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Larkhall Letters #.5
A Prior Engagement
Bargaining a puppy for her hand in marriage...what could possibly go wrong?
Julia Reeves knows what she wants, and that is Oliver Northcott. At the age of eleven, she was clever enough to trick him into signing a letter in exchange for a puppy, one that promises he will wed her if she is still unmarried in ten years. But with her twenty-first birthday approaching, Julia is now clever enough to realize that the agreement is completely invalid. Oliver is away at sea, and her mother has plans for her marriage to the repulsive Lord Belper.
Oliver Northcott usually looked forward to Christmas, but not when forced to return home from his ship after sustaining several injuries. Even worse than that, he finds that Julia is nearly engaged, and he is still helplessly in love with her. Uncertain about her feelings, he is hesitant to fulfill the ridiculous bargain they made years ago. Instead, he offers to help her repel Lord Belper. As they work together to stop his proposal, Oliver is forced to confront his feelings. Can a bargain made a decade before bring them together in time for Christmas?
Julia Reeves knows what she wants, and that is Oliver Northcott. At the age of eleven, she was clever enough to trick him into signing a letter in exchange for a puppy, one that promises he will wed her if she is still unmarried in ten years. But with her twenty-first birthday approaching, Julia is now clever enough to realize that the agreement is completely invalid. Oliver is away at sea, and her mother has plans for her marriage to the repulsive Lord Belper.
Oliver Northcott usually looked forward to Christmas, but not when forced to return home from his ship after sustaining several injuries. Even worse than that, he finds that Julia is nearly engaged, and he is still helplessly in love with her. Uncertain about her feelings, he is hesitant to fulfill the ridiculous bargain they made years ago. Instead, he offers to help her repel Lord Belper. As they work together to stop his proposal, Oliver is forced to confront his feelings. Can a bargain made a decade before bring them together in time for Christmas?
68 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2022
287 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 29, 2024
So cute…
A sweet and romantic novella. I loved the schemes and Rupert and how they got rid of her suitor. And how can you not love green, and cucumber and dogs?
A sweet and romantic novella. I loved the schemes and Rupert and how they got rid of her suitor. And how can you not love green, and cucumber and dogs?
August 29, 2024
3.2 stars
A super quick, very cute story, with good writing style. The first chapter was utterly charming, it brought out big sunny smiles. The rest was expected, no big conflict, just two hesitating characters dancing around each other and with cutey Rupert along. I am glad that the story did not have Oliver angst inordinately on his physical wounds. Julia's wit and the humour in the story were also enjoyable to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2023
Julia and Oliver have always been cute and I love Larkhall (Matthew the most) so this was a cute, fun bounce back into the world.
April 4, 2023
This was so cute!💕🤗
June 12, 2023
LOVED!
Absolutely loved! If you want a fast,sweet, adorable book, you have found it! I would say to read this during Winter! It’s slow enough to sip tea, but fast enough to feel like you accomplished the boom:)
Absolutely loved! If you want a fast,sweet, adorable book, you have found it! I would say to read this during Winter! It’s slow enough to sip tea, but fast enough to feel like you accomplished the boom:)
January 13, 2026
This is a short novella (only 68 pages) but it’s absolutely delightful! It’s a childhood-friends, marriage-pact romance. It’s light and humorous and put a smile on my face. I just loved it!
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
January 8, 2024
Such an adorable prequel novella to the Larkhall Letters series. I loved reading Julia and Oliver’s story! The beginning was my favorite. This novella is short and sweet and I really enjoyed it.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
March 25, 2024
Super sweet novella.
March 17, 2025
A cute, quick read!
May 19, 2025
Cute story.
December 11, 2023
Super cute start to a series I have been dying to read for months. This was a fun novella to introduce us to some of the characters we are to meet in the Larkhall Letters series. I am going to enjoy this series if this story is any indication of what is to come!
May 10, 2023
*Actually, a 3.5-rating*
Just a very short, sweet, and to-the-point novella that introduces readers to the beginning of the Larkhall Letters series.
I'm not even certain if these are younger versions of older parental figures we have been introduced to.
Julia, our heroine, is tasked with finding a husband by a certain age--21. She is on her last (proper) marriagable male--an older gent named Lord Belper, until her best male friend, from her childhood past, returns from war, badly damaged and injured. His name is Oliver. Not titled, simply a close neighbor to Larkhall.
This story begins when Olivia is 11, making a pact with younger Oliver to trade a puppy for her hand in marriage on her 21st birthday. This book then jumps 10yrs into the future as Julia has been "watching" the puppy for Oliver as he left for battle.
Very low angst and extremely lower stakes. There is a moment where (adult) Oliver conspires to aide (adult) Julia into self-sabotaging Lord Belper's pursuit and sole interest in her during a ball at Larkhall.
We learn quickly Oliver thinks he should have proposed outright rather than scheme to possibly lose his chance of a future with Julia.
Julia's mother, at first, appears to push Julia toward Lord Belper...in fact when she learns the man no longer holds interest, a reader (namely, Me) would assume there would be utter frustration and disappointment. Maybe a hysterical confrontation. Especially since she harped on Oliver's injuries and disfigurement, not to mention how very NOT A LORD he is... until she confronts Julia and learns she seriously loves/adores Oliver--she has since she was 11.
It's basically confronting what was obvious from the very start... and that Julia was always going to have Rupert, the dog, in her life, raising him with Oliver at her side.
Just a very short, sweet, and to-the-point novella that introduces readers to the beginning of the Larkhall Letters series.
I'm not even certain if these are younger versions of older parental figures we have been introduced to.
Julia, our heroine, is tasked with finding a husband by a certain age--21. She is on her last (proper) marriagable male--an older gent named Lord Belper, until her best male friend, from her childhood past, returns from war, badly damaged and injured. His name is Oliver. Not titled, simply a close neighbor to Larkhall.
This story begins when Olivia is 11, making a pact with younger Oliver to trade a puppy for her hand in marriage on her 21st birthday. This book then jumps 10yrs into the future as Julia has been "watching" the puppy for Oliver as he left for battle.
Very low angst and extremely lower stakes. There is a moment where (adult) Oliver conspires to aide (adult) Julia into self-sabotaging Lord Belper's pursuit and sole interest in her during a ball at Larkhall.
We learn quickly Oliver thinks he should have proposed outright rather than scheme to possibly lose his chance of a future with Julia.
Julia's mother, at first, appears to push Julia toward Lord Belper...in fact when she learns the man no longer holds interest, a reader (namely, Me) would assume there would be utter frustration and disappointment. Maybe a hysterical confrontation. Especially since she harped on Oliver's injuries and disfigurement, not to mention how very NOT A LORD he is... until she confronts Julia and learns she seriously loves/adores Oliver--she has since she was 11.
It's basically confronting what was obvious from the very start... and that Julia was always going to have Rupert, the dog, in her life, raising him with Oliver at her side.
June 11, 2025
This is marketed as a prequel novella, #.5, to the Larkhall Letters series, and as the story goes, it is. However, it being only 68 pages long, it is more of a short story than novella; at least, that is how it felt to me. That is not to say I didn’t like it, I did, but it should be marketed correctly.
Julia is a neighbor to the Northcott’s. The second son, Oliver, joined the Navy, and came home injured during the war with injuries to his face, the loss of two fingers, as well as to his leg. When Oliver was twelve, and Julia eleven, she ‘sold’ him a puppy for the sign contract of marriage upon her twenty-first birthday if she hadn’t married before that time. Since then, Julia only had her sights set on Oliver. When Oliver returns home, he no longer feels he is capable of proposing to Julia due to his injuries and no longer having a career in the Royal Navy. They do not know that each one has romantic feelings for the other, because all they know is that they had grown up as friends, and that’s it.
This is a story set during Christmas time, but that is just a backdrop. In these few pages, is the beginning of characters in the later books in the series. I am glad I read it mainly for the fact that in The Captain's Confidant (the second book in the series) made the characters of Julia, and Oliver make more sense. If you are interested in the Larkhall Letters series, and haven’t read any of them yet, I do recommend starting here, however, it is not necessary. 3***½*
Julia is a neighbor to the Northcott’s. The second son, Oliver, joined the Navy, and came home injured during the war with injuries to his face, the loss of two fingers, as well as to his leg. When Oliver was twelve, and Julia eleven, she ‘sold’ him a puppy for the sign contract of marriage upon her twenty-first birthday if she hadn’t married before that time. Since then, Julia only had her sights set on Oliver. When Oliver returns home, he no longer feels he is capable of proposing to Julia due to his injuries and no longer having a career in the Royal Navy. They do not know that each one has romantic feelings for the other, because all they know is that they had grown up as friends, and that’s it.
This is a story set during Christmas time, but that is just a backdrop. In these few pages, is the beginning of characters in the later books in the series. I am glad I read it mainly for the fact that in The Captain's Confidant (the second book in the series) made the characters of Julia, and Oliver make more sense. If you are interested in the Larkhall Letters series, and haven’t read any of them yet, I do recommend starting here, however, it is not necessary. 3***½*
December 19, 2022
A Prior Engagement by Ashtyn Newbold
If you’re looking for a quick, very little conflict, super cute novella to finish before Christmas, look no further.
Julia has always been in love with her neighbor Oliver, ever since they were small children. She even went as far as to draw up an agreement between them to marry when they were older. Of course, it wasn’t valid and they only look back at it with fond memories. But when Oliver comes home injured from the war, is it possible those feelings are still real?
Another sweet Christmas novella for the books. Even though it’s low conflict there is still all the romantic tension I look for in all my romance books. Julia and Oliver are so cute together and I loved reading about their journey to each other.
If you’re looking for a quick, very little conflict, super cute novella to finish before Christmas, look no further.
Julia has always been in love with her neighbor Oliver, ever since they were small children. She even went as far as to draw up an agreement between them to marry when they were older. Of course, it wasn’t valid and they only look back at it with fond memories. But when Oliver comes home injured from the war, is it possible those feelings are still real?
Another sweet Christmas novella for the books. Even though it’s low conflict there is still all the romantic tension I look for in all my romance books. Julia and Oliver are so cute together and I loved reading about their journey to each other.
June 9, 2023
This turned out to be a re-read for me. I hadn't reviewed it so I could find no evidence that I'd read it before but I recognized the story as soon as I started. Normally, I might re-read the book to refresh the story in my mind and then write that missing review but this time I re-read it just so I could read the book again. It is such a sweet story. I just love it. I adore the beginning of the book. It was pretty funny really. And the humor continues as Julia and Oliver conspire to scare away an unwanted suitor. It is just a fun read. It is a novella so it is a quick read which is exactly what I wanted this afternoon. Clean, fun, and just delightful.
No sex, language or violence
No sex, language or violence
December 24, 2025
I enjoyed the first book of the series so much that I had to read this novella about Julia and Oliver, too! It had such a cute storyline of childhood sweethearts and unconditional love. Usually, a book with this little conflict wouldn't interest me, but this one was so short, and the characters were so well-written that I really liked it! I'm also glad the author just did a novella instead of a full book. It was a perfect read for this holiday season, too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2022
Short and sweet ❤️
Very cute and fun short story! I always enjoy this author’s work.
Julia knew what she wanted, even at very young age…and that was Oliver. It only took him twelve years to find out that he wanted her as well. With a bit of encouragement from Julia 💞
(The name of Julia’s unwanted suitor cracked me up!)
Very cute and fun short story! I always enjoy this author’s work.
Julia knew what she wanted, even at very young age…and that was Oliver. It only took him twelve years to find out that he wanted her as well. With a bit of encouragement from Julia 💞
(The name of Julia’s unwanted suitor cracked me up!)
December 28, 2022
A short bit of fluff about two children who make a marriage pact in exchange for a puppy. Ten years later, the young man returns, wounded during his naval career. They love each other, but are afraid to let the other know. The "rival" in the story is not a bad person, just a character the author has made ridiculous. He hates the color green, cucumbers, dogs, and other nonsense. Entertaining.
January 18, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! This is a prequel to the Larkhall Letters series but can be read as a stand alone.
seriously, this book was so cute and I loved Rupert (falling in love with the help of a dog should be a trope if it isn’t already.)
I loved how Julia was never bothered by Oliver’s scars and was so in love with him as a person and proud of him.
seriously, this book was so cute and I loved Rupert (falling in love with the help of a dog should be a trope if it isn’t already.)
I loved how Julia was never bothered by Oliver’s scars and was so in love with him as a person and proud of him.
April 26, 2024
Cute and Quick
This was a cute little story about two people in love reconnecting and admitting their feelings. There wasn't any major interpersonal drama or angst. The other suitor was discouraged in a polite and fun way, and the families were supportive even without this being the most advantageous match.
Plus, Rupert the dog is adorable.
This was a cute little story about two people in love reconnecting and admitting their feelings. There wasn't any major interpersonal drama or angst. The other suitor was discouraged in a polite and fun way, and the families were supportive even without this being the most advantageous match.
Plus, Rupert the dog is adorable.
June 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️The premise was cute. Oliver & Julia childhood friends & crushes (11 & 12 year olds) devise an arranged engagement over the gift of a puppy if not married by 21. There was some good initial plot development, but overall it felt a little rushed & lacking depth, especially at the end. I guess that’s why it was a short story.
October 28, 2024
Julia and Oliver
Novellas are delightful as they skip all the insecurity and misunderstanding chapters.
Julia and Oliver grew up together and have always lived one another. But have never expreesed it. He came home from war scarred and injured. She respects his scars as tokens of bravery, and he doesn't dwell on them. Julia and Oliver both love the little pug Rupert.
Novellas are delightful as they skip all the insecurity and misunderstanding chapters.
Julia and Oliver grew up together and have always lived one another. But have never expreesed it. He came home from war scarred and injured. She respects his scars as tokens of bravery, and he doesn't dwell on them. Julia and Oliver both love the little pug Rupert.
January 10, 2025
A Prior Engagement was very short and very cute, but kind of rushed and played the trope card a little too hard. But, as stated, it was very cute (especially Rupert) and I am curious as to how it will lead into the Larkhall Letters series of full-length romances.
July 11, 2025
I was so excited to read about Julia’s and Oliver’s love story, even though it was a short novella! I was so curious about their story since we first met them in Ace of Hearts, and it did not disappoint. It’s so cute that they were in love for so long and are still in love for years to come.
This was the perfect bite-sized tale to tie a neat little bow around the series!
This was the perfect bite-sized tale to tie a neat little bow around the series!
December 2, 2022
Loved it!
I loved this short, sweet, fun romance just as much as the rest of the Larkhall Letters series! I loved getting to know Oliver and Julia's story. This book had me grinning as I read and I would definitely recommend reading it!
I loved this short, sweet, fun romance just as much as the rest of the Larkhall Letters series! I loved getting to know Oliver and Julia's story. This book had me grinning as I read and I would definitely recommend reading it!
December 10, 2022
1.5 the setup here was inspired with a reunion of childhood friends at Christmas time with a cute dog. Unfortunately, lots of this short story focused on thwarting an unwanted suitor instead of honest communication between the MCs. A missed opportunity.
December 21, 2022
Great novella!
This is one of my favorite series, so I was thrilled that this is Julia and Oliver’s story. Even though it is short, it still felt complete, and I loved spending time with these characters again.
This is one of my favorite series, so I was thrilled that this is Julia and Oliver’s story. Even though it is short, it still felt complete, and I loved spending time with these characters again.
December 31, 2022
Wonderful
Just wonderful! I throughly enjoyed each of the books in this series and this one was a quick and satisfying read! I did feel like I had read it before but it was worth reading again!
Just wonderful! I throughly enjoyed each of the books in this series and this one was a quick and satisfying read! I did feel like I had read it before but it was worth reading again!
January 12, 2023
Will a childhood promise stand the test of time and be enough for Julia to wed Oliver Northcott?
This was such a cute, sweet romance. I really like the Larkhall Letters series so having a Prequel story is great.
This was such a cute, sweet romance. I really like the Larkhall Letters series so having a Prequel story is great.
January 20, 2023
Larkhall Perfection
I just love this series and was very happy to get to know Julia and Oliver’s story. Now I think I will go read the books again! Love it! The only negative is that it’s a novella and too short. ;-)
I just love this series and was very happy to get to know Julia and Oliver’s story. Now I think I will go read the books again! Love it! The only negative is that it’s a novella and too short. ;-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews