What do you think?
Rate this book
Imperiled Young Widows #4
A Stormy Season
Nothing but the deepest love will induce Jane Gilchrist to marry, even when asked by the young and handsome widower with whom every other girl is in love.
Luke Watley lost his wife to a tragic accident. But when he discovers it was no accident at all, he must solve the mystery behind her murder, or he—and anyone close to him—is in danger of becoming their next victim.
Jane Gilchrist is maddeningly opinionated, annoyingly high-spirited, and . . . more appealing than any woman has a right to be. He seems to lose all rationality when she is near. But if he lets her get too close, she might be the next person to be killed because of his faithless first wife. But when her reputation is at stake, in an effort to do the right thing as a gentleman, he asks her to marry him. But when she agrees only to a pretend engagement, sparks of every kind begin to fly.
Jane is disgusted by the way women fawn all over the newly widowed Mr. Watley. She can’t decide if she should hate him for being so sought after, feel sorry for him for losing his wife, or kiss him when no one is looking. Whatever she decides, it’s sure to be a stormy season!
Read this exciting, romantic story by the New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson!
Luke Watley lost his wife to a tragic accident. But when he discovers it was no accident at all, he must solve the mystery behind her murder, or he—and anyone close to him—is in danger of becoming their next victim.
Jane Gilchrist is maddeningly opinionated, annoyingly high-spirited, and . . . more appealing than any woman has a right to be. He seems to lose all rationality when she is near. But if he lets her get too close, she might be the next person to be killed because of his faithless first wife. But when her reputation is at stake, in an effort to do the right thing as a gentleman, he asks her to marry him. But when she agrees only to a pretend engagement, sparks of every kind begin to fly.
Jane is disgusted by the way women fawn all over the newly widowed Mr. Watley. She can’t decide if she should hate him for being so sought after, feel sorry for him for losing his wife, or kiss him when no one is looking. Whatever she decides, it’s sure to be a stormy season!
Read this exciting, romantic story by the New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson!
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
84 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Dickerson
41 books6,584 followersMelanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author of happily-ever-after romance. She believes in love, laughter, afternoon tea, and the power of story.
With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.
When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching Pride and Prejudice for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.
With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.
When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching Pride and Prejudice for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 26, 2024
I loved Jane, and seeing her and Luke come to know each other and depend upon each other was great. Jeffrey was also adorable, and I loved how devoted Luke was to him.
January 24, 2026
I enjoyed this one most out of the whole series!
March 15, 2023
After the last two bad reviews I wrote on Melanie Dickerson books I refused to write another! And thankfully I didn’t have to, because I actually enjoyed this book.
At times so wanted to give Jane a good shaking because she was so stubborn, but it is her head strong, independent, stubborn nature that I also so dearly loved about her.
And Luke he is all around just so adorable and endearing!
The plot was also good, I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. The only reason this isn’t a five star book is one because though I enjoyed it was mediocre compared to some of the other books I have read recently and two because I did feel like the writing could have been better. I just feel like the writing style as kind of young? But the book is definitely for YA.
All around I would have this is my favorite book in the Imperiled Widows series and I am happy to end it on a good note!
At times so wanted to give Jane a good shaking because she was so stubborn, but it is her head strong, independent, stubborn nature that I also so dearly loved about her.
And Luke he is all around just so adorable and endearing!
The plot was also good, I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. The only reason this isn’t a five star book is one because though I enjoyed it was mediocre compared to some of the other books I have read recently and two because I did feel like the writing could have been better. I just feel like the writing style as kind of young? But the book is definitely for YA.
All around I would have this is my favorite book in the Imperiled Widows series and I am happy to end it on a good note!
September 28, 2023
A Stormy Season, by Melanie Dickerson, tells the tale of Mr. Luke Watley, a handsome young widower. Following his wife’s death, he continues to have trouble dealing with her infidelity. When Jane Gilchrist suddenly meets Luke and his young son in Hyde Park, she knows her life will never be the same!
When Luke arrives back at his home, he finds the townhouse ransacked and some of his staff injured. He fears one of his wife’s lovers may have be behind this violence. Now he must find a way to protect his son!
After an attack at Jane’s house is thwarted, she knows she must be on high alert. This is an interesting tale to follow. Not only do Jane and Luke pretend to be engaged, but they also attempt to bring these criminals to justice!
October 4, 2023
3.5 stars
This is the fourth book in the Imperiled Young Widows series. (I feel like the name of this series is a slight misnomer because this book has a widower, not a widow.)
This book connects back to book one, as the main female character is the sister of the love interest from the first book. However, there would be no difficulty in reading this as a standalone.
I liked Jane’s determination to be an independent and free thinking woman, and I liked Luke well enough. Luke’s son Jeffrey was cute as well and Jane was very sweet with him. The story got a little repetitive in spots (which seems to be a complaint I had with some of the prior books as well) but overall this was a cute read. Not the most historically accurate, but still enjoyable.
This is the fourth book in the Imperiled Young Widows series. (I feel like the name of this series is a slight misnomer because this book has a widower, not a widow.)
This book connects back to book one, as the main female character is the sister of the love interest from the first book. However, there would be no difficulty in reading this as a standalone.
I liked Jane’s determination to be an independent and free thinking woman, and I liked Luke well enough. Luke’s son Jeffrey was cute as well and Jane was very sweet with him. The story got a little repetitive in spots (which seems to be a complaint I had with some of the prior books as well) but overall this was a cute read. Not the most historically accurate, but still enjoyable.
July 12, 2024
My issues began with this book on the first page when Jane is acting like such a pick me girl. She’s literally talking about how she’s not like other girls and that just annoys me whenever I read it in books, I will be honest I would not have picked this book up, if I knew that a kid played an important role. I don’t like kids generally especially in novels. I avoid reading single dad or single mom romances because I don’t have any intention of having kids so that sort of romance is not appealing to me. So that definitely took away my enjoyment of this book. Otherwise the setting was well written and the plot itself was solid. It just wasn’t for me.
May 24, 2023
In A Stormy Season, we return to some of the characters from the first book in the series. Jane Gilchrist is a partner with a friend in a dress shop, much more unconventional than the typical unmarried young woman in 1812. She only wants to marry for love to a man who loves her. When circumstances occur that force her together with her brother Henry's friend Luke Watley, a young, handsome widower and father of a charming two-year-old son, Jane faces some unfamiliar feelings and plenty of adventures. I very much enjoyed the romance, adventure, and faith of A Stormy Season.
October 30, 2022
Strong minded
Both Luke and Jane had ideas about e spousal life that was cemented inside them. These prejudicial thoughts made an engagement nearly impossible because neither trusted the opposite sex! The more one trusts the more one loves. Fears are blockers of trust and so Likes fears not marrying another love less, deceitful, beautiful woman. He didn't trust his own judgement on the matter. James secret key to love was in his kiss. Who understands love?
Both Luke and Jane had ideas about e spousal life that was cemented inside them. These prejudicial thoughts made an engagement nearly impossible because neither trusted the opposite sex! The more one trusts the more one loves. Fears are blockers of trust and so Likes fears not marrying another love less, deceitful, beautiful woman. He didn't trust his own judgement on the matter. James secret key to love was in his kiss. Who understands love?
April 20, 2023
A Stormy Season (Book 4) By Melanie Dickerson
Four stars, cute storyline.. Amazing no titles involved.. This had drama, mystery and romance.. Luke had a first wife who died but she hid a list that would reveal names of those going to overthrow the government.. His friend sister Jane who got involved, found themselves in a situation which caused a pretend engagement.. But naturally it works itself out.. Good ending.
Four stars, cute storyline.. Amazing no titles involved.. This had drama, mystery and romance.. Luke had a first wife who died but she hid a list that would reveal names of those going to overthrow the government.. His friend sister Jane who got involved, found themselves in a situation which caused a pretend engagement.. But naturally it works itself out.. Good ending.
February 24, 2025
Man I don't know anymore. I think I might be done with Melanie Dickerson. All of her books are the same story. And the characters thoughts are so repetitive - "I can't fall in love, what if they're the not the person I think they are?" And then suddenly at 85% they're in love without anything happening in the story. This one had almost zero faith content. It features a fake engagement that according to the title will last for the social season - there's one ball. That's it.
Sigh.
Sigh.
