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The Saunders Family Saga #2
Miss Saunders Takes a Journey
During her second London Season, the Incomparable, Miss Arabella Saunders, is running from gossiping tongues.
She flees to Bath, accompanied by eccentric chaperones Miss Braithwaite (with her tortoise, Henry Five) and Lady Clarice. Almost immediately two gentlemen enter her circle of acquaintance. Appealing to her adventurous spirit, Mr. Charles Rollins encourages her to emigrate to South Africa with him. Cautious Lord James Eubanks warns her of the perils of such a course.
The standards of the day do not favor a spirit as independent as Arabella’s. As she bridles at their restraints, events conspire to drive her, first to Alcester, a village in the English countryside, then to a prolonged stay in the Yorkshire Dales.
She is running, but can she outrun her heart? Will she retreat or grasp the future life is offering her?
She flees to Bath, accompanied by eccentric chaperones Miss Braithwaite (with her tortoise, Henry Five) and Lady Clarice. Almost immediately two gentlemen enter her circle of acquaintance. Appealing to her adventurous spirit, Mr. Charles Rollins encourages her to emigrate to South Africa with him. Cautious Lord James Eubanks warns her of the perils of such a course.
The standards of the day do not favor a spirit as independent as Arabella’s. As she bridles at their restraints, events conspire to drive her, first to Alcester, a village in the English countryside, then to a prolonged stay in the Yorkshire Dales.
She is running, but can she outrun her heart? Will she retreat or grasp the future life is offering her?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
52 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
G.G. Vandagriff
55 books323 followersG.G. Vandagriff is the author of over thirty novels Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series—Exile and Defiance.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 21, 2019
MISS SAUNDERS TAKES A JOURNEY is a story of a debutante who seems to run from one suitor related issue to another, and must find who she wants to be and choose how to live the life she's been given. Full of witty banter, colorful characters, a little danger, and a sweet romance that readers are sure to enjoy.
I really enjoyed reading this! I thought the characters were all great fun and especially liked seeing Arabella and James surprise each other over and over again as they think they are both wrong for each other. Then circumstances seem to throw things into Arabella's path that makes her choices difficult and for her stubbornness to not rear its head or for her to not outright rebel. There definitely is quite a bit of drama, but I felt like it suited the characters and situation. I also thought the romance was sweet, even with all the tension. The ending was particularly climatic and then tender, rather perfect for this story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed this. For those who have read Vandagriff's other books, this is definitely one not to be missed. For regency romance fans, this is a fun, at times hilarious and other times heartbreaking, and sweet romance. An overall light, quick, and satisfying read.
Content: Some innuendo, references to affairs, a closed-door scene between a married couple.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Clean Wholesome Romance, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.
I really enjoyed reading this! I thought the characters were all great fun and especially liked seeing Arabella and James surprise each other over and over again as they think they are both wrong for each other. Then circumstances seem to throw things into Arabella's path that makes her choices difficult and for her stubbornness to not rear its head or for her to not outright rebel. There definitely is quite a bit of drama, but I felt like it suited the characters and situation. I also thought the romance was sweet, even with all the tension. The ending was particularly climatic and then tender, rather perfect for this story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed this. For those who have read Vandagriff's other books, this is definitely one not to be missed. For regency romance fans, this is a fun, at times hilarious and other times heartbreaking, and sweet romance. An overall light, quick, and satisfying read.
Content: Some innuendo, references to affairs, a closed-door scene between a married couple.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Clean Wholesome Romance, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.
May 29, 2019
Miss Arabella Saunders (Bella) is in her second Season and she's already attracting too much attention of the kind one does not want, so she's whisked off to Bath with her two rather eccentric chaperones--Lady Clarice and her companion Miss Braithwaite, along with Miss Braithwaite's pet tortoise, Henry Five. Arabella had an unusual upbringing (she's a bluestocking and forward thinking), add that to her pursuit of adventure and she soon attracts the attention of Mr. Charles Rollins who entices her with his tales of settling a colony in South. Africa.
Arabella finds herself kidnapped by someone who turned out to be a blackguard rather than a friend. Thankfully she's rescued before she's compromised, but times being what they were back then, that doesn't matter in the eyes of society. Thus she finds herself married quickly and quietly to Lord Eubanks, which she isn't happy about at all. So runs to visit her brother who's a landowner which sets the tongues of the ton to wagging about her marriage.
I liked Arabella and was glad that the kidnapping and rescue put an end to her wanting adventure in her life. I chalked that up to her young age and thinking the grass is greener on the other side. She doesn't want to "live my life to please the ton", which by the way, sounds like an exhausting way to live. Arabella truly has nothing against Lord Eubanks as a person, but because she's a woman she doesn't get a say in anything about her life except choosing the person she's to marry, but Arabella didn't even get to make that choice--it was taken away from her because of circumstances forced upon her.
Lord Eubanks is an honorable man and cared about what happened to Arabella--marrying her was his way of stopping the gossip that would've surrounded her, but he hadn't a clue to why she felt the way she did about their marriage. His constant reminder that his marrying her had saved her reputation drove me up a wall. What a stubborn and blind man he could be!! It wasn't until Arabella was injured that he finally put himself in her shoes and considered what it would be like to live with the limitations on freedoms he took for granted.
I enjoyed this book. Lady Clarice and Miss Braithwaite are great fun and not at all like the stuffy women of the ton. Lord Eubanks and Arabella are more modern in their thinking and look to do good for others instead of spending all their time having tea and attending functions merely to be seen.
Thanks to Kathy at Clean Wholesome Romance for the ARC. I was under no obligation to leave a review and all thoughts stated are my own.
Arabella finds herself kidnapped by someone who turned out to be a blackguard rather than a friend. Thankfully she's rescued before she's compromised, but times being what they were back then, that doesn't matter in the eyes of society. Thus she finds herself married quickly and quietly to Lord Eubanks, which she isn't happy about at all. So runs to visit her brother who's a landowner which sets the tongues of the ton to wagging about her marriage.
I liked Arabella and was glad that the kidnapping and rescue put an end to her wanting adventure in her life. I chalked that up to her young age and thinking the grass is greener on the other side. She doesn't want to "live my life to please the ton", which by the way, sounds like an exhausting way to live. Arabella truly has nothing against Lord Eubanks as a person, but because she's a woman she doesn't get a say in anything about her life except choosing the person she's to marry, but Arabella didn't even get to make that choice--it was taken away from her because of circumstances forced upon her.
Lord Eubanks is an honorable man and cared about what happened to Arabella--marrying her was his way of stopping the gossip that would've surrounded her, but he hadn't a clue to why she felt the way she did about their marriage. His constant reminder that his marrying her had saved her reputation drove me up a wall. What a stubborn and blind man he could be!! It wasn't until Arabella was injured that he finally put himself in her shoes and considered what it would be like to live with the limitations on freedoms he took for granted.
I enjoyed this book. Lady Clarice and Miss Braithwaite are great fun and not at all like the stuffy women of the ton. Lord Eubanks and Arabella are more modern in their thinking and look to do good for others instead of spending all their time having tea and attending functions merely to be seen.
Thanks to Kathy at Clean Wholesome Romance for the ARC. I was under no obligation to leave a review and all thoughts stated are my own.
May 21, 2019
I like a slightly non-traditional regency every now and then, and this was a great one! I loved the eccentric characters and the non-traditional feel to them, especially the supporting characters. It was unique and fun and I enjoyed reading it.
June 11, 2019
Wow
What an adventure. A story packed with one excitement after another. Just when you think it will 'settle down' it takes another turn. Goes to show how being intelligent and capable coupled with youth, is not always an easy mix to deal with. A big sigh of relief at the HEA at the end. A really interesting read.
What an adventure. A story packed with one excitement after another. Just when you think it will 'settle down' it takes another turn. Goes to show how being intelligent and capable coupled with youth, is not always an easy mix to deal with. A big sigh of relief at the HEA at the end. A really interesting read.
May 20, 2019
I've seen books from this author before but have passed them by and now I'm sorry I did. I really appreciated the authors accuracy and feel of the regency era. Fans who like Georgette Heyer would enjoy this author. It was a good plot and I enjoyed the story, characters and dialogue. I liked the H & h. I liked the arc of their romance. Nothing felt contrived or just thrown it. Good villian, good reprenstation of the ton and their gossip. Good comentary on soceity and a bit what it's like living in that period whithout being dry. The story had a nice flow and left room to contniue the series. I hope she does. I will read more from this author.
May 14, 2019
I received a free ebook review copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a positive review
Once again I found myself reading and enjoying a review book only to find out that there are previous books set in the same world/timeline. So even though I enjoyed reading it immensely without reading the other books I think that I would have enjoyed it better if I did since there were many spoilers incorporated in the plot.
So if you love reading regency romances and hate spoilers I would recommend starting reading the authors other works before starting this one.
What I loved most about Miss Saunders Takes a Journey was it being more than just a romance. It was full of deceit and adventures. The author managed to portray the hardships of being a woman in the regency era quite nicely and I loved reading about Arabella’s struggles and growth.
I highly recommend reading this book if you love your regency romances with a dash of action and adventure(but maybe give the previous books a go first to avoid spoilers ;))
Lastly, I would like to thank Kathy from “Clean Wholesome Romance” for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
Once again I found myself reading and enjoying a review book only to find out that there are previous books set in the same world/timeline. So even though I enjoyed reading it immensely without reading the other books I think that I would have enjoyed it better if I did since there were many spoilers incorporated in the plot.
So if you love reading regency romances and hate spoilers I would recommend starting reading the authors other works before starting this one.
What I loved most about Miss Saunders Takes a Journey was it being more than just a romance. It was full of deceit and adventures. The author managed to portray the hardships of being a woman in the regency era quite nicely and I loved reading about Arabella’s struggles and growth.
I highly recommend reading this book if you love your regency romances with a dash of action and adventure(but maybe give the previous books a go first to avoid spoilers ;))
Lastly, I would like to thank Kathy from “Clean Wholesome Romance” for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 23, 2019
If you are in the mood for a light read and are a fan of regency romance, you need to take a look at Miss Saunders Takes a Journey. It is a fast-paced, marriage of convenience type of book. I’ve read other books that include a marriage of convenience, and I always think, “How awful would that be?” Thankfully, in books, the marriages usually work out.
In this case, Arabella is forced into marriage after she is kidnapped by a rogue, and her reputation is ruined. It doesn’t matter that her virtue was intact. A woman was ruined if she was with a man and no chaperone. She could either get married or become a spinster. Since Arabella has such a strong will, she doesn’t take to the idea of a forced marriage too well, but her brother convinces her to go through with it.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, and I wish that it had been longer and gone into more depth. Miss Braithewaite and Lady Clarice were very amusing characters, and I’d like to have gotten to know them better. Though I liked Arabella, I couldn’t get a complete grasp of her character. It was the same with the men in Arabella’s life. I felt like all of the sudden one of the men, who was a completely charming man, became a rogue. We needed some more clues about him.
All in all, Miss Saunders Takes a Journey is a good read for when you don’t want to be stuck in a long book, and you just want to escape for awhile. This is the second book in The Saunders Family Saga. The first is titled Love Unexpected.
I received this e-book free. A review was not required.
This review first appeared on Christy's Cozy Corners
In this case, Arabella is forced into marriage after she is kidnapped by a rogue, and her reputation is ruined. It doesn’t matter that her virtue was intact. A woman was ruined if she was with a man and no chaperone. She could either get married or become a spinster. Since Arabella has such a strong will, she doesn’t take to the idea of a forced marriage too well, but her brother convinces her to go through with it.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, and I wish that it had been longer and gone into more depth. Miss Braithewaite and Lady Clarice were very amusing characters, and I’d like to have gotten to know them better. Though I liked Arabella, I couldn’t get a complete grasp of her character. It was the same with the men in Arabella’s life. I felt like all of the sudden one of the men, who was a completely charming man, became a rogue. We needed some more clues about him.
All in all, Miss Saunders Takes a Journey is a good read for when you don’t want to be stuck in a long book, and you just want to escape for awhile. This is the second book in The Saunders Family Saga. The first is titled Love Unexpected.
I received this e-book free. A review was not required.
This review first appeared on Christy's Cozy Corners
April 17, 2019
I like regency books where the female doesn't quite follow the norms of society. And Arabella was not your typical debutante. It is always refreshing. There was definitely a feminist theme through out this book. A lot of time was spent talking about the lack of women's choices in Regency life. But Miss Saunders, her brothers and he who would become her husband along with some female role model types are far more progressive in their thinking than general society of the time. It was brought up so many times it got to be a little repetitious.
There is a large age difference between Miss Saunders and her husband so I felt like her bad decisions could be blamed on her youth and inexperience in life but he should have known better. And since things didn't start to change in their relationship until he finally got over himself I think my theory holds up.
Obvious set up for the next book in the series so there is more to be read of the Saunders family.
Sex: Some innuendo, references to a mistress, inferred marital relations.
Language: No.
Violence: Abduction at gun point, man shot in rescue attempt, potential peril.
*I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
There is a large age difference between Miss Saunders and her husband so I felt like her bad decisions could be blamed on her youth and inexperience in life but he should have known better. And since things didn't start to change in their relationship until he finally got over himself I think my theory holds up.
Obvious set up for the next book in the series so there is more to be read of the Saunders family.
Sex: Some innuendo, references to a mistress, inferred marital relations.
Language: No.
Violence: Abduction at gun point, man shot in rescue attempt, potential peril.
*I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 16, 2019
I really enjoyed reading Miss Saunders Takes A Journey. I’ve read quite a few GG Vandagriff’s novels but this series must have started without me. I’m glad that it is a stand-alone so I wasn’t lost the entire time.
The characters were fun and real. I could feel their tempers and personalities and could totally commiserate with their circumstances. (Also, am I the only one who thinks that Lady Jersey was a “mean girl” back in her time?)
I liked this book and had a hard time putting it down. I was glad to have the chance to read and review this novel. I received a copy for free for an honest review.
4 ½ Stars. Clean.
The characters were fun and real. I could feel their tempers and personalities and could totally commiserate with their circumstances. (Also, am I the only one who thinks that Lady Jersey was a “mean girl” back in her time?)
I liked this book and had a hard time putting it down. I was glad to have the chance to read and review this novel. I received a copy for free for an honest review.
4 ½ Stars. Clean.
April 11, 2019
Miss Arabella Saunders has had an unusual upbringing which has left her a bit of a bluestocking. Considered an Incomparable she and her friends/companions leave London for Bath following the publication of report in a scandal rag. Her curiosity leads her to a lecture by Mr. Charles Rollins on South Africa. While in Bath she meets a friend of her brother, Beau, Lord James. He is attracted to her but thinks she is spoiled, shallow and way to young for him. Then to make the days even more interesting, the reason for her fleeing London, Lord Merriweather, who after being rejected by another has decided that Arabella’s dowry would be adequate. As readers will find, these gentlemen have underestimated Arabella. This book has enough twists and turns to make it very enjoyable. The strong characters also make it a good book.
April 1, 2019
This was a great book that grabbed me from the beginning. I enjoyed joining Arabella on her journey to Bath and beyond. She had some growing up to do and lessons to learn. She also had to learn discernment as well. Lord James was a grown man that had preconceived notions about debutantes. He also had lessons to learn about compromising and that he is not always right. Lady Arabella was constantly looking for an adventure, she certainly found that adventure. Lord James got more than he bargained for when he was helping out Lady Arabella's family. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a little action/adventure in their clean romance.
I received a copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received a copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 11, 2019
I love this series! This book was such fun. The characters are delightful. The plot moves quickly and steadily. I can't wait to see what trouble Arabella will get into trying to find her brother Manfred a wife. Absolutely delightful!
May 31, 2019
This is the first book that I have read from my author. I fell in love with the story synopsis and the cover and was super excited to check out someone new. This book is set in regency era and paid close attention to detail. While I have not read a lot from this era, I felt that I was getting an accurate lesson. The characters are well written. They are written as real people. I liked the eccentric-ness of the characters. It made them unique. You can feel their emotions as you read. While this is a sweet romance book, you will find a few hintings at affairs. The storyline is intruiguing and while this is the 2nd book in the series, I had no problem following along. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I recevied a copy of this book through the author/publisher all thoughts are my own.
I recevied a copy of this book through the author/publisher all thoughts are my own.
May 30, 2019
I had a mixed reaction to reading this. On the one hand, I enjoyed the overall story, yet on the other hand, I got tired of Arabella's attitude and behavior. Even though she acknowledges her poor behavior, she continues with the same selfish behavior again and again. Lord James is slightly better and I found myself on his side of the argument more than once. I also thought that the story shifted rather abruptly from them barely knowing each other and arguing, to them in love and fully devoted to each other.
Romance - PG - kissing, mention of mistress, reference to marital intimacy
Language - PG
Violence - PG - abduction at gunpoint, gunshot wound, horse accident leading to a concussion.
My rating - 3 stars
Romance - PG - kissing, mention of mistress, reference to marital intimacy
Language - PG
Violence - PG - abduction at gunpoint, gunshot wound, horse accident leading to a concussion.
My rating - 3 stars
November 21, 2022
It was difficult to be a female who processed beauty and a brain. Having been raised by three older brothers and no parents, you are taught to think about things differently. You are also very likely spoiled.
This combination may make finding a husband difficult. Especially one that will give into your moods and whims as your brothers have done.
Having been embarrassed by a man who professed to be in love with you but slighted you for a woman with a larger dowry. Arabella fled to Bath to nurse her wounded pride. There she met gentlemen interested in her. One for her fortune and one who secretly fell in love with her.
This combination may make finding a husband difficult. Especially one that will give into your moods and whims as your brothers have done.
Having been embarrassed by a man who professed to be in love with you but slighted you for a woman with a larger dowry. Arabella fled to Bath to nurse her wounded pride. There she met gentlemen interested in her. One for her fortune and one who secretly fell in love with her.
June 5, 2019
Arabella and James definitely go on a journey. Sometimes that journey drove me crazy because they would sometime act rather childish, however, it was truly an entertaining journey. I could clearly see both of their struggles and appreciated that eventually they developed into the characters you wanted to find a happily ever after. Nothing happened they way you thought it would and that was refreshing. A witty, sometime frustrating, swoony journey that leads to a satisfying ending. I loved Lord James!
March 8, 2019
A lovely story of over coming marriage obstacles
Miss Saunders has some lessons to learn about excitement and adventure. She learns the hard way and her forced upon partner has some lessons to learn about love.
Miss Saunders has some lessons to learn about excitement and adventure. She learns the hard way and her forced upon partner has some lessons to learn about love.
March 23, 2019
Once again
Ms. Bandaged delivers a great set of characters who tell a good story As the story weaves its way through The tangles of recency society and its inanities we once again learn of overcoming ones frailties
Ms. Bandaged delivers a great set of characters who tell a good story As the story weaves its way through The tangles of recency society and its inanities we once again learn of overcoming ones frailties
April 5, 2019
Love her run away mouth! So many of the ladies of this era were total milk toast. This gal has spark. And her chaperones are such fun characters. The book is full of fun characters doing what the ton thought was wrong. Loved the book!
June 26, 2019
Madcap
Lord James and Arabella just cannot get a break! So much keeps happening to keep them apart. Can a debutante and a confirmed bachelor fall in love through tragic events? - Babs
Lord James and Arabella just cannot get a break! So much keeps happening to keep them apart. Can a debutante and a confirmed bachelor fall in love through tragic events? - Babs
March 15, 2020
A spoiled debutante and a stubborn lord
I enjoyed reading this book but there was much that I skimmed over. A forced marriage due to an abduction causes a lot of conflict between Arabella and Lord James before they can make up and get on with their lives.
I enjoyed reading this book but there was much that I skimmed over. A forced marriage due to an abduction causes a lot of conflict between Arabella and Lord James before they can make up and get on with their lives.
March 10, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
May 21, 2019
Enjoyable non-traditional regency romance. Very witty dialogue, interesting plot, well-developed characters.
April 15, 2019
I have enjoyed all of the books I have read by this author. Although the copy I received had quite a few typo’s and a few errors in the names used, I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the second book in the series, I think, which I was not initially aware of. Whilst it can be read as a stand-alone novel, there are frequent references to other characters & their stories which, while not detracting from the storyline, would have been nicer to have read beforehand. For those who like to read Regency style Romances, this is a clean & enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews