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Regency House Romance #1
Midsummer Eve At Rookery End
*new revised and updated Kindle edition for 2013*
A Regency short story collection of approximately 40,000 words. Also included is a preview of The Cinderella Debutante.
Midsummer Eve is the traditional time for love divination, when gentlemen and ladies can hope to meet their true love. Lord and Lady Allingham hold a lavish ball every year at their country estate, Rookery End, to celebrate this ancient custom. These five little tales of love and passion take place in this romantic setting in Regency England.
The Virtuous Courtesan - A valuable portrait sparks a series of events that culminate in Lord and Lady Allingham's extraordinary first meeting.
Siren's Daughter - Following her disagreeable aunt's demise, Deborah King attends the midsummer ball where she encounters Sir Benedict Catesby. Can Deborah and Sir Benedict overcome past bitterness and let love triumph second time around?
Blue Figured Silk - The handsome Marquess of Shaftesbury is renowned as a rake and a gambler. When the Marquess arranges an assignation with an attractive widow in the garden, his encounter does not turn out as he expected...
A Scandal at Midnight - Young governess Verity Brook accompanies Miss Amelia Gardiner to Rookery End and receives a shocking letter. Verity must act to avoid a scandal, but the only person she can turn to is the arrogant Sir Tristan Millforte - the nonpareil Amelia is to marry.
Love's Thorne - A wily valet lends a helping hand when Captain Simon Russell's future happiness is at stake.
A Regency short story collection of approximately 40,000 words. Also included is a preview of The Cinderella Debutante.
Midsummer Eve is the traditional time for love divination, when gentlemen and ladies can hope to meet their true love. Lord and Lady Allingham hold a lavish ball every year at their country estate, Rookery End, to celebrate this ancient custom. These five little tales of love and passion take place in this romantic setting in Regency England.
The Virtuous Courtesan - A valuable portrait sparks a series of events that culminate in Lord and Lady Allingham's extraordinary first meeting.
Siren's Daughter - Following her disagreeable aunt's demise, Deborah King attends the midsummer ball where she encounters Sir Benedict Catesby. Can Deborah and Sir Benedict overcome past bitterness and let love triumph second time around?
Blue Figured Silk - The handsome Marquess of Shaftesbury is renowned as a rake and a gambler. When the Marquess arranges an assignation with an attractive widow in the garden, his encounter does not turn out as he expected...
A Scandal at Midnight - Young governess Verity Brook accompanies Miss Amelia Gardiner to Rookery End and receives a shocking letter. Verity must act to avoid a scandal, but the only person she can turn to is the arrogant Sir Tristan Millforte - the nonpareil Amelia is to marry.
Love's Thorne - A wily valet lends a helping hand when Captain Simon Russell's future happiness is at stake.
ebook
First published April 30, 2008
3 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hanbury
17 books66 followersI write Regency/historical romance with swoonworthy heroes, sparkling heroines, and a dash of wit and humour.
I'm a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and Society of Authors and write for people like me, who need a little escape from the stresses of daily life.
“A Regency writer of real skill, depth, wit and charm” - Nicola Cornick.
My books:
A Knight to the Rescue
(in aid of Crohn's Disease research)
Regency Rakes and Rebels Series
Christmas at Rakehell Manor (Book #2)
Midsummer Eve at Rookery End (Book #1)
Regency Secrets and Scandals Series
Lady Vane's Secret (Book #1)
Three Secrets and a Scandal (Book #2)
The Cinderella Debutante
The Paradise Will
Brief Encounters (short story anthology with Phillipa Ashley and Nell Dixon)
More details, news, sensuality rating guide and excerpts can be found on my web-site -
http://www.elizabethhanbury.com :)
I'm a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and Society of Authors and write for people like me, who need a little escape from the stresses of daily life.
“A Regency writer of real skill, depth, wit and charm” - Nicola Cornick.
My books:
A Knight to the Rescue
(in aid of Crohn's Disease research)
Regency Rakes and Rebels Series
Christmas at Rakehell Manor (Book #2)
Midsummer Eve at Rookery End (Book #1)
Regency Secrets and Scandals Series
Lady Vane's Secret (Book #1)
Three Secrets and a Scandal (Book #2)
The Cinderella Debutante
The Paradise Will
Brief Encounters (short story anthology with Phillipa Ashley and Nell Dixon)
More details, news, sensuality rating guide and excerpts can be found on my web-site -
http://www.elizabethhanbury.com :)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 4, 2012
Delightful collection of short stories in a Regency setting, written with the author's trademark empathy and attention to period detail.
December 21, 2016
As a rule, I steer clear of short stories, but having liked the novels this author writes so much, I dared to try. What a delightful surprise. Satisfying and beautifully written mini novels.
June 11, 2014
This is the first book of Elizabeth Hanbury's that I've completed.
I would have completed it sooner, only I started reading one of her other works, 'A Midsummer Eve at Rookery End', at the same time (yay for team ADHD!) but I'm getting more focussed now, honestly.
If you like strong heroines, this is the book for you. Sophie Deveraux is no weakling and her skillful, playful handling of Theo is a real joy to read, and to visualise.
It's much like a road trip in the Regency period. I started thinking about Thelma and Louise for a similar reason. But the story is really about what Sophie wants as opposed to what is expected of her, and it's refreshing that a woman like this would have existed in this period.
Many times a character (often male, often Theo) will say "What the deuce?" (this or that) and I find it gently funny - and refreshing, that we don't need expletives here.
Sometimes I think profanity is okay, but only in context. But it's a nice take on the frustrations the characters would have felt in this period.
To be a good writer, you have to observe other writers who are successful in their genre, and I'm taken aback - quite literally, how detailed everything is in this regency world we find ourselves in.
Sometimes, I think "too much detail, you should have left it to the reader's imagination", but in other ways, I think I should read it from the point of knowing nothing about regency romance (up until a week ago, I can say I definitely knew nothing).
As I mentioned on my 'currently reading' piece about this book, it's really quite delightful and I enjoyed every page.
Sophie is the perfect heroine and I understand this is perhaps not the only time we will see her.
I love to give five star reviews and will happily do so here. I'm still enjoying the author's other book that I have and will look forward to one more (when I've ordered it, sorry Elizabeth!).
Consider me a fan. I loved this book!
I would have completed it sooner, only I started reading one of her other works, 'A Midsummer Eve at Rookery End', at the same time (yay for team ADHD!) but I'm getting more focussed now, honestly.
If you like strong heroines, this is the book for you. Sophie Deveraux is no weakling and her skillful, playful handling of Theo is a real joy to read, and to visualise.
It's much like a road trip in the Regency period. I started thinking about Thelma and Louise for a similar reason. But the story is really about what Sophie wants as opposed to what is expected of her, and it's refreshing that a woman like this would have existed in this period.
Many times a character (often male, often Theo) will say "What the deuce?" (this or that) and I find it gently funny - and refreshing, that we don't need expletives here.
Sometimes I think profanity is okay, but only in context. But it's a nice take on the frustrations the characters would have felt in this period.
To be a good writer, you have to observe other writers who are successful in their genre, and I'm taken aback - quite literally, how detailed everything is in this regency world we find ourselves in.
Sometimes, I think "too much detail, you should have left it to the reader's imagination", but in other ways, I think I should read it from the point of knowing nothing about regency romance (up until a week ago, I can say I definitely knew nothing).
As I mentioned on my 'currently reading' piece about this book, it's really quite delightful and I enjoyed every page.
Sophie is the perfect heroine and I understand this is perhaps not the only time we will see her.
I love to give five star reviews and will happily do so here. I'm still enjoying the author's other book that I have and will look forward to one more (when I've ordered it, sorry Elizabeth!).
Consider me a fan. I loved this book!
March 29, 2016
I won this as part of a RWA prize pack from a recent contest on Anna DeStefano's blog and was a little puzzled at first. This is a slim volume, just at 95 or so pages long and from a publisher and author I had never heard of before. Still, regency short stories peak my interest always!
The stories are, to put it simply, magical. Arguably the easiest to believe is 'Siren's Daughter', since its about two once upon a time lovers and a big big misunderstanding, but I found I liked 'Blue Figured Silk' more because I could feel Shaftesbury's shock and jolt of awareness from Hanbury's writing. And it also has one of the cutest, if silliest, jokes at the very end.
'A Scandal at Midnight' was cute, and I think if it had been longer would have been extremely pleasing. Its the shortest story of the three however and has the least depth. The running theme of a 'misunderstanding' drawing the lovers together is stretched to its limits this time I think.
This does however make me sad that a fellow reviewer comrade of mine read her full length novel, Ice Angel from Robert Hale for Romance Readers at Heart. These samplings of her writing are very good and have a definite charm to them that makes me eager to try longer works of hers.
The stories are, to put it simply, magical. Arguably the easiest to believe is 'Siren's Daughter', since its about two once upon a time lovers and a big big misunderstanding, but I found I liked 'Blue Figured Silk' more because I could feel Shaftesbury's shock and jolt of awareness from Hanbury's writing. And it also has one of the cutest, if silliest, jokes at the very end.
'A Scandal at Midnight' was cute, and I think if it had been longer would have been extremely pleasing. Its the shortest story of the three however and has the least depth. The running theme of a 'misunderstanding' drawing the lovers together is stretched to its limits this time I think.
This does however make me sad that a fellow reviewer comrade of mine read her full length novel, Ice Angel from Robert Hale for Romance Readers at Heart. These samplings of her writing are very good and have a definite charm to them that makes me eager to try longer works of hers.
November 19, 2013
Didn't finish it.
Mild spoilers:
The prequel - which was an extremely short novella had the H/h falling in love in a matter of an hour. Ridiculous. More like lust at first sight, not to mention he was pretty much drunk and she was trying to steal from him.
The second novella, Siren's Daughter was a little better, at least the H/h knew each other. But there was some language, and she said she had to back away cuz she was giving him full view of her chest.
The third Blue Figured Silk - the main guy/rake is looking for a little dalliance during the ball and finds it in a young widow which is wearing an extremely low cut gown...and that is where I stopped.
Not for me...removing from my kindle
Mild spoilers:
The prequel - which was an extremely short novella had the H/h falling in love in a matter of an hour. Ridiculous. More like lust at first sight, not to mention he was pretty much drunk and she was trying to steal from him.
The second novella, Siren's Daughter was a little better, at least the H/h knew each other. But there was some language, and she said she had to back away cuz she was giving him full view of her chest.
The third Blue Figured Silk - the main guy/rake is looking for a little dalliance during the ball and finds it in a young widow which is wearing an extremely low cut gown...and that is where I stopped.
Not for me...removing from my kindle
April 17, 2012
These three short romance stories sweep you into the Regency world of dashing rakes, spurned lovers, and restrained propriety. With a dash of wit and descriptive charm, Hanbury has crafted romantic morsels reminiscent of the Regency romance luminary, Georgette Heyer.
I could have devoured all three stories in one sitting, but I was determined to savor them one at a time - on days when a little romantic escape was just the ticket I needed to put a smile on my face again. I feel content, knowing that these stories are safely tucked away in my Kindle to be revisited when the need arises.
I could have devoured all three stories in one sitting, but I was determined to savor them one at a time - on days when a little romantic escape was just the ticket I needed to put a smile on my face again. I feel content, knowing that these stories are safely tucked away in my Kindle to be revisited when the need arises.
May 17, 2017
Novella that doesn't quite live up to what it could be.
June 29, 2010
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I hadn't been checking good reads, and didn't even realize I won until it showed up in the mail!
One Midsummer Eve at Rookery End, is a must read, for romantics, and those who love regency. I am enthralled by the days of yore, and Ms. Elizabeth Hanbury choice words, transport the reader back in time to the dance floor of a regent ballroom. The story gets better with each page, and each of the stories will stir the reader's emotion. They will nearly bring tears to your eyes, and many smiles, and at some points even laughter. I really liked each of the stories, (especially the second one, but the other two were close behind) and would recommend this book to other people. She succeeds in what many other romance novelists fail to do, and that is making her characters find love. The stories are very sweet, as each finds true love . I am going to seek out her other books, The Paradise Will, and Ice Angel. She may have made a fan, if they are similar.
On a more personal note:
This is really not my kind of book. I usually steer clear of "Romance" novels. They usually lead, well, to the "Greek Temple", or the Marques of Shaftesbury, arranged to meet the attractive widow. I won’t say too much, but well this story didn't lead there. I am a fan of love stories, to be sure, but that word gets thrown around a lot. I entered to win this book because, I did not believe it to be one of those. Ms. Elizabeth Hanbury, I give you 4 stars because each did find love, and it was all that I expected of this book. I wish for you to understand, that is usually the highest rating that I give a book. Even my favorite fictional book of all time, got only 4 stars. I could see where it could have been better. 5 stars is perfection on my scale.
I give you 4 stars, for a story about young love, in the Romance novel genre.
I give you in between 3 and 4 stars for a story about young love, outside of the Romance novel genre. I like a book that can be thoroughly enjoyed by all ages. I give you still a high rating, because for the most part, your stories were sweet, but some of the circumstances were a little to lustily described, for my personal taste, and it is such that I would not share with my younger acquaintances, with a clear conscience. By no means was this book smutty, for all intensive readers, (it wouldn't even affect you if you watch nighttime television,... or afternoon I guess), and understandably some of the situations were more adult, [such as the incidence with Sir, Ralph and Eve, (with which I took no offense), in fact most of the kissing was perfectly appropriate:] however, for my personal taste, the incident in the observatory, was a bit.. too much. I like love story that makes me cry, in one way or another: one that stirs my emotions that way, not provocatively. It didn't add any substance to the book. That is why I took some of the rating away. You really would have had a broader audience had you left such out.
For a love story I would give you still a 3-ish rating. My favorites surprisingly, are not about young love (even though I normally drift to those, because I can see myself in the characters). I've seen many happy beginnings, but happy endings are a rare and precious jewel. I can see more love in the eyes of people that have been together for years, than in the young couples I have always set my desire upon. My absolute favorite love stories are about love which has been tried through the fire, and has lasted... They are about people who have made selfless sacrifices, for the ones that they love. True love stories are the dearest to my heart. My favorite love story is about Jesus. Jesus loved the Church (His Bride) so much that He gave His life for her. There is no love greater than when someone would lay down their life for the one that they love. They love them even more than themselves. I wish I did, but I don't know anyone else that loves like that.
For just a plain old book, you retain your 3-ish rating! I didn't put it down, until it was so late at night, I had to go to bed. Thank you very much!
I hadn't been checking good reads, and didn't even realize I won until it showed up in the mail!
One Midsummer Eve at Rookery End, is a must read, for romantics, and those who love regency. I am enthralled by the days of yore, and Ms. Elizabeth Hanbury choice words, transport the reader back in time to the dance floor of a regent ballroom. The story gets better with each page, and each of the stories will stir the reader's emotion. They will nearly bring tears to your eyes, and many smiles, and at some points even laughter. I really liked each of the stories, (especially the second one, but the other two were close behind) and would recommend this book to other people. She succeeds in what many other romance novelists fail to do, and that is making her characters find love. The stories are very sweet, as each finds true love . I am going to seek out her other books, The Paradise Will, and Ice Angel. She may have made a fan, if they are similar.
On a more personal note:
This is really not my kind of book. I usually steer clear of "Romance" novels. They usually lead, well, to the "Greek Temple", or the Marques of Shaftesbury, arranged to meet the attractive widow. I won’t say too much, but well this story didn't lead there. I am a fan of love stories, to be sure, but that word gets thrown around a lot. I entered to win this book because, I did not believe it to be one of those. Ms. Elizabeth Hanbury, I give you 4 stars because each did find love, and it was all that I expected of this book. I wish for you to understand, that is usually the highest rating that I give a book. Even my favorite fictional book of all time, got only 4 stars. I could see where it could have been better. 5 stars is perfection on my scale.
I give you 4 stars, for a story about young love, in the Romance novel genre.
I give you in between 3 and 4 stars for a story about young love, outside of the Romance novel genre. I like a book that can be thoroughly enjoyed by all ages. I give you still a high rating, because for the most part, your stories were sweet, but some of the circumstances were a little to lustily described, for my personal taste, and it is such that I would not share with my younger acquaintances, with a clear conscience. By no means was this book smutty, for all intensive readers, (it wouldn't even affect you if you watch nighttime television,... or afternoon I guess), and understandably some of the situations were more adult, [such as the incidence with Sir, Ralph and Eve, (with which I took no offense), in fact most of the kissing was perfectly appropriate:] however, for my personal taste, the incident in the observatory, was a bit.. too much. I like love story that makes me cry, in one way or another: one that stirs my emotions that way, not provocatively. It didn't add any substance to the book. That is why I took some of the rating away. You really would have had a broader audience had you left such out.
For a love story I would give you still a 3-ish rating. My favorites surprisingly, are not about young love (even though I normally drift to those, because I can see myself in the characters). I've seen many happy beginnings, but happy endings are a rare and precious jewel. I can see more love in the eyes of people that have been together for years, than in the young couples I have always set my desire upon. My absolute favorite love stories are about love which has been tried through the fire, and has lasted... They are about people who have made selfless sacrifices, for the ones that they love. True love stories are the dearest to my heart. My favorite love story is about Jesus. Jesus loved the Church (His Bride) so much that He gave His life for her. There is no love greater than when someone would lay down their life for the one that they love. They love them even more than themselves. I wish I did, but I don't know anyone else that loves like that.
For just a plain old book, you retain your 3-ish rating! I didn't put it down, until it was so late at night, I had to go to bed. Thank you very much!
November 2, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: September 1, 2009 (Available Now!)
Publisher: E-Scape Press
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website: http://www.elizabethhanbury.com/
My Source for This Book: Gift from the publisher
Part of a Series: Interconnected stories rather than a series
Series Best Read In Order: Work well as standalones
Steam Level: Warm
(Reviews for individual stories are posted on the blog)
Overall, this was a delightful collection of connected short stories. While the Love At First Sight theme is far from a favorite of mine, I loved Ms. Hanbury’s writing style, as well as her heroines. Spunky and determined without being true hoydens, it was understandable that our heroes would fall for them, albeit, perhaps not quite so quickly
Available from Amazon on Kindle for around two dollars, this is perfect for readers who are tired of some of the overly smutty stories being pushed by publishers these days, and a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon by the pool.
4/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: September 1, 2009 (Available Now!)
Publisher: E-Scape Press
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website: http://www.elizabethhanbury.com/
My Source for This Book: Gift from the publisher
Part of a Series: Interconnected stories rather than a series
Series Best Read In Order: Work well as standalones
Steam Level: Warm
(Reviews for individual stories are posted on the blog)
Overall, this was a delightful collection of connected short stories. While the Love At First Sight theme is far from a favorite of mine, I loved Ms. Hanbury’s writing style, as well as her heroines. Spunky and determined without being true hoydens, it was understandable that our heroes would fall for them, albeit, perhaps not quite so quickly
Available from Amazon on Kindle for around two dollars, this is perfect for readers who are tired of some of the overly smutty stories being pushed by publishers these days, and a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon by the pool.
4/5 Stars
May 6, 2012
Three delightful short stories, with well-rounded characters, traditional Regency plotlines, and all taking place at the same Midsummer's Eve ball. These are the tight, logical sort of stories where you know the writer knew what she wanted to say prior to writing: there's no flailing around, no extraneous characters, and no writing herself into a corner then having the characters do something silly to get themselves out. The first story did require a bit of getting into on my part (not my normal literary fare) but once author Elizabeth Hanbury hit her stride, my enjoyment was real. Definitely an author I'll follow.
December 15, 2013
What a fun book. I would love to attend a ball at Rookery End. This book introduces you to Lord and Lady Allingham. Then we attend the ball, I like to think it is all the same ball (the author leaves it to us to decide) and witness four couples find love. It took me four cups of tea to finish this book and I enjoyed every minute. It was sad to have the evening end.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 3, 2012
A sweet collection of Regency romance short stories. I enjoyed the read, but found them a trifle on the ridiculous side, even for the romance genre. People fall in love in ten minutes or less and stay in love for years and years, even when the person thinks the other dumped him/her without a word. But, still fun and enjoyable light reading.
April 13, 2012
This is a collection of short stories set during the Regency period in Great Britain. They're short and sweet with a number of premises such as reunited lovers, love at first sight, etc. The stories are very well written and a delight to read. This is my first exposure to Ms.Hanbury's work and I will definitely be looking into the other writing she has done.
June 22, 2012
This is a trilogy of Recency short stories that all take place at a Midsummer Eve ball. I liked the idea but I'm not a fan of love at first sight and prefer to see the romance grow naturally. That's hard to do in short stories. I probably liked the first one best except there was a slight sexual reference that was completely unneccesary and kind of ruined it for me.
September 20, 2010
Thoroughly enjoyable collection of stories, would recomend to anyone who is looking for good regency shorts.
September 10, 2016
A so-so collection of short stories.
October 27, 2013
Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book
Review to come
Content: A few swear words/profanities
Review to come
Content: A few swear words/profanities
February 18, 2014
This was a pleasant group of short stories placed around a community called Rookery End. Well worth the price of free
March 27, 2015
An easy pleasant read. A book with 5 short stories all taking place at Rookery End.
November 1, 2015
Delightful Regency romance tales set at a magical Midsummer country house ball.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews