great Characters, it's so easy as a reader to like Ambrose & Kate. Great storyline, this reader was hesitant to be pleased for Kate when Ambrose offered the "business arrangement" of their marriage. Ms Chapman is a Great storyteller, so didn't see the decision that Ambrose made coming; I could feel the love of these two people. Great Read.
June 1, 2023
clean romance
When two very different characters are needing some healing a marriage of convenience would not be expected.
But this tale shows the journey in a sweet way.
Ashbrook Abbey was previously published in the Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology… with small changes
When two very different characters are needing some healing a marriage of convenience would not be expected.
But this tale shows the journey in a sweet way.
Ashbrook Abbey was previously published in the Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology… with small changes
October 3, 2022
Sweet and Clean
Such a sweet short little story. Really enjoyable. I loved seeing the transformation of both. Now it has me wondering what will happen to James. I hope there’s more books to come of this family.
Rating: G, clean.
Such a sweet short little story. Really enjoyable. I loved seeing the transformation of both. Now it has me wondering what will happen to James. I hope there’s more books to come of this family.
Rating: G, clean.
November 4, 2022
Sweet (short) story
I liked this better than the first in the series written by someone else. The pace is better, the character transformation more plausible and the characters well drawn.
I liked this better than the first in the series written by someone else. The pace is better, the character transformation more plausible and the characters well drawn.
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November 23, 2022Read in the
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CollectionNovember 23, 2022
A lovely story from a very good writer
Heather Chapman took me into her characters right away. I do love good stories but I must have good writing, and she delivers. I will be looking for more of her work!
Heather Chapman took me into her characters right away. I do love good stories but I must have good writing, and she delivers. I will be looking for more of her work!
December 24, 2022
Wonderful Love
This is the second book I a 3 book series.so enjoyable. The love was a great match. I am so glad I ran into this quick read series. Being short books did not take away wonderful stories! Enjoy!!
This is the second book I a 3 book series.so enjoyable. The love was a great match. I am so glad I ran into this quick read series. Being short books did not take away wonderful stories! Enjoy!!
January 18, 2023
I cried with her more than once.
What a sweet and tender story. Two sad and broken souls find themselves and an unexpected love in each other. He finds a home,, gives up a home, and wins a great thing but it will not be what you think. Highly recommended for all readers.
What a sweet and tender story. Two sad and broken souls find themselves and an unexpected love in each other. He finds a home,, gives up a home, and wins a great thing but it will not be what you think. Highly recommended for all readers.
January 29, 2023
Cute
It is a tale that reminds us that money and wealth is not what truly matters. It is the life we share with others and the betterment of us and those around us that can make the difference.
It is a tale that reminds us that money and wealth is not what truly matters. It is the life we share with others and the betterment of us and those around us that can make the difference.
March 30, 2023
Simple Predictable
It is a novella so obviously short & not very deep - just a nice, clean regency read. I found Kate rather shallow & wasn’t sure if Ambrose was hiding some skeleton in the closet (but - spoiler - alas, sadly no excitement there…)
It is a novella so obviously short & not very deep - just a nice, clean regency read. I found Kate rather shallow & wasn’t sure if Ambrose was hiding some skeleton in the closet (but - spoiler - alas, sadly no excitement there…)
September 21, 2023
sweet, clean romance
Nothing offensive. It was pretty short, more a novella, but a pleasant way to spend time, like watching a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the book and it cheered me up during chemo.
Nothing offensive. It was pretty short, more a novella, but a pleasant way to spend time, like watching a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the book and it cheered me up during chemo.
September 20, 2022
solid
I did enjoy this story. It was nice and short, which was just what I needed today! It was lovely, and I didn’t mind the brevity.
I did enjoy this story. It was nice and short, which was just what I needed today! It was lovely, and I didn’t mind the brevity.
October 13, 2022
The romance aspect of this novel is absolutely adorable! I knew how the story would end but I had no idea how it would come about. Good book!
November 24, 2022
It’s a novella and therefore too short to be really believable, but Ambrose was kind of a dickbag.
January 30, 2023
short and sweet but shallow
Perhaps because it is so short it lacks depth. But it is a cute clean story. Appropriate for all audiences
Perhaps because it is so short it lacks depth. But it is a cute clean story. Appropriate for all audiences
February 28, 2023
So good! Loved the writing and descriptions and the way Ambrose and Kate were with each other! Super quick read but oh so good! Will come back to this one for a happy feel good read!
April 4, 2023
Disappointing.
May 7, 2023
sweet sweet sweet
A very simple and sweet love story. It is perfectly enjoyable and a lovely example of how love grows. It is a wonderful quick read for a rainy day!
A very simple and sweet love story. It is perfectly enjoyable and a lovely example of how love grows. It is a wonderful quick read for a rainy day!
May 11, 2024
A short and sweet sto about how Ambrose meets Kate, through his uncle who encourages them to marry so she can go back to the cottage she inherited. They find love and their hea there
December 19, 2024
This is the most unrealistic boring book I’ve ever read. Don’t read this book unless you have nothing else to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews