rachel_abby_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I think I've actually read these before, but it's been a while and I apparently didn't log it.
brookeonbooks's review against another edition
3.0
While I enjoyed it overall, this collection left me vaguely disappointed. I enjoy historical romance, especially set in the UK, so I was surprised by my reaction. The stories were all well written with sweet plots and endearing characters, but for some reason they didn't tug at the heart strings in the same way that other Timeless Romance Anthology offerings have in the past. Of all the stories in this collection, my favorite was "Dream of a Glorious Season," which weaves a tale about Elizabeth, a second sister prevented from having a London season because her horrid older sister is too caustic to attract a suitor, with conservative parents too traditional to allow a younger season to come out until the elder sister is wed. Instead, a family friend schemes opportunities to introduce Elizabeth to marriageable members of the Ton and slowly realizes that he doesn't want Elizabeth to marry anyone but himself, much to his surprise. Charming!
tboofy's review against another edition
4.0
I love Sarah Eden, and these short stories were quick and fun
ghumpherys's review against another edition
5.0
Sarah Eden is one of my absolute favorite authors -- I love all of her stories! She writes such wonderful characters and her stories are full of charm and wit and sweet moments. I love the historical settings in England and Ireland and all the rich details.
This is a collection of six of her stories -- four were previously published in other Timeless Romance Anthologies and two were brand new (yay!). I had read the four already published, but I decided to read them again because I can just never get enough of Sarah Eden's stories. The two new stories, "A Friend Indeed" and "A Happy Beginning" were just perfect, as always. "A Friend Indeed" deals with two lifetime friends who become betrothed (she thinks he is doing it from obligation but he needs to convince her that she holds his heart) and "A Happy Beginning" introduces an English governess in Scotland who is lonely and tries to befriend the quiet stable master.
This is the perfect collection for fans of Sarah Eden!
I received a free e-book copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a collection of six of her stories -- four were previously published in other Timeless Romance Anthologies and two were brand new (yay!). I had read the four already published, but I decided to read them again because I can just never get enough of Sarah Eden's stories. The two new stories, "A Friend Indeed" and "A Happy Beginning" were just perfect, as always. "A Friend Indeed" deals with two lifetime friends who become betrothed (she thinks he is doing it from obligation but he needs to convince her that she holds his heart) and "A Happy Beginning" introduces an English governess in Scotland who is lonely and tries to befriend the quiet stable master.
This is the perfect collection for fans of Sarah Eden!
I received a free e-book copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
attolis's review
3.75
While reading other Timeless Romance anthologies I found that Sarah Eden's stories were consistently my favourite and this collection is as lovely as I expected it to be.
joyful808's review against another edition
5.0
Sarah M. Eden has such fantastic word play. This is a collection of six novellas.
A Friend Indeed, England, 1808
A sweet story of blossoming romance.
A Happy Beginning, Scotland, 1850
The real fun part for me was how Sophia was such a mystery to Dermot. He spent the first few chapters trying to figure her out. In his mind she was different in so many ways from the previous governess.
I like that the characters had actual jobs. And musings like this, "He couldn't remember the last time he had been so fully distracted."
The Road to Cavan Town, Ireland, 1864
My goodness these wonderful stories just keep getting better. The Road to Cavan Town was just precious. A playful story of love right under your nose.
A Christmas Promise, Ireland, late 1820s
This felt from the start like a family story lovingly handed down generation to generation. Every bit as warm and special, too.
Dream of a Glorious Season, London, 1810
An absolutely enjoyable tale in the style of Taming of the Shrew. I loved this one.
A Lesson on Love, London, 1813
Of all the stories this one struck a nerve. Conflict between newlyweds that culminates in a happily ever after, albeit sitcom-like, resolution.
Sarah M. Eden truly is a fantastic storyteller. Each story was genuinely unique.
I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Friend Indeed, England, 1808
A sweet story of blossoming romance.
A Happy Beginning, Scotland, 1850
The real fun part for me was how Sophia was such a mystery to Dermot. He spent the first few chapters trying to figure her out. In his mind she was different in so many ways from the previous governess.
I like that the characters had actual jobs. And musings like this, "He couldn't remember the last time he had been so fully distracted."
The Road to Cavan Town, Ireland, 1864
My goodness these wonderful stories just keep getting better. The Road to Cavan Town was just precious. A playful story of love right under your nose.
A Christmas Promise, Ireland, late 1820s
This felt from the start like a family story lovingly handed down generation to generation. Every bit as warm and special, too.
Dream of a Glorious Season, London, 1810
An absolutely enjoyable tale in the style of Taming of the Shrew. I loved this one.
A Lesson on Love, London, 1813
Of all the stories this one struck a nerve. Conflict between newlyweds that culminates in a happily ever after, albeit sitcom-like, resolution.
Sarah M. Eden truly is a fantastic storyteller. Each story was genuinely unique.
I received an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
nicolepeck's review against another edition
4.0
A Friend Indeed: A cute story about two life-long friends and their engagement with the ensuing courtship, even if it happened backwards. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other, as George tried to woo Caroline into their relationship becoming more than the friendship they'd enjoyed for so long, even though the engagement was somewhat forced to help with Caroline's family's financial struggles.
A Happy Beginning: I love the setting of this story in the Scottish Highlands. The characters were well developed, and I could relate to Sophia's personality. This story could have easily been developed into a much longer one, detailing even more of the development of Dermot and Sophia's relationship. Every single member of the Haddington family was deplorable, even the children, so the coup among the servants that Dermot staged to get back at them had me cheering him on. Again, very well done and it left me wanting more from these characters and the setting, always a sign, to me, that the author has done their job well.
The Road to Cavan Town: Another setting I absolutely love - Ireland!!! I loved how the author tried to convey the Irish brogue through the characters' conversations. The concept of all the men coming to court Miss Kilchrest seemed a bit far-fetched to me, but maybe that was a common thing in the late 1800s. However, the characters were well developed and I was on Alice's side rooting for her and Isaac, and totally agree that men are often dim-witted! ;) She was a great character, so sweet and understanding and good. Her travels back and forth every week to Cavan Town between her grandparents and to work must have been taxing, yet she looked forward to that time to be with Isaac. I wanted to know more about the party/gathering that Isaac stumbled upon with the music and dancing. Billy was another great addition to the story and Alice's defense and support of him. Really great story!
A Christmas Promise: This historical short set in Ireland is just my cup of tea, the setting, the characters, the humor - loved it all!! I definitely wanted this one to be longer and see more of the characters in a book.
Dream of a Glorious Season: I always enjoy this author's writing. She writes regency very well, makes it real, entertaining, interesting, and brings it to life. I felt so sorry for Beth and the way her parents and sister treated her, but I enjoyed reading how Julian and Helene worked to improve her situation and bring her out into society.
A Lesson in Love: I liked this one better than the previous ones in the anthology it was originally published in (the European Collection), but it was still a bit cheesy. However, it wasn't quite as rote (to me) and had a twist and was less predictable (to me). I thought the play between the women and the men was a lot of fun and, again, wish it could have been a bit longer and developed more. Fun story.
Overall, this collection and this author's writing style and settings are some I just love! So far, I've only read her shorts in these anthologies, so I really need to branch out and read some of her full-length novels!
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
A Happy Beginning: I love the setting of this story in the Scottish Highlands. The characters were well developed, and I could relate to Sophia's personality. This story could have easily been developed into a much longer one, detailing even more of the development of Dermot and Sophia's relationship. Every single member of the Haddington family was deplorable, even the children, so the coup among the servants that Dermot staged to get back at them had me cheering him on. Again, very well done and it left me wanting more from these characters and the setting, always a sign, to me, that the author has done their job well.
The Road to Cavan Town: Another setting I absolutely love - Ireland!!! I loved how the author tried to convey the Irish brogue through the characters' conversations. The concept of all the men coming to court Miss Kilchrest seemed a bit far-fetched to me, but maybe that was a common thing in the late 1800s. However, the characters were well developed and I was on Alice's side rooting for her and Isaac, and totally agree that men are often dim-witted! ;) She was a great character, so sweet and understanding and good. Her travels back and forth every week to Cavan Town between her grandparents and to work must have been taxing, yet she looked forward to that time to be with Isaac. I wanted to know more about the party/gathering that Isaac stumbled upon with the music and dancing. Billy was another great addition to the story and Alice's defense and support of him. Really great story!
A Christmas Promise: This historical short set in Ireland is just my cup of tea, the setting, the characters, the humor - loved it all!! I definitely wanted this one to be longer and see more of the characters in a book.
Dream of a Glorious Season: I always enjoy this author's writing. She writes regency very well, makes it real, entertaining, interesting, and brings it to life. I felt so sorry for Beth and the way her parents and sister treated her, but I enjoyed reading how Julian and Helene worked to improve her situation and bring her out into society.
A Lesson in Love: I liked this one better than the previous ones in the anthology it was originally published in (the European Collection), but it was still a bit cheesy. However, it wasn't quite as rote (to me) and had a twist and was less predictable (to me). I thought the play between the women and the men was a lot of fun and, again, wish it could have been a bit longer and developed more. Fun story.
Overall, this collection and this author's writing style and settings are some I just love! So far, I've only read her shorts in these anthologies, so I really need to branch out and read some of her full-length novels!
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
jamiegc's review against another edition
4.0
Each of these novellas was written by Sarah M. Eden.
Super fun, quick reads. Some stories are more original that others; meaning, they are not overly formulaic.
Perfect for staying at home with a sick child who wants to lie with their head in your lap.
Super fun, quick reads. Some stories are more original that others; meaning, they are not overly formulaic.
Perfect for staying at home with a sick child who wants to lie with their head in your lap.
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