November 4, 2022
A Stormy Season
What a great book! This regency romance pulled me into the story immediately. I was keeping my fingers crossed as more and more dangerous situations came up. I recommend this book. Good job Melanie Dickerson!
What a great book! This regency romance pulled me into the story immediately. I was keeping my fingers crossed as more and more dangerous situations came up. I recommend this book. Good job Melanie Dickerson!
November 17, 2022
My favorite author
I loved it, was a mystery and beautiful love story,I enjoyed it so much .I have read a lot of Melanie,all of them have been good ,don't ever have worry about bad stuff in them ,just great story.Thank You!
I loved it, was a mystery and beautiful love story,I enjoyed it so much .I have read a lot of Melanie,all of them have been good ,don't ever have worry about bad stuff in them ,just great story.Thank You!
March 24, 2023
What a lovely ending!
I am a big fan of Recency romance... especially if there is a independent-minded heroine. My one and only issue was the "angst" became a little redundant. Nice mix of misunderstandings and mysteries.
I am a big fan of Recency romance... especially if there is a independent-minded heroine. My one and only issue was the "angst" became a little redundant. Nice mix of misunderstandings and mysteries.
May 29, 2023
How fun
I love feisty ladies and gentle gentlemen, and this was a fun twist in this series. It has all the intrigue of the previous stories, but from a slightly different and interesting perspective. A good read.
I love feisty ladies and gentle gentlemen, and this was a fun twist in this series. It has all the intrigue of the previous stories, but from a slightly different and interesting perspective. A good read.
December 30, 2025
Love all the characters! So glad we got a book on Jane <3
Favorite quote
"She didn't neccesarily want to be cynical, but she also would rather be cynical than foolishly trusting people who don't deserve her trust."
Favorite quote
"She didn't neccesarily want to be cynical, but she also would rather be cynical than foolishly trusting people who don't deserve her trust."
January 18, 2026
This is my favorite book in the series! It’s so sweet, romantic, charming and lovable characters! I didn’t want to put the book down but I didn’t look forward to finishing the book.😭 I look forward to the next one!❤️
December 14, 2022
I LOVED this one! It’s my favorite from the Imperiled Young Widows. I enjoy every second of Jane and Luke’s interactions.
January 17, 2023
This is one of my new favorite books! I related with the characters and loved their story. Thank you Melanie Dickerson!
March 18, 2023
a little annoying
I aways find it a little annoy when authors continue to use characters full names when the book is half way through. We know who they are by now.
I aways find it a little annoy when authors continue to use characters full names when the book is half way through. We know who they are by now.
March 25, 2023
Loved this book!
The characters are real, fun, warm, and engaging. The plot moves along well, and the setting compliments it. Sorry to come to the end.
The characters are real, fun, warm, and engaging. The plot moves along well, and the setting compliments it. Sorry to come to the end.
April 4, 2023
Very good read
I was a very good read! I enjoyed reading this book with all of the adventures! Recommend for all to read!
I was a very good read! I enjoyed reading this book with all of the adventures! Recommend for all to read!
May 22, 2023
Great book! I love Recency Romances and Melanie Dickerson is so good in that genre . I'm always happy to find one written by her.
December 20, 2023
Great Regency Read!
All the elements you want in a Regency read - romance, suspense, intrigue, kidnapping! Perhaps a bit predictable but always love a happy ending.
All the elements you want in a Regency read - romance, suspense, intrigue, kidnapping! Perhaps a bit predictable but always love a happy ending.
April 4, 2024
Okay, soo.... my mother has been reading books on my ereader, which lets her rate them on Goodreads. She liked this a lot, but I haven't read it myself.
January 22, 2025
I enjoyed reading A Stormy Season by Melanie Dickerson from beginning to end
November 21, 2022
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
December 13, 2022
I usually love Melanie Dickerson books, but this book was one of my least enjoyable books.
Looks as if I’m the minority.. not enjoying this book, but this one just found very hard to get through and not be bored.
Looks as if I’m the minority.. not enjoying this book, but this one just found very hard to get through and not be bored.
February 21, 2023
I have discovered that I absolutely love the pretend relationship trope! And of course anything by Melanie Dickerson is superb. I hope this series is continued along with her other series!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews