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The Leighs #1
An Accidental Courtship
Two sisters, one beau, plus one poorly addressed love letter equals one tricky courtship.
Prudence Leigh is well on her way to being a spinster. That dreadful future may be a few years away, but with every man chasing after her beautiful younger sister, Prudence has little hope of finding love. But when she receives a letter filled with heartfelt declarations, she discovers it’s not too late for her.
But for such an ardent beau in writing, the gentleman acts quite strangely in person…
Penmanship is not an important skill. Or so Dr. Parker Humphreys thought—until his love letter is delivered to the wrong sister!
Surely, this must be a jest. When Parker arrives at the town ball, he hopes to discover if Miss Rosanna Leigh accepted his declaration of love. Instead, her plain elder sister is hanging at his elbow, gazing up at him with stars in her eyes. Now, Parker is stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
What lady would accept a beau after he broke her elder sister’s heart? Yet he cannot let this mistake stand—he loves Rosanna! If only he can get Prudence to realize how poorly they suit each other. Then she would break with him, and Parker would be free. Yes, a temporary courtship might be the ticket. Surely, that can work.
Yet despite his oddest behavior, Miss Leigh seems determined to keep him.
And Parker isn’t so certain he wants to be free of her.
Prudence Leigh is well on her way to being a spinster. That dreadful future may be a few years away, but with every man chasing after her beautiful younger sister, Prudence has little hope of finding love. But when she receives a letter filled with heartfelt declarations, she discovers it’s not too late for her.
But for such an ardent beau in writing, the gentleman acts quite strangely in person…
Penmanship is not an important skill. Or so Dr. Parker Humphreys thought—until his love letter is delivered to the wrong sister!
Surely, this must be a jest. When Parker arrives at the town ball, he hopes to discover if Miss Rosanna Leigh accepted his declaration of love. Instead, her plain elder sister is hanging at his elbow, gazing up at him with stars in her eyes. Now, Parker is stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
What lady would accept a beau after he broke her elder sister’s heart? Yet he cannot let this mistake stand—he loves Rosanna! If only he can get Prudence to realize how poorly they suit each other. Then she would break with him, and Parker would be free. Yes, a temporary courtship might be the ticket. Surely, that can work.
Yet despite his oddest behavior, Miss Leigh seems determined to keep him.
And Parker isn’t so certain he wants to be free of her.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
1263 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Nichols
38 books484 followersBorn and raised in Anchorage, M.A. Nichols is a lifelong Alaskan, though she briefly ventured south to get a fancy bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University—neither of which had anything to do with why she became an author, but they kept her alive while launching her publishing career.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 4, 2023
Ah! I hate that I forgot to write a review for this immediately after I read it, because I had a lot to say and I can hardly remember any of this.
I couldn't put this down. Truly couldn't put it down to focus of any other thing. And after quite a number of books where it's felt like a chore to get through a story, this was a breath of fresh air.
But this was by no means a light read.
I'm starting to wonder if I should bring in gymnastics style ratings into my reviews, where I consider the level of difficulty of the plot promise along with the execution. Some plots are a lot easier to pull off, but might fall apart in execution. Other plots are seem impossible and this was one of them for me.
We enter the story with Parker declaring his love for Rosanna, by way of an illegible letter. Rosanna, who has her fair share of admirers dismisses the letter on sight and is careless with her manner of disposal. Enter Rosanna's older sister Prudence (who is also less admired for her beauty) who is then convinced by her mother that said letter, an declaration of love, was intended for her. Prudence who had closed herself to the possibility of love is delighted at the hope that is sparked within her and is determined to return Parker's suit. Parker is befuddled at the interest that Prudence begins showing him and is mortified when he realises the misunderstanding that has taken place. He knows he should clarify the situation but:
a) he doesn't want to hurt Prudence feelings objectively, and
b) selfishly he doesn't want to hurt Prudence in which case Rosanna would never consider him.
So, Parker resolves that he'll show how unsuitable he is to Prudence and she'll shift her interest to someone else.
Rosanna also realises her error and is also mortified but doesn't want to hurt Rosanna either so advises Prudence to ignore Parker in order the stoke his interest further. When Prudence and Rosanna end up spending time together anyway (since Parker is trying to convince Prudence he isn't it), Rosanna feels relieved that maybe it'll work out for the best anyway.
Just a bit more plot background to cover.
So there are a lot of moving parts. Through all this Rosanna ends up spending more time with Parker, since he's trying to shift Rosanna's focus, and Prudence recognises him as a great person who she could have had interest in. She's regretful of how quick she was to dismiss his declaration of love.
At this stage, I had to re-read the plot synopsis to work out who the couple here was supposed to be. That's because we get all 3 POVs. We see Rosanna's thoughts, Prudence's and Parker's. And every single one of them was entirely developed and fully fleshed out. I personally found Rosanna's characterisation to be one of the most complex I've read in a minute. My first impression of her was poor. She came across as snobby and vain. But then almost immediately we see her interactions with Prudence and the deep love and care there, and she's sympathetic again. We see her introspections and insecurities. But we also see all her deep deep flaws including intense selfishness and vanity. All in the one character. And in a way that while not always entirely likable was sympathetic. Rosanna was the perfect non-villainous villain in this book (she's not wilfully cruel, but she does very hurtful things).
Because yes, somewhat predictably, but also not predictable in execution, as Parker gets to know Prudence (and Rosanna) better, he sees how much better him and Prudence suit. I must mention it wasn't straightforward. We don't wait a long time for the misunderstanding to come to light and Prudence to learn that Parker was never interested in her. She's crushed and humiliated. Amazingly this frees Parker up to pursue Rosanna who is amenable since she developed interest in him through his interactions with Prudence. Rosanna though, as mentioned, has flaws. Part of that is general indecisiveness and carelessness with people. She's interested in Parker but also in another suitor. So while she goes between the two, it allows for more interaction with Parker and Prudence at those same events, and this is how Parker grows closer to Prudence.
Anyway, as is coming across the success of this book truly lies in the expert characterisations. Everyone was flawed but still likable or at least sympathetic. It felt messy but all so earned. And when I'm asking for tension in a plot, this is the perfect example of that, especially in a story that isn't 'action-based'.
High difficulty, expert execution.
I couldn't put this down. Truly couldn't put it down to focus of any other thing. And after quite a number of books where it's felt like a chore to get through a story, this was a breath of fresh air.
But this was by no means a light read.
I'm starting to wonder if I should bring in gymnastics style ratings into my reviews, where I consider the level of difficulty of the plot promise along with the execution. Some plots are a lot easier to pull off, but might fall apart in execution. Other plots are seem impossible and this was one of them for me.
We enter the story with Parker declaring his love for Rosanna, by way of an illegible letter. Rosanna, who has her fair share of admirers dismisses the letter on sight and is careless with her manner of disposal. Enter Rosanna's older sister Prudence (who is also less admired for her beauty) who is then convinced by her mother that said letter, an declaration of love, was intended for her. Prudence who had closed herself to the possibility of love is delighted at the hope that is sparked within her and is determined to return Parker's suit. Parker is befuddled at the interest that Prudence begins showing him and is mortified when he realises the misunderstanding that has taken place. He knows he should clarify the situation but:
a) he doesn't want to hurt Prudence feelings objectively, and
b) selfishly he doesn't want to hurt Prudence in which case Rosanna would never consider him.
So, Parker resolves that he'll show how unsuitable he is to Prudence and she'll shift her interest to someone else.
Rosanna also realises her error and is also mortified but doesn't want to hurt Rosanna either so advises Prudence to ignore Parker in order the stoke his interest further. When Prudence and Rosanna end up spending time together anyway (since Parker is trying to convince Prudence he isn't it), Rosanna feels relieved that maybe it'll work out for the best anyway.
Just a bit more plot background to cover.
So there are a lot of moving parts. Through all this Rosanna ends up spending more time with Parker, since he's trying to shift Rosanna's focus, and Prudence recognises him as a great person who she could have had interest in. She's regretful of how quick she was to dismiss his declaration of love.
At this stage, I had to re-read the plot synopsis to work out who the couple here was supposed to be. That's because we get all 3 POVs. We see Rosanna's thoughts, Prudence's and Parker's. And every single one of them was entirely developed and fully fleshed out. I personally found Rosanna's characterisation to be one of the most complex I've read in a minute. My first impression of her was poor. She came across as snobby and vain. But then almost immediately we see her interactions with Prudence and the deep love and care there, and she's sympathetic again. We see her introspections and insecurities. But we also see all her deep deep flaws including intense selfishness and vanity. All in the one character. And in a way that while not always entirely likable was sympathetic. Rosanna was the perfect non-villainous villain in this book (she's not wilfully cruel, but she does very hurtful things).
Because yes, somewhat predictably, but also not predictable in execution, as Parker gets to know Prudence (and Rosanna) better, he sees how much better him and Prudence suit. I must mention it wasn't straightforward. We don't wait a long time for the misunderstanding to come to light and Prudence to learn that Parker was never interested in her. She's crushed and humiliated. Amazingly this frees Parker up to pursue Rosanna who is amenable since she developed interest in him through his interactions with Prudence. Rosanna though, as mentioned, has flaws. Part of that is general indecisiveness and carelessness with people. She's interested in Parker but also in another suitor. So while she goes between the two, it allows for more interaction with Parker and Prudence at those same events, and this is how Parker grows closer to Prudence.
Anyway, as is coming across the success of this book truly lies in the expert characterisations. Everyone was flawed but still likable or at least sympathetic. It felt messy but all so earned. And when I'm asking for tension in a plot, this is the perfect example of that, especially in a story that isn't 'action-based'.
High difficulty, expert execution.
June 20, 2023
Did not finish. Made it about 40% in. It was very repetitive and could have been drastically edited. The storyline was interesting, and I would have liked to have skipped over a bunch and read how their relationship progressed after its bumpy start, but I just don't have the patience for all the repetition. Otherwise the writing was decent.
August 17, 2024
1 Star
More like An Accidental Read. I am not even sure how I did not DNF this. It was quite the slog for me to get through: all the insanity inducing level of repetition, seemingly pages of inner monologues and awkward prose. It was also IMHO wordy. Why use one word (or succinct script) when 50 words are available. Perhaps the author had a word count goal to meet? Or it just needed some serious editing. Seriously...IMO the book's length could have been cut in half.
There are three main characters: Parker (beta-hero, lowly-and for at least the first half or quarter of the book very confused-physician), Prudence (plain-constant description for her, saintly-almost no one could be more forgiving-and much put upon), and Rosanna (unbelievably gorgeous, super flirt, with questionable sincerity). We get each of their POVs. I think Parker and Prudence was enough. Another reviewer mentioned, included Rosanna's POV distracted, overshadowed even the main romance. I agree. I found the H/h to be a bit, er...dull, uninteresting. I did not really care about their romance. I was more interested (too strong a word, curious maybe) of a bunch of other stuff: wouldn't it be super hard to break the entail, what was up with Parker's sister/BIL's marriage woes, why did Katherine keep wanting to talk with Prudence, where did the other siblings disappear to most of the time, and why didn't Prudence not have at least one friend or good acquaintance?
There were few secondary characters, the main ones being the awful, truly terrible parents. Those two deserved each other. So selfish. They were different kinds of villains. Not the kind who is trying to kill or physically harm a person. Folks like them destroy in another way.
So, a story of a boy who becomes besotted with a physically beautiful girl only to discover another girl who has such an inner beauty it overshines the other. I do not think I have read a book by this author before. I do not know if I can get thru another one. Perhaps I would enjoy the next book in the series better. I doubt I will get it a try.
CONTENT:
Steam: Kissing only. There was flirting and vague sexual innuendo.
Violence: Only one scene. Very mild. During a race, contestants get little a physical.
Language: Hmm...a couple of occurrences with strong language for that period. Zero to mild.
More like An Accidental Read. I am not even sure how I did not DNF this. It was quite the slog for me to get through: all the insanity inducing level of repetition, seemingly pages of inner monologues and awkward prose. It was also IMHO wordy. Why use one word (or succinct script) when 50 words are available. Perhaps the author had a word count goal to meet? Or it just needed some serious editing. Seriously...IMO the book's length could have been cut in half.
There are three main characters: Parker (beta-hero, lowly-and for at least the first half or quarter of the book very confused-physician), Prudence (plain-constant description for her, saintly-almost no one could be more forgiving-and much put upon), and Rosanna (unbelievably gorgeous, super flirt, with questionable sincerity). We get each of their POVs. I think Parker and Prudence was enough. Another reviewer mentioned, included Rosanna's POV distracted, overshadowed even the main romance. I agree. I found the H/h to be a bit, er...dull, uninteresting. I did not really care about their romance. I was more interested (too strong a word, curious maybe) of a bunch of other stuff: wouldn't it be super hard to break the entail, what was up with Parker's sister/BIL's marriage woes, why did Katherine keep wanting to talk with Prudence, where did the other siblings disappear to most of the time, and why didn't Prudence not have at least one friend or good acquaintance?
There were few secondary characters, the main ones being the awful, truly terrible parents. Those two deserved each other. So selfish. They were different kinds of villains. Not the kind who is trying to kill or physically harm a person. Folks like them destroy in another way.
So, a story of a boy who becomes besotted with a physically beautiful girl only to discover another girl who has such an inner beauty it overshines the other. I do not think I have read a book by this author before. I do not know if I can get thru another one. Perhaps I would enjoy the next book in the series better. I doubt I will get it a try.
CONTENT:
Steam: Kissing only. There was flirting and vague sexual innuendo.
Violence: Only one scene. Very mild. During a race, contestants get little a physical.
Language: Hmm...a couple of occurrences with strong language for that period. Zero to mild.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
Two sisters, one beau, bad handwriting on a letter and the question 'what is real love based on?' is all part of this story that is an as well written and engaging story as the rest of the author's other stories in her Generations of love series, with real people who have both good qualities and flaws and who though out the books find their ways.
A new book by M A Nichols is always a highly antisipated release for me. In this story we get to follow all these three characters's inner thoughts, feelings and motivations in life as a true love emerge from the more superfichal feelings they all start with. As only one of the sisters gets her HEA in this story I can't wait for the next book to be released as it will follow the others sister's road to happiness.
A new book by M A Nichols is always a highly antisipated release for me. In this story we get to follow all these three characters's inner thoughts, feelings and motivations in life as a true love emerge from the more superfichal feelings they all start with. As only one of the sisters gets her HEA in this story I can't wait for the next book to be released as it will follow the others sister's road to happiness.
July 26, 2024
Ok read
As I said before, I stumbled across the 3rd book first and then thought I'd try the first. Pretty much the same. Too much thought life. Way too much focus on the other sister. Felt like this was supposed to be Prudence's story but it seemed to be more about Rosanna. I'll probably pass on the other stories. The author struggles with showing more emotions toward the supposed love interest, deeper and stronger than the actual 2 main characters. It's an ok read but I did skip a lot. More dialogue, less thought life is needed.
As I said before, I stumbled across the 3rd book first and then thought I'd try the first. Pretty much the same. Too much thought life. Way too much focus on the other sister. Felt like this was supposed to be Prudence's story but it seemed to be more about Rosanna. I'll probably pass on the other stories. The author struggles with showing more emotions toward the supposed love interest, deeper and stronger than the actual 2 main characters. It's an ok read but I did skip a lot. More dialogue, less thought life is needed.
August 7, 2025
A nice little character study emphasizing who we become in response to our loved ones' expectations, and what it takes to be who you really are despite those preconceptions. The relationship of the sisters felt authentic, with love despite very distinct difference in personality, and social competition. The parents were a little over the top, but their foibles were typical of the social pressures of the day, and the problems the Gentility had in keeping up appearances despite not living within their means. At times I was concerned the story was heading towards farce, but the author pulled it back with the well grounded POV of the heroine, whose superpower was competence and caring. In addition, the insights into the early days of medical care were realistic, and illustrated why good care was so rare with the negative influences of the class structure being so pervasive.
January 25, 2024
Poor heroine overshadowed her entire life by her sister, even in her own story. Seriously, there are so many pages of this book that are from the younger sisters perspective and what she is going through. I can see how it is a set up for her future book, but the heroine should at LEAST be the main character in her own book! We were getting the inner thoughts of so many characters, that honestly, was not necessary and would have been perfectly fine being left out. I don't need to hear what every single person is thinking, just the heroine and hero, thank you.
I did read the younger sister's book next after this, and it is an improvement at least. But honestly, this one disappoints.
I did read the younger sister's book next after this, and it is an improvement at least. But honestly, this one disappoints.
August 15, 2023
This was such an interesting concept and I was so excited to read it. I was definitely entertained, but there was so much repetitiveness. The book could have been cut in half honestly. How often can we hear that Prudence is the responsible one and Rosanna is the pretty one? Even the plot itself was repetitive. The majority of the story happened in the first fourth of the book and the rest of the book was just the same plot points over and over again. I think the concept was more exciting than the execution.
March 10, 2025
It was not bad, but it was unnecessary long and repetitive. Why use 2 words, when you could use 20 instead?
This is the story about 2 sisters. One beautiful, one... useful. They both fancy one man, that is confused at first, before his pick.
The envy and self-pity of the more beautiful sister and the endless understanding of her sister, were infuriating.
This is the story about 2 sisters. One beautiful, one... useful. They both fancy one man, that is confused at first, before his pick.
The envy and self-pity of the more beautiful sister and the endless understanding of her sister, were infuriating.
April 15, 2025
I had to write this review the minute I finished this book, or I would forget how I felt.
The story started out well enough, tugged at the heart a little, but really didn't do it for me. So much was left for the reader to guess at, and the ending was awful! Why no info? What happened to everyone? I hate it when an author just stops without tying up some loose ends. There was actually several areas that could have been fleshed out.
The story started out well enough, tugged at the heart a little, but really didn't do it for me. So much was left for the reader to guess at, and the ending was awful! Why no info? What happened to everyone? I hate it when an author just stops without tying up some loose ends. There was actually several areas that could have been fleshed out.
August 1, 2025
I didn't like Rosanna
I liked the premise of the story and Prudence's character was heartbreaking and while I didn't always like how Parker acted, especially how he reacted when Rosanna simply looked at him while he was with Prudence, he made up for it in the end.
The story did drag on for so long that it took me forever to finish, it felt like. But what really made me give this 3 stars was Rosanna. I don't know why she had POV and it was hard to tell whose chapter was whose. But it was nice seeing the other side, I guess, the woman who attempts to take the MMC from the fmc. But she was just so unlikable. She had no redeeming qualities and the reason she gives at the end felt disingenuous. She would literally say 'oh, he & Prudence are wonderful together' in one breath and then flirt with him to see how he reacted the next. She just strung him along to make herself feel better and that was more important than anyone else. She was just a selfish jerk who never had to face consequences for any of her behaviour, even after how she tried to split them up at the end; Prudence just kind of forgave her after leaving the house for a bit. She does get her own story, so I guess this is a build up for that, but I won't be reading it.
I liked the premise of the story and Prudence's character was heartbreaking and while I didn't always like how Parker acted, especially how he reacted when Rosanna simply looked at him while he was with Prudence, he made up for it in the end.
The story did drag on for so long that it took me forever to finish, it felt like. But what really made me give this 3 stars was Rosanna. I don't know why she had POV and it was hard to tell whose chapter was whose. But it was nice seeing the other side, I guess, the woman who attempts to take the MMC from the fmc. But she was just so unlikable. She had no redeeming qualities and the reason she gives at the end felt disingenuous. She would literally say 'oh, he & Prudence are wonderful together' in one breath and then flirt with him to see how he reacted the next. She just strung him along to make herself feel better and that was more important than anyone else. She was just a selfish jerk who never had to face consequences for any of her behaviour, even after how she tried to split them up at the end; Prudence just kind of forgave her after leaving the house for a bit. She does get her own story, so I guess this is a build up for that, but I won't be reading it.
May 30, 2025
The thing about an M.A. Nichols' book is there is going to be a lot of angst and drama. You are going to know what is going on in multiple characters' thoughts, and maybe that might make it hard to like them. Sometimes.
So this story is a little like Sense and Sensibility in that there is one pretty sister and one plain sister. In this story, though, the family is putting all their hopes on Roseanna to make a great marriage. I have no idea what the hope is for Prudence. I guess her parents want her married as well.
Roseanna has been sought after by lots of men, so when Dr. Parker Humphries sends her a love letter with a blue ribbon she is not in the least impressed. She throws the letter and ribbon on Prudence's bed.
The thing is, the letter is addressed to a Miss ( ) Leigh. The letter is an R, but in scratchy dr handwriting it also looks like a P. Mrs. Leigh talks Prudence into believing the letter had to be for her.
That, of course, brings about a sticky situation where neither Parker nor Roseanna wanted to tell the truth of the matter. But when Roseanna saw how sweet Parker was being to Prudence, she then wanted his affections back.
It's pretty hard to like Roseanna for much of this book. She only wants Parker when she can't have him, but she also wants him because he sees her as more than just beauty. Mr Kortney wants her, and his bad boy ways make her swoon, but she also knows that he only enjoys her beauty, and beauty fades. Well, Roseanna, you have a point.
Throughout the story, Prudence and Parker keep getting thrown together through circumstance. The sick room for her little brother is where Parker's eyes are finally opened.
I almost gave this book three stars for how annoying Roseanna was but I know the next book will be hers and I will forgive her in that book, so it is unfair to judge this book for that.
So this story is a little like Sense and Sensibility in that there is one pretty sister and one plain sister. In this story, though, the family is putting all their hopes on Roseanna to make a great marriage. I have no idea what the hope is for Prudence. I guess her parents want her married as well.
Roseanna has been sought after by lots of men, so when Dr. Parker Humphries sends her a love letter with a blue ribbon she is not in the least impressed. She throws the letter and ribbon on Prudence's bed.
The thing is, the letter is addressed to a Miss ( ) Leigh. The letter is an R, but in scratchy dr handwriting it also looks like a P. Mrs. Leigh talks Prudence into believing the letter had to be for her.
That, of course, brings about a sticky situation where neither Parker nor Roseanna wanted to tell the truth of the matter. But when Roseanna saw how sweet Parker was being to Prudence, she then wanted his affections back.
It's pretty hard to like Roseanna for much of this book. She only wants Parker when she can't have him, but she also wants him because he sees her as more than just beauty. Mr Kortney wants her, and his bad boy ways make her swoon, but she also knows that he only enjoys her beauty, and beauty fades. Well, Roseanna, you have a point.
Throughout the story, Prudence and Parker keep getting thrown together through circumstance. The sick room for her little brother is where Parker's eyes are finally opened.
I almost gave this book three stars for how annoying Roseanna was but I know the next book will be hers and I will forgive her in that book, so it is unfair to judge this book for that.
May 5, 2024
The story was slow moving and I ended up skipping most of the chapters in the middle. When I picked a chapter towards the end to start reading from, it was like I didn't miss much. Personally, I did not enjoy reading the riff between the sisters. It made me uncomfortable. Overall, it was an OK story with OK characters and an OK plot.
December 1, 2023
solid. though like how prudence is so patient and loving and forgiving still is a mystery to me.
January 30, 2024
Those parents are terrible!
August 13, 2023
Some spoilers
Already on the shelf (her beautiful younger sister is 26), Prudence Leigh is plain, with no dowry to speak of. Her sister is able to compensate with her looks, however, and has had a constant stream of suitors for years. She is vain and shallow and loves to flirt. She even responds to an arrogant, officious rake from London her parents want her to marry. Prudence takes on the household duties her lazy mother should be doing and tries to resign herself to life as a spinster.
In a comedy of errors, Dr. Parker Humphreys sends a love letter to her sister Rosanna, who carelessly leaves it on Prudence's bed. Parker's penmanship is so bad that it's uncertain to which sister it's addressed. At a dance that same evening, it becomes clear to him what has happened. Not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings, he decides to prove to Prudence that he isn't a good match. In spite of his awkward attempts to put her off, she continues to be delighted to have a man's attention for once in her life.
Still head over heels for Rosanna, Parker finally confesses what really happened. The results of the disaster fill the rest of the book, as he is thrown together with both sisters and has a closer look at their character.
The contrast between Rosanna's beauty and plain Prudence's accomplishments is stated over and over and over. It becomes more than repetitious; it's a little annoying. Also repetitious and annoying is the author's use of "for all that" as a literary crutch. It was used 44 times! Nevertheless, it was otherwise well-written and an enjoyable story. I will definitely read Book 2. 3.5 stars
Already on the shelf (her beautiful younger sister is 26), Prudence Leigh is plain, with no dowry to speak of. Her sister is able to compensate with her looks, however, and has had a constant stream of suitors for years. She is vain and shallow and loves to flirt. She even responds to an arrogant, officious rake from London her parents want her to marry. Prudence takes on the household duties her lazy mother should be doing and tries to resign herself to life as a spinster.
In a comedy of errors, Dr. Parker Humphreys sends a love letter to her sister Rosanna, who carelessly leaves it on Prudence's bed. Parker's penmanship is so bad that it's uncertain to which sister it's addressed. At a dance that same evening, it becomes clear to him what has happened. Not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings, he decides to prove to Prudence that he isn't a good match. In spite of his awkward attempts to put her off, she continues to be delighted to have a man's attention for once in her life.
Still head over heels for Rosanna, Parker finally confesses what really happened. The results of the disaster fill the rest of the book, as he is thrown together with both sisters and has a closer look at their character.
The contrast between Rosanna's beauty and plain Prudence's accomplishments is stated over and over and over. It becomes more than repetitious; it's a little annoying. Also repetitious and annoying is the author's use of "for all that" as a literary crutch. It was used 44 times! Nevertheless, it was otherwise well-written and an enjoyable story. I will definitely read Book 2. 3.5 stars
February 3, 2025
Entertaining, healing, and thankfully clean
If you've read any of my other reviews then you know I have come to acquire a very deep appreciation for stories that give off a "real life" nature and vibe. Stories where you feel like you are reading the historical account of how certain characters lived and loved in that time period. I like feeling like I'm reading about real people with experiences that humanize them and causes me to feel empathy and appreciation for their journey. This book gives off that in spades. But what I like about this author's way of writing her stories is that she will keep things real without depressing you. There is always hope for a bright future threaded into every one of her books that I have read (5 completed so far).
This particular book is a lovely story about self-esteem, self worth, a bond between sisters, and what makes true love true. I really enjoyed it. It was both heart warming and inspiring. Left me feeling all the cozy fuzzy feels of a happy ending romance, but also appreciative of who I am as person and how it is important to treasure that.
As to the heat level, it is a clean romance 🎊 BUT there are few references here and there that are slightly suggestive. They are not numerous (thankfully 😥 ) but they are there once or twice in the book. Nothing overly sensual happily. Some "clean book" authors out here have me shookkk with their tagging their stories as clean when just a few chapters in you are forced into a "dnf" (did not finish) situation because they are so steeped in sensual innuendo. My. This book is not that 😭🙌 .
If you've read any of my other reviews then you know I have come to acquire a very deep appreciation for stories that give off a "real life" nature and vibe. Stories where you feel like you are reading the historical account of how certain characters lived and loved in that time period. I like feeling like I'm reading about real people with experiences that humanize them and causes me to feel empathy and appreciation for their journey. This book gives off that in spades. But what I like about this author's way of writing her stories is that she will keep things real without depressing you. There is always hope for a bright future threaded into every one of her books that I have read (5 completed so far).
This particular book is a lovely story about self-esteem, self worth, a bond between sisters, and what makes true love true. I really enjoyed it. It was both heart warming and inspiring. Left me feeling all the cozy fuzzy feels of a happy ending romance, but also appreciative of who I am as person and how it is important to treasure that.
As to the heat level, it is a clean romance 🎊 BUT there are few references here and there that are slightly suggestive. They are not numerous (thankfully 😥 ) but they are there once or twice in the book. Nothing overly sensual happily. Some "clean book" authors out here have me shookkk with their tagging their stories as clean when just a few chapters in you are forced into a "dnf" (did not finish) situation because they are so steeped in sensual innuendo. My. This book is not that 😭🙌 .
Currently reading
January 18, 2026Notes for self - Will review later. Apparently, there's a character limit to the "notes" below. Blech.
An Accidental Courtship
The Leighs
Book 1
By M. A. Nichols
Narrated by Madeline Brolly
Greater Eton, Lancashire, Autumn 1817
Male Lead -
Blurb: Two sisters, one beau, plus one poorly addressed love letter equals one tricky courtship.
Prudence Leigh is well on her way to being a spinster. That dreadful future may be a few years away, but with every man chasing after her beautiful younger sister, Prudence has little hope of finding love. But when she receives a letter filled with heartfelt declarations, she discovers it’s not too late for her.
But for such an ardent beau in writing, the gentleman acts quite strangely in person…
Penmanship is not an important skill. Or so Dr. Parker Humphreys thought—until his love letter is delivered to the wrong sister!
Surely, this must be a jest. When Parker arrives at the town ball, he hopes to discover if Miss Rosanna Leigh accepted his declaration of love. Instead, her plain elder sister is hanging at his elbow, gazing up at him with stars in her eyes. Now, Parker is stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
What lady would accept a beau after he broke her elder sister’s heart? Yet he cannot let this mistake stand—he loves Rosanna! If only he can get Prudence to realize how poorly they suit each other. Then she would break with him, and Parker would be free. Yes, a temporary courtship might be the ticket. Surely, that can work.
Yet despite his oddest behavior, Miss Leigh seems determined to keep him.
And Parker isn’t so certain he wants to be free of her.
An Accidental Courtship
The Leighs
Book 1
By M. A. Nichols
Narrated by Madeline Brolly
Greater Eton, Lancashire, Autumn 1817
Male Lead -
Blurb: Two sisters, one beau, plus one poorly addressed love letter equals one tricky courtship.
Prudence Leigh is well on her way to being a spinster. That dreadful future may be a few years away, but with every man chasing after her beautiful younger sister, Prudence has little hope of finding love. But when she receives a letter filled with heartfelt declarations, she discovers it’s not too late for her.
But for such an ardent beau in writing, the gentleman acts quite strangely in person…
Penmanship is not an important skill. Or so Dr. Parker Humphreys thought—until his love letter is delivered to the wrong sister!
Surely, this must be a jest. When Parker arrives at the town ball, he hopes to discover if Miss Rosanna Leigh accepted his declaration of love. Instead, her plain elder sister is hanging at his elbow, gazing up at him with stars in her eyes. Now, Parker is stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
What lady would accept a beau after he broke her elder sister’s heart? Yet he cannot let this mistake stand—he loves Rosanna! If only he can get Prudence to realize how poorly they suit each other. Then she would break with him, and Parker would be free. Yes, a temporary courtship might be the ticket. Surely, that can work.
Yet despite his oddest behavior, Miss Leigh seems determined to keep him.
And Parker isn’t so certain he wants to be free of her.
February 4, 2024
This is a tremendous story; the characters grow as they interact. Roseanna is beautiful and witty, while her older sister Prudence runs the household and keeps the family in line. Only a year separates the girls, but their parents hope to save the family's fortunes by Rosanna contracting an advantageous marriage. All of the family's limited finances are used to promote Rosanna.
Prudence is the family drudge, without a beau or any male interested in her. Rosanna's cup runs over with males. Haughty Rosanna decides she doesn't want the ribbon (love token) sent by Dr. Parker Humphreys. The doctor has abysmal handwriting, and the name and address are unclear. Uninterested, Rosanna tosses the message and ribbon on Prudence's bed.
Since the name is unclear, Prudence thinks she has received the missive and gift and is excited. Parker realizes the mistake at the next party but does not want to hurt Prudence's feelings. This story is involved because, after Prudence and Parker become friendly, Rosanna realizes that Parker may be a lowly physician but is a man of character. She decides she wants him. Now, the stage is set for a showdown between the two sisters. This is high drama and fascinating reading.
M A Nichols is such an engaging writer because her characters are so complex. It's almost as if this author paints her story into an impossible situation and then spends the rest of the book finding a way to resolve the impossibility. She creates an accurate tone of the era in which these characters move. Wonderful reading.
Prudence is the family drudge, without a beau or any male interested in her. Rosanna's cup runs over with males. Haughty Rosanna decides she doesn't want the ribbon (love token) sent by Dr. Parker Humphreys. The doctor has abysmal handwriting, and the name and address are unclear. Uninterested, Rosanna tosses the message and ribbon on Prudence's bed.
Since the name is unclear, Prudence thinks she has received the missive and gift and is excited. Parker realizes the mistake at the next party but does not want to hurt Prudence's feelings. This story is involved because, after Prudence and Parker become friendly, Rosanna realizes that Parker may be a lowly physician but is a man of character. She decides she wants him. Now, the stage is set for a showdown between the two sisters. This is high drama and fascinating reading.
M A Nichols is such an engaging writer because her characters are so complex. It's almost as if this author paints her story into an impossible situation and then spends the rest of the book finding a way to resolve the impossibility. She creates an accurate tone of the era in which these characters move. Wonderful reading.
March 8, 2024
Liked the storyline and the main characters. Much repetitiveness which, if removed, would have made this a much stronger read. The parents were essentially middle aged children who had children. The father-useless; the mother-useless. The h described them as parents you loathed and loved at the same time. They played children against each other and played favorites: unforgivable! It seemed like the job of the children were to take care of the parents, they were tools. The h was not the beautiful daughter but was the workhorse for keeping the family going as she had no marriage prospects. The second daughter was the beauty with no depth and no role in the family except to marry well. The only male child (5) was spoiled and pampered and the 2 youngest daughters were ignored.
The beauty 'gave' one of her castoff love letters to the h who believed that she had finally attracted a man who cared for her until the truth was revealed. Her humiliation was palpable. His was almost as painful. The beauty just sailed along until she realized that she was no longer his center of attention. She constantly betrayed and undermined the h, who, amazingly, still loved her. The H finally got his head out of his posterior and admitted his feelings for the h which caused the beauty to freakout. Fortunately, the h believed the H.
One wonders what will happen to this dysfunctional love/hate family once the h marries and leaves. Their future does not look good.
The beauty 'gave' one of her castoff love letters to the h who believed that she had finally attracted a man who cared for her until the truth was revealed. Her humiliation was palpable. His was almost as painful. The beauty just sailed along until she realized that she was no longer his center of attention. She constantly betrayed and undermined the h, who, amazingly, still loved her. The H finally got his head out of his posterior and admitted his feelings for the h which caused the beauty to freakout. Fortunately, the h believed the H.
One wonders what will happen to this dysfunctional love/hate family once the h marries and leaves. Their future does not look good.
November 14, 2025
I love the premise, but turns out the story is not as i expected. Prudence deserves better than anyone else, she’s labouring herself on her family and only getting worse treatment like nobody heard her. I think when her mother is a passive-aggressive woman and (dear god) Rosanna is a piece of shit, her father would be man with sense but alas he’s just like them but worse. I really hate Rosanna in here whatever her reasons are for doing like that, i don’t care if people comparing her to Prudence which makes her grow jealous—she’s adult and can THINK. I dislike woman like Rosanna, so much of herself, think everything revolves around her and blind to her privilege—AND she’s not sincere person. Then, Parker, oh he’s also annoying and only look at the surface and his idea to lead her on just to be honest is really bad. Although much later he’s getting better, but like Robert said Parker only sees Prudence because she’s useful and “have personality” not like it’s bad thing.
Furthermore, i like this book but i wonder why i have to spend more to read about Rosanna and her shenanigans? I think the author should focus more on Peter and Prudence instead, because to be honest they’re lack of chemistry and have more depth to explore on their new relationship. Also, she should give us epilogue where Prudence finally married to Peter, like come on what is that ending? After all the misery she has endured, it is just that? Only that?
Furthermore, i like this book but i wonder why i have to spend more to read about Rosanna and her shenanigans? I think the author should focus more on Peter and Prudence instead, because to be honest they’re lack of chemistry and have more depth to explore on their new relationship. Also, she should give us epilogue where Prudence finally married to Peter, like come on what is that ending? After all the misery she has endured, it is just that? Only that?
January 10, 2025
This was a very good historical romance, set in a fictional town in Regency England. She's a wallflower and he's a humble doctor who's initially infatuated with her more beautiful and successful sister. It all starts with an initial misunderstanding, but the author handles the love triangle with surprising skill (I find love triangles to be tricky). We get to appreciate a credible evolution in the feelings of all three members of the triangle and we can also understand and simpathise with the beautiful sister, even if she behaves in a despicable way (so she totally "deserves" being left out in the end). Curiously enough, there's a secondary love triangle between the doctor, the beautiful sister and another richer suitor, but this is an "easy" one, because the suitor is clearly underserving of the lady's affection (and the reader doesn't need to feel sorry for him or like him).
Just one complaint: the protagonist, at 27 is described in the book's blurb as "almost a spinster" and her sister, only 1 year younger, is the belle of the town and her parents have hope of her marrying a rich husband. As much as it pains my 21st-century self, in 1817 a woman at 27 years (or 26) was definitely a spinster, and at 26 she was past her prime, hardly the recipient of her parents' hope for an advantageous marriage. It would have been more credible if the second sister had been younger.
Just one complaint: the protagonist, at 27 is described in the book's blurb as "almost a spinster" and her sister, only 1 year younger, is the belle of the town and her parents have hope of her marrying a rich husband. As much as it pains my 21st-century self, in 1817 a woman at 27 years (or 26) was definitely a spinster, and at 26 she was past her prime, hardly the recipient of her parents' hope for an advantageous marriage. It would have been more credible if the second sister had been younger.
August 31, 2025
Prudence was the oldest daughter in the Leigh family, and she was tasked with all of the family responsibilities. Record keeping, household affairs, and managing the necessities of raising her brothers and sisters, nothing was too much for Miss Prudence to bear. Her parents were figure heads only and they were solely focused on getting their exceptionally beautiful younger daughter, Miss Rosana, married to wealthy suitor. This story allowed the reader to learn so much about each daughter's true character, and, I must say, Miss Rosana came up a little short in the integrity department. With this interesting and constantly evolving story, I shared Prudence's disappointment, heartache, and finally her determination to stand up for what she knew was right. I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting and heartwarming romance. Dr. Parker Humphreys was a stellar example of a noble gentleman and a perfect match for Miss Prudence. Her features may have been ordinary, but there was nothing ordinary about her sense of right and wrong, her loyalty, and the love for her flawed family. A Very Enjoyable Read!!!!! Captivating!!!!!
June 29, 2025
beautiful
I had read the story blurb before & passed over this book as the blurb turned me off. But then returning to MA Nichols I wanted to complete the Leigh series. Early on I contemplated returning it (KU Perk) & reading something else, but the reviews are so positive & I always like Nichols’ books, so pushed on.
Early on it’s really hard to like Dr Parker Humphrey but he grows wiser and it’s believable as the story progresses, so that by the end he’s charming. Prudence’s sister Rosanna doesn’t fare that well. I realized later that I did read Rosanna’s story “Love in Disguise” last year.
Anyway, Prudence is great though at times a bit of a paragon, but the author lays out complex emotions so well that it works in the end.
The internal conflicts make Nichols characters so real. Sadly recognized my own Mum in Mrs Leigh & it was strangely therapeutic to see a similar character portrayed.
Excellent, heartfelt romance.
Clean romance if that is something you require.
I had read the story blurb before & passed over this book as the blurb turned me off. But then returning to MA Nichols I wanted to complete the Leigh series. Early on I contemplated returning it (KU Perk) & reading something else, but the reviews are so positive & I always like Nichols’ books, so pushed on.
Early on it’s really hard to like Dr Parker Humphrey but he grows wiser and it’s believable as the story progresses, so that by the end he’s charming. Prudence’s sister Rosanna doesn’t fare that well. I realized later that I did read Rosanna’s story “Love in Disguise” last year.
Anyway, Prudence is great though at times a bit of a paragon, but the author lays out complex emotions so well that it works in the end.
The internal conflicts make Nichols characters so real. Sadly recognized my own Mum in Mrs Leigh & it was strangely therapeutic to see a similar character portrayed.
Excellent, heartfelt romance.
Clean romance if that is something you require.
March 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this story and found it an interesting twist on miscommunication. I didn't feel it was too much like they were stupid communicators that just needed to speak up, but rather misinterpreted messages and wanting something to be true, so you convince yourself that little signs mean what you want them to mean. I cried a few times actually as I really could feel like I related to the main character. I felt many of the exact emotions she did and some truths learned were ones I needed to hear as a "spinster who has never been chosen". I was very happy with the progression of the relationship and really believed they were in love. However, I was disappointed by the ending just being them giving dating/courting a try. I wanted the happy ever after wedding and babies and getting away from her family. I felt like invested so much time to their story but didn't end up with the final payout. I may consider reading this book again in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
J'ai lu le livre en anglais mais j'ai vu qu'il est traduit et que des lecteurs français le lisent. Je laisse donc mon commentaire en français vu que les nombreux commentaires anglais vont dans le sens de ce que je pense.
C'est un roman sentimental qui est très intéressant, j'ai lu jusqu'à 3h30 cette nuit car je ne pouvais m'arrêter au milieu de l'intrigue ! Narrateur externe, trois points de vue. L'héroïne principale, sa sœur et le jeune homme qui complète le triangle amoureux.
Aucune scène déplacée, un roman à la Jane Austen qui fait rêver de paysage anglais et remonter dans le temps.
Je viens de voir qu'il s'agissait d'une série, je viens de mettre le numéro de dans mon panier ! L'histoire de la sœur de l'héroïne. J'ai hâte de le lire !!
Je ne peux que recommander cette lecture agréable à mettre entre toutes les mains. Très bien même pour des adolescentes car il n'y a aucune scène déplacée contrairement à beaucoup de livres aujourd'hui!
C'est un roman sentimental qui est très intéressant, j'ai lu jusqu'à 3h30 cette nuit car je ne pouvais m'arrêter au milieu de l'intrigue ! Narrateur externe, trois points de vue. L'héroïne principale, sa sœur et le jeune homme qui complète le triangle amoureux.
Aucune scène déplacée, un roman à la Jane Austen qui fait rêver de paysage anglais et remonter dans le temps.
Je viens de voir qu'il s'agissait d'une série, je viens de mettre le numéro de dans mon panier ! L'histoire de la sœur de l'héroïne. J'ai hâte de le lire !!
Je ne peux que recommander cette lecture agréable à mettre entre toutes les mains. Très bien même pour des adolescentes car il n'y a aucune scène déplacée contrairement à beaucoup de livres aujourd'hui!
October 30, 2025
The premise sounded interesting. Dr Parker Humpheries sent a love letter to the beautiful Miss Rosanna, but she wasn't interested so she passed the letter with its hair ribbon gift on to her elder sister Prudence, who mistakenly believed the letter was to her.
Prudence and Rosanna are very close, but both have simmering resentment and mild jealousy toward the other. Rosanna feels her beauty is a burden because nobody sees beyond her looks and her parents expect her to secure a wealthy husband to support her family without regard for her feelings. Prudence is the family workhorse. She supports her parents and tries to curb their spending, manages the household, teaches lessons to her younger siblings, all while wishing for a beau of her own. Though she isn't ugly, she is always overlooked in favour of her beautiful sister.
Unfortunately, I found the plot a bit boring and repetitive. Parker couldn't decide who he liked best of the two sisters, and in trying to be nice and not hurt anyone's feelings he came across as indecisive and lacked the strong emotions I like to see in my heroes. The sisters were both irritating at times, and neither glowed as the standout heroine should.
This is a sweet romance with no descriptive love scenes.
Prudence and Rosanna are very close, but both have simmering resentment and mild jealousy toward the other. Rosanna feels her beauty is a burden because nobody sees beyond her looks and her parents expect her to secure a wealthy husband to support her family without regard for her feelings. Prudence is the family workhorse. She supports her parents and tries to curb their spending, manages the household, teaches lessons to her younger siblings, all while wishing for a beau of her own. Though she isn't ugly, she is always overlooked in favour of her beautiful sister.
Unfortunately, I found the plot a bit boring and repetitive. Parker couldn't decide who he liked best of the two sisters, and in trying to be nice and not hurt anyone's feelings he came across as indecisive and lacked the strong emotions I like to see in my heroes. The sisters were both irritating at times, and neither glowed as the standout heroine should.
This is a sweet romance with no descriptive love scenes.
July 18, 2024
**Actually a 4.5-rating**
My apologies, seems I read this around the same time, last year but never left a review...darnit...
It was weird because my brain fragmented and it wasn't until I was deep within the re-read when it "clicked" for me. Yeah, it was familiar, but man...my elder age devoured my brain juices and misfired exactly what this book was about. The only clue I had was my rating. I do NOT give 5-stars so easily; the story had to a banger...or else. Like the heroine dragged me down the same path, like my faves in Mina [Flame & Ember] and Ambrose [The Shameless Flirt]. Whew!
I joke and self-admonish senility, but I actually thought I bit it horribly wrong on this one.
Thank you, M. A. Nichols...for giving me, yet again...a different angle of main male lead. A Doctor. Dr. Parker Humphreys, to be exact. Heartsick in love with a Leigh sister...Rosanna. There are two, of course, and we all know Parker is "in lurve" with the wrong one.
Prudence Leigh is older...maybe by a year? [or 2] at 27. But Prudence is the caretaker and workhorse of the family, while Rosanna is the winning prize for the right price. Both are of marriageable age, and out for the season...but, yeah, as you can probably suss out, Rosanna gets ALL the gentleman to come to the yard while Prudence props Rosanna up.
We open with poor naive Parker attempting to write a letter...he's trying to BE superfluous in some type of poetic language as he creates...well, pours out his heart from quill to paper. Except he IS a doctor and his penmanship is AY-Trocious...so, when he addresses the envelope Miss ? Leigh and sends it to the Leigh dwelling...folks ain't to sure that first name's first letter is an "R" or a "P". Since Rosanna gets most calls to the home, from gentlemen, then a safer bet is Rosanna.
Except Rosanna has no friggin' clue who Dr. Parker Humphreys is...or the cut of his jib. Parker even painstakingly selected a pretty blue ribbon for Miss Rosanna next hair up-do...but Rosanna knows this shade of blue drowns out her complexion and she has no dresses of this color. So she basically throws the letter with ribbon onto her older sister's bed [they share a room together] and now...the smudge looks really unclear...
Mama Leigh and Rosanna work extra hard to convince Prudence that the local doctor is in love with her, the letter is addressed to Miss "P" Leigh, of course...but she can't help but feel a little duped. This is really strange. Most men go for Rosanna, never her. It's too late when Parker notices Prudence wearing his ribbon and is quite broken-hearted when he figures out the mistake, watching Rosanna fall under the spell of the newest gentleman caller...Mr. Courtney.
I don't know...it was tough for me to figure Rosanna out. She loves Prudence to bits, knows exactly what she does and how men act around her, but she...conveniently forgets things of importance. Like feelings and compassion for other people. I think it's a great exploration to bring Rosanna along as we also walk with Prudence and Parker.
Parker knows he HAS TO tell Prudence the truth, because otherwise the plans he has to bring other men to parties so he can introduce them an slog them off onto her...becomes more of a...sensitive mission. Prudence really, and genuinely, was able to feel like Parker was there FOR HER, not Rosanna. When Parker tells the real truth about the letter...we start to witness a very different Prudence. She knows her "place", but she won't be lied to... not by Parker, Rosanna... nor her parents.
In typical Nichols's storytelling...Parker & Prudence have built a weird friendship. Most of all, Prudence leans on Parker to give her hidden medicinal home remedies she might be able to use to help within the household; they also have a similar taste in literature. Prudence holds no grudge on Parker, though he feels apoplectic-ally apologetic. Prudence finally has a bitter edge with Rosanna...and her parents. All of them have constantly and insisted on always leaning on HER to save them...to an unnerving degree.
Out of Prudence and Rosanna, with the younger 2 sisters...their is a lone 8yr old brother who falls ill. He is the sole heir to their family, so he is made more precious than all of his sisters before him. Rosanna is still found to be of quality for marriage because she can draw in a rich [maybe] husband with her beauty and...perfections.
I did like the tiny fragments of fight left in Rosanna. How she bit back, here and there, though she still has a mighty long ways to go.
When the Leigh's only son goes into bedridden sickness, this is when Parker & Prudence begin to rebuild what was always meant to be. The facade over Rosanna starts to peel away...and Parker sees Prudence for her worthiness and authentic-ness...true beauty from within.
I know most readers will immediately dislike Rosanna, but I think having her weave in and out, as her own story unfolds along with her sister's...it allows us to witness her subtle shifts in character. How she might be later on, as years go by. She put her foot down with Mr. Courtney, because Parker had been given enough time to make her have a sense of self and self-worth. She doesn't want to be just arm candy for a rich husband, then forgot about. We may see her in another book in the future, who knows.
I dearly enjoyed Parker's ability to walk us through how he figures his own heart out. I know he used his poor brother-in-law, Robert, as his heart mentor, but man, did he spit out some home truths that finally put Parker on the correct path to Prudence and finding his soulmate. well, truthfully, spitting mad-poetic passages to Prudence became much calmer and easier with her than her sister. Maybe because they're more worthy and heartfelt for someone who has never heard them in their lifetime, and will now hear them into forever.
My apologies, seems I read this around the same time, last year but never left a review...darnit...
It was weird because my brain fragmented and it wasn't until I was deep within the re-read when it "clicked" for me. Yeah, it was familiar, but man...my elder age devoured my brain juices and misfired exactly what this book was about. The only clue I had was my rating. I do NOT give 5-stars so easily; the story had to a banger...or else. Like the heroine dragged me down the same path, like my faves in Mina [Flame & Ember] and Ambrose [The Shameless Flirt]. Whew!
I joke and self-admonish senility, but I actually thought I bit it horribly wrong on this one.
Thank you, M. A. Nichols...for giving me, yet again...a different angle of main male lead. A Doctor. Dr. Parker Humphreys, to be exact. Heartsick in love with a Leigh sister...Rosanna. There are two, of course, and we all know Parker is "in lurve" with the wrong one.
Prudence Leigh is older...maybe by a year? [or 2] at 27. But Prudence is the caretaker and workhorse of the family, while Rosanna is the winning prize for the right price. Both are of marriageable age, and out for the season...but, yeah, as you can probably suss out, Rosanna gets ALL the gentleman to come to the yard while Prudence props Rosanna up.
We open with poor naive Parker attempting to write a letter...he's trying to BE superfluous in some type of poetic language as he creates...well, pours out his heart from quill to paper. Except he IS a doctor and his penmanship is AY-Trocious...so, when he addresses the envelope Miss ? Leigh and sends it to the Leigh dwelling...folks ain't to sure that first name's first letter is an "R" or a "P". Since Rosanna gets most calls to the home, from gentlemen, then a safer bet is Rosanna.
Except Rosanna has no friggin' clue who Dr. Parker Humphreys is...or the cut of his jib. Parker even painstakingly selected a pretty blue ribbon for Miss Rosanna next hair up-do...but Rosanna knows this shade of blue drowns out her complexion and she has no dresses of this color. So she basically throws the letter with ribbon onto her older sister's bed [they share a room together] and now...the smudge looks really unclear...
Mama Leigh and Rosanna work extra hard to convince Prudence that the local doctor is in love with her, the letter is addressed to Miss "P" Leigh, of course...but she can't help but feel a little duped. This is really strange. Most men go for Rosanna, never her. It's too late when Parker notices Prudence wearing his ribbon and is quite broken-hearted when he figures out the mistake, watching Rosanna fall under the spell of the newest gentleman caller...Mr. Courtney.
I don't know...it was tough for me to figure Rosanna out. She loves Prudence to bits, knows exactly what she does and how men act around her, but she...conveniently forgets things of importance. Like feelings and compassion for other people. I think it's a great exploration to bring Rosanna along as we also walk with Prudence and Parker.
Parker knows he HAS TO tell Prudence the truth, because otherwise the plans he has to bring other men to parties so he can introduce them an slog them off onto her...becomes more of a...sensitive mission. Prudence really, and genuinely, was able to feel like Parker was there FOR HER, not Rosanna. When Parker tells the real truth about the letter...we start to witness a very different Prudence. She knows her "place", but she won't be lied to... not by Parker, Rosanna... nor her parents.
In typical Nichols's storytelling...Parker & Prudence have built a weird friendship. Most of all, Prudence leans on Parker to give her hidden medicinal home remedies she might be able to use to help within the household; they also have a similar taste in literature. Prudence holds no grudge on Parker, though he feels apoplectic-ally apologetic. Prudence finally has a bitter edge with Rosanna...and her parents. All of them have constantly and insisted on always leaning on HER to save them...to an unnerving degree.
Out of Prudence and Rosanna, with the younger 2 sisters...their is a lone 8yr old brother who falls ill. He is the sole heir to their family, so he is made more precious than all of his sisters before him. Rosanna is still found to be of quality for marriage because she can draw in a rich [maybe] husband with her beauty and...perfections.
I did like the tiny fragments of fight left in Rosanna. How she bit back, here and there, though she still has a mighty long ways to go.
When the Leigh's only son goes into bedridden sickness, this is when Parker & Prudence begin to rebuild what was always meant to be. The facade over Rosanna starts to peel away...and Parker sees Prudence for her worthiness and authentic-ness...true beauty from within.
I know most readers will immediately dislike Rosanna, but I think having her weave in and out, as her own story unfolds along with her sister's...it allows us to witness her subtle shifts in character. How she might be later on, as years go by. She put her foot down with Mr. Courtney, because Parker had been given enough time to make her have a sense of self and self-worth. She doesn't want to be just arm candy for a rich husband, then forgot about. We may see her in another book in the future, who knows.
I dearly enjoyed Parker's ability to walk us through how he figures his own heart out. I know he used his poor brother-in-law, Robert, as his heart mentor, but man, did he spit out some home truths that finally put Parker on the correct path to Prudence and finding his soulmate. well, truthfully, spitting mad-poetic passages to Prudence became much calmer and easier with her than her sister. Maybe because they're more worthy and heartfelt for someone who has never heard them in their lifetime, and will now hear them into forever.
March 24, 2025
I've read a lot of bad romance books, if it was bad, I shrug it off and move on. But for once, I thought to myself, I really really hate this book and I need to review it. It had to be one of the most aggravating books I've ever read or skimmed through. The plain sister, Prudence is a pushover. And her sister, Roxanne, is a selfish person. Even early in the beginning when Roxanne was giving her attention to Parker, to spite Mr. Courtney, knowing that Prudence was into Parker, it was sickening to read while Prudence just made excuses for them both. There was no redeeming qualities for both the sisters. And what's even more annoying how the sister Roxanne continued to go after Parker knowing that Prudence and Parker had a little bit of history together. Ugh. At least make Roxanne the villain and not continue to paint her in a positive light. That I can respect and accept.
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