What do you think?
Rate this book
The Renegade Royals #4.5
A Gentleman For All Seasons
A GENTLEMAN FOR ALL SEASONS
The tiny village of Hemshawe is the sort of place where nothing ever happens…until a handsome ex-soldier and his matchmaking sister let the imposing manor house at the edge of town. The friendly Londoners shake up the staid people of Hemshawe, and villagers see each other in a new and oh-so-appealing light.
Suddenly long-sparring enemies become lovers, a town festival heralds a new start for a fallen woman and a dandy, and a man who has given up on love gets a second chance with the woman he never forgot. And the matchmaker herself? She won’t rest until she finds her own happily-ever-after…
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble
Adam Sturridge has made Belinda Leonard’s blood boil since childhood, and the feeling is mutual. But when a would-be matchmaker arrives in the village of Hemshawe, she’d determined to erase the thin line between love and hate. Now, Belinda and Adam are faced with falling for someone they’ve always considered an enemy—can they overcome old prejudices and discover how to rub each other the right way?
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
When viscount’s son and dandy Peregrine Lochley is temporarily exiled from London to the country for his misdeeds, the last thing he expects is to encounter an intriguing woman. But Caroline Martin has a secret to hide, and it just might be too scandalous for even this debauched rogue.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
Ten years ago, wealthy Eliza Greenleaf broke lowly soldier Bertram Gage’s heart—but the last decade brought changes in fortune to them both. Now that he’s made his mark on the world, a twist of fate brings the Greenleaf family under his power. Will this war-hardened officer triumph over his former lover…or will Bertie and Eliza give love a second chance?
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
Miss Georgie Gage, matchmaker extraordinaire, is resigned to life as a spinster—almost. When notoriously aloof bachelor Fergus Haddon arrives from Scotland to spend Christmas with the Gage family, Georgie thinks she’s finally found her own perfect match—if, that is, she can get the handsome Highlander to agree!
The tiny village of Hemshawe is the sort of place where nothing ever happens…until a handsome ex-soldier and his matchmaking sister let the imposing manor house at the edge of town. The friendly Londoners shake up the staid people of Hemshawe, and villagers see each other in a new and oh-so-appealing light.
Suddenly long-sparring enemies become lovers, a town festival heralds a new start for a fallen woman and a dandy, and a man who has given up on love gets a second chance with the woman he never forgot. And the matchmaker herself? She won’t rest until she finds her own happily-ever-after…
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble
Adam Sturridge has made Belinda Leonard’s blood boil since childhood, and the feeling is mutual. But when a would-be matchmaker arrives in the village of Hemshawe, she’d determined to erase the thin line between love and hate. Now, Belinda and Adam are faced with falling for someone they’ve always considered an enemy—can they overcome old prejudices and discover how to rub each other the right way?
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
When viscount’s son and dandy Peregrine Lochley is temporarily exiled from London to the country for his misdeeds, the last thing he expects is to encounter an intriguing woman. But Caroline Martin has a secret to hide, and it just might be too scandalous for even this debauched rogue.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
Ten years ago, wealthy Eliza Greenleaf broke lowly soldier Bertram Gage’s heart—but the last decade brought changes in fortune to them both. Now that he’s made his mark on the world, a twist of fate brings the Greenleaf family under his power. Will this war-hardened officer triumph over his former lover…or will Bertie and Eliza give love a second chance?
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
Miss Georgie Gage, matchmaker extraordinaire, is resigned to life as a spinster—almost. When notoriously aloof bachelor Fergus Haddon arrives from Scotland to spend Christmas with the Gage family, Georgie thinks she’s finally found her own perfect match—if, that is, she can get the handsome Highlander to agree!
371 pages, ebook
First published November 10, 2015
36 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Shana Galen
98 books1,548 followersShana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 25, 2015
REVIEW OF MADNESS IN SPRING BY KATE NOBLE
This is a delightfully entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance and Belinda and Adam are such an engaging couple. Their journey to a happy ever after is fun to watch and Ms Noble writes with wit and charm.
“Yes, do tell me more about the house I grew up in,” Adam drawled.
“I need no reminder that you grew up here. You are littered across my memory like horse manure on a path.”
REVIEW RATING: 4/5
REVIEW OF THE SUMMER OF WINE AND SCANDAL BY SHANA GALEN
This is an emotive story of forgiveness and redemption. The foppish Peregrine turns out to be a wonderful hero and it is heart-warming to see how he champions Caroline in front of everyone at the village fair.
“If there is a woman who is close to perfection, I would have to say it is Miss Martin.”
I also love how Caroline’s father never judges his daughter for her mistake which is in sharp contrast to Peregrine’s father.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5
REVIEW OF THOSE AUTUMN NIGHTS BY THERESA ROMAIN
This is a poignant second-chance story in which Ms Romain captures Bertie and Eliza’s feelings of regret, forgiveness and renewed love beautifully.
Was this only a kiss? It drew forth his whole body, entrancing and enchanting him. The taste and scent, the sweet little sound she made as she rose onto her tiptoes to kiss him more firmly.
New-to-me author Ms Romain impressed me with her writing and I’m eager to read more of her books.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5
THE SEASON FOR LOVING BY VANESSA KELLY
Sweet, kind, matchmaking Georgie Gage finds her own happy ending with dour Scot, Fergus Haddon. They are a perfect complement for each other and I love how Georgie changes Fergus’s life in so many ways.
She was everything he wanted- generosity, acceptance, and love. Everything he’d convinced would be forever denied to him.
This is a lovely, heart-warming romance enhanced by some colourful secondary characters.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5
MY VERDICT: Overall, four well-written, entertaining and romantic stories which are perfect reading for the approaching holiday season.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.**
This is a delightfully entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance and Belinda and Adam are such an engaging couple. Their journey to a happy ever after is fun to watch and Ms Noble writes with wit and charm.
“Yes, do tell me more about the house I grew up in,” Adam drawled.
“I need no reminder that you grew up here. You are littered across my memory like horse manure on a path.”
REVIEW RATING: 4/5
REVIEW OF THE SUMMER OF WINE AND SCANDAL BY SHANA GALEN
This is an emotive story of forgiveness and redemption. The foppish Peregrine turns out to be a wonderful hero and it is heart-warming to see how he champions Caroline in front of everyone at the village fair.
“If there is a woman who is close to perfection, I would have to say it is Miss Martin.”
I also love how Caroline’s father never judges his daughter for her mistake which is in sharp contrast to Peregrine’s father.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5
REVIEW OF THOSE AUTUMN NIGHTS BY THERESA ROMAIN
This is a poignant second-chance story in which Ms Romain captures Bertie and Eliza’s feelings of regret, forgiveness and renewed love beautifully.
Was this only a kiss? It drew forth his whole body, entrancing and enchanting him. The taste and scent, the sweet little sound she made as she rose onto her tiptoes to kiss him more firmly.
New-to-me author Ms Romain impressed me with her writing and I’m eager to read more of her books.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5
THE SEASON FOR LOVING BY VANESSA KELLY
Sweet, kind, matchmaking Georgie Gage finds her own happy ending with dour Scot, Fergus Haddon. They are a perfect complement for each other and I love how Georgie changes Fergus’s life in so many ways.
She was everything he wanted- generosity, acceptance, and love. Everything he’d convinced would be forever denied to him.
This is a lovely, heart-warming romance enhanced by some colourful secondary characters.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5
MY VERDICT: Overall, four well-written, entertaining and romantic stories which are perfect reading for the approaching holiday season.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.**
August 30, 2018
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love anthologies. However, despite some big names on this list, I really didn't love any of the installments. However, it did influence me to try some of Shana Galen's other work so yay for that :)
A Madness in Spring, Kate Noble
While I love friends/enemies to lovers trope, in this one, I just had a hard time seeing the romance. I saw how the hero changed, but the heroine, who was touted to be super organized and put together, became such a ninny as the story went on, running away multiple times and jumping to unreasonable conclusions. She really made this story not enjoyable for me. Plus, I don't think Noble's writing style is for me. She uses a lot of parentheses and names without fleshing out characters so I often find her openings to be confusing. 2 stars.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal, Shana Galen
This story packed quite a punch for it's short format. The story started off quite light/sweet, but turned dark as the heroine's past was revealed. While I loved how the hero processed through prejudices of his time and the family demonstrated strong bonds of support, it was hard to believe that the heroine had recovered so quickly. Still I'll be checking out more by the author as long as it isn't a spy novel. This was my favorite of the bunch and had the strongest love story. 4 stars.
Those Autumn Nights, Theresa Romain
This was the reason I picked up the collection. I love second chance romances and I usually love Romain's style. Unfortunately, it was not my cuppa. I didn’t get it. I had no idea why the leads were in love the first time or why they reconnected 10 years later. The dialogue and chemistry just didn’t make sense for me. 2 stars.
The Season for Loving, Vanessa Kelly
I usually like Vanessa Kelly's writing and this story flowed well. I liked learning more about the heroine who had popped up in all of the previous stories as a matchmaker. This story had the heroine pursuing the hero and coming out of her shell to demonstrate she is stronger than she looks and is ready for love and life. A sweet story. 3 stars.
A Madness in Spring, Kate Noble
While I love friends/enemies to lovers trope, in this one, I just had a hard time seeing the romance. I saw how the hero changed, but the heroine, who was touted to be super organized and put together, became such a ninny as the story went on, running away multiple times and jumping to unreasonable conclusions. She really made this story not enjoyable for me. Plus, I don't think Noble's writing style is for me. She uses a lot of parentheses and names without fleshing out characters so I often find her openings to be confusing. 2 stars.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal, Shana Galen
This story packed quite a punch for it's short format. The story started off quite light/sweet, but turned dark as the heroine's past was revealed. While I loved how the hero processed through prejudices of his time and the family demonstrated strong bonds of support, it was hard to believe that the heroine had recovered so quickly. Still I'll be checking out more by the author as long as it isn't a spy novel. This was my favorite of the bunch and had the strongest love story. 4 stars.
Those Autumn Nights, Theresa Romain
This was the reason I picked up the collection. I love second chance romances and I usually love Romain's style. Unfortunately, it was not my cuppa. I didn’t get it. I had no idea why the leads were in love the first time or why they reconnected 10 years later. The dialogue and chemistry just didn’t make sense for me. 2 stars.
The Season for Loving, Vanessa Kelly
I usually like Vanessa Kelly's writing and this story flowed well. I liked learning more about the heroine who had popped up in all of the previous stories as a matchmaker. This story had the heroine pursuing the hero and coming out of her shell to demonstrate she is stronger than she looks and is ready for love and life. A sweet story. 3 stars.
August 20, 2017
A Madness in Spring, Kate Noble 4 quirky frenemies-to-lovers stars.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal, Shana Galen. 4 you-were-meant-for-me stars. A darker backstory, but real-life HEA in the end. My fav of all four!
Those Autumn Nights, Theresa Romain 3.5 Work-thru-the-old-hurt-to-trust-again stars. Finally getting to Bertie's story! I did not want to like Eliza right from the beginning, that little heartbreaker! The author did a good job at giving her a sense of humor, regret, and womanly maturity that made a good fit in the end. So long as our hero is content and happy, I call it a HEA.
The Season For Loving, Vanessa Kelly 3.5 Georgie-gets-a-Highlander stars. I wanted to love this story so hard. Georgie needed, no deserved passion! Don't get me wrong. Fergus is a perfect "match" for our heroine and he doesn't disappoint. But he and the other new characters are a crossover from the author's Renegade Royals series and while their backstory worked here, the intro of so many secondary characters took away from our two would-be lovers. Leaving just enuf time for the heat to warm up to a cozy heating pad over a burning passion IMHO. So I ended up just really liking the story. Still it was a nice conclusion to the overall anthology.
Now to my review and rating for the anthology. 4 solid stars.
My favorite type of anthologies are themed or are serial stories that have a character/place/symbols tie in like this one seamlessly provides!
All four authors did a great job at keeping MCs and secondary character's personalities in line throughout the seasons, with just the right amount of personal growth. Except Bertie LOL I think that he will always be an overprotective older brother ;) The towns, the homes, the matchmaking (even the butler nudges Fergus along!) were consistent throughout. All hit the romance target with mild heat. Except for book 2, well, there is scandal in the title...it's kinda spicy!
There were lotsa extra random words left in sentences not caught in the editing process in the first story, A Madness in Spring, and at least one dialog goof in book three, Bertie's story. Nothing to be concerned with.
I would recommend this to anyone!
The Summer of Wine and Scandal, Shana Galen. 4 you-were-meant-for-me stars. A darker backstory, but real-life HEA in the end. My fav of all four!
Those Autumn Nights, Theresa Romain 3.5 Work-thru-the-old-hurt-to-trust-again stars. Finally getting to Bertie's story! I did not want to like Eliza right from the beginning, that little heartbreaker! The author did a good job at giving her a sense of humor, regret, and womanly maturity that made a good fit in the end. So long as our hero is content and happy, I call it a HEA.
The Season For Loving, Vanessa Kelly 3.5 Georgie-gets-a-Highlander stars. I wanted to love this story so hard. Georgie needed, no deserved passion! Don't get me wrong. Fergus is a perfect "match" for our heroine and he doesn't disappoint. But he and the other new characters are a crossover from the author's Renegade Royals series and while their backstory worked here, the intro of so many secondary characters took away from our two would-be lovers. Leaving just enuf time for the heat to warm up to a cozy heating pad over a burning passion IMHO. So I ended up just really liking the story. Still it was a nice conclusion to the overall anthology.
Now to my review and rating for the anthology. 4 solid stars.
My favorite type of anthologies are themed or are serial stories that have a character/place/symbols tie in like this one seamlessly provides!
All four authors did a great job at keeping MCs and secondary character's personalities in line throughout the seasons, with just the right amount of personal growth. Except Bertie LOL I think that he will always be an overprotective older brother ;) The towns, the homes, the matchmaking (even the butler nudges Fergus along!) were consistent throughout. All hit the romance target with mild heat. Except for book 2, well, there is scandal in the title...it's kinda spicy!
There were lotsa extra random words left in sentences not caught in the editing process in the first story, A Madness in Spring, and at least one dialog goof in book three, Bertie's story. Nothing to be concerned with.
I would recommend this to anyone!
March 7, 2016
3.5 Stars As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-lv
A Gentleman for All Seasons is a collection of four novellas which takes place over the course of a year in the village of Hemshawe. I love how the same characters appear in each story, and one by one, they find their happy ever after. The characters and situations are diverse, making for an enjoyable read
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble
Nine year old Belinda came to live with her uncle when her parents died. She immediately got off on the wrong foot with twelve year old Adam Sturridge, and for the next fourteen years, they have been sniping and picking at each other. A new resident in town, Georgie Gage, observes them and immediately comes to the conclusion that they’re in love. She manages to let each of them know that the other is in love with them, causing them to look at each other through new eyes. Can a decade of being civil enemies be put aside to explore this new and scary attraction? Fans of the enemies to lovers trope will enjoy this story.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
Caroline Martin is ruined, and shunned by almost everyone in town. She disappeared from home for six months, and all the gossips assume she had a child. The truth is so much worse and so much sadder. A visitor to town, Peregrine Lochley, is the son of a viscount, who has been temporarily banned from his home by his father. He meets Caroline when his vehicle is stuck in the mud, and she manages to help him, allowing the dandy to keep his clothes clean. He invites her and her family to dinner, not knowing that she is persona non grata. Caroline fully expects the invitation to be cancelled once Lochley hears the gossip about her, but the invitation stands. Though wary of men, Caroline continues to meet Lochley, and they are soon falling in love. Then Lochley hears the truth in a most awful way. Can there be any chance of future happiness? Lochley is a dandy, but he turned into a most wonderful hero to a woman most deserving a happy ever after.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
Bertram (Bertie) Gage wants to take his sister, Georgie, out of the city and to the country where she can fully recover from her bout with pneumonia. The opportunity to lease the home of the woman who jilted him ten years ago is too good to pass up. Back then, Bertie was only a soldier, and Eliza’s family did not find him a suitable match for her. They made plans to elope, but Eliza didn’t show. Now the tables have turned – Bertie is well-to-do, and Eliza’s family is down and out. Eliza never wed, and surprisingly calls on Bertie and Georgie, very friendly and very eager to renew her acquaintance with Bertie. It would seem that she regrets their parting ten years ago, but she is holding back a secret. Fans of the second chance at love trope will appreciate this story, though I confess that I never could fully warm to Eliza.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
Georgette (Georgie) Gage is recovering from a serious bout with pneumonia. Her newly married brother, Bertie, is suffocating her with his concern and good intentions. It’s especially difficult now that the house is being run by Bertie’s new wife – Georgie has nothing to do. She wants to return to town, but Bertie won’t allow it. Then Fergus Haddon arrives in Hemshawe. Fergus has most reluctantly been forced to leave his beloved Scotland and socialize with English ladies, one of whom his family hopes will become his bride. Fergus isn’t interested in England or English ladies, he just wants to return home, and acts the male equivalent of a wallflower. This dour Scot captures Georgie’s interest, and soon she suggests that they concoct a fake courtship. Fergus is soon entranced with Georgie, and would like nothing more than a real courtship, but he is also hiding secrets. This was my favorite story of the book, and I really liked Fergus, and enjoyed seeing Georgie the matchmaker find her own perfect match.
A Gentleman for All Seasons is a collection of four novellas which takes place over the course of a year in the village of Hemshawe. I love how the same characters appear in each story, and one by one, they find their happy ever after. The characters and situations are diverse, making for an enjoyable read
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble
Nine year old Belinda came to live with her uncle when her parents died. She immediately got off on the wrong foot with twelve year old Adam Sturridge, and for the next fourteen years, they have been sniping and picking at each other. A new resident in town, Georgie Gage, observes them and immediately comes to the conclusion that they’re in love. She manages to let each of them know that the other is in love with them, causing them to look at each other through new eyes. Can a decade of being civil enemies be put aside to explore this new and scary attraction? Fans of the enemies to lovers trope will enjoy this story.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
Caroline Martin is ruined, and shunned by almost everyone in town. She disappeared from home for six months, and all the gossips assume she had a child. The truth is so much worse and so much sadder. A visitor to town, Peregrine Lochley, is the son of a viscount, who has been temporarily banned from his home by his father. He meets Caroline when his vehicle is stuck in the mud, and she manages to help him, allowing the dandy to keep his clothes clean. He invites her and her family to dinner, not knowing that she is persona non grata. Caroline fully expects the invitation to be cancelled once Lochley hears the gossip about her, but the invitation stands. Though wary of men, Caroline continues to meet Lochley, and they are soon falling in love. Then Lochley hears the truth in a most awful way. Can there be any chance of future happiness? Lochley is a dandy, but he turned into a most wonderful hero to a woman most deserving a happy ever after.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
Bertram (Bertie) Gage wants to take his sister, Georgie, out of the city and to the country where she can fully recover from her bout with pneumonia. The opportunity to lease the home of the woman who jilted him ten years ago is too good to pass up. Back then, Bertie was only a soldier, and Eliza’s family did not find him a suitable match for her. They made plans to elope, but Eliza didn’t show. Now the tables have turned – Bertie is well-to-do, and Eliza’s family is down and out. Eliza never wed, and surprisingly calls on Bertie and Georgie, very friendly and very eager to renew her acquaintance with Bertie. It would seem that she regrets their parting ten years ago, but she is holding back a secret. Fans of the second chance at love trope will appreciate this story, though I confess that I never could fully warm to Eliza.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
Georgette (Georgie) Gage is recovering from a serious bout with pneumonia. Her newly married brother, Bertie, is suffocating her with his concern and good intentions. It’s especially difficult now that the house is being run by Bertie’s new wife – Georgie has nothing to do. She wants to return to town, but Bertie won’t allow it. Then Fergus Haddon arrives in Hemshawe. Fergus has most reluctantly been forced to leave his beloved Scotland and socialize with English ladies, one of whom his family hopes will become his bride. Fergus isn’t interested in England or English ladies, he just wants to return home, and acts the male equivalent of a wallflower. This dour Scot captures Georgie’s interest, and soon she suggests that they concoct a fake courtship. Fergus is soon entranced with Georgie, and would like nothing more than a real courtship, but he is also hiding secrets. This was my favorite story of the book, and I really liked Fergus, and enjoyed seeing Georgie the matchmaker find her own perfect match.
January 13, 2016
If you have not read any of these ladies works
before, this is an excellent way to get the feel of them.
Four wonderful short stories. Set in the small quiet town
of Hemshawe. Quiet until Georgie and her brother,
Bartram take over a house for a time. Bartram has his
own reasons for choosing this house. Which is the
starting point for all the romance that continues
to explode.
Adam Sturridge and Belinda Leonard are the
first couple to crumble under the weight of Georgie and
her matchmaking skills. Madness in Spring is the story
from Kate Noble. When two people have known each
other for the most of their lives, it can be hard to
get past the childhood memories. Kate did a wonderful
job bringing these two characters together. I am sure
they must have fought her all the way.
The next story is Summer of Wine and Scandal by
Shana Galen. Caroline has a big secret in her past.
But Peregrine Lochley knows nothing of her secret.
He only knows his carriage is trapped in the mud and
he has no idea how to get it out. Lochley is lucky enough
that Caroline happens by. While Lochley is a wine
expert, Caro is the scandal. This is a story about
being brave. Following your heart. Shana's writing
was a reminder to always get both sides of the story.
Theresa Romain adds a story called Those Autumn Nights.
This story explains why Bertram Gage rented the house
that he did. Everyone has had a moment when someone
made them feel unworthy. Not good enough. But as
humans, we always want to show them that we are
worthy. We all need to learn the less of following our
heart. But we also need to learn forgiveness.
Perhaps the hardest lesson of all. Thank goodness
Eliza Greenleaf comes along to help with quarter day.
Theresa was full of kindness and forgiveness in her story.
Then the final story of Gentleman for all Seasons is
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly.
Georgie Gage (matchmaker professional) and
Fergus Hadden (happily single) find themselves
thrown together at a house party in the home of
Bertram and Eliza Gage. Both of them simply want to
live their lives as they wish. With no help from those
that care about them. But in the end, Vanessa's story
is of romance. Cupids arrow finding his target.
It is happily ever after for all.
Even those living not quite in Scotland.
I enjoyed this anthology. Surprisingly, all four stories.
It's not often that happens. I suppose the fun and
interesting characters all joining together make
the stories easy to read and enjoy.
before, this is an excellent way to get the feel of them.
Four wonderful short stories. Set in the small quiet town
of Hemshawe. Quiet until Georgie and her brother,
Bartram take over a house for a time. Bartram has his
own reasons for choosing this house. Which is the
starting point for all the romance that continues
to explode.
Adam Sturridge and Belinda Leonard are the
first couple to crumble under the weight of Georgie and
her matchmaking skills. Madness in Spring is the story
from Kate Noble. When two people have known each
other for the most of their lives, it can be hard to
get past the childhood memories. Kate did a wonderful
job bringing these two characters together. I am sure
they must have fought her all the way.
The next story is Summer of Wine and Scandal by
Shana Galen. Caroline has a big secret in her past.
But Peregrine Lochley knows nothing of her secret.
He only knows his carriage is trapped in the mud and
he has no idea how to get it out. Lochley is lucky enough
that Caroline happens by. While Lochley is a wine
expert, Caro is the scandal. This is a story about
being brave. Following your heart. Shana's writing
was a reminder to always get both sides of the story.
Theresa Romain adds a story called Those Autumn Nights.
This story explains why Bertram Gage rented the house
that he did. Everyone has had a moment when someone
made them feel unworthy. Not good enough. But as
humans, we always want to show them that we are
worthy. We all need to learn the less of following our
heart. But we also need to learn forgiveness.
Perhaps the hardest lesson of all. Thank goodness
Eliza Greenleaf comes along to help with quarter day.
Theresa was full of kindness and forgiveness in her story.
Then the final story of Gentleman for all Seasons is
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly.
Georgie Gage (matchmaker professional) and
Fergus Hadden (happily single) find themselves
thrown together at a house party in the home of
Bertram and Eliza Gage. Both of them simply want to
live their lives as they wish. With no help from those
that care about them. But in the end, Vanessa's story
is of romance. Cupids arrow finding his target.
It is happily ever after for all.
Even those living not quite in Scotland.
I enjoyed this anthology. Surprisingly, all four stories.
It's not often that happens. I suppose the fun and
interesting characters all joining together make
the stories easy to read and enjoy.
November 22, 2015
A good anthology
The stories and characters are varied and well written. A joy to read.
My only complaint was a formatting problem in the ebook. Stars overlay print. The end overlaid the last page and the titles were just gibberish.
The stories and characters are varied and well written. A joy to read.
My only complaint was a formatting problem in the ebook. Stars overlay print. The end overlaid the last page and the titles were just gibberish.
December 10, 2016
Very enjoyable and reminds me I should seek out more work by these authors.
January 13, 2018
coming
November 4, 2015
A Madness in Spring. by Kate Noble.
Can years of misunderstanding ever be explained? and it does feels strange to see someone who's annoyed you for years in a different light. Can Belinda and Adam ever be able to forget the past and move for ward?
Lots of bickering between two old adversaries. Great.
:The Summer of Wine and Scandal. by Shana Galen.
Pererine Lochley has been exiled to the country for his misdeeds in town. While out riding in his carriage one morning, being a dandy who loves his clothes as much as he loves his wine, he needs help when he gets stuck in the mud, he then meets an unusual woman who helps to free him, Caroline Martin - he's amazed by her as she digs in the dirt and asked her to dinner. He's very surprised to learn that the young lady in question is not received in polite society, he is further intrigued, he want's to learn all her secrets.
A mystery woman meets a dandy Londoner. Two opposites. Great fun.
:Those Autumn Nights. by Theresa Romain.
After wealthy Eliza Greenleaf walked away from soldier Bertram Gage, subsequently breaking his heart. 10 years later, harden by war and carrying a scar from bullet lodged in his body, Bertram is a different man, and now the tables have turned and he is now a wealthy man and Eliza's family has not been so fortunate. Will Bertram take this second chance for happiness with Eliza or will he reap his revenge.
Second chance romances with a change of fortune are one of my favourite storylines.
:The Season for Loving. by Vanessa Kelly.
After completely recovering from her resent illness and her brother's marriage, matchmaker Georgie Gage has decided it's time to make a life of her own. The Christmas festivities have arrived at the Gage family home and so has a guest, handsome bachelor Fergus Haddon. Has she finally found a match for herself?
Georgie really needed sometime alone, but is there room for a handsome Scot.
I loved all these stories. They were short, but sweet romances for any romance lover to enjoy. I highly recommend this book. 5/5
March 6, 2016
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble
Enemies to lovers, yay. Yes I adore that. They were enemies for silly childhood reasons though, but enemies none the less. Belinda and Adam has teased each other for 15 years, but then a matchmaker shows up. Haha, good for her, they obviously liked each other behind all that you are so annoying. So let's make them realise that.
I liked her, I liked him, I liked the dance between them. A nice spring story.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
Here comes the summer story. Peregrine, a real dandy, meets Caroline, who is not worried when she gets muddy. She thinks him a dandy (duh), he likes her. But she has a secret, and trust me this was a SECRET. It made me sad, I felt so sorry for her. Cos it is a SECRET. But it's also a romance and they lived happily ever after. Nice
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
Autumn comes and Bertie meets Eliza, the woman he used to love. WHo chose her family over a poor soldier. But then he rented her family home cos they got poor, and he was all, ha, look at me now.
But again, this is a romance, so they will end up together after some drama. And all is well.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
The last one is one for Christmas. Georgie, who helped all previous couples end up together, wants freedom of her own. But then this sexy brooding Scot shows up. And she likes him, but he is all my past! Alas, we cannot. But then they lived happily ever after.
Oh I enjoyed this! I liked that it was set in the same village, the same people were around, sure new people showed up so they could find love, but the it was like I knew the village and those in it. I also liked that it was one story for each season.
A sweet anthology, that does not feel like an anthology as everything is connected and continues :)
Enemies to lovers, yay. Yes I adore that. They were enemies for silly childhood reasons though, but enemies none the less. Belinda and Adam has teased each other for 15 years, but then a matchmaker shows up. Haha, good for her, they obviously liked each other behind all that you are so annoying. So let's make them realise that.
I liked her, I liked him, I liked the dance between them. A nice spring story.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
Here comes the summer story. Peregrine, a real dandy, meets Caroline, who is not worried when she gets muddy. She thinks him a dandy (duh), he likes her. But she has a secret, and trust me this was a SECRET. It made me sad, I felt so sorry for her. Cos it is a SECRET. But it's also a romance and they lived happily ever after. Nice
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
Autumn comes and Bertie meets Eliza, the woman he used to love. WHo chose her family over a poor soldier. But then he rented her family home cos they got poor, and he was all, ha, look at me now.
But again, this is a romance, so they will end up together after some drama. And all is well.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
The last one is one for Christmas. Georgie, who helped all previous couples end up together, wants freedom of her own. But then this sexy brooding Scot shows up. And she likes him, but he is all my past! Alas, we cannot. But then they lived happily ever after.
Oh I enjoyed this! I liked that it was set in the same village, the same people were around, sure new people showed up so they could find love, but the it was like I knew the village and those in it. I also liked that it was one story for each season.
A sweet anthology, that does not feel like an anthology as everything is connected and continues :)
December 2, 2015
What do you get from 4 talented authors? 4 amazing stories each based on a season.
From the well-ordered lady to her childhood arch nemesis; the hard headed dandy to the country miss with a past; the ex-soldier who was once left broken-hearted to the lady down on her luck and the sourpuss Scot to the matchmaker invalid – you will laugh, cry & want to smack some heads together all while rooting for happily ever after’s.
Kate Noble (new to me author), Shana Galen, Theresa Romain & Vanessa Kelly all write beautiful heart wrenching stories all while giving hope. Looking forward to reading more of their work & hope they come together again in the near future.
From the well-ordered lady to her childhood arch nemesis; the hard headed dandy to the country miss with a past; the ex-soldier who was once left broken-hearted to the lady down on her luck and the sourpuss Scot to the matchmaker invalid – you will laugh, cry & want to smack some heads together all while rooting for happily ever after’s.
Kate Noble (new to me author), Shana Galen, Theresa Romain & Vanessa Kelly all write beautiful heart wrenching stories all while giving hope. Looking forward to reading more of their work & hope they come together again in the near future.
August 13, 2016
These were all OK. I liked the idea with connected stories. I liked Georgie, who played a role in all of the stories. Romain was the only author I knew from before and I was curious about her Persuasion inspired story but I didn't like the characters - especially the hero - at all. And overprotective brothers is one of my pet peeves, so.
June 9, 2016
Pretty good anthology.
4 stars: A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble.
3 stars: The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
3 stars: Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
3.5 stars: The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
4 stars: A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble.
3 stars: The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
3 stars: Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
3.5 stars: The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
October 9, 2017
A bright anthology collection that happens over a year in one village with some connecting characters.
Kate Noble's "A Madness in Spring," starts the collection off with a classic 'oh my lord, you are so irritating!' to 'fine, I'll marry you,' story. As with most of Noble's work there is a thread of humor through the whole story. The relationship of Belinda and Adam had been built on misunderstandings and social expectations to the point that they can't seem to see each other through their history. A history that is different to both of them. Luckily the Gages move into town for the season and the young Miss Gage needs a hobby after her convalescences and smashing her friend's heads together and yelling 'now kiss!' seem to fit the bill.
Shana Galen's 'The Summer of Wine and Scandal' is both a very nice love story but also a bit of a downer. it's nice that writers are now trying to be more truthful about how women were treated during the era, and a very traumatic story is handled quite well in this story line. I did find myself cheering at the end.
Theresa Romain's 'Those Autumn Nights' is another story that talks about how a woman had so little agency during the Regency. Although it still gets a bit into the area of how starting out with the truth is always a good idea.
Vanessa Kelly's 'The season for Loving,' Miss Gage-matchmaker gets hers. Did you think that you would be able to get through a whole historical anthology without at least one Highlander? Well keep looking because it isn't this one. Fergus Haddon suffers from the curse of the kilted cinnamon bun. He just wants what's best for everyone he cares about, he just doesn't bother to find out what that actually is, which seems to be a common problem with most men in this anthology. Luckily Miss Gage ain't got time for that.
Kate Noble's "A Madness in Spring," starts the collection off with a classic 'oh my lord, you are so irritating!' to 'fine, I'll marry you,' story. As with most of Noble's work there is a thread of humor through the whole story. The relationship of Belinda and Adam had been built on misunderstandings and social expectations to the point that they can't seem to see each other through their history. A history that is different to both of them. Luckily the Gages move into town for the season and the young Miss Gage needs a hobby after her convalescences and smashing her friend's heads together and yelling 'now kiss!' seem to fit the bill.
Shana Galen's 'The Summer of Wine and Scandal' is both a very nice love story but also a bit of a downer. it's nice that writers are now trying to be more truthful about how women were treated during the era, and a very traumatic story is handled quite well in this story line. I did find myself cheering at the end.
Theresa Romain's 'Those Autumn Nights' is another story that talks about how a woman had so little agency during the Regency. Although it still gets a bit into the area of how starting out with the truth is always a good idea.
Vanessa Kelly's 'The season for Loving,' Miss Gage-matchmaker gets hers. Did you think that you would be able to get through a whole historical anthology without at least one Highlander? Well keep looking because it isn't this one. Fergus Haddon suffers from the curse of the kilted cinnamon bun. He just wants what's best for everyone he cares about, he just doesn't bother to find out what that actually is, which seems to be a common problem with most men in this anthology. Luckily Miss Gage ain't got time for that.
April 28, 2018
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble: A pretty ordinary story though I liked Georgie.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen: This story was good. Considering it belonged to the Regency era where the heroines had to be virgins, this story was refreshing to read. The emotions were not forced and sounded natural.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain: Not all second chances stories are good to read, but this was nice. From showing Eliza as a spoilt rich brat to a confused girl, gave me the true perspective of the character. The flaws were natural and nothing OTT.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly: I was eager to read about Georgie's story. She was after all the binding link throughout the book. We get to see her fun side as ever and clearly, she is the hero of the book.
Overall, a decent enough read to pass time.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen: This story was good. Considering it belonged to the Regency era where the heroines had to be virgins, this story was refreshing to read. The emotions were not forced and sounded natural.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain: Not all second chances stories are good to read, but this was nice. From showing Eliza as a spoilt rich brat to a confused girl, gave me the true perspective of the character. The flaws were natural and nothing OTT.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly: I was eager to read about Georgie's story. She was after all the binding link throughout the book. We get to see her fun side as ever and clearly, she is the hero of the book.
Overall, a decent enough read to pass time.
July 19, 2017
Wonderfully woven novellas!
These stories are wonderfully woven with fantastic characters! The characters are interesting and relatable with stories that are engrossing that flow beautifully into the next.
These stories are wonderfully woven with fantastic characters! The characters are interesting and relatable with stories that are engrossing that flow beautifully into the next.
July 12, 2017
Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Kinda wish these were all written by Milan or someone w/ better gender politics.
July 19, 2017
A lovely anthology
The four stories are connected and great fun! I can't pick a favorite, and that's a bit unusual for me. Just read and enjoy!
The four stories are connected and great fun! I can't pick a favorite, and that's a bit unusual for me. Just read and enjoy!
June 27, 2018
Full review here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...
April 10, 2019
A Madness in Spring - 3 stars
The Summer of Wine and Scandal - 3 stars
Those Autumn Nights - 2 stars
The Season for Loving - 3.5 stars
The Summer of Wine and Scandal - 3 stars
Those Autumn Nights - 2 stars
The Season for Loving - 3.5 stars
Read
February 4, 2021Read "The Season for Loving" by Vanessa Kelly
March 16, 2017
All of the stories were decent, but my favourite was "A Madness in Spring" by Kate Noble. The couple was likable, and the dialogue was very funny. Shana Galen's "The Summer of Wine and Scandal" was also very good but difficult to read in places. I was happy that Caro's family was supportive of her, but the attitude of the townspeople was terrible.
February 20, 2016
Liked the connected stories and gentle seasonal themes. Highlighted lots of funny and memorable lines.
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble: Belinda Leonard and Adam Sturridge have had an antagonistic relationship since they met as children. Always trying to one-up one another, Belinda is trying to welcome the Gages to town with perfection, and of course Adam throws things off track immediately by setting up a game of soldiers in the drawing room. He claims they are stand-in for the sheep he raises in almost-Scotland, but "beasts of burden evolve with alarming speed into warmongers." Eventually these two realize (with the help of Georgie Gage, matchmaker in training) that they got off on the wrong foot all those years ago, and maybe these strong feelings toward each other are the passion of love, rather than hate.
My other favorite line from the story: (Belinda, speaking of Lord & Lady Sturridge's young child) Belinda was a little unsure about the adorability factor of little Johnny. The number of fluids that leaked out of the child was a decided drawback
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen: The heroine Caro has a very emotional backstory, but the hero, Peregrine, wasn't to my taste at all. My least favorite of the quartet.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain: A nice second-chance story between Bertram Gage and Eliza Greenleaf, a mature hero and heroine. Sadly the conflict rests on that favorite of tropes, Withholding Important Information, and could be resolved if Only Characters Actually Talked To One Another.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly: It's finally Georgie's turn! The machmaker herself is set up with Fergus Haddon, a Scotsman on a forced holiday trip, recovering from overwork. As Georgie is finally recovered from a bout with pneumonia, they have much in common and meet by comparing stories of overprotective relatives. Both have a penchant for speaking plainly, which is refreshing. Fergus does try to protect Georgie by leaving details of his past out, but once revealed she (and others, apart from her brother) assure him that the incident looms much larger in his mind than it does in others. As Lady Reese puts it, "No one can predict with accuracy when one's mother is about to go on a murderous rampage."
This is also the story where we find out what Mrs. Clotworthy has been up to with "all that mysterious knitting she engages in" and that Fergus finds "vaguely alarming." I admit, the reveal had me in tears, because it's so touching and charming and a perfect summary of how knitters (and other crafters) choose to express their love for others. Well done Ms. Kelly! I'm putting the other quotes under a spoiler tag, since I don't want to spoil the surprise!
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble: Belinda Leonard and Adam Sturridge have had an antagonistic relationship since they met as children. Always trying to one-up one another, Belinda is trying to welcome the Gages to town with perfection, and of course Adam throws things off track immediately by setting up a game of soldiers in the drawing room. He claims they are stand-in for the sheep he raises in almost-Scotland, but "beasts of burden evolve with alarming speed into warmongers." Eventually these two realize (with the help of Georgie Gage, matchmaker in training) that they got off on the wrong foot all those years ago, and maybe these strong feelings toward each other are the passion of love, rather than hate.
My other favorite line from the story: (Belinda, speaking of Lord & Lady Sturridge's young child) Belinda was a little unsure about the adorability factor of little Johnny. The number of fluids that leaked out of the child was a decided drawback
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen: The heroine Caro has a very emotional backstory, but the hero, Peregrine, wasn't to my taste at all. My least favorite of the quartet.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain: A nice second-chance story between Bertram Gage and Eliza Greenleaf, a mature hero and heroine. Sadly the conflict rests on that favorite of tropes, Withholding Important Information, and could be resolved if Only Characters Actually Talked To One Another.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly: It's finally Georgie's turn! The machmaker herself is set up with Fergus Haddon, a Scotsman on a forced holiday trip, recovering from overwork. As Georgie is finally recovered from a bout with pneumonia, they have much in common and meet by comparing stories of overprotective relatives. Both have a penchant for speaking plainly, which is refreshing. Fergus does try to protect Georgie by leaving details of his past out, but once revealed she (and others, apart from her brother) assure him that the incident looms much larger in his mind than it does in others. As Lady Reese puts it, "No one can predict with accuracy when one's mother is about to go on a murderous rampage."
This is also the story where we find out what Mrs. Clotworthy has been up to with "all that mysterious knitting she engages in" and that Fergus finds "vaguely alarming." I admit, the reveal had me in tears, because it's so touching and charming and a perfect summary of how knitters (and other crafters) choose to express their love for others. Well done Ms. Kelly! I'm putting the other quotes under a spoiler tag, since I don't want to spoil the surprise!
March 10, 2017
This was my "commuting book" for the past month or so and it filled the need quite nicely. The first and final stories were my favorites, but each was unique enough to be interesting while still fitting smoothly into the shared world.
April 1, 2016
This is a great anthology that takes place in the village of Hemshawe and are all tied together by Georgie Gage, a young lady with matchmaking tendancies. The authors came together to tie the stories together nicely and the stories flowed from one to another smoothly.
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble introduces us to Belinda and Adam, who have been at odds with each other since childhood. New to town, Miss Georgie Gage sees with fresh eyes what no one else can – that the animosity between the two is cover for their true feelings. She sees that they are actually in love with each other. Because both Belinda and Adam are afraid to confront the truth of their feelings, sure that the other doesn’t reciprocate, they continue on needling each other. After Georgie illustrates the truth to Lady Sturridge, they provide a series of events that will force both Belinda and Adam to come face-to-face with their feelings for each other.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen tells the story of Caroline Martin and Peregrine Lochley. Caroline Martin is the town pariah – ruined by events that are only speculated. The result is that she has lost all of her friends and is avoided by many others as well. Peregrine Lochley is the banished son of a viscount, who has come to stay with his good friend Bertram “Bertie” Gage to escape London. He meets Caroline when his vehicle becomes stuck in the mud. She sees him as a dandy as he lets her do most of the work to help him free carriage. As thanks, he invites her and her family to dinner, not knowing that Caroline is scandalized. Luckily Bertie and Georgie are better people than most, and follow through with the dinner. Caro and Lochley spend more and more time together and fall in love. The question is whether or not his love is strong enough to withstand the truth once Caroline’s past comes back to haunt her. This is a story of second chance and forgiveness and a reminder than no one is perfect.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain brings us to Bertie’s story. While we already know the reason that Bertie has brought Georgie to Hemshawe, but we finally find out the reason why he has leased a run-down home rather than something nicer, when he has plenty of money. He wants to rub his prosperity in the face of the man who thought he wasn’t good enough for his daughter a decade ago. Eliza jilted Bertie in the face of pressure from her father. When Georgie brings Eliza in to help with the running of the estate at collection time, Bertie realizes that his feelings for Eliza never went away and are actually stronger. Eliza is still in love with Bertie as well, but has a secret that may bring the house crashing down around them. Will they grab onto their second chance, or let it slip away?
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly is the final entry and brings us Georgie’s story. After recovering from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia a year ago, Georgie’s brother still treats her as fragile. She is his only remaining relative and he is overprotective to the point of being smothering. Georgie wants to get on with her life. Her plans are put on hold as Bertie, Eliza and Georgie have a house party to host first. Fergus Haddon is running from his past and believes that he does not have the right to a happy ending. As he arrives with his friends for the Gage house party, he meets Georgie and is immediately drawn to her lively, honest personality. Georgie quickly burrows under Fergus’ dour demeanor and as they spend more and more time together, they fall in love.
The writing in all of the stories is crisp and engaging. I would highly recommend this anthology.
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble introduces us to Belinda and Adam, who have been at odds with each other since childhood. New to town, Miss Georgie Gage sees with fresh eyes what no one else can – that the animosity between the two is cover for their true feelings. She sees that they are actually in love with each other. Because both Belinda and Adam are afraid to confront the truth of their feelings, sure that the other doesn’t reciprocate, they continue on needling each other. After Georgie illustrates the truth to Lady Sturridge, they provide a series of events that will force both Belinda and Adam to come face-to-face with their feelings for each other.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen tells the story of Caroline Martin and Peregrine Lochley. Caroline Martin is the town pariah – ruined by events that are only speculated. The result is that she has lost all of her friends and is avoided by many others as well. Peregrine Lochley is the banished son of a viscount, who has come to stay with his good friend Bertram “Bertie” Gage to escape London. He meets Caroline when his vehicle becomes stuck in the mud. She sees him as a dandy as he lets her do most of the work to help him free carriage. As thanks, he invites her and her family to dinner, not knowing that Caroline is scandalized. Luckily Bertie and Georgie are better people than most, and follow through with the dinner. Caro and Lochley spend more and more time together and fall in love. The question is whether or not his love is strong enough to withstand the truth once Caroline’s past comes back to haunt her. This is a story of second chance and forgiveness and a reminder than no one is perfect.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain brings us to Bertie’s story. While we already know the reason that Bertie has brought Georgie to Hemshawe, but we finally find out the reason why he has leased a run-down home rather than something nicer, when he has plenty of money. He wants to rub his prosperity in the face of the man who thought he wasn’t good enough for his daughter a decade ago. Eliza jilted Bertie in the face of pressure from her father. When Georgie brings Eliza in to help with the running of the estate at collection time, Bertie realizes that his feelings for Eliza never went away and are actually stronger. Eliza is still in love with Bertie as well, but has a secret that may bring the house crashing down around them. Will they grab onto their second chance, or let it slip away?
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly is the final entry and brings us Georgie’s story. After recovering from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia a year ago, Georgie’s brother still treats her as fragile. She is his only remaining relative and he is overprotective to the point of being smothering. Georgie wants to get on with her life. Her plans are put on hold as Bertie, Eliza and Georgie have a house party to host first. Fergus Haddon is running from his past and believes that he does not have the right to a happy ending. As he arrives with his friends for the Gage house party, he meets Georgie and is immediately drawn to her lively, honest personality. Georgie quickly burrows under Fergus’ dour demeanor and as they spend more and more time together, they fall in love.
The writing in all of the stories is crisp and engaging. I would highly recommend this anthology.
January 8, 2018
- A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble - 5 Stars
- The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen - 3 Stars
- Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain - 3 Stars
- The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly - 4 Stars
Total: 3.75 Stars, rounded to 4 Stars
- The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen - 3 Stars
- Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain - 3 Stars
- The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly - 4 Stars
Total: 3.75 Stars, rounded to 4 Stars
November 6, 2015
A GENTLEMAN FOR ALL SEASONS is such an exceptional anthology, that I rewrote my review because it is so astonishingly good. Seldom have I seen such uniformly astounding quality writing! The dialogues are brilliant all around, attention to detail is superb, there are several memorable secondary characters, but most remarkable is the seamless fluidity when switching from one author to the next while retaining continuity and coherence.
A MADNESS IN SPRING by Kate Noble is a terrific enemies to lovers story between Belinda and Adam, who normally resides in not-Scotland. The characters are so engaging, and the snappy banter that led to the romance is witty and so entertaining! And what to say about that first kiss; it nearly defines earth-shattering. Delightful!
THE SUMMER OF WINE AND SCANDAL by Shana Galen is alternatively touching, hilarious, and very romantic. Caroline Martin is living in shame, when Peregrine Lochley arrives into town and changes everything. In spite of looking like such a superficial fop, he is adorable, and what a joy it was to witness Caro and Lochley form a united front, and I was dying to know what their secrets were. It was such a wonderful story that I was sorry to see it end so quickly!
THOSE AUTUMN NIGHTS by Theresa Romain relates how Bertram Gage and Eliza Greenleaf, who were once lovers, are reunited ten years later. Bertie and Eliza are simply sublime, and Florian, the French butler, is an outstanding secondary character. Ms. Romain’s prose is luminous and very eloquent, making everything comes to life before our very eyes. It’s a wonderful story tinged with melancholy, where shadows give way to light, and hope replaces regrets, showing that love can be as fragile as a dry leaf. Magnificent!
In THE SEASON FOR LOVING by Vanessa Kelly, Georgie Gage is going mad with boredom after her long illness; she is ready to live again. It’s late November when Highlander Fergus Haddon arrives into town; he is in Hemshawe for a rest. Fergus’ family wants him to marry, but he doesn’t want to, for personal reasons. But Georgie’s sunny disposition is contagious, they make each other happy, and this made the romance so joyful, young and fresh. The main characters are charm personified; exquisite!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A MADNESS IN SPRING by Kate Noble is a terrific enemies to lovers story between Belinda and Adam, who normally resides in not-Scotland. The characters are so engaging, and the snappy banter that led to the romance is witty and so entertaining! And what to say about that first kiss; it nearly defines earth-shattering. Delightful!
THE SUMMER OF WINE AND SCANDAL by Shana Galen is alternatively touching, hilarious, and very romantic. Caroline Martin is living in shame, when Peregrine Lochley arrives into town and changes everything. In spite of looking like such a superficial fop, he is adorable, and what a joy it was to witness Caro and Lochley form a united front, and I was dying to know what their secrets were. It was such a wonderful story that I was sorry to see it end so quickly!
THOSE AUTUMN NIGHTS by Theresa Romain relates how Bertram Gage and Eliza Greenleaf, who were once lovers, are reunited ten years later. Bertie and Eliza are simply sublime, and Florian, the French butler, is an outstanding secondary character. Ms. Romain’s prose is luminous and very eloquent, making everything comes to life before our very eyes. It’s a wonderful story tinged with melancholy, where shadows give way to light, and hope replaces regrets, showing that love can be as fragile as a dry leaf. Magnificent!
In THE SEASON FOR LOVING by Vanessa Kelly, Georgie Gage is going mad with boredom after her long illness; she is ready to live again. It’s late November when Highlander Fergus Haddon arrives into town; he is in Hemshawe for a rest. Fergus’ family wants him to marry, but he doesn’t want to, for personal reasons. But Georgie’s sunny disposition is contagious, they make each other happy, and this made the romance so joyful, young and fresh. The main characters are charm personified; exquisite!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2016
This is an anthology of four stories of love during one year in a small British village. Each story is by a different author and takes place in a different season.
Spring brings us Belinda and Adam. They have known one another since they were young children. Things got off to a bad start then and nothing has changed. Adam has a property which is in “almost Scotland”. A humorous point which is comes up often.
Georgie, a new young lady in the village, is a natural born matchmaker. She believes that Belinda and Adam are attracted to one another, whether they realize it or not. The story of the changes in their relationship is amusing.
Summer is about Caroline and Peregrine. They meet for the first time when his carriage is stuck in the mud and she is the one who does the bare handed digging to free the wheel. He is in the country because his parents are disgusted with his behavior. He becomes attracted to Caroline and then finds that her past includes a terrible event which has made her a pariah. He is uncertain about whether he can forget her history.
Autumn presents Eliza and Bertie. Bertie is a former soldier and Georgie's very protective brother. When they were both very young Eliza and Bertie planned to marry as he went off to war. She changed her mind and his life since then has been colored by the loss of the love of his life. He is attracted to the mature woman she has become, but he is not sure he can trust her.
Winter is Georgie's story. Fergus is a Scottish gentleman who has come for a holiday house party. He has secrets in his past which he feels prevents him from ever finding happiness. His life has become work, work and more work. Georgie is immediately smitten and plans to change his plan for his life. She is a very determined young lady.
These stories are entertaining. The authors have each provided a complete story in a short format. I enjoyed all of the stories, but I believe Belinda and Adam were the most appealing for me. Learning that what you have believed all your life may be wrong can be quite a shock.
This is a delightful anthology.
Spring brings us Belinda and Adam. They have known one another since they were young children. Things got off to a bad start then and nothing has changed. Adam has a property which is in “almost Scotland”. A humorous point which is comes up often.
Georgie, a new young lady in the village, is a natural born matchmaker. She believes that Belinda and Adam are attracted to one another, whether they realize it or not. The story of the changes in their relationship is amusing.
Summer is about Caroline and Peregrine. They meet for the first time when his carriage is stuck in the mud and she is the one who does the bare handed digging to free the wheel. He is in the country because his parents are disgusted with his behavior. He becomes attracted to Caroline and then finds that her past includes a terrible event which has made her a pariah. He is uncertain about whether he can forget her history.
Autumn presents Eliza and Bertie. Bertie is a former soldier and Georgie's very protective brother. When they were both very young Eliza and Bertie planned to marry as he went off to war. She changed her mind and his life since then has been colored by the loss of the love of his life. He is attracted to the mature woman she has become, but he is not sure he can trust her.
Winter is Georgie's story. Fergus is a Scottish gentleman who has come for a holiday house party. He has secrets in his past which he feels prevents him from ever finding happiness. His life has become work, work and more work. Georgie is immediately smitten and plans to change his plan for his life. She is a very determined young lady.
These stories are entertaining. The authors have each provided a complete story in a short format. I enjoyed all of the stories, but I believe Belinda and Adam were the most appealing for me. Learning that what you have believed all your life may be wrong can be quite a shock.
This is a delightful anthology.
February 21, 2017
I can't remember why I requested this book. But it was okay. There's a series of connected stories that take us through the course of a year. These were all okay stories, nothing really stood out as particularly good or bad. Just... quite serviceable.
December 6, 2015
I had a good time visiting the tiny village of Hemshawe and meeting the inhabitants and visitors there in this lovely anthology.
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble
In this enemies to lovers story, Adam Sturridge got off on the wrong foot when he first met Belinda Leonard as a child and they’ve been enemies ever since. When a newly arrived visitor decides they were meant for each other and begins placing hints and suggestions in each of their ears, they begin to look at each other in a new light. It goes to show just how close hatred and love can sometimes be, and how hurt feelings can prejudice a person until the situation is resolved.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
This story has an interesting heroine, who made one mistake that snowballed into something so scandalous she doesn’t think she’ll ever recover. Peregrine Lockley has no clue about her past and is intrigued by Caroline upon their first encounter and can’t stop thinking of her. I loved that Caro has a chance at happiness and that Peregrine proves what a good man he really is underneath his dandy persona.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
This story has my favorite theme, a second chance at love. Eliza Greenleaf broke off her relationship with Bertram Gage out of loyalty to her family and has regretted it ever since. Now Bertie is in a much better financial position than before and takes the chance to show his changed circumstances to the Greenleaf family by leasing their family home. Of course when they are thrown together again, Bertie has a hard time resisting Eliza, and all she wants is another chance with her former love.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
Georgie Gage has been playing matchmaker for everyone else, but when she meets Fergus Haddon, she has a chance to make her own match, or so she thinks until the stubborn Fergus, who has his own reasons for staying a bachelor, resists all her efforts. I enjoyed seeing Georgie butt heads with Fergus, and with the help of all the females in the house, he doesn’t stand much of a chance.
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble
In this enemies to lovers story, Adam Sturridge got off on the wrong foot when he first met Belinda Leonard as a child and they’ve been enemies ever since. When a newly arrived visitor decides they were meant for each other and begins placing hints and suggestions in each of their ears, they begin to look at each other in a new light. It goes to show just how close hatred and love can sometimes be, and how hurt feelings can prejudice a person until the situation is resolved.
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
This story has an interesting heroine, who made one mistake that snowballed into something so scandalous she doesn’t think she’ll ever recover. Peregrine Lockley has no clue about her past and is intrigued by Caroline upon their first encounter and can’t stop thinking of her. I loved that Caro has a chance at happiness and that Peregrine proves what a good man he really is underneath his dandy persona.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
This story has my favorite theme, a second chance at love. Eliza Greenleaf broke off her relationship with Bertram Gage out of loyalty to her family and has regretted it ever since. Now Bertie is in a much better financial position than before and takes the chance to show his changed circumstances to the Greenleaf family by leasing their family home. Of course when they are thrown together again, Bertie has a hard time resisting Eliza, and all she wants is another chance with her former love.
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
Georgie Gage has been playing matchmaker for everyone else, but when she meets Fergus Haddon, she has a chance to make her own match, or so she thinks until the stubborn Fergus, who has his own reasons for staying a bachelor, resists all her efforts. I enjoyed seeing Georgie butt heads with Fergus, and with the help of all the females in the house, he doesn’t stand much of a chance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews