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Farthingale #7
The Viscount and The Vicar's Daughter
He needs to find a wife. She has agreed to help him. Neither of them expected his search to lead straight back to her.
Enjoy this hilarious, bestselling Regency series.
Wealthy, titled and handsome, Alexander Dayne, third Viscount Ardley, is much sought after among the ton. As heir to an earl, and widowed a few years now, he is pressured by his family to find himself a wife. But he detests London society and knows he will be set upon by all the hopeful young ladies the moment he enters the marriage mart. So why not remain at Ardley Hall, select a few prospects, and hold a weekend house party? He knows just the person to help him in his planning, the eminently sensible vicar’s daughter, Viola Ruskin. But now that the plans are set and the party is underway, he realizes it is Viola who has stolen his heart. How can he convince her they are meant for each other when scandal interferes, and she is afraid to trust him?
Viola Ruskin agreed to help Alexander Dayne find himself a wife in exchange for his promise to help her find a respectable position in an upper-class household when the time comes. Her father is dying and she will soon be all alone in the world. Not only alone but homeless once the new vicar arrives and boots her out of the vicarage. However, she is a skilled cook and has agreed to prepare the elaborate meals for Alexander’s house party as well as assist him in selecting potential brides in the hope he will find her proper employment. She has secretly loved him forever, but how can a viscount ever fall in love with a vicar’s daughter? What chance do they have at a successful marriage when the ton and commoners play by different rules?
Enjoy the entire
My Fair Lily
The Duke I’m Going To Marry
Rules for Reforming a Rake
A Midsummer's Kiss
The Viscount's Rose
Earl of Hearts
The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter
Capturing the Heart of a Cameron
Enjoy this hilarious, bestselling Regency series.
Wealthy, titled and handsome, Alexander Dayne, third Viscount Ardley, is much sought after among the ton. As heir to an earl, and widowed a few years now, he is pressured by his family to find himself a wife. But he detests London society and knows he will be set upon by all the hopeful young ladies the moment he enters the marriage mart. So why not remain at Ardley Hall, select a few prospects, and hold a weekend house party? He knows just the person to help him in his planning, the eminently sensible vicar’s daughter, Viola Ruskin. But now that the plans are set and the party is underway, he realizes it is Viola who has stolen his heart. How can he convince her they are meant for each other when scandal interferes, and she is afraid to trust him?
Viola Ruskin agreed to help Alexander Dayne find himself a wife in exchange for his promise to help her find a respectable position in an upper-class household when the time comes. Her father is dying and she will soon be all alone in the world. Not only alone but homeless once the new vicar arrives and boots her out of the vicarage. However, she is a skilled cook and has agreed to prepare the elaborate meals for Alexander’s house party as well as assist him in selecting potential brides in the hope he will find her proper employment. She has secretly loved him forever, but how can a viscount ever fall in love with a vicar’s daughter? What chance do they have at a successful marriage when the ton and commoners play by different rules?
Enjoy the entire
My Fair Lily
The Duke I’m Going To Marry
Rules for Reforming a Rake
A Midsummer's Kiss
The Viscount's Rose
Earl of Hearts
The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter
Capturing the Heart of a Cameron
284 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2023
165 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Meara Platt
123 books892 followersMeara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 24, 2023
I love the Farthingales - they are my favourite series from Meara Platt. A super story. I especially loved Viola, she is a wonderful character. Everything about her was perfect. A really enjoyable story. Loved it! 5☆
March 21, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
So good to be back in the Farthingale’s world, a brilliant read from Meara that ticks all the boxes.
Excellent characters and chemistry and a great story, are just some of the reasons for this book keeping me up late last night, it was just one of those that you have to finish before sleeping.
The change in the Viscount is wonderful to see, from a drunk, grieving for his lost wife and child. To an upstanding man who will fight for the woman he loves, even if it risks loosing everything.
Such a brilliant read.
Can’t wait for the next one.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
So good to be back in the Farthingale’s world, a brilliant read from Meara that ticks all the boxes.
Excellent characters and chemistry and a great story, are just some of the reasons for this book keeping me up late last night, it was just one of those that you have to finish before sleeping.
The change in the Viscount is wonderful to see, from a drunk, grieving for his lost wife and child. To an upstanding man who will fight for the woman he loves, even if it risks loosing everything.
Such a brilliant read.
Can’t wait for the next one.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
August 4, 2025
A nice installment of the series
This is a nice installment of the series with good characters and a solid plot. Recommended for fans of the genre and the series.
This is a nice installment of the series with good characters and a solid plot. Recommended for fans of the genre and the series.
April 11, 2023
Wonderful Heartwarming Love Story
Meara is a wonderful writer. I loved the story and the characters! It was a joy to have the Farthingale’s family members come back to be part of this story. I couldn’t stop reading and was up until 2 am. Highly recommend this entire series.
Meara is a wonderful writer. I loved the story and the characters! It was a joy to have the Farthingale’s family members come back to be part of this story. I couldn’t stop reading and was up until 2 am. Highly recommend this entire series.
May 8, 2024
Too slow….Skimmed to the HEA.
April 10, 2023
Oh, what a pleasure it is to read this author's books! I always know I will be laughing, get teary eyed and be entertained by her main and secondary characters - when I read The End, I am smiling and feeling light-hearted.
Miss Viola Ruskin is a beautiful, kind, and an able young woman. Her father is the vicar for the Ardley citizens, but he is in poor health, and Viola's talent in the kitchen will give her the opportunity for employment and will assure she is safe in the future. Viola's only weaknesses: she had a secret love for Alexander Dayne, third Viscount Ardley and she cared so much about helping other people, that she never slowed down to have time or laugh for herself.
Alexander is the handsome lord of Ardley, who has suffered a horrible loss at an early time in his adulthood and he tumbled into darkness with alcohol, late nights, and carousing with friends. He just wants to be left alone but when the beautiful, Viola, finds him passed out next to the vicarage again, they have hilarious banter, she cooks him breakfast and convinces him he needs to pull himself out of this darkness and get back to being Ardley's viscount that they depend on - she won part of the discussion (argument) but for the first time, in a long time, this gives Alexander hope to fulfill his responsibility to the people of Ardley, get closer to the beautiful vicar's daughter.
Alexander convinces Viola, after the best breakfast he has ever eaten, to cook and help plan a small house party for him. She agrees, as the experience cooking for a large group will be good experience for her future but she knows that she can't let her attraction to Alexander be known. I loved how Alexander and Viola were both very strong and independent but also caring and vulnerable - they had great chemistry, their witty interactions were delightful, but the road was not easy as they faced various challenges and misunderstandings as they realized and accepted their feelings towards each other. I loved this sweet, funny, romance with a charming story and likable secondary characters that was well-paced and kept me engaged to the end! I recommend this book to anyone who loves Regency romance with humor and heart. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Miss Viola Ruskin is a beautiful, kind, and an able young woman. Her father is the vicar for the Ardley citizens, but he is in poor health, and Viola's talent in the kitchen will give her the opportunity for employment and will assure she is safe in the future. Viola's only weaknesses: she had a secret love for Alexander Dayne, third Viscount Ardley and she cared so much about helping other people, that she never slowed down to have time or laugh for herself.
Alexander is the handsome lord of Ardley, who has suffered a horrible loss at an early time in his adulthood and he tumbled into darkness with alcohol, late nights, and carousing with friends. He just wants to be left alone but when the beautiful, Viola, finds him passed out next to the vicarage again, they have hilarious banter, she cooks him breakfast and convinces him he needs to pull himself out of this darkness and get back to being Ardley's viscount that they depend on - she won part of the discussion (argument) but for the first time, in a long time, this gives Alexander hope to fulfill his responsibility to the people of Ardley, get closer to the beautiful vicar's daughter.
Alexander convinces Viola, after the best breakfast he has ever eaten, to cook and help plan a small house party for him. She agrees, as the experience cooking for a large group will be good experience for her future but she knows that she can't let her attraction to Alexander be known. I loved how Alexander and Viola were both very strong and independent but also caring and vulnerable - they had great chemistry, their witty interactions were delightful, but the road was not easy as they faced various challenges and misunderstandings as they realized and accepted their feelings towards each other. I loved this sweet, funny, romance with a charming story and likable secondary characters that was well-paced and kept me engaged to the end! I recommend this book to anyone who loves Regency romance with humor and heart. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
March 17, 2023
Starring Miss Viola Ruskin and Alexander Dayne, third Viscount Ardley
Tropes: Widower, Vicar’s Daughter, Friends to Lovers, House Party, Bride Finding Party, Different Social Class
Oh my! What an absolutely delightful story! Alexander and Viola made me smile throughout the book. Their romance is totally sigh-worthy and I love that they bring out the best in each other.
Viola is a culinary genius who puts others needs above her own. I love that Alexander is always getting her to slow down a bit.… he even helps her cook and clean, which I think is just the sweetest thing. It broke my heart every time she thought she wasn’t good enough for Alexander, but glad he finally made her realize how worthy and important she was to him.
Alexander also pulled at my heartstrings. He suffered such a great loss so it’s understandable that he was spiraling out of control a bit. But so much feels that Viola is the sunshine that he needs to brighten his heart again. She made him laugh and brought out his protective side. He was so deliciously swoon worthy!!
There are parts in this book that I ugly cried af… which is funny because it was low on the angst scale. I love that even though Alexander is a widower, it didn’t feel emotionally heavy at all when he talked about his tragedy. I appreciated that.
Meara Platt is one of my favorite keeper shelf authors. Her stories always gives me the chuckles then embraces me with all the wonderful feels. I love diving into her world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
Tropes: Widower, Vicar’s Daughter, Friends to Lovers, House Party, Bride Finding Party, Different Social Class
Oh my! What an absolutely delightful story! Alexander and Viola made me smile throughout the book. Their romance is totally sigh-worthy and I love that they bring out the best in each other.
Viola is a culinary genius who puts others needs above her own. I love that Alexander is always getting her to slow down a bit.… he even helps her cook and clean, which I think is just the sweetest thing. It broke my heart every time she thought she wasn’t good enough for Alexander, but glad he finally made her realize how worthy and important she was to him.
Alexander also pulled at my heartstrings. He suffered such a great loss so it’s understandable that he was spiraling out of control a bit. But so much feels that Viola is the sunshine that he needs to brighten his heart again. She made him laugh and brought out his protective side. He was so deliciously swoon worthy!!
There are parts in this book that I ugly cried af… which is funny because it was low on the angst scale. I love that even though Alexander is a widower, it didn’t feel emotionally heavy at all when he talked about his tragedy. I appreciated that.
Meara Platt is one of my favorite keeper shelf authors. Her stories always gives me the chuckles then embraces me with all the wonderful feels. I love diving into her world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
April 17, 2023
Sweet, witty, lovely escapism.Viola Ruskin, the single, beautiful, only daughter of the Vicar has found something that has brought her tremendous joy, and gives her father's parishioners happiness, she has learned how to cook, not just cook to survive, but cooking for the sheer enjoyment it brings, it gives her pride in herself, and she loves the enjoyment it brings to others. Viola spreads joy wherever she goes, in her lovely world she has two problems, one is her ailing father, being an only child, her Mother dying in childbirth, all of her father's care falls to her, her second problem is the local aristocrat, Viscount Alexander Ardley, heir to an earldom, for the third time in as many weeks is sprawled out in front of the Vicarage, dead drunk, and she has had enough! Our charming tale begins, Viola needs a reference as a cook, and the Viscount needs a wife, the plan is to join forces, her help in finding him a wife, and his help in finding her a secure position if the worst happens with her father. Let the games begin. I tried to give it a 4.5, I never can get that right? I highly recommend it. carolintallahassee
September 14, 2023
4.25 STARS
The dialogue was so engaging and humorous from beginning to the end. It was nice to visit with characters from previous stories. This is a standalone and you won't be lost.
The h is so loving, caring and smart. She's grown up being a Vicar's daughter and knows how to engage people. She has taught herself to cook and has been a hit when she helps the H with his houseparty.
The H lost his wife and daughter and is drinking himself to an early grave. The banter between these two in the beginning was very entertaining.
No nasty villains, just some mean women of the ton belittling others. At times I felt the storyline dragged in the middle.
Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 2.5 out of 5. I felt a connection to this couple and their romance build slowly.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, interesting main and secondary characters, HEA and tad of spice. Story ended at the 95% mark on my e-reader. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide to purchase or not. (ljb)
The dialogue was so engaging and humorous from beginning to the end. It was nice to visit with characters from previous stories. This is a standalone and you won't be lost.
The h is so loving, caring and smart. She's grown up being a Vicar's daughter and knows how to engage people. She has taught herself to cook and has been a hit when she helps the H with his houseparty.
The H lost his wife and daughter and is drinking himself to an early grave. The banter between these two in the beginning was very entertaining.
No nasty villains, just some mean women of the ton belittling others. At times I felt the storyline dragged in the middle.
Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 2.5 out of 5. I felt a connection to this couple and their romance build slowly.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, interesting main and secondary characters, HEA and tad of spice. Story ended at the 95% mark on my e-reader. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide to purchase or not. (ljb)
May 14, 2023
Meara Platt has once again written a lovely HEA.
A young viscount married his childhood sweetheart. Sadly she and their daughter both die due to a illness. He basically shuts himself away for over 2 years. The Vicar is ill and failing fast. His daughter is the village beauty who lost her mother at birth, but she is well loved by the village due to her kindness and care for everyone. He has been berated by family to go to London to find a new wife. He is not amenable. The vicar want his daughter to marry before he dies, but she does not care for the man he seems to have chosen for her.
The viscount has been drinking, a lot and ends up on the vicarage doorstep falling down and out of it. She pours a bucket of water over his head and reads him the riot act. What will happen?
This is an easy read. The story flows nicely. There are ups and downs, family arguments and excellent meals and tarts.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
A young viscount married his childhood sweetheart. Sadly she and their daughter both die due to a illness. He basically shuts himself away for over 2 years. The Vicar is ill and failing fast. His daughter is the village beauty who lost her mother at birth, but she is well loved by the village due to her kindness and care for everyone. He has been berated by family to go to London to find a new wife. He is not amenable. The vicar want his daughter to marry before he dies, but she does not care for the man he seems to have chosen for her.
The viscount has been drinking, a lot and ends up on the vicarage doorstep falling down and out of it. She pours a bucket of water over his head and reads him the riot act. What will happen?
This is an easy read. The story flows nicely. There are ups and downs, family arguments and excellent meals and tarts.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
January 11, 2024
Fabulous Addition to the Farthingales
The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter, book 7 in Meara Platt’s Farthingale series is just fabulous! The characters in this series are all so well developed, as are the hero Alex, Viscount Ardley, and heroine, Viola! Alex is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t give up until he get’s it, and Viola is what he wants. For her part, Viola is innocent and afraid of her feelings for Alec, because she can’t believe he’d be interested in a mere vicar’s daughter. But Viola is everything society ladies aren’t. She’s kind, generous and has a passion for life, everything Alex needs after the death of his wife and daughter two years before! And she’s a marvel in the kitchen. I’d love to have her recipes too! This is a fantastic story, and you get to visit some of the characters from the previous books, which is always fun!
The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter, book 7 in Meara Platt’s Farthingale series is just fabulous! The characters in this series are all so well developed, as are the hero Alex, Viscount Ardley, and heroine, Viola! Alex is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t give up until he get’s it, and Viola is what he wants. For her part, Viola is innocent and afraid of her feelings for Alec, because she can’t believe he’d be interested in a mere vicar’s daughter. But Viola is everything society ladies aren’t. She’s kind, generous and has a passion for life, everything Alex needs after the death of his wife and daughter two years before! And she’s a marvel in the kitchen. I’d love to have her recipes too! This is a fantastic story, and you get to visit some of the characters from the previous books, which is always fun!
April 12, 2023
I've loved all of the Farthingale books so far, but this one just wasn't quite up to the mark I don't think. It was probably just that I didn't really warm to either of the characters particularly and couldn't get all that invested in their love story. As a result, all of the things that I don't like about this series (the lack of understanding about class, the modern language and the Americanisms) just stuck out like sore thumbs. It is far from being an awful book, but I really loved some of the other titles earlier in the series, but this one just wasn't for me.
I think if you're a fan of the Farthingdales, then you might still really enjoy this.
I think if you're a fan of the Farthingdales, then you might still really enjoy this.
March 7, 2024
A clean story, with a few some steamy thoughts.
The continuing Farthingale story. This did not grab me
quite as much as some of the previous ones. There were some Americanisms. Also when Alexander and Viola were in the conservatory he was aware someone was watching them. Alex thought Lady Withnall, but I do not recall learning who it actually was. I was expecting some sort of revelation later on, such as one of the diamonds trying to get her own back. And we never hear what the squire’s son does or says when he loses Viola. Having said that it is a gentle story and I did like it, so it just made it to 4 stars.
The continuing Farthingale story. This did not grab me
quite as much as some of the previous ones. There were some Americanisms. Also when Alexander and Viola were in the conservatory he was aware someone was watching them. Alex thought Lady Withnall, but I do not recall learning who it actually was. I was expecting some sort of revelation later on, such as one of the diamonds trying to get her own back. And we never hear what the squire’s son does or says when he loses Viola. Having said that it is a gentle story and I did like it, so it just made it to 4 stars.
March 9, 2025
I. Loved. Everything. About. This. Book! Viola and Alexander could be my favorite couple of all the Fartingale series. I could not put it down. I read so many of these books out of order and still enjoyed them all. This is a must read series.
I’m now waiting for the next book to come out Gory and Julian’s book. I had no idea this author had so many books out so in off to start another of her series while I wait.
I’m now waiting for the next book to come out Gory and Julian’s book. I had no idea this author had so many books out so in off to start another of her series while I wait.
August 15, 2023
a happy sweet light tale
An easy delightful positive story. Viola the Vicars daughter is a positive force for good. Alex was in a dark place and she helped to open his eyes. It’s a slow story but satisfying. The family dynamics are warm and inviting even with strife. Loved the reintroduction to past favorite characters from previous books.
An easy delightful positive story. Viola the Vicars daughter is a positive force for good. Alex was in a dark place and she helped to open his eyes. It’s a slow story but satisfying. The family dynamics are warm and inviting even with strife. Loved the reintroduction to past favorite characters from previous books.
April 11, 2023
Awesome story!!!!
This was just a wonderful story! Meara Platt never fails to spin a wonderful story!
I absolutely recommend this book to everyone! It was just that good! I look forward to re-reading it again and again!
This was just a wonderful story! Meara Platt never fails to spin a wonderful story!
I absolutely recommend this book to everyone! It was just that good! I look forward to re-reading it again and again!
April 11, 2023
meara platt never disappoints!
I’ve been trying to read novels of some of my favorite authors but couldn’t get that interested in them. Then this popped up. What a fine pair Alex and Viola are. I couldn’t put this one down!
I’ve been trying to read novels of some of my favorite authors but couldn’t get that interested in them. Then this popped up. What a fine pair Alex and Viola are. I couldn’t put this one down!
April 14, 2023
A truly delightful romance and enjoyable story to read. I loved Viola and Alex, they have a great spark and a wonderful feeling of belonging to each other even though they are from different social classes. The heart wants what the heart wants.
May 7, 2023
Beautiful
A beautiful story of finding love but being too stubborn to see it. The kindhearted Viola breaks through Alex's heart but is not a ton diamond. This stubborn man will have to make the right choice to finally be happy again.
A beautiful story of finding love but being too stubborn to see it. The kindhearted Viola breaks through Alex's heart but is not a ton diamond. This stubborn man will have to make the right choice to finally be happy again.
May 27, 2023
As always a good book
At first I didn’t think I was going to like it. I didn’t much care Alex attitude, but as I read I began to think of him like the character in Jane Eyre (the 2006 one) Mr Rochester. Grumpy and sarcastic. Anyway, my point is I really ended up loving the book.
At first I didn’t think I was going to like it. I didn’t much care Alex attitude, but as I read I began to think of him like the character in Jane Eyre (the 2006 one) Mr Rochester. Grumpy and sarcastic. Anyway, my point is I really ended up loving the book.
January 26, 2024
Another great read
This was another great read. Alexander was mentioned in Gabriel and Daisy's story so I was delighted to read his story. Violates one delightful heroine and the perfect match for Alex. I highly recommend this book.
This was another great read. Alexander was mentioned in Gabriel and Daisy's story so I was delighted to read his story. Violates one delightful heroine and the perfect match for Alex. I highly recommend this book.
June 24, 2024
loved it
Sweet love story of Viola and Alex. This story has a few twists and turns and Alex has a hard time convincing Viola that he loves her. I love the way this story develops and they both realize they love each other. A very good read.
Sweet love story of Viola and Alex. This story has a few twists and turns and Alex has a hard time convincing Viola that he loves her. I love the way this story develops and they both realize they love each other. A very good read.
April 14, 2025
The Gifted Vicar's Daughter
A delightful story of kindness, patience and love.
This book and number five have been my favorites so far in this series. Meara is a gifted writer and hopefully will continue writing stories of interest. A must read.
A delightful story of kindness, patience and love.
This book and number five have been my favorites so far in this series. Meara is a gifted writer and hopefully will continue writing stories of interest. A must read.
April 18, 2023
Lovely story
Although not a Farthingale, Viola could be an honorary member of the family! Such a happy, sweet story! Made for a great read!
Although not a Farthingale, Viola could be an honorary member of the family! Such a happy, sweet story! Made for a great read!
April 30, 2023
Nope... not for me... Could a vicar's daughter in the 18oos actually have had this level of conversation with a duke? This romance in a modern setting is a 5-star but not in a historical one.
June 19, 2023
As always, Meara Platt writes wonderful love stories. The viscount knows he loves the vicar’s daughter. But she is convinced that her lower status will be a hindrance to their ever being together.
September 14, 2023
Sweet Viola
Quite entertaining story. Viola and Alex make a lovely pair that were made for each other. I like that characters from past books were in in this book. Sweet!
Quite entertaining story. Viola and Alex make a lovely pair that were made for each other. I like that characters from past books were in in this book. Sweet!
September 15, 2023
Pleasant passtime
July 5, 2024
Excellent book!!
November 4, 2025
the author that wrote chapter 1 can't be the same that wrote the rest of the book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews