What do you think?
The Golden Redepennings
Gingerbread Bride
She runs away from unwanted complications and into disaster. Saving her has become a habit Rick doesn't want to break. Lieutenant Rick Redepenning has been saving his admiral’s intrepid daughter from danger since their formative years, but today, he faces the gravest of threats–the damage she might do to his heart. How can he convince her to see him as a suitor, not just a childhood friend? Travelling with her father’s fleet has left Mary Pritchard ill-prepared for London Society, and prey to the machinations of false friends. When she strikes out on her own to find a more suitable locale to take up her solitary spinsterhood, she finds adventure, trouble, and her girlhood hero, riding once more to her rescue.
98 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2016
About the author
Jude Knight
104 books233 followersHave you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was me ten years ago.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 12, 2019
This was a sweet romance with engaging main characters and a few villains. Mary and Rick had known each other since childhood and although Mary had loved Rick for a long time, he was unaware of her feelings. Similarly, Rick has become aware of Mary but will they express their feelings to each other?
Rick has always rescued Mary when she needed him and this continues in this story. This story takes place in the lead up to Christmas. I liked the connection with the gingerbread boy story. I would have liked an epilogue just to finish things off but I did enjoy this novella. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rick has always rescued Mary when she needed him and this continues in this story. This story takes place in the lead up to Christmas. I liked the connection with the gingerbread boy story. I would have liked an epilogue just to finish things off but I did enjoy this novella. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 19, 2019
A Tasty Frosting👰
This is a short and sweet novella about an Admiral's daughter raised aboard his ship⛵ and rescued time and time again over the years by a young lieutenant. They both think they are just good friends, but now that they are both adults, it's true love! Naturally, neither wants to admit it, though. It's sort of a romantic💕 comedy, Regency style.
ARC Received from Prolific Works📚
I also got this ebook for $.99 on Amazon.
This is a short and sweet novella about an Admiral's daughter raised aboard his ship⛵ and rescued time and time again over the years by a young lieutenant. They both think they are just good friends, but now that they are both adults, it's true love! Naturally, neither wants to admit it, though. It's sort of a romantic💕 comedy, Regency style.
ARC Received from Prolific Works📚
I also got this ebook for $.99 on Amazon.
October 25, 2019
Short Novella Surprisingly Good Read
While I do enjoy quick fiction reads, I find the short format of a novella to be one that appears to be hard to master by authors. Often, rather than writing a story that fits the format, the author feels the need to do an information dump to set up the story rather than let it naturally evolve. Also, there doesn't often seem to be enough time to develop the characters or the plot fully. Worse, though, is when authors try to shoehorn a novel-length plot into a novella; this makes for more telling than showing, which detracts from enjoyment because we want to get involved with the characters’ emotions or plight. This is hard to do if we are just being told the story rather than shown it through the eyes of the characters. So, I found this book to be a pleasant surprise. We actually do learn some background about the characters very quickly, but it is done within the construct of the hero and heroine meeting again unexpectedly. So we genuinely see that backstory through the character's eyes as they reminisce mentally when they see each other again. And these reminiscences had some delicious humor that I found highly amusing and which made me smile more than once. (I love to some of these silly words the author incorporated, like collywobbles, as that added to the fun.) The author managed to create two very different but strong characters whose interactions were pleasing to follow.
I didn't think, though, that the book description accurately reflected the novella. Much of what was stated in the book blurb was actually what happened before the story began. I never like that. I think the book description should match the book. However, when I actually got into the novella, of course, I ended up enjoying the story and characters. The heroine has had a very different past than most heroines in historical romance. She has lived on her father's ship since she was a child, and she only has now returned to England to live because of her father's death. She is shipped off to one aunt, who has designs for her son to marry her because they want access to her inheritance. In running away from these machinations to see another aunt, she runs into the hero who just happens to be in the area (right around the time when she is very nearly set upon by ne’er-do-wells. He began working on her father's ship as a young man, so they've been nearly lifelong friends. I loved some of the stories that were recounted about their childhoods. He was not only her rescuer and confidante, but he also taught her how to defend herself when needed. Because the heroine has always seen the hero through a child's eyes, she does somewhat see him as a knight-in-shining-armor kind of man. So when they meet again as adults, will that turn into something more?
I don't want to give away too much more away, but I so enjoyed watching the unfolding romance between the two characters. I love how the hero was so protective, even though the heroine could often take care of herself (because of all that he’d taught her earlier). But some rescues aren't physical ones. I liked how the heroine was very independent-minded and intelligent. If you enjoy short Regency fiction where the heroine is just a little off the norm, you will most likely enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
While I do enjoy quick fiction reads, I find the short format of a novella to be one that appears to be hard to master by authors. Often, rather than writing a story that fits the format, the author feels the need to do an information dump to set up the story rather than let it naturally evolve. Also, there doesn't often seem to be enough time to develop the characters or the plot fully. Worse, though, is when authors try to shoehorn a novel-length plot into a novella; this makes for more telling than showing, which detracts from enjoyment because we want to get involved with the characters’ emotions or plight. This is hard to do if we are just being told the story rather than shown it through the eyes of the characters. So, I found this book to be a pleasant surprise. We actually do learn some background about the characters very quickly, but it is done within the construct of the hero and heroine meeting again unexpectedly. So we genuinely see that backstory through the character's eyes as they reminisce mentally when they see each other again. And these reminiscences had some delicious humor that I found highly amusing and which made me smile more than once. (I love to some of these silly words the author incorporated, like collywobbles, as that added to the fun.) The author managed to create two very different but strong characters whose interactions were pleasing to follow.
I didn't think, though, that the book description accurately reflected the novella. Much of what was stated in the book blurb was actually what happened before the story began. I never like that. I think the book description should match the book. However, when I actually got into the novella, of course, I ended up enjoying the story and characters. The heroine has had a very different past than most heroines in historical romance. She has lived on her father's ship since she was a child, and she only has now returned to England to live because of her father's death. She is shipped off to one aunt, who has designs for her son to marry her because they want access to her inheritance. In running away from these machinations to see another aunt, she runs into the hero who just happens to be in the area (right around the time when she is very nearly set upon by ne’er-do-wells. He began working on her father's ship as a young man, so they've been nearly lifelong friends. I loved some of the stories that were recounted about their childhoods. He was not only her rescuer and confidante, but he also taught her how to defend herself when needed. Because the heroine has always seen the hero through a child's eyes, she does somewhat see him as a knight-in-shining-armor kind of man. So when they meet again as adults, will that turn into something more?
I don't want to give away too much more away, but I so enjoyed watching the unfolding romance between the two characters. I love how the hero was so protective, even though the heroine could often take care of herself (because of all that he’d taught her earlier). But some rescues aren't physical ones. I liked how the heroine was very independent-minded and intelligent. If you enjoy short Regency fiction where the heroine is just a little off the norm, you will most likely enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 1, 2020
He was rescuing her again. Lieutenant Rick Redepenning had been doing that since Mary was a child and he a Midshipman on her father's vessel. Of course she had been in love with him since his first rescue and that love only increased as he grew into a handsome man. But he would only ever see her as being nine she thought when seeing him for the first time in several years, he rescued her from a broken down coach!
Rick had injured himself and had been trying to let his leg heal but it was certainly bringing him some pain, but after leaving Mary at her aunt's, he decided to go back and check on her. Well she was on the move again to another aunt's house when he caught up with her! A wonderful journey told in the unique and wonderful prose of Jude Knight, who makes us feel part of the story and we see it unfold. Rick wants to court Mary, while she is smitten over him, but it seems one incident or another keeps getting in the way, Especially one money hungry cousin Bosville (the idiot) who keeps turning up.
Love, loved this story!! Now want some gingerbread cookies!
Rick had injured himself and had been trying to let his leg heal but it was certainly bringing him some pain, but after leaving Mary at her aunt's, he decided to go back and check on her. Well she was on the move again to another aunt's house when he caught up with her! A wonderful journey told in the unique and wonderful prose of Jude Knight, who makes us feel part of the story and we see it unfold. Rick wants to court Mary, while she is smitten over him, but it seems one incident or another keeps getting in the way, Especially one money hungry cousin Bosville (the idiot) who keeps turning up.
Love, loved this story!! Now want some gingerbread cookies!
October 17, 2019
Rick Redepenning has been saving Mary Pritchard from herself since she was nine and he fourteen. He was serving as a midshipman under her father, the admiral with whom she traveled when he saved her the first time. Now fourteen years later they need again. Her father is dead, and she is send to live with one of her aunts. Only problem is, this aunt has a son who plans on marrying Mary, mainly for her inheritance. Thus, she runs away to another aunt in the country, crossing paths with Rick. They both have a secret romantic attraction to each other. Will they ever confess their feelings? Will Mary ever be free from her cousin chasing her? Just where does gingerbread come into it? This was a nice addition to the Redepenning saga, an enjoyable read. I received this eBook from the author and publisher for an honest review.
May 6, 2025
I've read all the other Redepenning books and kept reading about Rick and Mary, but couldn't find their book. Well here it is.
Mary has admired or maybe loved Rick since he first rescued her when she was nine, and whenever she's met him since either serving in one of her father's ships or in London, her feelings haven't changed.
Rick is on !medical leave since breaking his leg, he's tried to visit Mary at her aunts house but been rebuffed, so he's surprised to see her crossing a field when he's on his way to Portsmouth. If course he rescues her-again and escorts her to another aunt in Haslemere. On his way back to London after a month away he calls to see her again, only to find she's on her way to Oxford, so he sets off to rescue her -again.
Charming short story, but these two deserved a full book, not a manic short story.
Mary has admired or maybe loved Rick since he first rescued her when she was nine, and whenever she's met him since either serving in one of her father's ships or in London, her feelings haven't changed.
Rick is on !medical leave since breaking his leg, he's tried to visit Mary at her aunts house but been rebuffed, so he's surprised to see her crossing a field when he's on his way to Portsmouth. If course he rescues her-again and escorts her to another aunt in Haslemere. On his way back to London after a month away he calls to see her again, only to find she's on her way to Oxford, so he sets off to rescue her -again.
Charming short story, but these two deserved a full book, not a manic short story.
December 8, 2019
” Gingerbread Bride” by Jude Knight is a tale of one Lieutenant Rick Redepenning...has been saving his best friend Mary Pritchard... since they were young...but now he must chase after her to save her from an unwanted marriage minded cousin....her own misadventures ...and to top it all off ...from himself. As for Mary herself ...all she has known has been the freedom of being raised amount her father's fleet...therefore the strictures of London’s Ton are almost more than she can bear. Rick has always been her savior...but can she trust him to save her from herself...and him?!? Read and see. Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2020
When Mary was 9 she ran away. She was rescued by Rick, a 14 year old boy who was in the British navy on her father's ship.
Since then when she was in trouble, it seemed Rick was always there to rescue her.
Now she was running away from being forced to marry a terrible man. Rick is home because he was injured and is recovering from his injury. He rescues her again.
This is a very simple short story on the way to a happily ever after.
There are adventures, and Rick always saves Mary. When Rick is in desperate pain from his injury, Mary is there to help him through the terrible times.
This story has humor, affection and family relationships. Ms Knight has written a story which is easy to enjoy. It is a feel good story.
Since then when she was in trouble, it seemed Rick was always there to rescue her.
Now she was running away from being forced to marry a terrible man. Rick is home because he was injured and is recovering from his injury. He rescues her again.
This is a very simple short story on the way to a happily ever after.
There are adventures, and Rick always saves Mary. When Rick is in desperate pain from his injury, Mary is there to help him through the terrible times.
This story has humor, affection and family relationships. Ms Knight has written a story which is easy to enjoy. It is a feel good story.
October 18, 2019
I have read the other books in this series where both Mary and Rick feature so it was lovely to hear their story. A short but very satisfying read. I loved the back story to this couple who met when she was 9 and he was 14 and had shared many adventures together before being separated. As always there were great supporting characters both good and bad. If you have not read the series then start with this one and follow the whole family you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2019
My first book by this author and I loved it. Rick and Mary had been friends from childhood. He was always rescuing her from scrapes she got herself into. Now her father has died and she has been sent England to live with her Aunt who is intent on marrying her off to her son who will stop at nothing to make sure she does. Mary turns to to Rick for help yet again and he takes her to one of his houses for safety. Of course he has to rescue her again when she is found.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2019
I don't usually care for Novellas ( I hate for them to end ) but Jude Knight is a masterful storyteller and there's no valet is no exception. Her characters are delightful and genuine. In this story Mary is intelligent and strong, our hero Rick is sweet and kind. He's spent a lifetime rescuing Mary from one folly after the other. When they grew older duty called him away but fate put Mary in his path once more. This is such a sweet love story with lots of sweet humor and beautifully written. Thank you so much Jude for such a heartwarming, charming story.
October 24, 2019
Part of The Golden Redepennings series a story that had me laughing as I read. Lieutenant Rick Redepenning is always coming to the aid of Mary Pritchard, trying to get out a tower is one of the times. I enjoyed reading the last part of the story as she says to him "But right this minute, the gingerbread bride needs rescuing—from the horse!" I want to read more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2019
An enjoyable historical romance...
Gingerbread Bride is part of The Golden Redepennings series and is the story about Rick Redepenning and Mary Pritchard, two people who have known each other since they were children. This sweet novella has humour and adventure as Mary crosses the country trying to find a place to settle down and keeps running into Rick. Now that they are no longer children, could they be more than friends?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Gingerbread Bride is part of The Golden Redepennings series and is the story about Rick Redepenning and Mary Pritchard, two people who have known each other since they were children. This sweet novella has humour and adventure as Mary crosses the country trying to find a place to settle down and keeps running into Rick. Now that they are no longer children, could they be more than friends?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
October 25, 2019
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Jude Knight; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2020
I just reread this today, having first read it quite a while ago. It's a lovely little story, which could be described as a friends to lovers story. Following a chance meeting, Lieutenant Redepenning finds himself following Mary Pritchard across England. During these travels he realizes his feelings are more than those of friendship. Nicely told tale.
November 10, 2019
Captivating, sweet heartwarming novella romance story. The characters are intriguing. The well-written book kept my attention throughout, enjoyed reading. I have voluntarily chosen to read and review this book.
January 25, 2018
I got bored.
May 8, 2016
Life on a ship is all Mary Pritchard has ever known. Truthfully where she would much rather be; definitely not traipsing across a field running away from London and her horrid aunt and cousin. No, she wasn’t running “away”, she was running “to” her paternal aunts who lived in the country – a place she feels she will fit in.
Since the age of fourteen, Rick Redepenning (now Lieutenant Rick Redepenning) seemed to always be rescuing the little sprite that was his Captain’s daughter. At least he did until orders took him elsewhere. Now years later, recovering from an injury, Rick is the one running away; away from friends embarrassed by his injury and a sister who smothers him with care.
His travels bring him upon the little sprite, who isn’t so little anymore, traipsing across a field with valise in hand and spots danger approaching. Seems things never change. Surprised to see the man of her childhood infatuation come to her rescue yet again Mary tries to hide her irritation and reluctantly agrees to let him deliver her to her aunt’s; a delivery in which neither imagined the outcome.
A well written tale by Jude Knight that had this reader feeling right in the middle of the adventure – from Mary and Rick’s first meeting, the whirlwind that is Aunt Dorothy to the two conniving cousins – this reader felt it all.
Since the age of fourteen, Rick Redepenning (now Lieutenant Rick Redepenning) seemed to always be rescuing the little sprite that was his Captain’s daughter. At least he did until orders took him elsewhere. Now years later, recovering from an injury, Rick is the one running away; away from friends embarrassed by his injury and a sister who smothers him with care.
His travels bring him upon the little sprite, who isn’t so little anymore, traipsing across a field with valise in hand and spots danger approaching. Seems things never change. Surprised to see the man of her childhood infatuation come to her rescue yet again Mary tries to hide her irritation and reluctantly agrees to let him deliver her to her aunt’s; a delivery in which neither imagined the outcome.
A well written tale by Jude Knight that had this reader feeling right in the middle of the adventure – from Mary and Rick’s first meeting, the whirlwind that is Aunt Dorothy to the two conniving cousins – this reader felt it all.
August 11, 2016
Gingerbread Bride by Jude Knight
5 Stars
When Rick Redepenning was thirteen and Mary Pritchard was nine, he began a habit of rescuing her when she ran away. Mary's father was an admiral, and Rick was a midshipman on his ship. The first time Rick rescued her, she "had fallen in love that day, and she stayed in love as the boy grew to be the handsomest, kindest man she knew."
After her father died, she went to live with her aunt, who later would not allow Rick to visit Mary since he was "a half-pay navy lieutenant with a bad limp and few expectations." Mary was unaware of this, and at the beginning of this story crosses paths with Rick again. And of course, he is rescuing her!
I like this story because Rick and Mary are such devoted friends. The relationship is convincing and fun at the same time. The secondary characters are fabulous! I'd like to try another by Jude Knight.
5 Stars
When Rick Redepenning was thirteen and Mary Pritchard was nine, he began a habit of rescuing her when she ran away. Mary's father was an admiral, and Rick was a midshipman on his ship. The first time Rick rescued her, she "had fallen in love that day, and she stayed in love as the boy grew to be the handsomest, kindest man she knew."
After her father died, she went to live with her aunt, who later would not allow Rick to visit Mary since he was "a half-pay navy lieutenant with a bad limp and few expectations." Mary was unaware of this, and at the beginning of this story crosses paths with Rick again. And of course, he is rescuing her!
I like this story because Rick and Mary are such devoted friends. The relationship is convincing and fun at the same time. The secondary characters are fabulous! I'd like to try another by Jude Knight.
May 7, 2016
Gingerbread Bride by Jude Knight is a wonderfully story of how over time friendship can bloom into love between a Lieutenant and an adventurous admiral’s daughter. Lieutenant Rick Redepenning has for many years made sure that Mary Pritchard, the admiral’s daughter, has been safe from danger. He forgets to make his heart was save from her.
After years of traveling with her father’s fleet, London society is now the scene for new adventures and pitfalls. Fake friends and social blunders make for solitary spinsterhood sound appealing. Lieutenant Rick Redepenning will once more come to the rescue of Mary and of her heart.
After years of traveling with her father’s fleet, London society is now the scene for new adventures and pitfalls. Fake friends and social blunders make for solitary spinsterhood sound appealing. Lieutenant Rick Redepenning will once more come to the rescue of Mary and of her heart.
May 10, 2016
Sweet Regency With Adventurous Heroine
Mary was raised on her father's fleet , she only knows adventure and fun. The strict London Society is not agreeing with her and it is good that her girlhood hero Rick is still around to rescue the adventurous Mary. I just love stories were childhood friends/sweethearts meet again! Poor Mary is just hopping from one family's house to another trying to find where she belongs could it be in her heroes arms? The writing was superb and you just can't help but falling for the dashing and protective Rick!
Genre ~ Regency
Series ~ Book 2 in The Golden Redepennings
Ending ~ HEA (No Cliffhanger)
Sex ~ Sweet (Kisses)
Would I read again ~ Yes
Mary was raised on her father's fleet , she only knows adventure and fun. The strict London Society is not agreeing with her and it is good that her girlhood hero Rick is still around to rescue the adventurous Mary. I just love stories were childhood friends/sweethearts meet again! Poor Mary is just hopping from one family's house to another trying to find where she belongs could it be in her heroes arms? The writing was superb and you just can't help but falling for the dashing and protective Rick!
Genre ~ Regency
Series ~ Book 2 in The Golden Redepennings
Ending ~ HEA (No Cliffhanger)
Sex ~ Sweet (Kisses)
Would I read again ~ Yes
May 7, 2016
Mary Pritchard grew up traveling with her father, an admiral. Rick Redepenning, her longtime friend, is the sailor who was always there to rescue her from danger. She is struggling to enter society and moves from family members' homes trying to find a place for herself. Even in society, Rick continues to protect her. Can he save her from others and herself? I recommend you read it to find out.
The cover of the book is especially delightful. It's an actual decorated gingerbread cookie!
The cover of the book is especially delightful. It's an actual decorated gingerbread cookie!
May 4, 2016
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Jude Knight takes us into the world of regency England for a step back in time. The Gingerbread Bride is a lovely novella with a strong independent heroine! My only problem with the book... every time I picked it up, I had the uncontrollable urge to bake my own gingerbread brides... in May! A delightful story!
Jude Knight takes us into the world of regency England for a step back in time. The Gingerbread Bride is a lovely novella with a strong independent heroine! My only problem with the book... every time I picked it up, I had the uncontrollable urge to bake my own gingerbread brides... in May! A delightful story!
November 25, 2016
I received this book free from the author in exchange of an honest review.. This is a darling story about a young lady who is unhappy living with her mother's sister and travels to see another aunt. Along the way she meets up with a former member of her father's crew aboard a ship.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews