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Glass Slipper Brides #0.5
The Wedding Season: An Anthology
Much Ado About Nuptials by Deborah Hale
Plagued with a jaded heart, Sebastian Stanhope, Viscount Benedict, won't let his half brother rush into marriage. He must convince the bride's stubborn—if charming—governess, Rebecca Beaton, to help sever the engagement. Only, Rebecca is determined to encourage the engaged pair…and show Sebastian the blessing of true love.
The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge
Surely Elizabeth Moberly was born to be a nobleman's bride. She can't possibly be attracted to the untitled stranger who interrupts her cousin's wedding. Yet Elizabeth finds herself drawn to Philip Lindsey's tender heart and strong faith. And if Philip has his way, he'll convince Elizabeth the only title she needs is Mrs. Lindsey, beloved wife.
Plagued with a jaded heart, Sebastian Stanhope, Viscount Benedict, won't let his half brother rush into marriage. He must convince the bride's stubborn—if charming—governess, Rebecca Beaton, to help sever the engagement. Only, Rebecca is determined to encourage the engaged pair…and show Sebastian the blessing of true love.
The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge
Surely Elizabeth Moberly was born to be a nobleman's bride. She can't possibly be attracted to the untitled stranger who interrupts her cousin's wedding. Yet Elizabeth finds herself drawn to Philip Lindsey's tender heart and strong faith. And if Philip has his way, he'll convince Elizabeth the only title she needs is Mrs. Lindsey, beloved wife.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 18, 2011
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235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 9, 2011
Every once in a while this western writer visits Regency England. I enjoyed both stories very much. They're both full of delightful banter, challenges for the h/h, and happy surprises for the characters and readers alike. Enjoy!
November 22, 2011
Two stories in one book, I love those kind of books, as they are always a quick and lighthearted read. :) Can't ever go wrong with Love Inspired...
August 25, 2014
I've only just started Deborah Hale's Much Ado about Nuptials, and I love it. The opening scene is Darcy in stead of Lady DeBurgh insisting a girl to not wed his relative. Was that confusing? Oh well, the names Darcy and DeBurgh are not mentioned here, but the opening scene is a hilarious rendition of it all the same. Novel looks good so far- I'm on page 15 :D.
page 42/232: As direct and open as she was, Sebastian sensed this was not something she would tell just anyone, not even Miss Leonard. He felt honored and deeply moved that she had chosen to confide in him. Wasn't that a tactic employed by Wickham- to seemingly take someone into confidence at a very recent acquantaine- who happened to not be such a nice character? Oh well, this is romance... I shouldn't judge it by the standard one judges Jane Austen.
page 42/232: As direct and open as she was, Sebastian sensed this was not something she would tell just anyone, not even Miss Leonard. He felt honored and deeply moved that she had chosen to confide in him. Wasn't that a tactic employed by Wickham- to seemingly take someone into confidence at a very recent acquantaine- who happened to not be such a nice character? Oh well, this is romance... I shouldn't judge it by the standard one judges Jane Austen.
August 19, 2012
Much Ado About Nuptials – Deborah Hale
Setting:
1814; Cotswolds, England – Rose Grange estate
Theme:
Letting go the past, reexamining ones biases, love
Characters:
Sebastian Stanhope, Viscount Benedict – impulsively married a deceptive woman who led him on but only wanted his money and title to benefit her family – she died after 2 years. Now he is on a mission to save his frivolous half brother from the same mistake.
Claude Stanhope – half brother, in love with Hermione.
Hermione Leonard – just had her first season, young, a bit silly, but in love with Claude.
Rebecca Beaton – parents died when whe was 5, mother married beneath when she married a clergyman and her family shuffled Rebecca from one to another until they placed her in a boarding school for children of clergy, where they forgot her…7 years ago, at age 20, hired as Hermione’s governess (when Hermione’s mother died) and then stayed on as her companion…
Summary:
Sebastian comes storming into the gardens and mistakes Rebecca for Hermione, and without letting her insert a word overwhelmed her with his persuasion that she should not marry his brother… she does not lie, but does not correct his assumptions, and tells him that she will not marry his brother…
When Sebastian finds out his error,… he is at first annoyed, but with Rebecca’s sincere apology, he alters his campaign to try and get her to join him in arguing against the wedding… and he finds he wants to spend more time in her company… and Rebecca finds she wants to spend more time with him… and to ease him… She tries to get him see his wife’s point of view… and she keeps reminding herself not to let her feelings grow for him as he is a lord and she but a companion…
She takes her own advice, and writes to her aunt, and is surprised and pleased when her aunt invites her to visit her… then Sebastian kisses her, asks her to marry him, but immediately regrets it, questioning his own sense… but then decides to set his brother up and scare the women off, so he gets a maid to kiss his brother just as Rebecca and Hermione are entering the room… and Hermione sadly tells Claude he believes in his innocence, but he cannot marry as his brother would not accept the marriage… and Rebecca and Hermione go to Bath to be with Rebecca’s aunt… 3 months later, a Rebecca who finally has her own family is promenading with her aunt and Hermione, and Sebastian shows up, asks Hermione’s forgiveness and that he knows his brother would be very happy to hear from her… and then he asks Rebecca’s forgiveness also, and if she would consider marrying him… ahhhh
The Gentleman Takes A Bride – Louise M Gouge
Setting:
1810 - Hampshire, England - Devon Hall
Theme:
Honor, forgiveness, righteousness, love
Characters:
Elizabeth Moberly – one of 3 cousins, born within days of one another, and looking like enough to be triplets… raised with faith, prays that God will send her a godly man to marry who happens to have a title…
Diane and Prudence – Di wants to marry a title, Prudence wants to marry a good man… and Elizabeth is in the middle… Diane ends up with a wealthy, untitled, good man – and Prudence ends up with a minister.
Captain and Mrs. Moberly – raising 5 children – teaching them God’s ways…
Philip Lindsey, Lord Lydney – has 2 younger siblings, and the responsibility for their estate since he was 17 (now 23)… he is godly… he gave his sister’s $10,000 dowry to her fiancé (with a signed betrothal agreement) as her tearful request, so that he could invest and develop an income worthy of her… though he invested the money (somewhat unwisely), he fell in deep love with another… and Philip rides hard for 5 days to stop their wedding, just in a nick of time.
Summary:
After the wedding is stopped until her father (Captain’s brother) can get his lawyers to review the contract, the Captain invites Philip to stay with them... and bit by bit, Elizabeth and Philip’s attraction and like grows. Philip fits well into the family, enjoying the grandchildren’s antics and religious plays… and he works at doing and thinking what is godly… Elizabeth struggles with her growing attraction for Philip – both to his body and to his character… and trying to rationalize out of it as she wants a husband with a title… but when a family friend whom she entertained thoughts of marriage to makes an inappropriate pass toward her, she realizes the true value of character.
When the lawyers agree that the fiancé needs to pay back the money or go to debtor’s prison, Philip feels vindicated – even though the fiancé does not have the money… but when Rebecca encourages his courting of her… and he goes to her father to ask for his hand… the Captain says no, and with a bit of a story of his own need to forgive a grievance against his wife… and that Philip needs to forgive and give the fiancé a chance to repay as he can, Philip says he can’t… he heads back home, but before he gets there and as he is ruminating and remembering the children’s play from matthew where the lord forgives his servant’s debt, but then the servant does not forgive another who owed him a smaller debt – then the lord demanded full payment… and Philip realizes he is like that 1st servant; God the father forgives him, even his pride – and that he needs to forgive the fiancé… and he does, and a burden is lifted, and feeling light, he goes back to ask for the hand of Elizabeth… and to Elizabeth’s surprise (after she and her father now say yes) he tells them that he has inherited his cousin’s cousin’s title… ahhh
Setting:
1814; Cotswolds, England – Rose Grange estate
Theme:
Letting go the past, reexamining ones biases, love
Characters:
Sebastian Stanhope, Viscount Benedict – impulsively married a deceptive woman who led him on but only wanted his money and title to benefit her family – she died after 2 years. Now he is on a mission to save his frivolous half brother from the same mistake.
Claude Stanhope – half brother, in love with Hermione.
Hermione Leonard – just had her first season, young, a bit silly, but in love with Claude.
Rebecca Beaton – parents died when whe was 5, mother married beneath when she married a clergyman and her family shuffled Rebecca from one to another until they placed her in a boarding school for children of clergy, where they forgot her…7 years ago, at age 20, hired as Hermione’s governess (when Hermione’s mother died) and then stayed on as her companion…
Summary:
Sebastian comes storming into the gardens and mistakes Rebecca for Hermione, and without letting her insert a word overwhelmed her with his persuasion that she should not marry his brother… she does not lie, but does not correct his assumptions, and tells him that she will not marry his brother…
When Sebastian finds out his error,… he is at first annoyed, but with Rebecca’s sincere apology, he alters his campaign to try and get her to join him in arguing against the wedding… and he finds he wants to spend more time in her company… and Rebecca finds she wants to spend more time with him… and to ease him… She tries to get him see his wife’s point of view… and she keeps reminding herself not to let her feelings grow for him as he is a lord and she but a companion…
She takes her own advice, and writes to her aunt, and is surprised and pleased when her aunt invites her to visit her… then Sebastian kisses her, asks her to marry him, but immediately regrets it, questioning his own sense… but then decides to set his brother up and scare the women off, so he gets a maid to kiss his brother just as Rebecca and Hermione are entering the room… and Hermione sadly tells Claude he believes in his innocence, but he cannot marry as his brother would not accept the marriage… and Rebecca and Hermione go to Bath to be with Rebecca’s aunt… 3 months later, a Rebecca who finally has her own family is promenading with her aunt and Hermione, and Sebastian shows up, asks Hermione’s forgiveness and that he knows his brother would be very happy to hear from her… and then he asks Rebecca’s forgiveness also, and if she would consider marrying him… ahhhh
The Gentleman Takes A Bride – Louise M Gouge
Setting:
1810 - Hampshire, England - Devon Hall
Theme:
Honor, forgiveness, righteousness, love
Characters:
Elizabeth Moberly – one of 3 cousins, born within days of one another, and looking like enough to be triplets… raised with faith, prays that God will send her a godly man to marry who happens to have a title…
Diane and Prudence – Di wants to marry a title, Prudence wants to marry a good man… and Elizabeth is in the middle… Diane ends up with a wealthy, untitled, good man – and Prudence ends up with a minister.
Captain and Mrs. Moberly – raising 5 children – teaching them God’s ways…
Philip Lindsey, Lord Lydney – has 2 younger siblings, and the responsibility for their estate since he was 17 (now 23)… he is godly… he gave his sister’s $10,000 dowry to her fiancé (with a signed betrothal agreement) as her tearful request, so that he could invest and develop an income worthy of her… though he invested the money (somewhat unwisely), he fell in deep love with another… and Philip rides hard for 5 days to stop their wedding, just in a nick of time.
Summary:
After the wedding is stopped until her father (Captain’s brother) can get his lawyers to review the contract, the Captain invites Philip to stay with them... and bit by bit, Elizabeth and Philip’s attraction and like grows. Philip fits well into the family, enjoying the grandchildren’s antics and religious plays… and he works at doing and thinking what is godly… Elizabeth struggles with her growing attraction for Philip – both to his body and to his character… and trying to rationalize out of it as she wants a husband with a title… but when a family friend whom she entertained thoughts of marriage to makes an inappropriate pass toward her, she realizes the true value of character.
When the lawyers agree that the fiancé needs to pay back the money or go to debtor’s prison, Philip feels vindicated – even though the fiancé does not have the money… but when Rebecca encourages his courting of her… and he goes to her father to ask for his hand… the Captain says no, and with a bit of a story of his own need to forgive a grievance against his wife… and that Philip needs to forgive and give the fiancé a chance to repay as he can, Philip says he can’t… he heads back home, but before he gets there and as he is ruminating and remembering the children’s play from matthew where the lord forgives his servant’s debt, but then the servant does not forgive another who owed him a smaller debt – then the lord demanded full payment… and Philip realizes he is like that 1st servant; God the father forgives him, even his pride – and that he needs to forgive the fiancé… and he does, and a burden is lifted, and feeling light, he goes back to ask for the hand of Elizabeth… and to Elizabeth’s surprise (after she and her father now say yes) he tells them that he has inherited his cousin’s cousin’s title… ahhh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2018
Much Ado About Nuptials by Deborah Hale is short but good story :)
July 27, 2020
Enjoyable stories with good endings. I like more action and less dialogue.
July 17, 2011
Title: THE WEDDING SEASON
Authors: Deborah Hale and Louise Gouge
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
June 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-82873-9
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Wedding bells will ring in these romantic Regency stories…
THE WEDDING SEASON is a set of two stories set in England, during the Regency period.
Much Ado About Nuptials by Deborah Hale – Sebastian Stanhope is plagued with a jaded heart due to an unfortunate error he made when he was younger. He’s determined not to let his brother, Claude make the same mistake—and so he tries to break up the marriage Claude seems to be rushing into. He tries to convince the brides companion, Rebecca Beaton, into helping him in his plans, but she seems determined to encourage the pair—and show Sebastian the meaning of love.
The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge – Elizabeth Moberly is determined to marry a peer, and so she can’t possibly be attracted to the stranger who rode in to break up her cousin’s marriage. Yet, Philip Lindsey seems to have a tender heart and a strong faith. Will Philip be able to convince Elizabeth that the only title she needs is Mrs. Lindsey?
THE WEDDING SEASON is a charming story set during the Regency period, portraying two different couples finding love. Ms. Hale is a new debut author, and I’m looking forward to reading other books by this talented author. And Ms. Gouge is a talented author and I’ve read all her books to date. Ms. Gouge’s story is a continuance of her other stories set in America during the Revolutionary War, including characters (this time in the role of parents) who were in her previous books.
If you are looking for a great Regency, then THE WEDDING SEASON is a book that you’ll definitely want to read. And since it released during the month of June—the traditional wedding month—you’ll definitely want to read it soon. Discussion questions are included. $5.50. 285 pages.
Authors: Deborah Hale and Louise Gouge
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
June 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-82873-9
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Wedding bells will ring in these romantic Regency stories…
THE WEDDING SEASON is a set of two stories set in England, during the Regency period.
Much Ado About Nuptials by Deborah Hale – Sebastian Stanhope is plagued with a jaded heart due to an unfortunate error he made when he was younger. He’s determined not to let his brother, Claude make the same mistake—and so he tries to break up the marriage Claude seems to be rushing into. He tries to convince the brides companion, Rebecca Beaton, into helping him in his plans, but she seems determined to encourage the pair—and show Sebastian the meaning of love.
The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge – Elizabeth Moberly is determined to marry a peer, and so she can’t possibly be attracted to the stranger who rode in to break up her cousin’s marriage. Yet, Philip Lindsey seems to have a tender heart and a strong faith. Will Philip be able to convince Elizabeth that the only title she needs is Mrs. Lindsey?
THE WEDDING SEASON is a charming story set during the Regency period, portraying two different couples finding love. Ms. Hale is a new debut author, and I’m looking forward to reading other books by this talented author. And Ms. Gouge is a talented author and I’ve read all her books to date. Ms. Gouge’s story is a continuance of her other stories set in America during the Revolutionary War, including characters (this time in the role of parents) who were in her previous books.
If you are looking for a great Regency, then THE WEDDING SEASON is a book that you’ll definitely want to read. And since it released during the month of June—the traditional wedding month—you’ll definitely want to read it soon. Discussion questions are included. $5.50. 285 pages.
October 1, 2011
I will be the first to admit that I had no idea what to expect when I picked up The Wedding Season. It’s from Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historicals line, which according to Harlequin, blend romance and faith. Honestly, that’s not something I’d typically read, but when Deborah Hale’s name is on the cover, that’s all the incentive I need to read a story, so I dug in, and I am sooooo glad I did. This might be one of my favorite stories by her, and that is saying a lot.
This is a story not so much about pride and prejudice, but prejudice itself. The hero, Sebastian, is a Viscount who had been trapped in a loveless marriage by a pretty face. Now free of it, he turns his back on love, and turns his efforts to ensuring his brother makes a better match. The woman who has secured his brother’s affections is a pretty girl of modest means – so much like his first wife and Sebastian does everything in his power to stop the match. In doing so, he meets Rebecca Beaton, the governess of the woman who might be his sister-in-law. The Viscount’s impervious and stern manor does not enamor him to Rebecca, but the two of them learn that each are, good people, both hurt by episode in their past, and that forgiveness is the only way forward.
What I enjoyed about this is the romantic tension – and there was, in this compact novella, Much Ado about Nuptials. This is what I read romance novels for, and if that’s your thing, you’ll find it here.
This is a story not so much about pride and prejudice, but prejudice itself. The hero, Sebastian, is a Viscount who had been trapped in a loveless marriage by a pretty face. Now free of it, he turns his back on love, and turns his efforts to ensuring his brother makes a better match. The woman who has secured his brother’s affections is a pretty girl of modest means – so much like his first wife and Sebastian does everything in his power to stop the match. In doing so, he meets Rebecca Beaton, the governess of the woman who might be his sister-in-law. The Viscount’s impervious and stern manor does not enamor him to Rebecca, but the two of them learn that each are, good people, both hurt by episode in their past, and that forgiveness is the only way forward.
What I enjoyed about this is the romantic tension – and there was, in this compact novella, Much Ado about Nuptials. This is what I read romance novels for, and if that’s your thing, you’ll find it here.
October 15, 2011
Much Ado About Nuptials by Deborah Hale 6/12/11
Sebastian has come to break up the marriage plans his brother Claude has made, as he has always done. Sebastian sees all women after money and uncaring. He is pleased when the woman in the garden promises she will never marry his brother. When telling his brother he discovers it was not his betrothed but her companion.
Rebecca and Sebastian try to convince the other to see the marriage from their side of it. After Sebastian shares his story with her, Rebecca realizes that he is comparing all women to the one who betrayed him.
Great story!
The Gentleman Takes a Bride Louise M. Gouge 6/12/11
Captain Thomas Mobley's children are grown and his daughter Elizabeth has her eyes set on someone of the peer. When Philip Lindsey burst into the church and stops her cousins wedding she has trouble keeping her eyes off him and constantly tells herself he is not a peer.
Her father invites the young man to stay with them until the matter of her cousins betrothed can be settled. Being already in a marriage contract to Lucy Lindsey he has taken her dowry early.
This book is about the different stages people are at in the English aristocracy, love and forgiveness. Of those who want power and those who want nothing to do with it. I enjoyed all the books in Louise's series.
Sebastian has come to break up the marriage plans his brother Claude has made, as he has always done. Sebastian sees all women after money and uncaring. He is pleased when the woman in the garden promises she will never marry his brother. When telling his brother he discovers it was not his betrothed but her companion.
Rebecca and Sebastian try to convince the other to see the marriage from their side of it. After Sebastian shares his story with her, Rebecca realizes that he is comparing all women to the one who betrayed him.
Great story!
The Gentleman Takes a Bride Louise M. Gouge 6/12/11
Captain Thomas Mobley's children are grown and his daughter Elizabeth has her eyes set on someone of the peer. When Philip Lindsey burst into the church and stops her cousins wedding she has trouble keeping her eyes off him and constantly tells herself he is not a peer.
Her father invites the young man to stay with them until the matter of her cousins betrothed can be settled. Being already in a marriage contract to Lucy Lindsey he has taken her dowry early.
This book is about the different stages people are at in the English aristocracy, love and forgiveness. Of those who want power and those who want nothing to do with it. I enjoyed all the books in Louise's series.
March 9, 2013
I won this book in a giveaway and I received my copy in the mail yesterday from Deborah Hale. I can't wait to read it. I have never read any of the Love Inspired Historicals before. So I am glad I have a chance to see what they are like. Thanks to Deborah Hale for my copy of the book. Took me awhile to find time to read. I was scrapbooking last week-end and than the grandchildren were home sick. I really enjoyed the book. Sebastian and Rebecca made for a great story and it was wonderful to see how they helped each other get past their old hurt feelings they had from their past lives. Deborah Hale did a wonderful job writing the story and I look forward to reading more of her books. The bonus book included The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge was also a good story. Thanks again for my copy of the book.
June 27, 2013
Hmmm... let me start off by saying that I am as Christian as they come and so I enjoy books geared for that audience except when I feel that I am being preached to with scriptures, comments, parables and trite but common religious sayings on every single page! I guess what I like it the lack of sexual description that so many feel is mandatory in a Historical Romance. The first short story by Deborah Hale was cute and enjoyable while I had to wade through way too much righteous commentary in the 2nd short story by Louise Gouge. So I'll will just say this - I will attempt another by the first author and no more by the 2nd. But hey the book was free on Kindle so I got what I paid for.
June 21, 2015
Much Ado About Nuptials:
In the time of English knights, Lords, and Viscounts comes a sweet short story about a governess-turn companion and the viscount up the road. As they begin to debate over the reasons why her former charge should not marry his brother, they begin to see reasons why they should marry.
The book is about 130 pages long, so you can't expect anything too deep, yet both have been hurt and both have reasons for holding back on what could be deemed as true love. I was moved to watch these two come together in a romantic way!
Sweet story.
Five Stars
The second story, I just could not get into.
1 star.
In the time of English knights, Lords, and Viscounts comes a sweet short story about a governess-turn companion and the viscount up the road. As they begin to debate over the reasons why her former charge should not marry his brother, they begin to see reasons why they should marry.
The book is about 130 pages long, so you can't expect anything too deep, yet both have been hurt and both have reasons for holding back on what could be deemed as true love. I was moved to watch these two come together in a romantic way!
Sweet story.
Five Stars
The second story, I just could not get into.
1 star.
September 21, 2014
Deborah Hale's story, Much Ado About Nuptials, was delightful, a solid 4 stars, with intriguing characters the reader cared about and cheered for. Louise Gouge's story, The Gentleman Takes a Bride, had interesting characters and well-portrayed family relationships, but the story plodded along, quite predictably, and the romance was less believable. I'd rate it between 2 1/2 and 3 stars.
February 25, 2020
For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot...
June 27, 2011
A Goodreads first-reads win!
3.5 stars. Two sweet, clean romance novellas. Very quick and enjoyable reads.
3.5 stars. Two sweet, clean romance novellas. Very quick and enjoyable reads.
August 26, 2011
Clean fun fast reads.
Read
February 28, 2013Loved Deb Hale's Much Ado about Nuptials
September 15, 2011
I read the second story on the recommendation of my wife. It was sweet.
May 23, 2012
Two cute and clean short stories. Both could have been developed more into an entire novel, instead of novellas - and I would have enjoyed that. But, for what they were, I was pleased.
July 30, 2012
I couldn't finish either story in this short collection. Pity, as normally I enjoy Deborah Hale's writing.
October 27, 2017
Much Ado About Nuptials 3.5/5 (This is the first in the series, Glass Slipper Brides and before The Captain's Christmas Family.)
The Gentleman Takes a Bride 2/5 both are Christian Romance.
The Gentleman Takes a Bride 2/5 both are Christian Romance.
Want to read
April 13, 2016Much Ado About Nuptials by Deborah Hale
The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge
The Gentleman Takes a Bride by Louise M. Gouge
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews