For me it was lovely reading after having read Lady ...
920634
For me it was lovely reading after having read Lady By The Lake. Now I want to go to Paris to see the apartment!
4216654
3 stars go to this book! It wasn't an action/adventure book, or one that scares you silly, but it was a really nice book about an elder lady reminiscing her life. After I had finished the last page, I tried to find a word that would sum up my overall thoughts of the book, and the word "Sweet" came to mind. That pretty much sums up my thoughts on it: it was a very sweet book that made me ponder many things.

The story begins with Cassandra sitting on her front porch, when she begins to think back to when she first met her husband. That was the first time I read a book with that kind of set up - an elderly person recapping their life - but it was a nice change from the books that I usually read.

It was a bit slow in places and sometimes it was confusing as her children grew up, married, and had kids of their own - I got confused with all the new names that kept popping into the picture! But besides these few parts, I really enjoyed the story and getting to know the characters. I loved to watch the change in Cassandra as she adjusted to her new life out West. And the story of her conversion was touching! That was probably my favorite part in the book: you could see the total transformation in her character! To sum it up, I really enjoyed reading this book by Janette Oke!

Thanks to Bethany House for giving me a review copy of this book!
4563425
First, I listened to the book on cd.  When I saw that Sue Miller, the author, did the reading, I almost put it down.  I haven't listened to many books read by the authors, that I didn't really dislike.  This was the exception, Miller did a beautiful reading.  Very calm, soothing, loved it.  The story was good.  I was able to identify with the characters, Miller does a wonderful job, with the back stories.  Good read!
3164599
I first read this book under a different title, "A Countess Below Stairs", a title I prefer over "The Secret Countess". However, whatever the title, this is a lovely book. The main characters, Rupert and Anna, are both struggling with their situations after the First World War. Anna, a Russian countess, has emigrated to England after the Russian Revolution and must go to work to support her family, while Rupert has become Earl of Westerholme after his brother's death in the war. The book's secondary characters, mainly compromised of the Mersham Hall family and servants, are just as well-developed and add some funny and at times dramatic moments. Fans of both "Upstairs Downstairs" and "Downton Abbey" fans will enjoy this sweetly romantic tale.
1641139
A really lovely read  very much a Downton Abbey story, looking forward to reading the follow up
1830891
Okay, this is not a perfectly researched Regency romance.  So what? I found it still a good story.  I liked it.  There were some problems, the "glow" Lady Bess kept describing for John just got annoying; and John's constant dithering about whether he really wanted Lady Bess got old.  But, it was, in the end, for me, an enjoyable read.  And I liked the characters, too.  I found the relationship Lady Bess had with her father quite a change from the usual, and liked it a lot.  Usually the father is an overbearing or absentee parent, and this was a really nice change.  Again, I liked it.
4324073
I knew I was going to cry reading this! I cried the last two chapters of the Viscount and the  Vixen ! But I had to read George's story and I wasn't sorry it was beautiful but sad and I enjoyed it thank you for a lovely story!
4789471
One needs to read something cheery after this one - not saying it was a bad read though, I enjoyed it.
3956433
I found THE FEMALE CORRESPONDENT to be aptly named, charming, fun to read, and an interesting theme for a Regency Romance. Having started a Georgette Heyer book recently, I see the comparisons made between this took and Ms. Heyer's, but did enjoy this short story so much more. Perhaps it was just the mood I was in. I liked the occasional usage of terms of the day in another language (French?) as they made perfect sense and added depth to Bee (Beatrice)'s character. I found Henry charming, appealing, and worthy of Bee's affection. Having enjoyed this short story by E.A. Deverell so much, I'd definitely pick up more by this author.

Sensuality Level: Rated G
Language: Rated G
Violence: none
2780917
I like Miss Fortune series, so I decided to give it a try. It's a nice reading, not very typical romantic mystery novel.
2523033
The setting was great. Some country, some classy, a lot of nice people. Reading as the story unfolded gave me warm fuzzies
4234805
We read romance stories because we love fairy tales.  We know that good will triumph over bad and the hero and heroine will end up together because they are fated to live "happily ever after".  We attend Shakespeare plays not for the story, because we know how it ends; but because we want to see how well the play is performed and staged.
This is the first Anne Gracie book I have read.  The story is sweet, the impoverished high born heroine, Maddy is beautiful inside and out.  The hero is gorgeous, generous and discovers his better sides when he falls in love with Madeline.  Maddy's 5 younger brothers and sisters are wonderful children that anyone would want to adopt.
So the reading experience was smooth and pleasant to finish.  But what took away from making this a 4 or 5 star book are a number of violations of the Regency romance.  The dialogue was too contemporary.  The heroine was far too modern in her actions, thoughts and words.  The hero was way too accepting of Maddy's headstrong and abrasive behaviors and speech.
The scene of Maddy upbraiding her fiancee's Aunt Maude by calling her "an obnoxious old woman," was completely not Regency romance.  No unmarried woman of 22, would ever talk back at nobility like that and especially one that the man she loved, respected and was so close to, never.  It was also jarring that the characters addressed each other so informally.  Maddy was supposed to have been raised by her French Grand Mere to be a lady, but she frequently acted without respect, reserve or good manners.
We also read romance books to be transported to another time and place.  The author's failure to maintain the Regency period made it hard to take the trip back with the story.
1042885
Turning to the Victorian Era, Jane Goodger brings a lovely story with her new title The Spinster Bride. Full of the banter, social restrictions and laden with wonderful secondary characters that build the scene and the world beautifully.

Charles Norris is not a prime candidate for the aspiring Mamas of the new debutantes. As the second son of a Viscount, he has been out of England pursuing his own path, only to return with a wound and a desire to marry.  Capturing the attention of the latest it girl debutante of the season, Charles is dismayed and angered when she marries another.  He will be married, in spite of his rather unusual household, and he wants to marry now.

Lady Marjorie has been out for several seasons, her dragon-like mother has decreed that she will only marry a titled man, befitting her status as the only daughter of an Earl.  With no real solid prospects, this is Marjories final season before firmly being put on the shelf.  Adhering to the social conventions of her time, Marjorie is aware of her tenuous position, and while not chafing against her mothers decree or behavior, she is also determined to protect her younger brother, the Earl from the harsh realities of life.  For George needs her protection as he is not quite right, and is truly her only Achilles heel.

When Charles twists Marjories protective nature about her brother to meet his own ends, and enlist her in his plans to find a wife in lieu of demanding repayment of a gambling debt, Marjorie is both intrigued and a willing participant, thinking the journey fun and amusing. What none but the reader expect is Marjorie and Charles starting to find qualities to admire in one another, to the detriment of Lady Penwhistle (her mother).

Goodger has created a courtship that is fun and intriguing, while slowly peeling back layers that display Marjories curious nature and Georges propensity for kindness and acceptance to all. Both are rare qualities for the era  titled men are secure and cloistered in their beliefs to be as generations before had done, and the women are not encouraged to seek out more. With insets from Marjories mother about her own failed courtship and the angry and judgmental woman that emerged from that pain, Lady Penwhistles story becomes a nice counterpoint to the developing relationship between Marjorie and Charles, and allows readers to understand just why she acts as she does.

And Marjorie and Charles are wonderful together: their interactions and her honest approach as a facilitator removes Marjories hesitation to address Charles honestly and frankly, unlike a flirtation would.  Charles ability to encourage and even delight in Marjories company, and his easy acceptance and offer of friendship to George are points in his favor, and ones that have Marjorie learning to look to her own desires and ignore expectations that are foisted upon her.

With a solid connection and several moments to laugh as Marjorie opens up and boldly asks questions and makes demands, her development and their courtship are wonderful to watch, and feel very organic and possible.  A wonderful story to spend an afternoon with as you travel into Victorian England with this couple!

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
4445491
Spoiler alert Happy Ending in sight. It was a great read and it makes me wish I had a great aunt like mags. In some ways it was a predictable romance, everyone is beautiful and well off.  They find just the right job and are widely succesful and ecstatic about it.
I did really enjoy the series. happy reading to all
1978026
I found that this was a sweet story with a predictable but satisfying story line. I did find the characters to be original and interesting.  The authors seem to have done their research about the Regency era and manners and keep their characters in that world for the most part.  I feel with a little bit of polish it could move the book from good to great.
918520
first reading was hazy for me. second reading - i am in awe of how strong Constance made herself to be, and i could just hug Saint for what he did for her. yes, it would be helpful to read the Falcon Club series as you then understand the witty banter between Lady Justice and Peregrine, and know how the intrigue that Constance would have some parts in it, and therefore pushed her further to solve the crime. but the strength of this book is the two characters, what they were to each other, and how they were with each other.
4298623
The author surprised me with this book after I had read The Lady a few years ago. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. Its filled with interesting characters whom she brings to life very well. The short chapter format is conducive to sleepy late- night reading. But the more you read , the less youll want to put it down. Great conclusion at the end- don't peek!!