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Georgians in Paris
The Accidental Servants
♥★♥★ He’s marooned without a penny. She’s in hiding to protect her virtue. As servants in the same Parisian household, can love be found between the schoolroom and the scullery? Charles Ellsworth is a young Englishman on his triumphant Grand Tour when the dissolution of his family fortunes and his own recklessness leave him stranded and in debt. He enters service as a tutor in the household of M. Tremblay, with nothing but his wits and the kindness shown him by an elderly maid to depend on. Pretty Jeanne Martineau played ingenue roles with a traveling theatre company before the manager absconded with the receipts. Now she works as a maid for the rakish M. Tremblay to avoid starvation, but escaping his groping hands requires she don the disguise of a hideous old woman. When Charles glimpses Jeanne without her disguise, he quickly falls for the lovely young woman, but how can she reveal the truth without them losing everything to M. Tremblay’s terrible ire and desire?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2024
308 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dudley
28 books268 followersChristina Hwang Dudley is the author of clean historical and contemporary romance.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 27, 2024
More Georgian/Historical French romances, please!
This cover is the perfect intro to the story. It has the light-hearted pomp and whimsy I was hoping for. It's the perfect length to while away an afternoon or two with a cup of something (personally not a huge tea drinker) and a croissant or macaron. I'm very much looking forward to the other three books in the coming months (one more new-to-me author and two from Arlem and Jennie, who I can't help but adore).
Jeanne and Charles find themselves with no other recourse than to play servant to the tax collector. As an actress, she's left penniless and without the ability to play on the stage temporarily and he played the man-about-town to his detriment and empty pockets. In order to avoid the master's wandering hands, Jeanne dresses up as a hunch-backed hag but can't help wanting to impress the English tutor.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
This cover is the perfect intro to the story. It has the light-hearted pomp and whimsy I was hoping for. It's the perfect length to while away an afternoon or two with a cup of something (personally not a huge tea drinker) and a croissant or macaron. I'm very much looking forward to the other three books in the coming months (one more new-to-me author and two from Arlem and Jennie, who I can't help but adore).
Jeanne and Charles find themselves with no other recourse than to play servant to the tax collector. As an actress, she's left penniless and without the ability to play on the stage temporarily and he played the man-about-town to his detriment and empty pockets. In order to avoid the master's wandering hands, Jeanne dresses up as a hunch-backed hag but can't help wanting to impress the English tutor.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
September 5, 2025
Exquisitely written (and beautifully narrated on audiobook by Katherine Anderson), I absolutely loved this wonderful tale of loves and lies! Each character (and some persons had several) were vivid and memorable. And what a great epilogue! I haven’t enjoyed such a diverting audiobook all year. I’m so glad to find a new favorite Georgian author.
April 19, 2024
This book has a writing style that was reminiscent of older historical novels. The POV changed frequently, often without notice within a chapter, and it's a style I didn't love. The storyline was interesting, a little slow, and a little predictable.
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May 31, 2024A fun read ♡
March 5, 2024
a fun romance
This was a really fun book to read. It had many elements of a good farce, with the main character at times a young actress and alternatively a wizened aunt, who smelt and had a hunchback. Inevitably there is a love interest, but does he devote himself to the actress or the aunt? The banquet scene at the end is great and of course there is a happy ending. This is a lovely read
This was a really fun book to read. It had many elements of a good farce, with the main character at times a young actress and alternatively a wizened aunt, who smelt and had a hunchback. Inevitably there is a love interest, but does he devote himself to the actress or the aunt? The banquet scene at the end is great and of course there is a happy ending. This is a lovely read
March 23, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised how much the author put into this shorter story. The Ellsworth book series is a very well written one, and I am currently reading book four . When I saw a prequel so to speak that dealt with the uncle and aunt of the people I have been reading about, had to read it. It is well written with an endearing main couple and secondary characters that were fleshed out.
May 2, 2024
What a pleasant change for a georgian romance! No fancy balls or gossiping ton, just a house in Paris with servants who steal the show. I was so giddy reading this book, laughing out loud at Marthe and her antics. I also found myself tearing up as Charles learns what life is all about. The Romance is sweet and the love is even sweeter.
May 16, 2024
“I-I have nothing to offer you. Nothing at all, at present, of-of-of a material nature. But what I have is yours. I mean to say—my heart. I have my heart, and it is yours.”
Charles Ellsworth is a young Englishman on his triumphant Grand Tour when the dissolution of his family fortunes and his own recklessness leave him stranded and in debt. He enters service as a humble tutor in the household of M. Tremblay, with nothing but his wits and the kindness shown him by an elderly maid to depend on.
Pretty Jeanne Martineau played ingenue roles with a traveling theatre company before the manager absconded with the receipts. Now she works as a maid for the rakish M. Tremblay to avoid starvation, but escaping his groping hands requires she don the disguise of a hideous smelly old woman.
When Charles glimpses Jeanne without her disguise, he quickly falls for the lovely young woman, but the question remains, how can she reveal the truth without them losing everything to M. Tremblay’s terrible ire and desire? So much is at stake and time is running out…
“Was he losing his mind? Because if his eyes had been closed, he would have taken an oath he was in the presence of an enchanting young miss.”
@christinadudleyauthor this is such a fun Georgian book, set in Paris!! You have weaved a charming tale with finely layers of hidden truths laced with such delightful humor in between, with such an array of unique and original characters!! There’s a lot that takes place within the pages of this book. I had to really pay close attention with who was who, which is in part to the charm and originality of this story and word choice. I look forward to more in this unique series. This is a fun book worth reading!
“He only knew at that moment that he loved her. He loved her, and there was no pride left to him.”
•Content: Some references to mistresses and a character who sleeps with all the women working in his household though nothing descriptive or on page.
••I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Charles Ellsworth is a young Englishman on his triumphant Grand Tour when the dissolution of his family fortunes and his own recklessness leave him stranded and in debt. He enters service as a humble tutor in the household of M. Tremblay, with nothing but his wits and the kindness shown him by an elderly maid to depend on.
Pretty Jeanne Martineau played ingenue roles with a traveling theatre company before the manager absconded with the receipts. Now she works as a maid for the rakish M. Tremblay to avoid starvation, but escaping his groping hands requires she don the disguise of a hideous smelly old woman.
When Charles glimpses Jeanne without her disguise, he quickly falls for the lovely young woman, but the question remains, how can she reveal the truth without them losing everything to M. Tremblay’s terrible ire and desire? So much is at stake and time is running out…
“Was he losing his mind? Because if his eyes had been closed, he would have taken an oath he was in the presence of an enchanting young miss.”
@christinadudleyauthor this is such a fun Georgian book, set in Paris!! You have weaved a charming tale with finely layers of hidden truths laced with such delightful humor in between, with such an array of unique and original characters!! There’s a lot that takes place within the pages of this book. I had to really pay close attention with who was who, which is in part to the charm and originality of this story and word choice. I look forward to more in this unique series. This is a fun book worth reading!
“He only knew at that moment that he loved her. He loved her, and there was no pride left to him.”
•Content: Some references to mistresses and a character who sleeps with all the women working in his household though nothing descriptive or on page.
••I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 31, 2024
Ok first things first- how fun are the covers on this series?! LOVE!!!
Now. The book. Haha This was a really fun and quick read. It took me a minute to get used to her writing style. The quickly changing views and who was saying what without any indication of it changing was a little confusing at first but once I got into it, it flowed much more easily and was quite fun!
This was a story of two people ending up in a house, and having to be someone they weren’t. Charles was an Englishman touring the continent, and lost some money gambling. But when he went to the bank, he discovered his funds were gone and no more would be sent. He then had to become an employee in the house of the man to whom he owed his debts to repay.
Jeanne is an actress who has lost her employ due to their employer taking their wages and running. She goes with a fellow actor to work in his former home, but the man for whom they will work is a scoundrel and so she must dress as an old smelly hag.
How could these two possibly come together under such circumstances?? You will just have to read and find out for yourself 😉💙
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my owned
Now. The book. Haha This was a really fun and quick read. It took me a minute to get used to her writing style. The quickly changing views and who was saying what without any indication of it changing was a little confusing at first but once I got into it, it flowed much more easily and was quite fun!
This was a story of two people ending up in a house, and having to be someone they weren’t. Charles was an Englishman touring the continent, and lost some money gambling. But when he went to the bank, he discovered his funds were gone and no more would be sent. He then had to become an employee in the house of the man to whom he owed his debts to repay.
Jeanne is an actress who has lost her employ due to their employer taking their wages and running. She goes with a fellow actor to work in his former home, but the man for whom they will work is a scoundrel and so she must dress as an old smelly hag.
How could these two possibly come together under such circumstances?? You will just have to read and find out for yourself 😉💙
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my owned
December 21, 2024
This book is part of a multi-author series of kisses only Georgian era romances. Each of these stories is set in France. They are not connected to each other by plot, so they can be read in any order.
This was the last of this series that I read. I finally found it on audio and was excited to listen. The narrator has a French accent. That combined with the heavily laden French dialog and changing points of view made it a challenging listen for this seasoned audiobook user. I had to slow the speed down to 1.2 and read the blurb to grasp what was going on. Once my ears and mind adjusted, I did increase to my more normal 1.5 speed for the last 25 percent.
It is a different kind of story that was entertaining. There is an employer that is known for sleeping with his female employees. That plays a large role in the events of this book. It wasn't my favorite topic although I am sure that it was well founded in accuracy.
This was the last of this series that I read. I finally found it on audio and was excited to listen. The narrator has a French accent. That combined with the heavily laden French dialog and changing points of view made it a challenging listen for this seasoned audiobook user. I had to slow the speed down to 1.2 and read the blurb to grasp what was going on. Once my ears and mind adjusted, I did increase to my more normal 1.5 speed for the last 25 percent.
It is a different kind of story that was entertaining. There is an employer that is known for sleeping with his female employees. That plays a large role in the events of this book. It wasn't my favorite topic although I am sure that it was well founded in accuracy.
February 25, 2024
Questions answered!
Christina Dudley's new book, The Accidental Servants: Georgians in Paris, is the first book in a new series, but in a very important sense it answers enticing questions about another series of hers which is drawing to a close, The Ellsworth Assortment. All through that series I have wondered what the story was about the younger brother of Mr. Ellsworth, Charles, and his French wife Jeanne. This kind, wise, and noticeably less "uptight " couple were always charmingly different.
This book is a lot of fun! I heartily recommend it to those who enjoy sweet and humorous Regency romances.
Christina Dudley's new book, The Accidental Servants: Georgians in Paris, is the first book in a new series, but in a very important sense it answers enticing questions about another series of hers which is drawing to a close, The Ellsworth Assortment. All through that series I have wondered what the story was about the younger brother of Mr. Ellsworth, Charles, and his French wife Jeanne. This kind, wise, and noticeably less "uptight " couple were always charmingly different.
This book is a lot of fun! I heartily recommend it to those who enjoy sweet and humorous Regency romances.
May 3, 2024
Delightful Dialogue and Unique Romance
Since I read the series of the Ellsworth Assortment and knew how much Charles and Jeanne helped their family, this books was a real treat. Their niece Florence starts off the series. This book explains why Charles was unable to easily return to his family in England. In disguise, Jeanne is an actress who must take a menial job after her troupe becomes bankrupt. Knowing their personalities adds tantalizing bits to the story. There are many plot twists before Charles and Jeanne are able to make their home in England. Very enjoyable read !
Since I read the series of the Ellsworth Assortment and knew how much Charles and Jeanne helped their family, this books was a real treat. Their niece Florence starts off the series. This book explains why Charles was unable to easily return to his family in England. In disguise, Jeanne is an actress who must take a menial job after her troupe becomes bankrupt. Knowing their personalities adds tantalizing bits to the story. There are many plot twists before Charles and Jeanne are able to make their home in England. Very enjoyable read !
February 23, 2024
A clean story. This story has me a little confused. I liked it but it seemed a little odd. It made a change for there to be no Lords and Ladies in it. I was surprised that there were any female servants at all in the household given the masters proclivities. Was Jeannes disguise a little over the top. I think she would have been told to wash. I also thought the ending a bit tongue in cheek. On reflection maybe I was taking it too seriously? I enjoyed it hence the rating, and let's see how the rest of this series goes.
March 5, 2024
clean and fun romance
A fun and funny story of misadventures of three main characters. Each end up in dire straits for various reasons and from there the story unfolds.
I enjoyed the characters and plot very much. Both the heroes and heroines are not quick to show their true nature until the end but it is well done.
I had to remind myself that some of the “dumb” actions that added to the plot were just that… a way for the author to create her story.
I look forward to more of this series.
A fun and funny story of misadventures of three main characters. Each end up in dire straits for various reasons and from there the story unfolds.
I enjoyed the characters and plot very much. Both the heroes and heroines are not quick to show their true nature until the end but it is well done.
I had to remind myself that some of the “dumb” actions that added to the plot were just that… a way for the author to create her story.
I look forward to more of this series.
August 23, 2024
extraordinary.
I wasn’t sure about this for the first little while, but as it was written by Christina Dudley, I persevered. Well! The author continues to amaze me! Her French is so good, that I can only assume she’s fluent, and don’t worry, it’s all very clear to the reader, as rather cleverly, she includes the meaning in a way that doesn’t intrude. The main characters have you caring about them, too, despite the peculiarities of their behaviour in the story, which is really very good. I really recommend this book.
I wasn’t sure about this for the first little while, but as it was written by Christina Dudley, I persevered. Well! The author continues to amaze me! Her French is so good, that I can only assume she’s fluent, and don’t worry, it’s all very clear to the reader, as rather cleverly, she includes the meaning in a way that doesn’t intrude. The main characters have you caring about them, too, despite the peculiarities of their behaviour in the story, which is really very good. I really recommend this book.
March 8, 2024
Venturing back into the Georgian Era for this book, we learn about the history of Charles Ellsworth, patriarch William Ellsworth's brother, and his French wife, Jeanette, secondary characters in the series, 'The Ellsworth Assortment', which takes place some 30 years later.
Jeanne is an orphan and a member of a theatre troupe whose manager has just absconded with the receipts and costumes, leaving them all in a perilous situation. Bertrand, an older member of the troupe, secures employment in M. Tremblay's hotel, where he previously worked. Tremblay has a reputation for assaulting his female employees. When Bertrand secures a position for Jeanne, she disguises herself as an old, smelling hag in order to avoid Tremblay's advances.
Charles owes a lot of money to M. Tremblay as a gambling debt, which he does not have the money to pay. His family's finances have suffered due to the excesses of Charles and his brother William. To settle the debt, Charles agrees to tutor Tremblay's two bastard sons for a year. Jeanne, who calls herself Marthe, is assigned him as his maid. Confusion, prevarication, and manipulation ensue before everything comes to a head in a final disastrous dinner for a famous guest.
What cosmic, creative stream flows through Christina Dudley's mind and fingers on the keyboard? She breathes life into the characters on the page, makes their dialogue sparkle with wit and pathos. Historical details are accurate and the plot moves us along effortlessly. Her main characters are realistically flawed, but charming and appealing. She writes so well, that sometimes I pause on a sentence to savor it and read it over and over again.
Jeanne is an orphan and a member of a theatre troupe whose manager has just absconded with the receipts and costumes, leaving them all in a perilous situation. Bertrand, an older member of the troupe, secures employment in M. Tremblay's hotel, where he previously worked. Tremblay has a reputation for assaulting his female employees. When Bertrand secures a position for Jeanne, she disguises herself as an old, smelling hag in order to avoid Tremblay's advances.
Charles owes a lot of money to M. Tremblay as a gambling debt, which he does not have the money to pay. His family's finances have suffered due to the excesses of Charles and his brother William. To settle the debt, Charles agrees to tutor Tremblay's two bastard sons for a year. Jeanne, who calls herself Marthe, is assigned him as his maid. Confusion, prevarication, and manipulation ensue before everything comes to a head in a final disastrous dinner for a famous guest.
What cosmic, creative stream flows through Christina Dudley's mind and fingers on the keyboard? She breathes life into the characters on the page, makes their dialogue sparkle with wit and pathos. Historical details are accurate and the plot moves us along effortlessly. Her main characters are realistically flawed, but charming and appealing. She writes so well, that sometimes I pause on a sentence to savor it and read it over and over again.
May 14, 2024
Charles, an Englishman in Paris who has run out of regular income and Jeanne, an actress who temporarily is not on stage both have some in common and that is they will be without funds for an undetermined time. They meet while working in a household that leaves much to be desired. How did they get there, how did they meet and how do they finally get out and find their hea?
A clean and sweet read
A clean and sweet read
August 21, 2024
What an absolute delight! A sweet and fun comédie of mistaken identy that felt a bit like a fairytale retelling. The impoverished young gentleman working off his debt, a chance encounter with a beautiful young woman filling his dreams, yet he is strangely drawn to the haggard, stooped servant who shows him kindness and acts almost as a fairy godmother. Confusingly, she seems less haggard every day! Is she truly old? What is her story? This had me laughing and sighing throughout.
February 27, 2025
I'm giving this four stars because I didn't have high expectations (I was just in the mood for something light hearted/some easy entertainment and something set during the 18th century) and as it turned out, this book pleasantly surprised me. Also, I'm giving it four stars because it's not bloody Bridgerton. It's a fun and charming story in the style of an 18th century farse with comic embroilments. Easy fun entertainment.
July 30, 2025
First time reading this author, and I found her writing fun, humorous, and sometimes unpredictable. This story, set in 1774 France, was sweet and fun. I knew it would have a "happy ending", I just wasn't sure what would happen leading up to it. I'm looking forward to the second book!
I listened to the audiobook version of this story. The French accent was difficult to understand a few times, but did contribute well to the story.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story. The French accent was difficult to understand a few times, but did contribute well to the story.
November 12, 2025
I listened to the audiobook. It was difficult to understand with the French accent. Also, there were a lot of French words that I did not know. Sometimes there would be a translation close by, but without seeing the words, I couldn’t look it up.
The plot got a little far-fetched for me at the end of the book. It also seemed to lag throughout the middle and it took me a while to get interested at the beginning. So it was OK, but not my favorite.
The plot got a little far-fetched for me at the end of the book. It also seemed to lag throughout the middle and it took me a while to get interested at the beginning. So it was OK, but not my favorite.
February 27, 2024
Simple and silly
Charles loses all his money, and ends up in a household as a servant. Jeanne is an actress with no money and must disguise herself as an old, hunchbacked lady so she doesn’t attract the master’s notice. Even through the disguises, they both managed to fall in love with each other and of course, live happily ever after.
Charles loses all his money, and ends up in a household as a servant. Jeanne is an actress with no money and must disguise herself as an old, hunchbacked lady so she doesn’t attract the master’s notice. Even through the disguises, they both managed to fall in love with each other and of course, live happily ever after.
March 18, 2024
A Georgian Romp!
So much fun! To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book, being more of a Regency than a Georgian fan but it wasn’t long before I fell in love with Charles and Jeanne/ Marthe. And there was many a laugh along the way as the players acted out their deceptions.
So much fun! To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book, being more of a Regency than a Georgian fan but it wasn’t long before I fell in love with Charles and Jeanne/ Marthe. And there was many a laugh along the way as the players acted out their deceptions.
April 1, 2024
interesting frolic
the best thing about this story is the Georgian setting.
It is related with relish, but I have a prejudice about my main characters and prefer them to be nobility!
Most of the book the female main character is in disguise.
it was good but i stopped reading and then slipped to the ending.
the best thing about this story is the Georgian setting.
It is related with relish, but I have a prejudice about my main characters and prefer them to be nobility!
Most of the book the female main character is in disguise.
it was good but i stopped reading and then slipped to the ending.
February 26, 2024
Delightful Start to this series!!
Thank you very much Christina for a delightful start to this series!! I love the characters individually, and the fun mix of the different ones 😊 Perhaps we might see one or two of them again? God bless 🙏🏻
Thank you very much Christina for a delightful start to this series!! I love the characters individually, and the fun mix of the different ones 😊 Perhaps we might see one or two of them again? God bless 🙏🏻
March 6, 2024
super cute
Loved the unique plot and it's development. The"crisis" at the end was hilarious.
The story was well written and carried out, no trite or annoying phrases that didn't fit. Just smooth flowing dialog and descriptions.
Loved the unique plot and it's development. The"crisis" at the end was hilarious.
The story was well written and carried out, no trite or annoying phrases that didn't fit. Just smooth flowing dialog and descriptions.
March 7, 2024
(My 3.75 stars is probably your 4.75 stars.) Dudley is one of my favorite authors in this genre, and this is a fun romp in a not-the-usual setting. I particularly liked the disastrous-dinner portion involving the soup. :-)
March 22, 2024
I'd been looking for more Georgian romances and thought I'd give this one a try. It took me way too long to realize, but this is the love story of the aunt and uncle in the Ellsworth Assortment. You don't need to have read it to enjoy this story, though. Short and sweet.
March 25, 2024
From acting for money to acting for virtue
A highly enjoyable story with the combination of French and English characters. I am looking forward to reading more. It seems like an interesting time before Franc Rand England were at war.
A highly enjoyable story with the combination of French and English characters. I am looking forward to reading more. It seems like an interesting time before Franc Rand England were at war.
March 28, 2024
4.5
This was such a fun and hilarious story! It was an enjoyable read and I'm excited to read the rest of the series. I'm also excited to read more from this author. I recommend for fans of historical romance.
This was such a fun and hilarious story! It was an enjoyable read and I'm excited to read the rest of the series. I'm also excited to read more from this author. I recommend for fans of historical romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews