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Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies
Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies appears exclusive and respectable, a place for daughters of the gentry to glean the accomplishments that will win them suitable husbands. But the academy is not what it seems. It's more. Alongside every lesson in French or dancing or mathematics, the students learn the skills they
247 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2018
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204 people want to read
About the author
Shana Galen
98 books1,547 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 18, 2018
I've given this a C+ overall at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars. Broken down as C+/3.5 stars for the Theresa Romain and C/3 stars for the Galen.
Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies contains two novellas from the pens of top historical romance authors Theresa Romain and Shana Galen, set in an unusual school at which young ladies are taught forgery, self-defence and pick-pocketing alongside the more usual french, music and painting! It’s an interesting idea, although I couldn’t quite see why the girls were being taught those particular skills – unless they planned to embark on criminal careers or become spies? In addition, the couple of scenes which feature some of the skills learned at the school feel a little forced. Anyway, both stories are second-chance romances and are, as one would expect of such experienced authors, well written, but both suffer from what I generally call ‘novella-itis’ in that they lack plot, character or relationship development and feel rushed in some areas. In her contribution, Ms. Romain takes a deeper look at what it means to re-unite after a prolonged time apart, while Ms. Galen has penned a more plot-driven tale in which the couple pretty much picks up where they left off eight years before.
When the man she loved had to marry another woman in order to save his family finances and estate, Marianne Redfern left the small Lincolnshire village where she’d lived all her life and fled rather than face the pity of those around her. Arrived in London with nowhere to go, she was lucky enough to stumble across Mrs. Brodie’s Academy and decided her chances of being leered at or molested were less in an establishment run by a woman than anywhere else, so took a chance and asked if there was employment available. Now, eight years later, Marianne has risen to the position of cook, a post she’s held for the last two years, and which she enjoys immensely. Her composure is shaken, however by the sudden and completely unexpected appearance at the kitchen door of none other than Jack Grahame, the man who’d broken her heart years earlier.
Jack had truly loved Marianne, but when his father betrothed him to heiress Helena Wilcox, he knew he could not let down all the people dependent on him by turning his back on them and pursuing his self-interest. He’s spent the two years since his wife’s death continuing to improve his estate and the lot of his tenants, and now he has decided it’s time to live for himself rather than for other people. He hopes to obtain Marianne’s forgiveness for his actions eight years earlier, and then to persuade her that they deserve a second chance. But with all they’ve done and become in the intervening years, will love be enough to see them though now?
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart is a poignant, subtle story about love and trust and forgiveness, and Ms. Romain writes with her customary warmth and insight. Marianne and Jack are both decent, mature individuals who never stopped loving each other, but who have to find out who they are now and who still have issues that they need to resolve before they can move forward together. The descriptions of the foodstuffs and recipes Marianne uses may make your mouth water, so make sure you’ve got something yummy to hand just in case you get hungry!
Shana Galen’s story also features lovers separated for eight years, this time a pair who had worked for the Foreign Office during the Napoleonic Wars. Bridget O’Brien, the daughter of a famous forger, continued her father’s work for the Foreign Office as a counterfeiter, which is where she met and fell in love with spy, Caleb Harris. The pair planned to marry, but Caleb disappeared suddenly and all Bridget could find out was that he’d been sent abroad and had died there. Pregnant and desperate, Bridget married Robert Lavery in order to give her child a name, but her husband’s tendency to make poor investments landed them in debtor’s prison, and Bridget had to put her son, James, in an orphanage. (Readers of Ms. Galen’s Survivors series will no doubt recognise the St. Dismas Home for Wayward Boys as the orphanage featured in book two, No Earls Allowed.) Bridget now works at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy (surely Mrs. Brodie is an homage to Muriel Spark’s famous creation?) where she teaches art – and forgery – and has finally saved enough money to be able to rent rooms of her own so that she can locate her son and bring him to live with her. (The boy is eight, so I have to say that I wondered what she planned to do with him all day while she was at work, but – moving on.)
She manages to find herself a rather dingy room in a lodging house, and as she is leaving, she is astonished to pass a very familiar face going in the opposite direction, who is introduced to her as ‘Mr. Smith’. Of course, this is Caleb Harris, back from the dead… or at least back from the continent, although he’s got to remain ‘dead’ until such time as he can leave England, owing to the fact that he has a price on his head as the result of his wartime activities.
But Bridget has other things on her mind, namely retrieving her son, but this is going to be much harder than she’d bargained for. The orphanage burned down three years earlier, and nobody seems to know what happened to it or its inmates. There’s only one man she can turn to; Caleb is stunned to discover that he’s a father but agrees to help on the condition that the boy never finds out who he is. Caleb is a wanted man and anyone close to him could be a target; and in any case, soon he’ll have disappeared again, this time for good.
Counterfeit Scandal combines a tale of lovers reunited with an adventure story as Bridget and Caleb search for their son. It’s an enjoyable read, and Bridget is an engaging, sympathetic heroine, but I had issues with the way James so easily accepts her as his mother, even though he hasn’t seen her for a number of years. I found Caleb to be a less well-defined character than Bridget and the ending feels rushed.
Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Extraordinary Young Ladies boasts a couple of pleasant reads that can easily be used to while away a grey autumn afternoon, but ultimately, neither is particularly memorable, and this isn’t a compilation to which I’m likely to return.
Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies contains two novellas from the pens of top historical romance authors Theresa Romain and Shana Galen, set in an unusual school at which young ladies are taught forgery, self-defence and pick-pocketing alongside the more usual french, music and painting! It’s an interesting idea, although I couldn’t quite see why the girls were being taught those particular skills – unless they planned to embark on criminal careers or become spies? In addition, the couple of scenes which feature some of the skills learned at the school feel a little forced. Anyway, both stories are second-chance romances and are, as one would expect of such experienced authors, well written, but both suffer from what I generally call ‘novella-itis’ in that they lack plot, character or relationship development and feel rushed in some areas. In her contribution, Ms. Romain takes a deeper look at what it means to re-unite after a prolonged time apart, while Ms. Galen has penned a more plot-driven tale in which the couple pretty much picks up where they left off eight years before.
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart by Theresa Romain
Grade: C+ Sensuality Rating: Subtle
When the man she loved had to marry another woman in order to save his family finances and estate, Marianne Redfern left the small Lincolnshire village where she’d lived all her life and fled rather than face the pity of those around her. Arrived in London with nowhere to go, she was lucky enough to stumble across Mrs. Brodie’s Academy and decided her chances of being leered at or molested were less in an establishment run by a woman than anywhere else, so took a chance and asked if there was employment available. Now, eight years later, Marianne has risen to the position of cook, a post she’s held for the last two years, and which she enjoys immensely. Her composure is shaken, however by the sudden and completely unexpected appearance at the kitchen door of none other than Jack Grahame, the man who’d broken her heart years earlier.
Jack had truly loved Marianne, but when his father betrothed him to heiress Helena Wilcox, he knew he could not let down all the people dependent on him by turning his back on them and pursuing his self-interest. He’s spent the two years since his wife’s death continuing to improve his estate and the lot of his tenants, and now he has decided it’s time to live for himself rather than for other people. He hopes to obtain Marianne’s forgiveness for his actions eight years earlier, and then to persuade her that they deserve a second chance. But with all they’ve done and become in the intervening years, will love be enough to see them though now?
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart is a poignant, subtle story about love and trust and forgiveness, and Ms. Romain writes with her customary warmth and insight. Marianne and Jack are both decent, mature individuals who never stopped loving each other, but who have to find out who they are now and who still have issues that they need to resolve before they can move forward together. The descriptions of the foodstuffs and recipes Marianne uses may make your mouth water, so make sure you’ve got something yummy to hand just in case you get hungry!
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
Grade: C Sensuality Rating: Warm
Shana Galen’s story also features lovers separated for eight years, this time a pair who had worked for the Foreign Office during the Napoleonic Wars. Bridget O’Brien, the daughter of a famous forger, continued her father’s work for the Foreign Office as a counterfeiter, which is where she met and fell in love with spy, Caleb Harris. The pair planned to marry, but Caleb disappeared suddenly and all Bridget could find out was that he’d been sent abroad and had died there. Pregnant and desperate, Bridget married Robert Lavery in order to give her child a name, but her husband’s tendency to make poor investments landed them in debtor’s prison, and Bridget had to put her son, James, in an orphanage. (Readers of Ms. Galen’s Survivors series will no doubt recognise the St. Dismas Home for Wayward Boys as the orphanage featured in book two, No Earls Allowed.) Bridget now works at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy (surely Mrs. Brodie is an homage to Muriel Spark’s famous creation?) where she teaches art – and forgery – and has finally saved enough money to be able to rent rooms of her own so that she can locate her son and bring him to live with her. (The boy is eight, so I have to say that I wondered what she planned to do with him all day while she was at work, but – moving on.)
She manages to find herself a rather dingy room in a lodging house, and as she is leaving, she is astonished to pass a very familiar face going in the opposite direction, who is introduced to her as ‘Mr. Smith’. Of course, this is Caleb Harris, back from the dead… or at least back from the continent, although he’s got to remain ‘dead’ until such time as he can leave England, owing to the fact that he has a price on his head as the result of his wartime activities.
But Bridget has other things on her mind, namely retrieving her son, but this is going to be much harder than she’d bargained for. The orphanage burned down three years earlier, and nobody seems to know what happened to it or its inmates. There’s only one man she can turn to; Caleb is stunned to discover that he’s a father but agrees to help on the condition that the boy never finds out who he is. Caleb is a wanted man and anyone close to him could be a target; and in any case, soon he’ll have disappeared again, this time for good.
Counterfeit Scandal combines a tale of lovers reunited with an adventure story as Bridget and Caleb search for their son. It’s an enjoyable read, and Bridget is an engaging, sympathetic heroine, but I had issues with the way James so easily accepts her as his mother, even though he hasn’t seen her for a number of years. I found Caleb to be a less well-defined character than Bridget and the ending feels rushed.
Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Extraordinary Young Ladies boasts a couple of pleasant reads that can easily be used to while away a grey autumn afternoon, but ultimately, neither is particularly memorable, and this isn’t a compilation to which I’m likely to return.
October 1, 2018
Review to follow :)
September 9, 2018
Series: Anthology
Publication Date: 9/18/18
I hope that this anthology is a precursor to a series by one or both of these authors because this only whetted my appetite to learn more about Miss Brodie and her academy. How did her school come to have such diverse offerings in the curriculum? How did she come by instructors who could and would teach those diverse subjects? How did she even come to start a school?
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart by Theresa Romain
Marianne Redfern’s family wasn’t wealthy, but she was happy – after all, she loved Jack Grahame and he loved her in return. He wanted to marry her! Then, she learned the scoundrel was betrothed to a rich heiress when the banns were read in church. She could understand him needing to marry for money in order to save his family, but she couldn’t forgive that he didn’t even have the courage to tell her. Since she couldn’t stand to stay there, she just packed up and left for London. Since the skills she’d learned in the household of a gentleman didn’t really have any value in the employment market, she got desperate pretty fast. Luckily, she came across Miss Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies where Miss Brodie was willing to take a chance on her. She started in the kitchen as a kitchen maid and, over eight years, she worked her way up to cook. She was proud of herself for what she had accomplished. It was hard but very rewarding work and she was good at it.
Jack Grahame loved Marianne Redfern with all of his heart – and it broke that heart when he had to do as his father said and marry an heiress in order to save his family from ruin. It wasn’t the happiest of marriages because each of them was in love with someone else, but they did become friends of a sort. The money saved his family and the lands, but it didn’t save his heart. Then, he lost his father and his wife and had been in social mourning for the last two years. Now, it was time to find his heart again – if she’d forgive him and have him back.
Jack and Marianne have a bit of forgiving to do – on both sides. Their journey to their HEA isn’t smooth, but they each learn a lot about themselves during that journey. There is also a bit of humor – as in Marianne makes Jack a kitchen maid when she is short-handed in the kitchen.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
Bridget was working for the Home Office as a counterfeiter when she fell in love with Caleb who was a spy. Caleb left on a mission, a long and very dangerous mission – and he didn’t tell her he was going. Just as she learned she was expecting Caleb’s child, she was told that Caleb had died. She resigned from the Home Office and soon met a man who cared for her even though she didn’t love him in return. He was fine with her having Caleb’s child. So, she married him because she thought it would give her child a better life. Well – that was a mistake. Her husband was good to her and her son, James, but he was naïve when it came to money, so Bridget and her husband ended up in debtor’s prison. Rather than subject her young son (about 3 years old) to life inside the prison, she took him to a foundling home and told them she’d be back for him.
Several years later, her husband is dead and she’s out of prison with all debts paid. She’s been working at Miss Brodie’s Academy for a year and has saved up enough money to rent a room and to retrieve James from the orphanage. Except, the orphanage isn’t there anymore. It burned and nobody can tell her what happened to the orphans who lived there.
She rents the room with the intention of spending every spare minute looking for James. However, as she is leaving the home where she has rented the room, Caleb is entering the same home. She is absolutely and totally shocked. She tells him that he must find a new place to live and otherwise expresses her anger. Later, she realizes that she needs Caleb’s help to find James, so she tells him the whole story. He has also explained why he hasn’t contacted her and why they faked his death. They decide to work together even though it will put Caleb’s life in danger.
Their search takes them to Spitalfields and Mayfair and into a lot of danger. Quite an exciting search.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 9/18/18
I hope that this anthology is a precursor to a series by one or both of these authors because this only whetted my appetite to learn more about Miss Brodie and her academy. How did her school come to have such diverse offerings in the curriculum? How did she come by instructors who could and would teach those diverse subjects? How did she even come to start a school?
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart by Theresa Romain
Marianne Redfern’s family wasn’t wealthy, but she was happy – after all, she loved Jack Grahame and he loved her in return. He wanted to marry her! Then, she learned the scoundrel was betrothed to a rich heiress when the banns were read in church. She could understand him needing to marry for money in order to save his family, but she couldn’t forgive that he didn’t even have the courage to tell her. Since she couldn’t stand to stay there, she just packed up and left for London. Since the skills she’d learned in the household of a gentleman didn’t really have any value in the employment market, she got desperate pretty fast. Luckily, she came across Miss Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies where Miss Brodie was willing to take a chance on her. She started in the kitchen as a kitchen maid and, over eight years, she worked her way up to cook. She was proud of herself for what she had accomplished. It was hard but very rewarding work and she was good at it.
Jack Grahame loved Marianne Redfern with all of his heart – and it broke that heart when he had to do as his father said and marry an heiress in order to save his family from ruin. It wasn’t the happiest of marriages because each of them was in love with someone else, but they did become friends of a sort. The money saved his family and the lands, but it didn’t save his heart. Then, he lost his father and his wife and had been in social mourning for the last two years. Now, it was time to find his heart again – if she’d forgive him and have him back.
Jack and Marianne have a bit of forgiving to do – on both sides. Their journey to their HEA isn’t smooth, but they each learn a lot about themselves during that journey. There is also a bit of humor – as in Marianne makes Jack a kitchen maid when she is short-handed in the kitchen.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
Bridget was working for the Home Office as a counterfeiter when she fell in love with Caleb who was a spy. Caleb left on a mission, a long and very dangerous mission – and he didn’t tell her he was going. Just as she learned she was expecting Caleb’s child, she was told that Caleb had died. She resigned from the Home Office and soon met a man who cared for her even though she didn’t love him in return. He was fine with her having Caleb’s child. So, she married him because she thought it would give her child a better life. Well – that was a mistake. Her husband was good to her and her son, James, but he was naïve when it came to money, so Bridget and her husband ended up in debtor’s prison. Rather than subject her young son (about 3 years old) to life inside the prison, she took him to a foundling home and told them she’d be back for him.
Several years later, her husband is dead and she’s out of prison with all debts paid. She’s been working at Miss Brodie’s Academy for a year and has saved up enough money to rent a room and to retrieve James from the orphanage. Except, the orphanage isn’t there anymore. It burned and nobody can tell her what happened to the orphans who lived there.
She rents the room with the intention of spending every spare minute looking for James. However, as she is leaving the home where she has rented the room, Caleb is entering the same home. She is absolutely and totally shocked. She tells him that he must find a new place to live and otherwise expresses her anger. Later, she realizes that she needs Caleb’s help to find James, so she tells him the whole story. He has also explained why he hasn’t contacted her and why they faked his death. They decide to work together even though it will put Caleb’s life in danger.
Their search takes them to Spitalfields and Mayfair and into a lot of danger. Quite an exciting search.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
September 24, 2018
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart by Theresa Romain: 2 stars
This novella featured a promising setup that centered on a second chance romance and a cook heroine. Unfortunately, the story itself ended up falling well short of Theresa Romain standards. If you’re like me and you’ve read and absolutely loved most, if not all, of Theresa’s books, you’ll understand what I mean. With The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart, I kept waiting and waiting and waiting some more for the feels the hit me. Because you know that when it comes to Theresa Romain, it’s less about complicated plots and all about the emotional impact of the love between the main characters. None of that was present here. I never felt the passion or connection of any kind honestly between Jack and Marianne. Though they were supposedly in love in their youth and cruelly separated via circumstances beyond their control, their reunion couldn’t have been more cold or pufunctionary. It went something like this: reunion, sexy times, separation, reunion part 2, the end. WHAT? Okay, I know this was a short story but I know Theresa can write short stories and fill them to the brim with so much feeling that you’d think you were reading a full length novel. This wasn’t the case here at all. Jack, Marianne, their romance all fell very, very flat.
There were some positives however. Of course I loved the writing itself, it is Theresa Romain’s prose afterall and even if the story itself wasn’t my favorite, I love her author’s voice. I also liked how Marianne put Jack to work as her kitchen maid as it made for some very cute moments. The many mentions of food were yummy to read about as well. And though the self defense class may have read as too modern, any time I can visualize women kicking ass is a great thing.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen: 3 stars
A slightly better take on a second chance romance, Counterfeit Scandal was aided in part by an interesting plot and the chemistry between the likable leads. The very well written sexy times didn’t hurt either (garters baby, it’s all about the garters). I do wish the ending hadn’t been quite so abrupt or that a sweet epilogue had been provided for closure’s sake. This novella did help to restore my faith somewhat in Shana Galen after her last few full length books disappointed greatly.
This novella featured a promising setup that centered on a second chance romance and a cook heroine. Unfortunately, the story itself ended up falling well short of Theresa Romain standards. If you’re like me and you’ve read and absolutely loved most, if not all, of Theresa’s books, you’ll understand what I mean. With The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart, I kept waiting and waiting and waiting some more for the feels the hit me. Because you know that when it comes to Theresa Romain, it’s less about complicated plots and all about the emotional impact of the love between the main characters. None of that was present here. I never felt the passion or connection of any kind honestly between Jack and Marianne. Though they were supposedly in love in their youth and cruelly separated via circumstances beyond their control, their reunion couldn’t have been more cold or pufunctionary. It went something like this: reunion, sexy times, separation, reunion part 2, the end. WHAT? Okay, I know this was a short story but I know Theresa can write short stories and fill them to the brim with so much feeling that you’d think you were reading a full length novel. This wasn’t the case here at all. Jack, Marianne, their romance all fell very, very flat.
There were some positives however. Of course I loved the writing itself, it is Theresa Romain’s prose afterall and even if the story itself wasn’t my favorite, I love her author’s voice. I also liked how Marianne put Jack to work as her kitchen maid as it made for some very cute moments. The many mentions of food were yummy to read about as well. And though the self defense class may have read as too modern, any time I can visualize women kicking ass is a great thing.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen: 3 stars
A slightly better take on a second chance romance, Counterfeit Scandal was aided in part by an interesting plot and the chemistry between the likable leads. The very well written sexy times didn’t hurt either (garters baby, it’s all about the garters). I do wish the ending hadn’t been quite so abrupt or that a sweet epilogue had been provided for closure’s sake. This novella did help to restore my faith somewhat in Shana Galen after her last few full length books disappointed greatly.
September 18, 2018
I’d describe this duo as one of those that give you an AWWWW! feeling and that feeling stays with you long after you put the book down. Both stories are about second chances.
The Way to A Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain stars Marianne, a lady of society-turned cook, and James, a man with plenty to regret but willing to make amends and hoping for forgiveness. I always find this author’s stories kind of hard to understand in the sense that I don’t connect with the characters right away. At first I thought James had hurt Marianne too much and grueling for the rest of his life wouldn’t be enough to deserve forgiveness, however once Marianne’s musing put their relationship in a different light and she realized he was a worthy man I too realized just as much.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen intertwines characters from No Earls Allowed, book 2 in her The Survivors series but you don’t need to read that book first in order to read this one. Bridget and Caleb were forced to part ways at a moment when Bridget needed him the most. Fast forward several years later and Caleb seems to be the only one to help her find what she once lost but loves the most. I liked this story a lot. The author was able to pack plenty of character development, emotions, action, and redemption in only a few pages. The fact that Caleb was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for Bridget was kind of the cherry on top.
I think this set perfectly represents what each author is about so if anyone's thought about trying something by either one I encourage you to give these novellas a go.
I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.
The Way to A Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain stars Marianne, a lady of society-turned cook, and James, a man with plenty to regret but willing to make amends and hoping for forgiveness. I always find this author’s stories kind of hard to understand in the sense that I don’t connect with the characters right away. At first I thought James had hurt Marianne too much and grueling for the rest of his life wouldn’t be enough to deserve forgiveness, however once Marianne’s musing put their relationship in a different light and she realized he was a worthy man I too realized just as much.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen intertwines characters from No Earls Allowed, book 2 in her The Survivors series but you don’t need to read that book first in order to read this one. Bridget and Caleb were forced to part ways at a moment when Bridget needed him the most. Fast forward several years later and Caleb seems to be the only one to help her find what she once lost but loves the most. I liked this story a lot. The author was able to pack plenty of character development, emotions, action, and redemption in only a few pages. The fact that Caleb was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for Bridget was kind of the cherry on top.
I think this set perfectly represents what each author is about so if anyone's thought about trying something by either one I encourage you to give these novellas a go.
I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.
September 8, 2018
This is a duet book that I suspect is a new series these two authors will continue. It centers around an unconventional Academy For Exceptional Young Ladies. It teaches the usually subjects one would expect at a school plus some rather unusual classes that equipt the young women to be in control of their lives and not be victims or dependant. Classes like lock-picking, self defense, pick-pocketing, accent modification etc. The school motto is: "I am an exceptional young lady. I deserve the best and am prepared for the worst. Whatever comes my way, I am equal to the task. I know that I am never alone, because my teachers and sisters will always watch out for me as I watch out for them." Wow, don't we all deserve that?
Theresa's story is "The Way to a Gentleman's Heart", and is essentially a second chance at love story, my favorite trope. Jack Graham, heir to an untitled estate once loved Marianne Redfern, the daughter of a neighboring estate. Alas his family had no money to continue being responsible to keep the property prosperous and their tenants so he had to marry for money. Marianne, bless her heart, heartbroken, left to find her own way in the world landing at Mrs. Brodie's Academy. You see she also is an exceptional young lady and learned to be the head cook there. Jack is widowed and comes to town to try to woo her back, ending up as her kitchen maid before a big fundraiser event in 2 weeks. The story goes on with a HEA with a few twists and turns along the way.
Shana's story is "Counterfeit Scandal" about Bridget O'Brien Lavery, former forger for the government with her father, who ended up in debtor's prison after marrying a ne'er-do-well opportunist Robbie Lavery. When she went to prison she placed her son in an orphanage for safe keeping while she and Robbie were in prison. While in prison she's widowed and is finally released. Unfortunately the orphanage burned down while she was in prison and she doesn't know where to look for little Jimmy. She lands a job at Mrs. Brodie's as an art teacher as well as counterfeiting. She runs into an old love, Caleb Harris who is a undercover spy for the government who now has a French bounty on his head and is in hiding. He can't seem to walk away from helping Bridget to find her now 8 year old son. This story was a fun journey into sleuthing and hiding from bounty hunters.
All in all I really enjoyed both of these stories and the author voices of each writer. I look forward to learning the stories of the other "exceptional young ladies" at the academy. Thank you Shana for the opportunity to review this book for you.
Theresa's story is "The Way to a Gentleman's Heart", and is essentially a second chance at love story, my favorite trope. Jack Graham, heir to an untitled estate once loved Marianne Redfern, the daughter of a neighboring estate. Alas his family had no money to continue being responsible to keep the property prosperous and their tenants so he had to marry for money. Marianne, bless her heart, heartbroken, left to find her own way in the world landing at Mrs. Brodie's Academy. You see she also is an exceptional young lady and learned to be the head cook there. Jack is widowed and comes to town to try to woo her back, ending up as her kitchen maid before a big fundraiser event in 2 weeks. The story goes on with a HEA with a few twists and turns along the way.
Shana's story is "Counterfeit Scandal" about Bridget O'Brien Lavery, former forger for the government with her father, who ended up in debtor's prison after marrying a ne'er-do-well opportunist Robbie Lavery. When she went to prison she placed her son in an orphanage for safe keeping while she and Robbie were in prison. While in prison she's widowed and is finally released. Unfortunately the orphanage burned down while she was in prison and she doesn't know where to look for little Jimmy. She lands a job at Mrs. Brodie's as an art teacher as well as counterfeiting. She runs into an old love, Caleb Harris who is a undercover spy for the government who now has a French bounty on his head and is in hiding. He can't seem to walk away from helping Bridget to find her now 8 year old son. This story was a fun journey into sleuthing and hiding from bounty hunters.
All in all I really enjoyed both of these stories and the author voices of each writer. I look forward to learning the stories of the other "exceptional young ladies" at the academy. Thank you Shana for the opportunity to review this book for you.
September 9, 2018
This was a sweet little novella duo by Theresa Romain and Shana Galen, both stories center around the school that the heroines work for - Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. Both stories are second chance at love stories and Ms. Galan's has a tie in to her Survivor's series!!
The Way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain - 3/3.5 stars - Marianne Redfern is the head cook at the Academy, she arrived 8 years ago, with no skills, no money and a broken heart. Her love married another woman and she couldn't bear to stay. She began as a kitchen maid and worked her way up to head cook. She is content, but she is still heartsore. When Jack Grahame reappears in her life, she is not sure what to feel - elation? Anger? Betrayal? Love? Jack made a choice years ago and sacrificed love for the greater good. Now widowed, he has to know, is it too late? This was a sweet second chance at love story, featuring two people with a lot of pride and a love that never died.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galan - 4/4.5 stars - Bridget Lavery gave up her son 5 years ago when she and her husband were sent to debtor's prison. Her husband died in prison and when she was freed, she got a job at the Academy teaching art and other less proper skills. She has finally saved enough money to get a room of her own and find her son. The orphanage she left him at burned down and no one seems to know what happened to the children. When she is leaving the boarding house, she runs into a ghost from her past, Caleb Harris, her former love, father of her son and a man she believed dead. Caleb is in hiding, he left Bridget years ago without a word and let her believe he was dead, he worked for the Foreign Office and left to be a spy. Now years later, he is back, but he has a price on his head. He is shocked to see Bridget, the only woman he ever love and the woman he had hoped to marry. He manages to follow her and tries to explain. She wants nothing to do with him and tells him to leave. The next day she is glad to learn he didn't - she tells him about their son and asks for his help finding him. He agrees, but warns that there is a bounty out on him. They work together and the love they had is still alive, but will they find their son before Caleb is discovered? This was a great novella with steamy love scenes and a nice little tie into the Survivors Series, but it did end rather abruptly and I would have liked a better glimpse of their HEA.
While I enjoyed both stories, I finished the book not really knowing anything about Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies other than it is a school for girls and that besides traditional classes, they are taught self defense and some other questionable skills. I think I would have enjoyed a collaborative short story at the beginning of the book about Mrs. Brodie and why she started her school, it think it would have really added to the novellas if I understood the true goal and motivation for the Academy.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
The Way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain - 3/3.5 stars - Marianne Redfern is the head cook at the Academy, she arrived 8 years ago, with no skills, no money and a broken heart. Her love married another woman and she couldn't bear to stay. She began as a kitchen maid and worked her way up to head cook. She is content, but she is still heartsore. When Jack Grahame reappears in her life, she is not sure what to feel - elation? Anger? Betrayal? Love? Jack made a choice years ago and sacrificed love for the greater good. Now widowed, he has to know, is it too late? This was a sweet second chance at love story, featuring two people with a lot of pride and a love that never died.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galan - 4/4.5 stars - Bridget Lavery gave up her son 5 years ago when she and her husband were sent to debtor's prison. Her husband died in prison and when she was freed, she got a job at the Academy teaching art and other less proper skills. She has finally saved enough money to get a room of her own and find her son. The orphanage she left him at burned down and no one seems to know what happened to the children. When she is leaving the boarding house, she runs into a ghost from her past, Caleb Harris, her former love, father of her son and a man she believed dead. Caleb is in hiding, he left Bridget years ago without a word and let her believe he was dead, he worked for the Foreign Office and left to be a spy. Now years later, he is back, but he has a price on his head. He is shocked to see Bridget, the only woman he ever love and the woman he had hoped to marry. He manages to follow her and tries to explain. She wants nothing to do with him and tells him to leave. The next day she is glad to learn he didn't - she tells him about their son and asks for his help finding him. He agrees, but warns that there is a bounty out on him. They work together and the love they had is still alive, but will they find their son before Caleb is discovered? This was a great novella with steamy love scenes and a nice little tie into the Survivors Series, but it did end rather abruptly and I would have liked a better glimpse of their HEA.
While I enjoyed both stories, I finished the book not really knowing anything about Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies other than it is a school for girls and that besides traditional classes, they are taught self defense and some other questionable skills. I think I would have enjoyed a collaborative short story at the beginning of the book about Mrs. Brodie and why she started her school, it think it would have really added to the novellas if I understood the true goal and motivation for the Academy.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
August 28, 2018
What a treat it is to have once again Shana Galen and Theresa Romain reunited in an anthology with such a brilliant premise. Given the type of school, it was easy to imagine what Shana Galen would do, but Theresa Romain rises superbly to the occasion.
Theresa Romain’s The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart is all about money, strawberries, and bees, which defines Marianne and Jack’s relationship. Ms. Romain’s glorious prose and careful research makes the Regency kitchen come alive as I’ve never seen it: all golden glow and hard work. The author charms, stuns, and delights with superb character development, startling plot twists – one of which I had been waiting to see in what seems forever – and a romance that progresses very differently from what we are used to, and certainly from what I expected, which I very much appreciated.
Shana Galen is in her element with Bridget’s heart-stopping quest for her son, with the help of the man she had loved, and whom she had believed dead. Counterfeit Scandal, while a complete standalone, is a special gift to the fans of Ms. Galen’s The Survivors series, and a story we wanted to read. The chemistry between Bridget and Caleb jumps off the page, as does the aura of danger that permeates the whole story. We are put through the wringer as they search for little Jimmy, and not until the very end can we breathe easily because of Caleb’s work during the war, which was depicted very realistically and was cause for much nail-biting.
What I loved the most is that both novellas feature very strong women I could respect and identify with, and who managed to overcome difficult situations within the confines of the era. I felt everything could have really happened that way, that it is how the London of 1819 really looked like. MRS. BRODIE’S ACADEMY FOR EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG LADIES is such a stellar endeavour from both authors, that I fervently hope they plan for more instalments, because I want to see the stories of all the characters that are mentioned or appear in both novellas; the possibilities are nearly endless.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Theresa Romain’s The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart is all about money, strawberries, and bees, which defines Marianne and Jack’s relationship. Ms. Romain’s glorious prose and careful research makes the Regency kitchen come alive as I’ve never seen it: all golden glow and hard work. The author charms, stuns, and delights with superb character development, startling plot twists – one of which I had been waiting to see in what seems forever – and a romance that progresses very differently from what we are used to, and certainly from what I expected, which I very much appreciated.
Shana Galen is in her element with Bridget’s heart-stopping quest for her son, with the help of the man she had loved, and whom she had believed dead. Counterfeit Scandal, while a complete standalone, is a special gift to the fans of Ms. Galen’s The Survivors series, and a story we wanted to read. The chemistry between Bridget and Caleb jumps off the page, as does the aura of danger that permeates the whole story. We are put through the wringer as they search for little Jimmy, and not until the very end can we breathe easily because of Caleb’s work during the war, which was depicted very realistically and was cause for much nail-biting.
What I loved the most is that both novellas feature very strong women I could respect and identify with, and who managed to overcome difficult situations within the confines of the era. I felt everything could have really happened that way, that it is how the London of 1819 really looked like. MRS. BRODIE’S ACADEMY FOR EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG LADIES is such a stellar endeavour from both authors, that I fervently hope they plan for more instalments, because I want to see the stories of all the characters that are mentioned or appear in both novellas; the possibilities are nearly endless.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2018
I'd give this 4.5 stars out of 5. This is a two-story collection by Theresa Romain and Shana Galen. Both authors are great at portraying Regency/historical characters who are not nobility. The background setting is this unusual Academy, with a headmistress who seems to want to help young ladies and her teachers/staff, by giving opportunity and teaching unusual skills. More storytelling about the Academy would be welcome. In Romain's story, we have Marianne who has left home and become a cook at the Academy, when the love of her youth, Jack, must marry for money. And now, years later, widower Jack shows up and they have to figure out if they can move forward together. I liked both characters and was glad to see them both learn to trust the other again. I also like landed gentry who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. Both characters were well formed, I felt like I knew each one's POV. In Galen's story, Bridget is a teacher at the Academy, working to reclaim her child from an orphanage. Caleb is her son's father, and he has reappeared from the dead. There isn't a lot about their relationship, and the time frame of their current story is only a few days. It is another place where'd I'd love more storytelling about their past. However, it's a novella and we learn the main details. Bridget is the kind of strong heroine I love, I wish I knew a little more about Caleb. As they should, both romance stories end in HEA. Romain's story is the stronger of the two, but fans of both authors should be satisfied with this collection.
September 18, 2018
It's not only the young ladies and their teachers at this academy that are exceptional, the authors of both of these novellas are truly wonderful writers. The concept of this school is intriguing and the background of the instructors compelling. It would have changed history if these academies really existed in those days and young ladies could learn a plethora of useful skills. Both romances give the protagonists a second chance at love and are beautifully written.
The first story is poignant and I love the subtle use of the references to food and cooking throughout. It shows that love doesn't die, but trust is a whole other thing!
Ms. Galen's novella features what she does best - intrigue spices her romance as her characters fight their way through danger to find their HEA. Her writing is gritty and real and her characters are not lily white, but colorful and interesting.
Like the savory sauces written about by Ms. Romain in this book, these stories will remain delightfully on your palate and you will long for another course.
The first story is poignant and I love the subtle use of the references to food and cooking throughout. It shows that love doesn't die, but trust is a whole other thing!
Ms. Galen's novella features what she does best - intrigue spices her romance as her characters fight their way through danger to find their HEA. Her writing is gritty and real and her characters are not lily white, but colorful and interesting.
Like the savory sauces written about by Ms. Romain in this book, these stories will remain delightfully on your palate and you will long for another course.
August 11, 2018
I love the women in these two stories! And the concept of the school is fascinating. I can always count on Shana Galen and Theresa Romain to entertain me and help me escape from life for a little while. I'm hoping for more stories related to this school in the future!
October 23, 2018
My Musings
I thoroughly enjoyed both these stories. They are emotionally charged with well developed plots. I highly recommend this excellent book. Happy ☺reading 📚!
I thoroughly enjoyed both these stories. They are emotionally charged with well developed plots. I highly recommend this excellent book. Happy ☺reading 📚!
August 9, 2018
Both Theresa Romain and Shana Galen have two really great stories here. I really enjoyed it.
May 14, 2019
Really 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4. This was a 2cute stories that took place at the exceptional academy for girls. Really not to much angst and definitely a HEA.
August 31, 2018
I have to say I was super excited for this book because two of my favorite authors doing a book together was amazing and they did not disappoint. I love the school concept. I really don't want to spoil anything for others. I love the heroines of each story.
June 30, 2020
These are two short stories by two very talented authors.
Ms Romain gives us a story of Marianne and Jack. They were lovers when they were very young. Then family demands weighed heavily on Jack and the banns were announced for his wedding to another young woman. Marianne leaves and goes to London. She never returns home but begins life as a cook in a school for exceptional young ladies. Then Jack shows up.
Ms Galen's story is about Bridget, Caleb and their son Jimmy. Bridget teaches art and forgery at the Academy. When Caleb finds that he has a son he has never known, he is amazed. His life is in danger because of the work he did during the Napoleonic Wars. In spite of that, he wants to help Bridget find their son so they can start a new life together.
As I expected, the stories were well developed. The characters are interesting. The plots are entertaining. In other words, these novellas are everything I would expect from these authors.
If I felt anything lacking, it would be that I wanted a little more emotional connection between all of the main characters. I wanted more heat and intensity. After all, these people had histories and I hoped those histories would give more depth to the relationships.
I sure hope there are more stories about this Academy. Because I want to know exactly why forgery and self defense are all a part of the daily classes?
I wonder how the school catalog explained the extras that girls learned.
This is a terrific anthology.
Ms Romain gives us a story of Marianne and Jack. They were lovers when they were very young. Then family demands weighed heavily on Jack and the banns were announced for his wedding to another young woman. Marianne leaves and goes to London. She never returns home but begins life as a cook in a school for exceptional young ladies. Then Jack shows up.
Ms Galen's story is about Bridget, Caleb and their son Jimmy. Bridget teaches art and forgery at the Academy. When Caleb finds that he has a son he has never known, he is amazed. His life is in danger because of the work he did during the Napoleonic Wars. In spite of that, he wants to help Bridget find their son so they can start a new life together.
As I expected, the stories were well developed. The characters are interesting. The plots are entertaining. In other words, these novellas are everything I would expect from these authors.
If I felt anything lacking, it would be that I wanted a little more emotional connection between all of the main characters. I wanted more heat and intensity. After all, these people had histories and I hoped those histories would give more depth to the relationships.
I sure hope there are more stories about this Academy. Because I want to know exactly why forgery and self defense are all a part of the daily classes?
I wonder how the school catalog explained the extras that girls learned.
This is a terrific anthology.
March 31, 2020
Wonderful Second-Chance Duo!
Both stories in Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies are second chance love stories that are wonderfully done!
Theresa Romain’s The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart is the story of a man who chose duty over love and is now trying make things right. I loved the depth of emotion that she was able to convey in this novella.
Shana Galen’s Counterfeit Scandal is the story of the parents of Jimmy, from No Earl’s Allowed in the Survivors Series. Bridget was forced to marry when Caleb was called to war and she found herself pregnant, a decision that led her to debtors prison and Jimmy to an orphanage. As she works to get Jimmy back she’s reunited with Caleb but in true Galen fashion there’s some intrigue, danger, and suspense before we get the HEA.
I hope we get more stories from Mrs. Brodie’s Academy and that we learn a little more about Mrs. Brodie herself!
Both stories in Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies are second chance love stories that are wonderfully done!
Theresa Romain’s The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart is the story of a man who chose duty over love and is now trying make things right. I loved the depth of emotion that she was able to convey in this novella.
Shana Galen’s Counterfeit Scandal is the story of the parents of Jimmy, from No Earl’s Allowed in the Survivors Series. Bridget was forced to marry when Caleb was called to war and she found herself pregnant, a decision that led her to debtors prison and Jimmy to an orphanage. As she works to get Jimmy back she’s reunited with Caleb but in true Galen fashion there’s some intrigue, danger, and suspense before we get the HEA.
I hope we get more stories from Mrs. Brodie’s Academy and that we learn a little more about Mrs. Brodie herself!
September 22, 2018
3.5 stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-O8
At Mrs. Brodie’s school, the students are trained not only in the expected tasks a young lady should know, but also, surprisingly different things – like self defense and “creative” calligraphy. These two novellas tell the stories of two employees at the school, and both are about receiving a second chance at love, one of my favorite tropes.
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart by Theresa Romain:
Jack Grahame and Marianne Redfern were childhood friends, then lovers who planned to marry. Jack’s family was poor, and when Jack’s father arranged a marriage for him to a wealthy merchant’s daughter, Jack’s sense of responsibility made him accept. The situation would have been bad enough for Marianne, but the way she found out was truly devastating. Her humiliation caused her to leave the comfort of her family and travel to town, determined to make a living on her own. She was lucky enough to be employed at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy, first as a maid, then an assistant cook, and now as the head cook.
Eight years have passed, and Jack has been widowed for two years. The marriage was not happy, and the details were quite unusual. He finally comes to visit Marianne, in his own words, to ask her forgiveness. Marianne is shocked to see Jack, and surprisingly, decides to put him to work assisting her until she employs a new helper. It’s not long before their old familiar passion flares up, but that is only the surface reaction, as, underneath there are still misunderstandings and mistrust between them. When Jack is called home, they part on rocky terms, and possibly forever.
THE WAY TO A GENTLEMAN’S HEART is a sweet, yet painful read, dealing with making tough choices when everything is not simply black or white, letting go of pride, and opening your heart to forgiveness and acceptance.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen:
Bridget Lavery and Caleb Harris fell in love and planned to marry eight years ago. At that time, Caleb was an agent for the foreign office, and when he disappeared, Bridget was informed that he was killed. Bridget was expecting their child, and accepted a proposal from a man who was smitten with her and agreed to accept the baby. Unfortunately, her husband’s ineptness landed them both in debtor’s prison, and Bridget temporarily placed her son, James, in an orphanage until she was able to reclaim him. When Bridget is finally released, her husband has died, and she is forced to seek employment. She luckily is accepted as a teacher at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy, and saves every bit of money until she has enough to afford her own lodgings, and have her son back with her.
Bridget’s bad luck continues when she discovers that the orphanage where she left James has burned down. No one is able to tell her where all the children were moved. Then, to her amazement, she runs into her “dead” fiancé, Caleb, who is staying at the very same lodging house. It turns out that Caleb did not leave Bridget by choice. His assignment was extremely dangerous and confidential, and now he is a wanted man, with a substantial bounty on his head. When Bridget tells Caleb about their son, James, he agrees to help her find him on the condition she not reveal his relationship to James. Caleb feels he has no future, and has no desire to embroil his former love and his son in his tattered life. When Caleb is recognized by a prominent underworld figure, it appears all hope is lost.
COUNTERFEIT SCANDAL is a sad tale of true lovers parted by circumstances beyond their control. It’s heartbreaking to see how Bridget was forced to part with her beloved son after losing the man she loved. Her life was not an easy one, but neither was Caleb’s, as his life was constantly in peril while he performed his duties for his government. It seems that Bridget and Caleb deserve a much needed miracle if they are to have any chance of reuniting with their lost son and with each other, but sometimes the sweetest rewards are ones that were the hardest to come by.
At Mrs. Brodie’s school, the students are trained not only in the expected tasks a young lady should know, but also, surprisingly different things – like self defense and “creative” calligraphy. These two novellas tell the stories of two employees at the school, and both are about receiving a second chance at love, one of my favorite tropes.
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart by Theresa Romain:
Jack Grahame and Marianne Redfern were childhood friends, then lovers who planned to marry. Jack’s family was poor, and when Jack’s father arranged a marriage for him to a wealthy merchant’s daughter, Jack’s sense of responsibility made him accept. The situation would have been bad enough for Marianne, but the way she found out was truly devastating. Her humiliation caused her to leave the comfort of her family and travel to town, determined to make a living on her own. She was lucky enough to be employed at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy, first as a maid, then an assistant cook, and now as the head cook.
Eight years have passed, and Jack has been widowed for two years. The marriage was not happy, and the details were quite unusual. He finally comes to visit Marianne, in his own words, to ask her forgiveness. Marianne is shocked to see Jack, and surprisingly, decides to put him to work assisting her until she employs a new helper. It’s not long before their old familiar passion flares up, but that is only the surface reaction, as, underneath there are still misunderstandings and mistrust between them. When Jack is called home, they part on rocky terms, and possibly forever.
THE WAY TO A GENTLEMAN’S HEART is a sweet, yet painful read, dealing with making tough choices when everything is not simply black or white, letting go of pride, and opening your heart to forgiveness and acceptance.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen:
Bridget Lavery and Caleb Harris fell in love and planned to marry eight years ago. At that time, Caleb was an agent for the foreign office, and when he disappeared, Bridget was informed that he was killed. Bridget was expecting their child, and accepted a proposal from a man who was smitten with her and agreed to accept the baby. Unfortunately, her husband’s ineptness landed them both in debtor’s prison, and Bridget temporarily placed her son, James, in an orphanage until she was able to reclaim him. When Bridget is finally released, her husband has died, and she is forced to seek employment. She luckily is accepted as a teacher at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy, and saves every bit of money until she has enough to afford her own lodgings, and have her son back with her.
Bridget’s bad luck continues when she discovers that the orphanage where she left James has burned down. No one is able to tell her where all the children were moved. Then, to her amazement, she runs into her “dead” fiancé, Caleb, who is staying at the very same lodging house. It turns out that Caleb did not leave Bridget by choice. His assignment was extremely dangerous and confidential, and now he is a wanted man, with a substantial bounty on his head. When Bridget tells Caleb about their son, James, he agrees to help her find him on the condition she not reveal his relationship to James. Caleb feels he has no future, and has no desire to embroil his former love and his son in his tattered life. When Caleb is recognized by a prominent underworld figure, it appears all hope is lost.
COUNTERFEIT SCANDAL is a sad tale of true lovers parted by circumstances beyond their control. It’s heartbreaking to see how Bridget was forced to part with her beloved son after losing the man she loved. Her life was not an easy one, but neither was Caleb’s, as his life was constantly in peril while he performed his duties for his government. It seems that Bridget and Caleb deserve a much needed miracle if they are to have any chance of reuniting with their lost son and with each other, but sometimes the sweetest rewards are ones that were the hardest to come by.
September 22, 2018
"The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart” - Theresa Romain
London - 1819
Marianne Redfern, age 28, is the cook at the exclusive Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. Even though she is unmarried, she goes by the name of Mrs. Redfern. She has been the cook for 8 years and has learned so much about cooking and running a large kitchen even though she has come from a nice home herself.
The Academy is unusual in that not only do the young ladies learn French and drawing, but forgery and fist fighting as well.
When Marianne arrived in London, she had left behind a man named Jack Grahame and hoped to never see him again. She and Jack had loved one another, but as he needed money, he married Helena Wilcox, a wealthy, young woman. But 6 years later, Helena became ill and died. Unexpectedly. Jack shows up in the kitchen at the Academy asking for Marianne’s forgiveness. But she insists that he work for 4 weeks for her as a kitchen maid. Being together during this time shows Marianne that Jack is truly in love with her and she is impressed with his determination to do all he can to assist in the kitchen.
Jack gets called home as his mother is ill. When he arrives, he finds his mother is well again. Marianne soon follows as she knows it is time to see her own family. Can old hurts be resolved and love be renewed?
This is a cute, and sometimes humorous story with terrific descriptions of cooking and of the countryside. Well done, Theresa Romain.
“Counterfeit Scandal” - Shana Galen
At Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies, Bridget Lavery is a teacher of art, reading, penmanship, and counterfeiting.
Having served time in a prison, she wants to find her son, James, whom she had had to surrender to a orphanage when she was sent away.
Caleb Harris is James’s father. He now uses the last name of Smith. Having served as a spy in France for his country, he is now back in London and is hiding as he is a wanted man in France.
When Bridget and Caleb meet again, she shares with him that she realized she was pregnant with James right after he left the country but could not contact him. A kind man, whose last name was Lavery married her. But it was his counterfeiting that landed him in prison where he died. Now, Bridget and Caleb are on a mission to find their son.
As with most of Shana Galen’s novels, there are always a lot of cloak and dagger scenarios included in her stories. Admittedly, spy novels aren’t my favorite but I do admire Ms. Galen’s writing abilities. She’s very talented.
Copy provided by the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.
London - 1819
Marianne Redfern, age 28, is the cook at the exclusive Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. Even though she is unmarried, she goes by the name of Mrs. Redfern. She has been the cook for 8 years and has learned so much about cooking and running a large kitchen even though she has come from a nice home herself.
The Academy is unusual in that not only do the young ladies learn French and drawing, but forgery and fist fighting as well.
When Marianne arrived in London, she had left behind a man named Jack Grahame and hoped to never see him again. She and Jack had loved one another, but as he needed money, he married Helena Wilcox, a wealthy, young woman. But 6 years later, Helena became ill and died. Unexpectedly. Jack shows up in the kitchen at the Academy asking for Marianne’s forgiveness. But she insists that he work for 4 weeks for her as a kitchen maid. Being together during this time shows Marianne that Jack is truly in love with her and she is impressed with his determination to do all he can to assist in the kitchen.
Jack gets called home as his mother is ill. When he arrives, he finds his mother is well again. Marianne soon follows as she knows it is time to see her own family. Can old hurts be resolved and love be renewed?
This is a cute, and sometimes humorous story with terrific descriptions of cooking and of the countryside. Well done, Theresa Romain.
“Counterfeit Scandal” - Shana Galen
At Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies, Bridget Lavery is a teacher of art, reading, penmanship, and counterfeiting.
Having served time in a prison, she wants to find her son, James, whom she had had to surrender to a orphanage when she was sent away.
Caleb Harris is James’s father. He now uses the last name of Smith. Having served as a spy in France for his country, he is now back in London and is hiding as he is a wanted man in France.
When Bridget and Caleb meet again, she shares with him that she realized she was pregnant with James right after he left the country but could not contact him. A kind man, whose last name was Lavery married her. But it was his counterfeiting that landed him in prison where he died. Now, Bridget and Caleb are on a mission to find their son.
As with most of Shana Galen’s novels, there are always a lot of cloak and dagger scenarios included in her stories. Admittedly, spy novels aren’t my favorite but I do admire Ms. Galen’s writing abilities. She’s very talented.
Copy provided by the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 9, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Two talented authors, Theresa Romain and Shana Galen, bring the exclusive Mrs. Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. At first glance, the Academy appears to be the usual type of school were young girls are taught French and art amongst other subjects. However, the readers discover that unconventional subjects form part of the curriculum, arming the students with abilities to help them survive in the world outside the school.
Marianne Redfern, Ms. Romain’s heroine in The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart, ran away from her childhood home in Lincolnshire. Her first love was forced to marry a rich heiress to save his family from ruin. After much difficulty finding honest employment, Mrs Brodie employed Marianne to help the Academy cook in the kitchen and under her tutelage, Marianne took the position as Academy cook once the former one retired. The one morning, a few days before an important Donor dinner, who should come knocking on the Academy’s door? None other than Jack Grahame, bearing strawberries. Since the kitchens are not a place for the idle, Jack becomes a “kitchenmaid” – and a self-defence “victim” – for the opportunity to spend time with his former love. But will this be enough to rekindle what they had after eight long years or have these years spent apart changed them?
In Ms. Galen’s novella, Counterfeit Scandal, the art/counterfeiting teacher Bridget Lavery is searching for her son James, whom she gave up before entering debtor’s prison. Unfortunately for her, the orphanage had been burnt down and no one knew what happened to the inhabitants. When she runs into Caleb Harris, James’ real father and former spy, she enlists his help to find their son, despite the potential danger he can bring due to him being a wanted man.
The latter was my favourite novella since readers familiar with Shana Galen’s works have already met James (aka Jimmy) in her Survivor’s series and have looked forward to re-uniting him with his family. Also, if you like your novellas with an element of danger, this is your cup of tea. Ms. Romain is to be commended for her thorough description of a Regency kitchen. Looking forward to other books in the Academy, as hinted in Ms. Romain’s novella.
Marianne Redfern, Ms. Romain’s heroine in The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart, ran away from her childhood home in Lincolnshire. Her first love was forced to marry a rich heiress to save his family from ruin. After much difficulty finding honest employment, Mrs Brodie employed Marianne to help the Academy cook in the kitchen and under her tutelage, Marianne took the position as Academy cook once the former one retired. The one morning, a few days before an important Donor dinner, who should come knocking on the Academy’s door? None other than Jack Grahame, bearing strawberries. Since the kitchens are not a place for the idle, Jack becomes a “kitchenmaid” – and a self-defence “victim” – for the opportunity to spend time with his former love. But will this be enough to rekindle what they had after eight long years or have these years spent apart changed them?
In Ms. Galen’s novella, Counterfeit Scandal, the art/counterfeiting teacher Bridget Lavery is searching for her son James, whom she gave up before entering debtor’s prison. Unfortunately for her, the orphanage had been burnt down and no one knew what happened to the inhabitants. When she runs into Caleb Harris, James’ real father and former spy, she enlists his help to find their son, despite the potential danger he can bring due to him being a wanted man.
The latter was my favourite novella since readers familiar with Shana Galen’s works have already met James (aka Jimmy) in her Survivor’s series and have looked forward to re-uniting him with his family. Also, if you like your novellas with an element of danger, this is your cup of tea. Ms. Romain is to be commended for her thorough description of a Regency kitchen. Looking forward to other books in the Academy, as hinted in Ms. Romain’s novella.
September 3, 2018
An exceptional duo of novellas from two of my favorite historical romance authors, both stories begin in the setting of Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. I'd love to see more stories come from this unusual establishment.
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart by Theresa Romain: Marianne Redfern lost the man she thought she was going to marry when he married someone else, a young lady with lots of money. So she left home and went to London where she became a cook at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy. She enjoys what she does and has learned a lot of unusual skills from the instructors who teach the young ladies at the school. When Jack Grahame, who is now a widower, shows up to try to win Marianne once more, he has a lot of explaining to do, and maybe some groveling would be good, as well as agreeing to be Marianne’s temporary kitchen maid. I thought this was a wonderful story, and loved watching these two work things out.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen: Bridget Lavery's life has been rough - after her lover disappeared and she was told he was dead, she marries a man she doesn’t love to give her child a father. Her husband's debts send them to debtors prison, so she leaves her child at an orphanage. Now a widow working at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy and searching for her son, since the orphanage burned down with no trace of where the children were relocated, she's running out of hope. When her former lover returns from the dead, she enlists Caleb's help in finding their son. Although his life is in danger from his war activities, he agrees and the search is on. Of course there is intrigue and danger, as well as the heartbreaking ache for the child lost. I loved that the child is Jimmy from the orphanage featured in No Earls Allowed and I was happy to see a happy ending for him, as well as for his mother and father.
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart by Theresa Romain: Marianne Redfern lost the man she thought she was going to marry when he married someone else, a young lady with lots of money. So she left home and went to London where she became a cook at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy. She enjoys what she does and has learned a lot of unusual skills from the instructors who teach the young ladies at the school. When Jack Grahame, who is now a widower, shows up to try to win Marianne once more, he has a lot of explaining to do, and maybe some groveling would be good, as well as agreeing to be Marianne’s temporary kitchen maid. I thought this was a wonderful story, and loved watching these two work things out.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen: Bridget Lavery's life has been rough - after her lover disappeared and she was told he was dead, she marries a man she doesn’t love to give her child a father. Her husband's debts send them to debtors prison, so she leaves her child at an orphanage. Now a widow working at Mrs. Brodie’s Academy and searching for her son, since the orphanage burned down with no trace of where the children were relocated, she's running out of hope. When her former lover returns from the dead, she enlists Caleb's help in finding their son. Although his life is in danger from his war activities, he agrees and the search is on. Of course there is intrigue and danger, as well as the heartbreaking ache for the child lost. I loved that the child is Jimmy from the orphanage featured in No Earls Allowed and I was happy to see a happy ending for him, as well as for his mother and father.
September 13, 2018
This book contains two stories about the women who work and teach at the academy but still hope for a HEA.
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart
Marianne Redfern, daughter of an impoverished gentleman, fled her home when her first love, Jack, was forced to wed another to help his family. Marianne found employment at the academy, where she learned self-defense and how to cook. She is now the head cook and planning a wonderful dinner for the donors to the academy. And who shows up but Jack Grahame, now widowed, still in love with her and bringing strawberries. He offers to help in the kitchen if that means he can see her, and he hires more help for the big dinner. She still loves him but has not forgiven him. He goes home, and she realizes she still loves him. With Mrs. Brodie’s approval she leaves to find her HEA.
Counterfeit Scandal
Bridget Lavery gave up her son, Jimmy, as she was going to debtor’s prison. She left Jimmy at Lady Julia’s orphanage. It has burned down, and she is trying to find him. Now that she’s a teacher, she takes a room at a boarding house, so Jimmy can live with her. Caleb Harris, a man she believed dead, is living at the same boarding house. Caleb worked for the foreign office during the war and his enemies would like him dead. He’s planning to go to Canada and Bridget wants to go with him as soon as they find Jimmy. They discover where the new orphanage is, but Caleb is attacked on the way telling her to go to the academy when she gets Jimmy. There is a HEA but plenty of danger before they reach the ship that will take them to a new life.
Note: We met Lady Julia and Jimmy in No Earls Allowed, the second book of the Survivors series.
The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart
Marianne Redfern, daughter of an impoverished gentleman, fled her home when her first love, Jack, was forced to wed another to help his family. Marianne found employment at the academy, where she learned self-defense and how to cook. She is now the head cook and planning a wonderful dinner for the donors to the academy. And who shows up but Jack Grahame, now widowed, still in love with her and bringing strawberries. He offers to help in the kitchen if that means he can see her, and he hires more help for the big dinner. She still loves him but has not forgiven him. He goes home, and she realizes she still loves him. With Mrs. Brodie’s approval she leaves to find her HEA.
Counterfeit Scandal
Bridget Lavery gave up her son, Jimmy, as she was going to debtor’s prison. She left Jimmy at Lady Julia’s orphanage. It has burned down, and she is trying to find him. Now that she’s a teacher, she takes a room at a boarding house, so Jimmy can live with her. Caleb Harris, a man she believed dead, is living at the same boarding house. Caleb worked for the foreign office during the war and his enemies would like him dead. He’s planning to go to Canada and Bridget wants to go with him as soon as they find Jimmy. They discover where the new orphanage is, but Caleb is attacked on the way telling her to go to the academy when she gets Jimmy. There is a HEA but plenty of danger before they reach the ship that will take them to a new life.
Note: We met Lady Julia and Jimmy in No Earls Allowed, the second book of the Survivors series.
September 17, 2018
The Way to A Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain
My Rating: ❤❤❤ 1/2 Spice Level: 💋💋
I love a past love story and that this one was very different in how things happened. Family came first and tore them apart, but he never stopped loving her. I really liked how he came back into her life and helped in the kitchen. The story about his sister was a surprise and explained a lot.
Marianne found her own way after having her life flipped upside down. I liked that she didn't hate him for doing what he had to for his family. I couldn't really understand her reasons for not seeing or writing to her family.
Jack did what he had to and never gave up on getting her back. I really like him and that he made sure her family was okay. He didn't really let money go to his head and wasn't afraid of work.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤ Spice Level: 💋💋💋
This one will suck you in from the start! The war tore them apart, but they were meant to be together. I loved that they worked together to find Jimmy and it brought them closer. There are a couple of scenes that had me holding my breath waiting to see what happened. The ending was perfect.
Bridget had a very hard life and her son his the driving force that keeps her going. I loved her right away with how honest she was with the girls about things. She put her anger aside and opened her heart again.
Caleb is always looking over his shoulder because his former work haunts him. I loved that he was determined to be honest with her and not hide anything again. He still wanted to protect her.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
My Rating: ❤❤❤ 1/2 Spice Level: 💋💋
I love a past love story and that this one was very different in how things happened. Family came first and tore them apart, but he never stopped loving her. I really liked how he came back into her life and helped in the kitchen. The story about his sister was a surprise and explained a lot.
Marianne found her own way after having her life flipped upside down. I liked that she didn't hate him for doing what he had to for his family. I couldn't really understand her reasons for not seeing or writing to her family.
Jack did what he had to and never gave up on getting her back. I really like him and that he made sure her family was okay. He didn't really let money go to his head and wasn't afraid of work.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤ Spice Level: 💋💋💋
This one will suck you in from the start! The war tore them apart, but they were meant to be together. I loved that they worked together to find Jimmy and it brought them closer. There are a couple of scenes that had me holding my breath waiting to see what happened. The ending was perfect.
Bridget had a very hard life and her son his the driving force that keeps her going. I loved her right away with how honest she was with the girls about things. She put her anger aside and opened her heart again.
Caleb is always looking over his shoulder because his former work haunts him. I loved that he was determined to be honest with her and not hide anything again. He still wanted to protect her.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
September 17, 2018
This is an anthology from two authors I try never to miss. There are two stories within it and both stories revolve around two women that are a part of Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. This Academy's motto, I am an exceptional young lady. I deserve the best and am prepared for the worst. Whatever comes my way, I am equal to the task. I know that I am never alone, because my teachers and sisters will always watch out for me as I watch out for them, is what all the women of that exceptional place adhere to.
'The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart 'by Theresa Romain
This story was a trope I really love a lot. It is a second chance at love and it took a lot out of me to finally accept the hero and his reasons of abandoning the heroine.
The heroine I liked a lot and I truly wished for her happily ever after.
This story will speak to all of us that have regrets and remorse. It will help you understand the power to love and forgive.
'Counterfeit Scandal' by Shana Galen
Ms. Galen never disappoints. She is so good at creating characters you have no choice but to care for. And in this case those characters are Caleb and Bridget. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and electric.
Once more we encounter a second chance in love but this time the two protagonists needed to pull all the resources in their disposal in order to find a very special gift they've both lost by the cruel circumstances.
This is a well written and heartwarming story with a very happy ending. I truly liked it a lot.
Melanie for b2b
Gift ARC provided by the author
'The Way to a Gentleman’s Heart 'by Theresa Romain
This story was a trope I really love a lot. It is a second chance at love and it took a lot out of me to finally accept the hero and his reasons of abandoning the heroine.
The heroine I liked a lot and I truly wished for her happily ever after.
This story will speak to all of us that have regrets and remorse. It will help you understand the power to love and forgive.
'Counterfeit Scandal' by Shana Galen
Ms. Galen never disappoints. She is so good at creating characters you have no choice but to care for. And in this case those characters are Caleb and Bridget. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and electric.
Once more we encounter a second chance in love but this time the two protagonists needed to pull all the resources in their disposal in order to find a very special gift they've both lost by the cruel circumstances.
This is a well written and heartwarming story with a very happy ending. I truly liked it a lot.
Melanie for b2b
Gift ARC provided by the author
September 27, 2018
The way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain - 2.5 stars
I did not like how Jack treated Marianne when they were young. They were in love and Marianne thought they would marry. His father demanded he had to marry a rich young lady. Jack did not tell her in private, but instead let her hear the banns read in church. When they meet again he never apologizes to her about how she found out. Jack needed to pull his head out of his fanny and realize she needed to hear an apology because he wasn't brave enough to tell her to her face. He has improved some with age, but I was not thrilled when Marianne apologized to him. I did like how the Academy was set up to teach girls more than just needlepoint and being decorative.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen 4 stars
This story did not have as much about the Academy, but is a very good story of lost love found again. I liked this one a lot more and felt both of the main characters deserved Happily Ever Afters. I felt bad for Bridget because she had such a tough life and had to give up the most important thing to her. Caleb the man she loved, whom she thought had died, is not dead and is living in the same boarding house as her. They both had worked for Home Office in spyish related jobs. When she hears the reasons for the lies she is slightly mollified. She learns that many things have changed, but Caleb is a good man to have on your side in a tough situation.
I did not like how Jack treated Marianne when they were young. They were in love and Marianne thought they would marry. His father demanded he had to marry a rich young lady. Jack did not tell her in private, but instead let her hear the banns read in church. When they meet again he never apologizes to her about how she found out. Jack needed to pull his head out of his fanny and realize she needed to hear an apology because he wasn't brave enough to tell her to her face. He has improved some with age, but I was not thrilled when Marianne apologized to him. I did like how the Academy was set up to teach girls more than just needlepoint and being decorative.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen 4 stars
This story did not have as much about the Academy, but is a very good story of lost love found again. I liked this one a lot more and felt both of the main characters deserved Happily Ever Afters. I felt bad for Bridget because she had such a tough life and had to give up the most important thing to her. Caleb the man she loved, whom she thought had died, is not dead and is living in the same boarding house as her. They both had worked for Home Office in spyish related jobs. When she hears the reasons for the lies she is slightly mollified. She learns that many things have changed, but Caleb is a good man to have on your side in a tough situation.
October 12, 2018
The Way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain
Rating: 1 star
Review: It was too dragging that I tried so hard to finish it. There were some parts that I read without understanding them. In my opinion, those scenes can be deleted.
Marianne got ahead of herself which made me feel that she was conceited. Not only that, she was terribly easy. She invited Jack to slake his manly urges on her without the benefit of an explanation and she hadn't even forgiven him yet when she offered herself on a silver platter. Plus, she and Jack were making things complicated that my head ached when they were having a conversation or when the author was explaining their emotions.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
Rating: 4 stars
Review: It was great, a page-turner, but I find everything proceeded rapidly after chapter 6, particularly when Bridget went to find, Jimmy, her son in the orphanage. The headmistress of the orphanage just let Jimmy go without further investigation.
Average: 2.5 stars
Rating: 1 star
Review: It was too dragging that I tried so hard to finish it. There were some parts that I read without understanding them. In my opinion, those scenes can be deleted.
Marianne got ahead of herself which made me feel that she was conceited. Not only that, she was terribly easy. She invited Jack to slake his manly urges on her without the benefit of an explanation and she hadn't even forgiven him yet when she offered herself on a silver platter. Plus, she and Jack were making things complicated that my head ached when they were having a conversation or when the author was explaining their emotions.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
Rating: 4 stars
Review: It was great, a page-turner, but I find everything proceeded rapidly after chapter 6, particularly when Bridget went to find, Jimmy, her son in the orphanage. The headmistress of the orphanage just let Jimmy go without further investigation.
Average: 2.5 stars
March 11, 2019
Mrs. Brodie's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies is two novellas by two exceptional authors, Theresa Romain and Shana Galen. Both stories revolve around true love that is abandoned because of duty to family or country and have now returned for a second chance.
In The Way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain, Marianne Redfern finds out the love her life is to marry another when the banns are read. She leaves her home and creates a better life for herself as the head cook for the academy and now Jack has returned as a widower hoping to make amends and rekindle their love.
In Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen, Bridget finds herself pregnant and the love of her life is supposedly killed in war so she is forced to marry another who lands her in debtors' prison. When she is released, she works to better her life so that she can find her son. Now she is making that happen only to learn that Caleb's death was a lie and he is back to reclaim their love. The two join together to locate their son and avoid the danger that is surrounding Caleb.
Both stories are wonderfully written, filled with many emotions to arrive at the happily ever after.
In The Way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain, Marianne Redfern finds out the love her life is to marry another when the banns are read. She leaves her home and creates a better life for herself as the head cook for the academy and now Jack has returned as a widower hoping to make amends and rekindle their love.
In Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen, Bridget finds herself pregnant and the love of her life is supposedly killed in war so she is forced to marry another who lands her in debtors' prison. When she is released, she works to better her life so that she can find her son. Now she is making that happen only to learn that Caleb's death was a lie and he is back to reclaim their love. The two join together to locate their son and avoid the danger that is surrounding Caleb.
Both stories are wonderfully written, filled with many emotions to arrive at the happily ever after.
October 11, 2018
It's a shame that I'm giving this book such a low rating - both stories are very well-written, the characters have distinct narrative voices, the plot is engaging, and I absolutely love that we get stories about ordinary people refreshingly unconcerned with dukes and duchesses.
My problem in the end was that I was actively rooting against the couple getting together in both books. Sure he makes you happy, but you can do better! Say no to him on principle! I've definitely forgiven romance heroes for less in other books, so not sure what got my back up in this one.
In the end, I think it's probably just a personal thing - something about both love stories and/or both heroes just rubbed me the wrong way, and I ended up frustrated with the romance, but you may end up with a much better experience. Because other than that, this book is pretty good!
My problem in the end was that I was actively rooting against the couple getting together in both books. Sure he makes you happy, but you can do better! Say no to him on principle! I've definitely forgiven romance heroes for less in other books, so not sure what got my back up in this one.
In the end, I think it's probably just a personal thing - something about both love stories and/or both heroes just rubbed me the wrong way, and I ended up frustrated with the romance, but you may end up with a much better experience. Because other than that, this book is pretty good!
May 4, 2019
Two second chance romances (not usually my cup of tea because my favorite part is the build-up to the relationship, but these were alright). 3.5/5 for the whole thing.
The Way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain
4/5
The way Marianne made Jack serve as her kitchen maid to win her back was cute, she literally made him work for it. 3.5 stars plus a half star for all the food descriptions.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
3/5
Caleb is secretive since the French have put a price on his head for being a spy, and Bridget is an art teacher/counterfeiter that served time in debtor's prison (because she refused to make fake money to clear her late husband's debts). She's looking for hers and Caleb's son she had to leave at an orphanage when she went to prison, so they carefully search London for him and fall back in love.
The Way to a Gentleman's Heart by Theresa Romain
4/5
The way Marianne made Jack serve as her kitchen maid to win her back was cute, she literally made him work for it. 3.5 stars plus a half star for all the food descriptions.
Counterfeit Scandal by Shana Galen
3/5
Caleb is secretive since the French have put a price on his head for being a spy, and Bridget is an art teacher/counterfeiter that served time in debtor's prison (because she refused to make fake money to clear her late husband's debts). She's looking for hers and Caleb's son she had to leave at an orphanage when she went to prison, so they carefully search London for him and fall back in love.
December 1, 2022
A very different twist on a girls school makes for very enlightened ladies. In ‘Counterfeit Scandal’, Bridget Lavery teaches at Mrs.Brodie’s Academy for Exceptional Ladies. She teaches art but also counterfeiting. Just one of the extraordinary skills taught to these young girls to help them survive in a man’s world. The last thing she expects to find while organizes her life to finally bring home her son, is his father whom she believed dead. Teaming together to find their son they also find their way back to each other. Danger lurks around every corner for Caleb Harris, who was a spy and now has a price on his head. Their journey is tumultuous and full of angst, which I love. So much suffering to be overcome, but in the end a beautiful fresh start. I enjoyed Shana Galen’s style with these characters.
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