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Three French Hens
Previously published in the print anthologies Five Gold Rings and A Historical Christmas Present.
Brinna, a twelfth-century scullery maid, gets the chance to play a lady—and win the true love of an impoverished lord. Her fate changes when a new guest, Lady Joan, arrives at the castle. Desperate to escape her arranged marriage to Royce of Thurleah, Joan suggests that look-alike Brinna take her place at the Christmas festivities. Suddenly, Brinna finds herself being wooed by a true gentleman, getting perhaps the best Christmas present of all: a new life. A classic novella from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands
also included in the My Favorite Things anthology.
Brinna, a twelfth-century scullery maid, gets the chance to play a lady—and win the true love of an impoverished lord. Her fate changes when a new guest, Lady Joan, arrives at the castle. Desperate to escape her arranged marriage to Royce of Thurleah, Joan suggests that look-alike Brinna take her place at the Christmas festivities. Suddenly, Brinna finds herself being wooed by a true gentleman, getting perhaps the best Christmas present of all: a new life. A classic novella from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands
also included in the My Favorite Things anthology.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2012
22 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Lynsay Sands
124 books12.2k followersLYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author who is known for her hysterical historicals as well as the popular Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series. With her witty and charming personality, Sands describes books as, “Waking dreams or stories, tales to amuse, entertain and distract us from everyday life.” She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Visit her official website at www.lynsaysands.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 1, 2019
The resolution was a bit far-fetched, but per usual, the romance was top notch!!!
November 17, 2021
Lighthearted, sweet, ridiculous switched identity romp
November 22, 2023
This is the perfect alternative for those of us who read a lot of Ms Sand's books but may shy away from anthologies for fear that we will not like all the authors in them. "Three French Hens" was previously published in the anthologies "Five Gold Rings" and "A Historical Christmas Present", so you can make sure you don't have those before you purchase this novella.
This was an entirely very sweet story of two young women, one a scullery maid and the other a high-born lady who switch identities during the Christmas season. The reason for this is that Lady Joan wants to get out of a pre-arranged marriage, and Brinna, the scullery maid needs some coin to help her elderly friend Aggie retire.
Unfortunately or fortunately, it depends on how you look at it, the ruse worked all too well, and Brinna ends up falling for Lady Joan's betrothed Royce of Thurleah.
I had wondered how Ms Sands was going to dig her way out of this plot predicament, but I shouldn't have feared. Ms Sands did it, and fairly well too. It may seem that the ploy is a little trite, but this is a Christmas novella, and at this time of the year, predictable, sweet, and romantic is just what we all need to get through the holidays.
This was an entirely very sweet story of two young women, one a scullery maid and the other a high-born lady who switch identities during the Christmas season. The reason for this is that Lady Joan wants to get out of a pre-arranged marriage, and Brinna, the scullery maid needs some coin to help her elderly friend Aggie retire.
Unfortunately or fortunately, it depends on how you look at it, the ruse worked all too well, and Brinna ends up falling for Lady Joan's betrothed Royce of Thurleah.
I had wondered how Ms Sands was going to dig her way out of this plot predicament, but I shouldn't have feared. Ms Sands did it, and fairly well too. It may seem that the ploy is a little trite, but this is a Christmas novella, and at this time of the year, predictable, sweet, and romantic is just what we all need to get through the holidays.
April 16, 2020
I thought this story really had the potential to be a longer novella or even a full-length book. There were so many ways the plot could have been extended and the characters developed further. However, this story was really good for being designed to be around 70-80 pages. I'm not always a fan of stories where one person is impersonating another but Lynsay Sands did a great job of writing an interesting, funny story. Overall, I do wish the story, especially the ending, had been longer, but it was an enjoyable read.
May 6, 2017
Such a lovely tale we weave..........
Maids, ladies, lovers, sinners. The Lady Joan didn't want to marry Lord Royce, the man her father betrothed her to. She wanted his cousin. Finding that the kitchen maid and she looked remarkably alike. She convinced the maid to take her place. Even up to the marriage itself. That's when she learned that she was actually the daughter...............well read it yourself.. worth it.
Maids, ladies, lovers, sinners. The Lady Joan didn't want to marry Lord Royce, the man her father betrothed her to. She wanted his cousin. Finding that the kitchen maid and she looked remarkably alike. She convinced the maid to take her place. Even up to the marriage itself. That's when she learned that she was actually the daughter...............well read it yourself.. worth it.
March 13, 2021
Very fun and easy read. It had you rooting for the hero and heroine from the very start. It also had a couple of villains, I won’t name them as I don’t want to spoil the fun. The romance was quick but ever so sweet with hurdles to overcome and the ending wrapped it up quite well and didn’t leave you wondering where the rest of the story was as I’ve seen in other novels and novellas. It is a very quick read, I read it in maybe 2hrs...with folding laundry during that time. A good read for a trip or when your in the mood for a quick lift me up type of read. I won’t describe the story or spoil it. I will just say, it’s a very worth while read, especially given the fact it’s a novella. The heroine is an underdog. The hero is a knight in shiny armor betrothed to a woman that doesn’t deserve him...don’t worry as fate lends a hand and there a happily ever after. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Lynsay Sands book in which there wasn’t one. I highly recommend this novella. I also highly recommend all the books Lynsay Sands has written. I believe I have read almost all of them. Maybe have missed an Argeneau novel here and there. Highly recommend this author. She writes humor into her characters and takes you away into whatever type of book you wanna read, be it a historical highland vampire or contemporary vampire, historical romance, you are sure to enjoy your characters and whatever era they live in.
May 26, 2023
2023 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): Green
What is the point of setting your novella in the twelfth century if it feels virtually indistinguishable from a Regency? Fun premise, though. Read via library.
What is the point of setting your novella in the twelfth century if it feels virtually indistinguishable from a Regency? Fun premise, though. Read via library.
June 12, 2018
A short, cute romance. It's more than a little improbable, and the joke the title is based on is an awkward stretch. Still, it's got some funny moments, and some sweet ones.
October 10, 2020
Great
I really enjoy reading historical romance books and Lynsay sands writes them with humour that makes them a joy to read
I really enjoy reading historical romance books and Lynsay sands writes them with humour that makes them a joy to read
November 29, 2020
I loved this short story. A lie that turns into the love of a lifetime.
June 19, 2021
Short little story..
Cute..
Cute..
February 1, 2023
I just finished this book. I liked reading it.
December 13, 2023
3.5 stars
A twist on The Prince and the Pauper, set in the Middle ages during Christmas. Clever plotting along with some funny moments.
A twist on The Prince and the Pauper, set in the Middle ages during Christmas. Clever plotting along with some funny moments.
May 29, 2025
Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series.
March 11, 2018
Careful what you wish for…
Previously published in the print anthologies Five Gold Rings and A Historical Christmas Present.
Three French Hens by Lynsay Sands is an entertaining festive historical novella. I read it within A Historical Christmas Present anthology in which it was one of three stories. It’s a standalone read not related to any series. This sweet romance details what happens when two women – a scullery maid and a spoiled highborn lady - switch identities. Lady Joan wants to get out of a pre-arranged marriage. Brinna, the scullery maid, would like to help her elderly friend, Aggie, retire and not have to worry about finances. Brinna plays her hand too well as, while playacting as Lady Joan, she falls in love with Lady Joan’s betrothed, Royce, dooming Brinna to a broken heart.
I really liked both lead characters. They were caring and strong – both inside and out. Lady Joan was full of herself. I pity the man who ends up with her. Brinna’s chaperone while impersonating Lady Joan was an entitled hoot. Some of the stories she told to justify Brinna’s behavior as Brinna struggled with adapting to the different class norms were absolutely hilarious.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes Three French Hens:
“Were you hurt? Is anything broken?”
“Nay.” She signed wryly. “But the snow went up me skirts so far me arse is a block of ice.”
---
“She hurt her hand.” Sabrina managed a frown. “Terrible, really. Awful accident. Sad. Horribly painful. She almost lost full use of her hand.”
“Whatever happened?” he asked.
“Happened?” Sabrina blinked at the question, her face going blank briefly, then filling with desperation. “She… er… she… er… pricked her finger doing embroidery!” she finished triumphantly, and Brinna nearly groaned aloud as what sounded suspiciously like a snort of laughter burst from Lord Thurleah.
---
“Is everything all right, ladies?”
Sabrina whirled to face both men as they dismounted. “Oh, my, yes. Everything is fine. Why ever would you think otherwise?”
Brinna could just see Lord Thurleah’s face as he arched one eyebrow, his lips appearing to struggle to hold back an amused smile. “Mayhap because Lady Joan has fallen in the snow?”
“Fallen?” Lady Sabrina’s genuine horror seemed to suggest ladies simply did not do anything as embarrassing as fall off the back of the wagon into the snow.
She gasped, “Oh, nay. You must be mistaken, my lord. Why Lady Joan would never have fallen. She is the epitome of grace and beauty. She is as nimble as a fawn, as graceful as a swan. She is ---“
“Presently lying in the snow,” Lord Thurleah pointed out dryly.
I was wracking my brain while inhaling this read, trying to figure out how the author was ever going to be able to provide Brinna and Royce the happy ending they deserved. I didn’t see a way, but, I shouldn’t have doubted her, as she pulled one off that left me happy as can be! If you enjoy escaping into quick, sweet and humorous Christmas romances, Three French Hens is a wonderful option!
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Previously published in the print anthologies Five Gold Rings and A Historical Christmas Present.
Three French Hens by Lynsay Sands is an entertaining festive historical novella. I read it within A Historical Christmas Present anthology in which it was one of three stories. It’s a standalone read not related to any series. This sweet romance details what happens when two women – a scullery maid and a spoiled highborn lady - switch identities. Lady Joan wants to get out of a pre-arranged marriage. Brinna, the scullery maid, would like to help her elderly friend, Aggie, retire and not have to worry about finances. Brinna plays her hand too well as, while playacting as Lady Joan, she falls in love with Lady Joan’s betrothed, Royce, dooming Brinna to a broken heart.
I really liked both lead characters. They were caring and strong – both inside and out. Lady Joan was full of herself. I pity the man who ends up with her. Brinna’s chaperone while impersonating Lady Joan was an entitled hoot. Some of the stories she told to justify Brinna’s behavior as Brinna struggled with adapting to the different class norms were absolutely hilarious.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes Three French Hens:
“Were you hurt? Is anything broken?”
“Nay.” She signed wryly. “But the snow went up me skirts so far me arse is a block of ice.”
---
“She hurt her hand.” Sabrina managed a frown. “Terrible, really. Awful accident. Sad. Horribly painful. She almost lost full use of her hand.”
“Whatever happened?” he asked.
“Happened?” Sabrina blinked at the question, her face going blank briefly, then filling with desperation. “She… er… she… er… pricked her finger doing embroidery!” she finished triumphantly, and Brinna nearly groaned aloud as what sounded suspiciously like a snort of laughter burst from Lord Thurleah.
---
“Is everything all right, ladies?”
Sabrina whirled to face both men as they dismounted. “Oh, my, yes. Everything is fine. Why ever would you think otherwise?”
Brinna could just see Lord Thurleah’s face as he arched one eyebrow, his lips appearing to struggle to hold back an amused smile. “Mayhap because Lady Joan has fallen in the snow?”
“Fallen?” Lady Sabrina’s genuine horror seemed to suggest ladies simply did not do anything as embarrassing as fall off the back of the wagon into the snow.
She gasped, “Oh, nay. You must be mistaken, my lord. Why Lady Joan would never have fallen. She is the epitome of grace and beauty. She is as nimble as a fawn, as graceful as a swan. She is ---“
“Presently lying in the snow,” Lord Thurleah pointed out dryly.
I was wracking my brain while inhaling this read, trying to figure out how the author was ever going to be able to provide Brinna and Royce the happy ending they deserved. I didn’t see a way, but, I shouldn’t have doubted her, as she pulled one off that left me happy as can be! If you enjoy escaping into quick, sweet and humorous Christmas romances, Three French Hens is a wonderful option!
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
October 3, 2015
Brinna is a scullery maid who gets a chance to be a ladies maid, but finds that the woman she's waiting on looks exactly like her. Lady Joan is visiting so she can meet the man she's betrothed to, Lord Royce, who desperately needs the dowry Lady Joan is providing. Only she's not interested. So she gets Brinna to pose as her and spend the week with Royce. So what does Brinna do when she falls in love with Royce, but she knows she's deceiving him?
This was really cute. I suspend a lot of disbelief in novellas and accept that things happen quickly. These two fell in love in about a week, but at least half the week they weren't really interacting. Nevertheless, Brinna's experiences as a Lady were fairly amusing...especially when she gets herself into trouble, because then her peasant-dialect comes out. It was a predictable story, but a good one.
This was really cute. I suspend a lot of disbelief in novellas and accept that things happen quickly. These two fell in love in about a week, but at least half the week they weren't really interacting. Nevertheless, Brinna's experiences as a Lady were fairly amusing...especially when she gets herself into trouble, because then her peasant-dialect comes out. It was a predictable story, but a good one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2012
This was a fun little Christmas novella good for an afternoon read. It is a stand alone title, so the entire story is having to be told in the 60 or so pages, including the character developement. It went fairly well until almost the end, then there was a BIG jumble when the wedding scene came and the "who's little girl are you" story came out... it was very hard to follow, and I had to read it about 4 times befor I understood the majority... I finally gave up and moved on! Like most novella's it wraps up too quick and neat, but it is what it is, like I said, a fun afternoon read.
May 18, 2012
I'm really loving that Sands' is rereleasing her short stories individually. Otherwise I would have missed some really fun, good reads. I really enjoyed this one, and found that I couldn't put it down due to wanting to find out how the characters would get out of the mess they created. I also liked how the story as not too predictable, and ofcourse the humor and antics of the characters. I would def recommend this book, and other works by this author, to other readers.
September 2, 2016
The story is a little convoluted. I liked the hero and heroine but the secondary characters were not likeable. I don't think anything was improved with the sex scene but...
The stress comes from Brinna pretending to be Joan who she resembles quite amazingly. I don't really like stories that depend on deception but thankfully it was short. Not a favorite of mine.
The stress comes from Brinna pretending to be Joan who she resembles quite amazingly. I don't really like stories that depend on deception but thankfully it was short. Not a favorite of mine.
December 6, 2012
The end felt very rushed after the truth was discovered but I really enjoyed reading it.
I thought from the start that Brinna and Joan were twins, and Brinna had been stolen in infancy. Not the case, but I won't spoil more :)
I thought from the start that Brinna and Joan were twins, and Brinna had been stolen in infancy. Not the case, but I won't spoil more :)
December 8, 2014
A well written "Prince and the Pauper" kind of short story. I liked Brinna but the real Joan was a self serving bitch and her cousin Sabrina was only marginally better. I really enjoyed this Christmas novella. Short and sweet. :)
December 25, 2014
Cute short story
I liked this one so much better then the fairy godmother one. I do think this book would have been better if it was longer. I felt like the ending was rushed a bit. But it was meant to be short.
I liked this one so much better then the fairy godmother one. I do think this book would have been better if it was longer. I felt like the ending was rushed a bit. But it was meant to be short.
April 11, 2012
Lynsay tells a fun story of trading places and finding love. This is a nice fun short story. It's only 70 pages but well worth the read.
May 12, 2012
Love Lynsay's work....wish this was more.....
May 14, 2012
This book is okay for a quick read.
November 15, 2012
Its kind of all over the place but I still loved it.
January 8, 2013
Typical and kinda boring... Glad it was not a full length story!
December 29, 2012
Sweet simple short story.
January 4, 2013
Way too many far fetched plot points
Way too many historical inaccuracies
Way too many historical inaccuracies
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews