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The Ellsworth Assortment #3
Minta in Spite of Herself
An unladylike young lady. A young man with something to prove. Let the games begin.
Tomboy Miss Araminta Ellsworth and her dearest friend, Aggie, were the most backward graduates Mrs. Turcotte’s Seminary for Young Ladies ever produced, more interested in batting and bowling than sewing and simpering. How, then, could Araminta ever have predicted Aggie’s unprecedented passion for the reprobate Mr. Francis Taplin? If Minta is going to keep her friend’s person and fortune out of Taplin’s dangerous hands, she’ll need to think of something—fast.
Mr. Nicholas Carlisle has always lived in his stepbrother, Francis’s shadow: at school, at university, and in his family’s prospects. So when Miss Ellsworth approaches him for aid, she finds a willing accomplice. Nicholas fashions a new personality for her, transforming her into Francis’s ideal. To this, he adds a counterfeit courtship, to stir his brother’s competitive side.
Their scheme succeeds.
Wildly.
But the victory might cost them the only prize worth winning—their own chance at love.
From the author of the beloved Hapgoods of Bramleigh series called "sparkling" and "swoon-worthy," Minta in Spite of Herself is a clean Regency romance and the third book of The Ellsworth Assortment.
Tomboy Miss Araminta Ellsworth and her dearest friend, Aggie, were the most backward graduates Mrs. Turcotte’s Seminary for Young Ladies ever produced, more interested in batting and bowling than sewing and simpering. How, then, could Araminta ever have predicted Aggie’s unprecedented passion for the reprobate Mr. Francis Taplin? If Minta is going to keep her friend’s person and fortune out of Taplin’s dangerous hands, she’ll need to think of something—fast.
Mr. Nicholas Carlisle has always lived in his stepbrother, Francis’s shadow: at school, at university, and in his family’s prospects. So when Miss Ellsworth approaches him for aid, she finds a willing accomplice. Nicholas fashions a new personality for her, transforming her into Francis’s ideal. To this, he adds a counterfeit courtship, to stir his brother’s competitive side.
Their scheme succeeds.
Wildly.
But the victory might cost them the only prize worth winning—their own chance at love.
From the author of the beloved Hapgoods of Bramleigh series called "sparkling" and "swoon-worthy," Minta in Spite of Herself is a clean Regency romance and the third book of The Ellsworth Assortment.
451 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2023
343 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dudley
28 books265 followersChristina Hwang Dudley is the author of clean historical and contemporary romance.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 29, 2025
oh well i still love you minta
February 14, 2024
3,75
Very nice and sweet, I liked it (even if I missed some of the fun and wit of the second book, but I doubt that one will be beaten as my favorite). Araminta and Nicholas are absolutely adorable and all of their scenes are lovely and the highlight of the book, they are just are so sweet and their confession and had me smiling all the way through.
Araminta’s scheme dragged a bit too long in my opinion: even in its silliness I could see some reason behind the ploy for most of the book, but the whole scheme ought to have been resolved after the coach accident.
Still, very enjoyable and worth rereading.
The endings are getting better in my opinion, the first book ended kind of abruptly, as soon as the couple got together, in the second it was less abrupt and the getting together part was a bit longer and more satisfying, in this one the author took her time to tie everything up.
I’m curious to read the next book even if Agatha did not shine here (her father on the other hand made a great impression).
Very nice and sweet, I liked it (even if I missed some of the fun and wit of the second book, but I doubt that one will be beaten as my favorite). Araminta and Nicholas are absolutely adorable and all of their scenes are lovely and the highlight of the book, they are just are so sweet and their confession and had me smiling all the way through.
Araminta’s scheme dragged a bit too long in my opinion: even in its silliness I could see some reason behind the ploy for most of the book, but the whole scheme ought to have been resolved after the coach accident.
Still, very enjoyable and worth rereading.
The endings are getting better in my opinion, the first book ended kind of abruptly, as soon as the couple got together, in the second it was less abrupt and the getting together part was a bit longer and more satisfying, in this one the author took her time to tie everything up.
I’m curious to read the next book even if Agatha did not shine here (her father on the other hand made a great impression).
May 19, 2025
There was something so fresh, fun about this book that I kept looking forward to coming back to the story. It wasn’t addictive read that you can’t put down, just a really nice world with likable characters and plot that moved quickly.
But I do have to say, there is just a slight mention of kissing and that is as far as intimacy goes in this book.
But I do have to say, there is just a slight mention of kissing and that is as far as intimacy goes in this book.
March 28, 2023
As always, a post from a reviewer (this one E. Wallace on Amazon):
Every time Christina Dudley releases a new book, I worry it can’t POSSIBLY live up to its predecessors. And every time I am wrong. Honestly, this story is so perfect, sweet, and hilarious, Ms Dudley is firmly, unequivocally cemented in my list of top five authors of all time.
Minta’s book was all I hoped it would be and more - as though Gaskell wrote with a lighter touch (though Dudley has completely her own style). It centers not just on the adorable romance between her and the kind apprentice doctor, but on the close bond between her and Aggie that we’ve seen through the other books.
If you love regency, humor, cute-as-can-be romance, characters you want to hang out with and settings you want to live in, you NEED to read this book. I do recommend reading the first two books in the series first as they make this book all the better.
Every time Christina Dudley releases a new book, I worry it can’t POSSIBLY live up to its predecessors. And every time I am wrong. Honestly, this story is so perfect, sweet, and hilarious, Ms Dudley is firmly, unequivocally cemented in my list of top five authors of all time.
Minta’s book was all I hoped it would be and more - as though Gaskell wrote with a lighter touch (though Dudley has completely her own style). It centers not just on the adorable romance between her and the kind apprentice doctor, but on the close bond between her and Aggie that we’ve seen through the other books.
If you love regency, humor, cute-as-can-be romance, characters you want to hang out with and settings you want to live in, you NEED to read this book. I do recommend reading the first two books in the series first as they make this book all the better.
April 1, 2023
I am officially in love with Dudley’s Regency writing style. Her characters are fresh and alive within the strictures of the Regency setting, without transforming into 21st century puppets with Regency dressing. I’ve adored everything I’ve read by her so far!
August 16, 2024
In Spite of Herself
This is another great clean regency romance by Christina. She is a wonderful storyteller and I thoroughly enjoy her books. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. The characters are well developed and engaging. Minta is quite the character who has a way of always finding trouble.😊
This is another great clean regency romance by Christina. She is a wonderful storyteller and I thoroughly enjoy her books. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. The characters are well developed and engaging. Minta is quite the character who has a way of always finding trouble.😊
April 27, 2023
Every Christina Dudley book is a joy to read, and this is no exception. I’ve been looking forward to Minta’s story since she first appeared in the background of her eldest sister’s story, shooting arrows with her bosom friend Aggie, and generally getting up to all sorts of hoydenish mayhem. How was she ever going to turn into a heroine? I couldn’t wait to find out.
Here’s the premise: Minta’s best friend Aggie has traitorously fallen for rakish Francis Taplin, but Minta knows he’s only looking to restore the family’s fortunes after his own expensive lifestyle has brought them perilously close to ruin. How can she save Aggie from him? She turns to Francis’s friendly stepbrother, Nicholas Carlisle, for aid. Between them, they come up with a cunning plan — Minta will turn herself into the sort of young lady that will draw Francis’s attention away from Aggie. When that fails to distract him sufficiently, they use his rivalry with Nicholas to good effect - Nicholas will pretend to court Minta. But Minta hasn’t taken into account that her efforts will look like the ultimate betrayal to Aggie, and neither of them have considered how hard it will be to maintain a pretend courtship that they’d both like to be real. Especially when they can’t tell each other the truth.
Dudley specialises in these complicated webs of deceit, but she does it so cleverly and then untangles them so elegantly that the reader can only watch in admiration. I love the humour, too, which often made me laugh out loud, especially Minta wrestling with The Bosom. And yet there are tiny vignettes that are so moving they make me want to cry. Minta’s newest stepmother, for instance, who reads the proposal letter from Nicholas to Minta, and is swept with emotion because she, for many years a spinster and then with a very pragmatic marriage of convenience, has never received anything one tenth as romantic.
Of course, everything sorts itself out in the end, and nobody does anything wildly stupid. I was rather amused by Francis’s solution to his trials, Minta and Nicholas get their happy ending, and both Tyrone and little sister Bea became more interesting in this book. I see that Tyrone is next up for a romance, and perhaps we’ll see Bea in a starring role after that.
Some quotes that caught my eye:
‘Great guns! Where did Aggie get that bosom? Has she had it all along?’
‘Minta, you look like you were drowned and then murdered.’
‘Not everything is a love story.’ ‘That only means you have not read to the end.’
A terrific book on a multitude of levels. I highly recommend it, but if you’re new to the author, start with The Naturalist and enjoy her entire repertoire. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Minta’s best friend Aggie has traitorously fallen for rakish Francis Taplin, but Minta knows he’s only looking to restore the family’s fortunes after his own expensive lifestyle has brought them perilously close to ruin. How can she save Aggie from him? She turns to Francis’s friendly stepbrother, Nicholas Carlisle, for aid. Between them, they come up with a cunning plan — Minta will turn herself into the sort of young lady that will draw Francis’s attention away from Aggie. When that fails to distract him sufficiently, they use his rivalry with Nicholas to good effect - Nicholas will pretend to court Minta. But Minta hasn’t taken into account that her efforts will look like the ultimate betrayal to Aggie, and neither of them have considered how hard it will be to maintain a pretend courtship that they’d both like to be real. Especially when they can’t tell each other the truth.
Dudley specialises in these complicated webs of deceit, but she does it so cleverly and then untangles them so elegantly that the reader can only watch in admiration. I love the humour, too, which often made me laugh out loud, especially Minta wrestling with The Bosom. And yet there are tiny vignettes that are so moving they make me want to cry. Minta’s newest stepmother, for instance, who reads the proposal letter from Nicholas to Minta, and is swept with emotion because she, for many years a spinster and then with a very pragmatic marriage of convenience, has never received anything one tenth as romantic.
Of course, everything sorts itself out in the end, and nobody does anything wildly stupid. I was rather amused by Francis’s solution to his trials, Minta and Nicholas get their happy ending, and both Tyrone and little sister Bea became more interesting in this book. I see that Tyrone is next up for a romance, and perhaps we’ll see Bea in a starring role after that.
Some quotes that caught my eye:
‘Great guns! Where did Aggie get that bosom? Has she had it all along?’
‘Minta, you look like you were drowned and then murdered.’
‘Not everything is a love story.’ ‘That only means you have not read to the end.’
A terrific book on a multitude of levels. I highly recommend it, but if you’re new to the author, start with The Naturalist and enjoy her entire repertoire. Five stars.
September 17, 2025
The ruse went on for a bit too long, but otherwise I was glad to be back with the Ellsworth family and find out what free-spirited Minta got up to. The unlikely romance is the main draw, but the friendship between Minta and Aggie is an essential part of the story.
Listening to the audiobook version added to my enjoyment, as the narrator is very talented and made each character easily recognizable.
Listening to the audiobook version added to my enjoyment, as the narrator is very talented and made each character easily recognizable.
August 5, 2023
A delightful comedy of errors that only endeared Minta to me more. Nick and Minta are a hot mess, but an extremely cute one, and I love two people who just make things happen.
July 11, 2023
Aggie, Minta's faithful companion in mischief for 8 years, has gone off the path and fallen for a rake. Minta must devise a plan to stop Mr. Taplin's pursuit of her friend, which he is only doing for her money. He has exhausted the resources of his father's estate and has no recourse but to find a wealthy wife. Minta begs Taplin's stepbrother, Mr. Carlisle, for help in drawing attention away from Aggie. Carlisle is not the heir and has no resources. He is pursuing a career by apprenticing for the local doctor. His suggestions lead to what is almost a secondary character in the book: the Bosom. Their combined efforts lead to a mutual attraction, which neither of them believes to be reciprocated.
Minta and Mr. Carlisle are lovable, and the villain, Mr. Taplin, is suitably unlikable. He is a fortune hunter, a self-centered, dissolute man, who cares nothing for the people he uses in his selfish pursuits. In chapter 13, the protagonists attend the theatre to see a production of As You Like It. Shakespeare's play may have given the author the seed of an idea for the plot, since it closely matches what Minta and Mr. Carlisle are doing, as they try to foil Mr. Taplin's intentions with Aggie.
Easily the best of the Ellsworth Assortment series so far, just delightful and vastly entertaining. I didn't want it to end. It has everything...romance, angst, humor, and wonderful prose. The cover is perfect, with Minta's disheveled hair and the arrows that reflect her love of archery and sports. Even the mint color is clever. It will be months before Tyrone's story is published, but I'll be ready to pounce the day it drops. 5+ stars
Minta and Mr. Carlisle are lovable, and the villain, Mr. Taplin, is suitably unlikable. He is a fortune hunter, a self-centered, dissolute man, who cares nothing for the people he uses in his selfish pursuits. In chapter 13, the protagonists attend the theatre to see a production of As You Like It. Shakespeare's play may have given the author the seed of an idea for the plot, since it closely matches what Minta and Mr. Carlisle are doing, as they try to foil Mr. Taplin's intentions with Aggie.
Easily the best of the Ellsworth Assortment series so far, just delightful and vastly entertaining. I didn't want it to end. It has everything...romance, angst, humor, and wonderful prose. The cover is perfect, with Minta's disheveled hair and the arrows that reflect her love of archery and sports. Even the mint color is clever. It will be months before Tyrone's story is published, but I'll be ready to pounce the day it drops. 5+ stars
April 2, 2023
4.5. The best thing about reading a series like this is how fun it is to remember the characters. Minta has been Minta since the very beginning and it was fun how this looked when she got okder. Fun read.
July 15, 2024
What a fun and delightful series! This is my definition of comfort reading. Full of hearts and mischief.
April 10, 2023
This book could not have a more perfect title. Minta is an A #1 character of gold. She is genuine even when she's fabricating her presence. It's delightful to see how Nick appreciates her for who she is. Oh it will be with eagerness I read it more of her exploits and the subsequent books in the series.
August 24, 2023
Araminta Ellsworth and her best friend Agatha Weeks are unfashionable tomboys in Regency England during a time when women stayed indoors and painted, played musical instruments, embroidered, and read. Not so these two! They have caused Mrs. Turcotte of the Seminary school for ladies to despair.
These two girls like to shoot arrows, toss balls around, and explore the grounds of their estates which are conveniently located adjacent to each other.
Mr. Francis Taplin, undisciplined, spoiled rake, but undeniably handsome lives on the far side of Miss Agatha Weeks with his stepbrother, Nicholas Carlisle. Mr. Carlisle is the opposite of Mr. Taplin in manners for he is every inch the gentleman.
Three years after the story begins a change occurs in Miss Agatha Weeks. She suddenly begins dressing nicely, wearing her hair very stylishly, and simpering. This change astounds Araminta. Mr. Taplin begins to make morning calls on Miss Agatha, to Araminta's horror. She tries to point out what a disreputable rake Mr. Taplin is but Agatha refuses to listen.
Mr. Carlisle has begun an apprenticeship with the local Physician and he and Araminta have become friends. She tells him about Agatha's infatuation and Nicholas confirms that Francis Taplin is after her money.
Thus begins the conspiracy between Araminta and Nicholas Carlisle to dissuade Agatha Weeks from falling in love with the disreputable but gorgeous Mr. Francis Taplin.
I enjoyed this book for it was filled with humorous antics and had me laughing out loud. I only gave it 3 stars because of the grammar. Ms. Dudley, you need a grammar editor!
These two girls like to shoot arrows, toss balls around, and explore the grounds of their estates which are conveniently located adjacent to each other.
Mr. Francis Taplin, undisciplined, spoiled rake, but undeniably handsome lives on the far side of Miss Agatha Weeks with his stepbrother, Nicholas Carlisle. Mr. Carlisle is the opposite of Mr. Taplin in manners for he is every inch the gentleman.
Three years after the story begins a change occurs in Miss Agatha Weeks. She suddenly begins dressing nicely, wearing her hair very stylishly, and simpering. This change astounds Araminta. Mr. Taplin begins to make morning calls on Miss Agatha, to Araminta's horror. She tries to point out what a disreputable rake Mr. Taplin is but Agatha refuses to listen.
Mr. Carlisle has begun an apprenticeship with the local Physician and he and Araminta have become friends. She tells him about Agatha's infatuation and Nicholas confirms that Francis Taplin is after her money.
Thus begins the conspiracy between Araminta and Nicholas Carlisle to dissuade Agatha Weeks from falling in love with the disreputable but gorgeous Mr. Francis Taplin.
I enjoyed this book for it was filled with humorous antics and had me laughing out loud. I only gave it 3 stars because of the grammar. Ms. Dudley, you need a grammar editor!
July 8, 2025
Endearing and sweet
Minta's story is quickly becoming my most favorite of the Ellsworth Assortment series!!!! It is just so cuuuuuuuuuttttte!!! Hahaha they are both so adorable Minta and her leading man (green-flag-orama that he is. Patootie o'clock for days ). And the COMMUNICATIONNNNN!!!! Do not even get me started. They are both adorably clumsy and awkwardly vulnerable with each other and it makes the story SO ENDEARINGGG!!!!
Not to mention it is hilarious and filled with warmth and lovely themes of friendship and family. Augh, it is truly such a treat!!!! Hope you can tell from my liberal use of several exclamation marks throughout this review! Hahahahaha augh, I should have loved to have bought myself a hard copy of this! Maybe I absolutely should!! Peak delightfulness.
Please take note that there is plentiful kissing in the last few chapters of this. A lot really. Nothing graphically described thankfully though. In fact the whole series so far is clean (no adult scenes) but there is an abundance of kissing and showing affection deeply and some desire (a little).
Minta's story is quickly becoming my most favorite of the Ellsworth Assortment series!!!! It is just so cuuuuuuuuuttttte!!! Hahaha they are both so adorable Minta and her leading man (green-flag-orama that he is. Patootie o'clock for days ). And the COMMUNICATIONNNNN!!!! Do not even get me started. They are both adorably clumsy and awkwardly vulnerable with each other and it makes the story SO ENDEARINGGG!!!!
Not to mention it is hilarious and filled with warmth and lovely themes of friendship and family. Augh, it is truly such a treat!!!! Hope you can tell from my liberal use of several exclamation marks throughout this review! Hahahahaha augh, I should have loved to have bought myself a hard copy of this! Maybe I absolutely should!! Peak delightfulness.
Please take note that there is plentiful kissing in the last few chapters of this. A lot really. Nothing graphically described thankfully though. In fact the whole series so far is clean (no adult scenes) but there is an abundance of kissing and showing affection deeply and some desire (a little).
May 5, 2023
I love revisiting this family and this author. A wonderful clean Regency author with a wondeful Georgette Heyer flair. Minta gets herself caught up in antics and endears herself to the reader. Who knew you dou;d do a fake dating trope set in the Regency era!? It was done is such a fun way to read. The H can't help but go along with her. Minta's aunt was a wonderful addition to the story when she popped up. Lots of moments that made me laugh. I think this story fit Arminta well and her story couldn't be told anyother way. It was well suited. This could be read as a stand alone. I think maybe start at #1 anyway since you get a better flavor for the characters of the family and it'll add more enjoyment. My only bummer was I thought the H should've taken the second choice in the business arangment. However, that actually didn't affect the quality of the story. Things still ended wonderfully and I'm so excited for the next book. The story really flowed and the dialgoue was great.
March 30, 2023
A very sweet addition to The Ellsworth Assortment. I enjoyed Dudley's last regency romance very much. The banter between the two lovers was smart and fine and it got 5 stars. This one was indeed sweet but no banter whatsoever; the two girls, Araminta and her friend, Agatha, are now noticing the opposite sex, but Araminta sees that Agatha is passionate about Francis Taplin, not a good choice at all. He has lost all his money and his estate is mortgaged to Araminta's father; thus Taplin is in need of a rich wife. Araminta feels herself falling for his step brother, Nicholas Carlisle, but Nick too has no money and is studying to be a doctor. Aranminta needs Nick to make believe he is falling for her because they know that Taplin always wants what Nick has. The style was young and can easily be read by 13 year olds.
August 14, 2024
Completed Prologue -- Wanted to like this book, but reading the prologue alone gave me the uneasy impression that it's not going to be an immersive story for me. For one, the speech/terms used by each characters and their behaviour are quite modern. The writing style reminds me more of Young Adult fiction, except this one is peppered with some Regency flavour. Will have to read further and see if I will change my mind.
Completed Chapter 3 -- I stand by my opinion that it reads like a YA fiction to me. I have to shelf this as did-not-finish. At times the social convention is inaccurate to the period, in order to justify the plot (example, when the butler announced to the missus Mr. Taplin was visiting and immediately shown into the drawing room. The 3 missus did not have time to prepare. In fact, the eldest sister was not introduced to the guest. No sister nor parents were consulted if they would be at home to receive the visitor). In essence, there's nothing grievously bad about this book so far. I simply find the author writing style is not my cup of tea. Perhaps for future read if my mood suits.
Completed Chapter 3 -- I stand by my opinion that it reads like a YA fiction to me. I have to shelf this as did-not-finish. At times the social convention is inaccurate to the period, in order to justify the plot (example, when the butler announced to the missus Mr. Taplin was visiting and immediately shown into the drawing room. The 3 missus did not have time to prepare. In fact, the eldest sister was not introduced to the guest. No sister nor parents were consulted if they would be at home to receive the visitor). In essence, there's nothing grievously bad about this book so far. I simply find the author writing style is not my cup of tea. Perhaps for future read if my mood suits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
a very silly story
This is a very silly story, but at the ending I found the main females in the story to be 18, and having spent time away at school, very unworldly and innocent.
No idea was given on how old the men were.
At one time we were told minta was tall, then her bosom bumped into a counter, then later she wasn’t very tall.
It’s really a very silly schoolgirl story, with all their thoughts included, ugh!
Don’t pay for it.
And skip most of the last half so you’re not bored to tears.
This is a very silly story, but at the ending I found the main females in the story to be 18, and having spent time away at school, very unworldly and innocent.
No idea was given on how old the men were.
At one time we were told minta was tall, then her bosom bumped into a counter, then later she wasn’t very tall.
It’s really a very silly schoolgirl story, with all their thoughts included, ugh!
Don’t pay for it.
And skip most of the last half so you’re not bored to tears.
October 28, 2025
I have always loved clean historical romances with men of fortune or status like dukes, viscounts and the rest but reading this series by Christina Dudley and reading men without means and with real struggles in such times makes me hunger for more of such stories. I really love this. It’s different, refreshing and really nice. I also like how the fake dating trope was well done from the start and then got very messy when it started affecting the friendship but I liked Carlisle from beginning to end for his steady character that carried everything else well.
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May 16, 2023Any book by Christina Dudley is a must read for me, and Minta does not disappoint. Each of her characters are so genuine that I feel like they are people that I actually know. And Minta's beau is just as real, for me. I loved being able to watch as Minta walked the line of being true to herself as an almost tom-boyish girl, and finding out what could be kept and what must be left behind in youth as she became a young lady.
You won't be sorry if you read any of Ms. Dudley's books!
You won't be sorry if you read any of Ms. Dudley's books!
December 6, 2023
Per fortuna, c'è ancora Christina Dudley! Ho amato la serie precedente, e ancor di più sto amando 'The Ellsworth Assortment" - e specialmente questa gradevolissima storia, nella quale l'autrice riesce a riversare tutta la sua conoscenza dell'ottocento inglese, tutto il suo innegabile spirito, tutto il suo affetto per i vari protagonisti, senza tediare il lettore con inutili spiegazioni e/o malcelati sermoni e senza cercare di attrarre un pubblico più ampio con scene di sesso.
November 4, 2024
Just. FUNNY! The author’s hilariously apropos capitalizing had me LOL. I did find Minta’s plotting a bit dense sometimes, and hurtful even if well-intended. Aggie’s engagement would have never happened or fallen apart on the strength of her dad’s intransigence over the dowry. No Minta needed. Still, some super funny moments. Dudley is just clever. Wry. Witty. One of my favorites in a genre with titles that are often forgettable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
A good story, but...
I loved these characters. So beautifully drawn. The premise and the plot were thoughtful and absorbing. But I didn't like it as well as the first two books. I found the beginning slow to get through, and there were several inconsistencies. This one snuck past the editor on the way to be published.
I also find the ending beautifully poetic, and while not unhappy, it feels lacking. This reader craves more.
I loved these characters. So beautifully drawn. The premise and the plot were thoughtful and absorbing. But I didn't like it as well as the first two books. I found the beginning slow to get through, and there were several inconsistencies. This one snuck past the editor on the way to be published.
I also find the ending beautifully poetic, and while not unhappy, it feels lacking. This reader craves more.
March 30, 2023
Minta
I tell you each book in this series gets better and better. This story was fabulous and fun. So many laugh aloud moments. A Jo March (little women) kind of MFC that we all want to be friends with, and gets herself into scrape after hilarious scrape. The romance in this story was spot-on. Recommend 100%!
I tell you each book in this series gets better and better. This story was fabulous and fun. So many laugh aloud moments. A Jo March (little women) kind of MFC that we all want to be friends with, and gets herself into scrape after hilarious scrape. The romance in this story was spot-on. Recommend 100%!
April 1, 2023
A clean story. The third in this series. This one is delightful and humorous. The tomboyish Araminter and her friend Aggie now have suitors, which prompts Araminter to try and save Aggie from a fortune Hunter by becoming a properly demure young lady. Nice to see Bea and her character develop as well. Very enjoyable, funny and thoroughly recommended.
April 20, 2023
waiting for Minta
Each sister’s story has drawn me into the growing Ellsworth family and the connection of their love for each other. After watching Minta grow up, I was eager to see her as a young adult. Finally! I am not disappointed with my reunion with all of them. Now I will wait for delightful Bea’s story.
Each sister’s story has drawn me into the growing Ellsworth family and the connection of their love for each other. After watching Minta grow up, I was eager to see her as a young adult. Finally! I am not disappointed with my reunion with all of them. Now I will wait for delightful Bea’s story.
April 20, 2023
This was my favorite of the series. Minta remained a favorite background character in each book, and because I don’t look ahead for series details - I was so excited and surprised to get Mintas own story. I love Nicks wit and pure admiration for what makes Minta Minta. And I further loved the development of each character in the family. Looking forward to reading the next!
April 27, 2023
not my favorite nor least favorite
Cute enough, and not too much misunderstandings. It was nice that true love and friendship carried the day. Which of course we knew… It was a bit of a challenge for me to picture young Araminta to be of marriageable age; and the bosom didn’t help. A nice addition to the series.
Cute enough, and not too much misunderstandings. It was nice that true love and friendship carried the day. Which of course we knew… It was a bit of a challenge for me to picture young Araminta to be of marriageable age; and the bosom didn’t help. A nice addition to the series.
April 29, 2023
I really, really enjoyed this read! I love nothing more than a well written Historical/Regency romance with a healthy dose of humour. In fact, wit and humour is much more important to me than purist accuracy. I enjoyed the characters and the laughs so much, that I overlooked the couple of nasty little Americanisms.
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