A Provision for Love

Entangled Inheritance #1

by Heather Chapman

The only place Ivy Linfield feels truly uninhibited is within the walls and gardens of Bridgestone. There, she is free of society's expectations and her worries of the future. With the death of Lord Percival Barrington, the only grandfather figure she's ever known, Ivy is torn between the grief of losing him and her beloved summer home.

Losing Bridgestone, even to one as worthy and handsome as Percival's great-nephew Henry, seems cruel and unfair. So when Ivy learns of a provision in the will, she is more than willing to go to great lengths to secure the inheritance for herself. The only catch? Ivy must marry a man that fits a list of requirements before the season ends.

She quickly learns, however, that love has its own set of rules--rules that are not so easily defined nor understood. What if her opponent is actually the man she's been searching for? Can Ivy secure a match before her time runs out, or will surrendering her heart mean losing all that was intended for her?

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical, Clean Romance, Regency Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2019

About the author

Being the youngest of four sisters (and one very tolerant older brother), Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Austen, and the other staples of female moviedom. These stories inspired Heather to begin writing at an early age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and finally settled down in a small farming community in southeastern Idaho with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys time spent with family, volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and almost anything creative.

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

..
A Provision for Love is the first and introductory book of the Entangled Inheritance series by Heather Chapman. Each book of the series is written by a different author, which a delineated at the end of this review.

Oh, happy day, a delightfully clean and inspirational historical romance series has arrived!


The only place Ivy Linfield feels truly uninhibited is within the walls and gardens of Bridgestone. There, she is free of society's expectations and her worries about the future. Ivy is torn between the grief of losing him and her beloved summer home.

Losing Bridgestone, even to one as worthy and handsome as Percival's great-nephew Henry, seems cruel and unfair. So when Ivy learns of a provision in the will, she is more than willing to go to great lengths to secure the inheritance for herself. The only catch? Ivy must marry a man that fits a list of requirements before the season ends.

Upon the death of Lord Percival Barrington, the will dictated an uncomprehensible division of the land and property within the walls and gardens of Bridgestone. With the death of Lord Percival Barrington, the only grandfather figure Ivy Linfield had ever known, is locked into a battle with Henry, Percival's great-nephew.

She quickly learns, however, that love has its own set of rules--rules that are not so easily defined nor understood. What if her opponent is actually the man she's been searching for? Can Ivy secure a match before her time runs out, or will be surrendering her heart means losing all that was intended for her?

These two young people became embroiled in a battle of wits and practical jokes that are meant to make each other miserable. Their mischevious pranks sometimes amused the other and at other times annoyed them. However, miracles do bring hope and hope springs eternal.


A Provision for Love is part of the ENTANGLED INHERITANCE series, a set of stand-alone regency-romance novels. Look for the complete collection of stories by these incredible authors:

. . . A Provision for Love by Heather Chapman
. . . His Unexpected Heiress by Sally Britton
. . .The Rivals of Rosennor Hall by Rebecca Connolly
. .. An Unwelcome Suitor by Ashtyn Newbold


The gems in this series are sweet and wholesome reads, each book able to stand on their own, and each presents a H.E.A. that will definitely delight the reader.

This series is currently available through the Amazon Kindle Unlimited program.
..

[c. anne ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is my first book by this author and i hadn’t anticipated her unique voice. her writing is almost poetic. but not in a weird or overt way.

the story is good. i loved henry and ivy. really. they were two characters i totally rooted for and shipped and my heart is so happy with their story. xxx

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Provision for Love was a delightful read; I really enjoyed it! The plot was both unique and thoroughly engaging—in order to win the inheritance of her beloved summer home, Bridgestone, Ivy must find a suitable husband according to her grandmother’s strange list of requirements. It quickly becomes apparent that the one Ivy is falling for is her opponent, Henry, who's also vying for her inheritance. Despite her initial determination to dislike him, her heart has different ideas…

There were so many wonderful things about this story! The plot was so much fun. The grandmother’s list of requirements for the perfect man was humorous and ridiculous, while also being quite insightful. (I loved how in the Author’s Note we learn this list was based off a real antique letter!) Most of the chapters began with an item from this list, which set the stage for the events that followed, which I thought was a fun setup.

I really enjoyed the characters, especially Ivy’s first-person narration, which added some suspense as we, like Ivy, weren’t quite sure what Henry was thinking. Henry was wonderful; he may have stolen a few pieces of my heart himself. The Regency setting was also well done and the gardens of Bridgestone beautifully described; I longed to tumble into the pages to visit Ivy’s secret garden. I loved the scenes that took place in the garden, but I especially adored the scenes with Henry. He and Ivy were so cute together. I loved how their feelings for one another gradually crept up on them. Perhaps my favorite scenes between the two were Henry’s adorable love letter and the scene underneath the table at Almacks.

I thought Ivy was rather stubborn in wanting a home rather than to marry for love; it almost went on too long, but she came around in the end. I loved the lesson she learned throughout her journey about the importance of love and allowing one's heart to write the list for its perfect match rather than relying on another's requirements. Such a lovely message.

My only other real complaint is I felt that Henry never made an attempt to win Ivy’s heart; he just sat back like a martyr and let her be wooed by the duke even though it was causing him pain. I’d have liked to have seen him fight for her, which would have resulted in a few more adorable scenes between the wonderful couple.

Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this wonderful story—it had a fun plot, wonderful characters, lovely writing, and a cute romance. What more could one ask for?

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable! This book was so adorably sweet and cute! I loved Henry! He was so charming, and the dialogue between Henry and Ivy was quite entertaining. The letter of provisions was priceless! It has been a while since a book has provided this much amusement!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Provision for Love (Entangled Inheritance Book 1) by Heather Chapman is a well written Regency Romance. 

"The ENTANGLED INHERITANCE series, is a set of stand-alone regency-romance novels. Written by these incredible authors: 
A Provision for Love by Heather Chapman
His Unexpected Heiress by Sally Britton
The Rivals of Rosennor Hall by Rebecca Connolly (August)
An Unwelcome Suitor by Ashtyn Newbold (September)"


A PROVISION FOR LOVE is steady paced,  well crafted with charming, likable and realistic characters.  


Meet and follow, Ivy Linfield and Henry Barrington, on their journey of grief, keeping an inheritance,  romance, finding love and finding a HEA. Get swept away into a great story, one were the reader will find the characters in their head and their hearts. Ms. Chapman brings this story into life, the plot is heartwarming and beautifully written.  The details are engaging. I enjoyed Ivy, and Henry's plight, and finding their HEA. Well worth reading!


Rating: 4

Heat rating: sweet 

Reviewer: AprilR 

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this sweet romance! I didn't want to put it down today. I have really loved this whole Inheritance series. I am not sure why I waited till last to read the first book. I loved the leading lady Ivy and Henry was amazing! Such fun characters in such a strange predicament! I loved how they decided to become friends. This was such a fun story idea. Really am Enjoying Chapman's books.

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance or romance, that isn’t even a question…

I believe my heart stopped several times as I read this book. The sizzling moments brought the butterflies, my pulse tripped a few times and I could release a lot of happy sighs right now.

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on #KindleUnlimited

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Chapman has written a sweet, cute, and funny Regency romance story in A Provision for Love. In this story, readers will come to know and love the main characters, Ivy and Henry and how their lives intermingle. Readers will especially enjoy the continual banter taking place between Ivy and Henry, as it is a charming addition to this already delightful story. Although the story starts a little slow, the pace picks up as the novel continues and is an enchanting read! This story is a quick light read that will leave readers laughing and sighing at the swoon worthy romance.

Series: Entangled Inheritance
Genre: historical, regency, romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: June 7, 2019
Number of pages: 217

A copy of this book was purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Heather (The Book Squirm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love, the mystery that it was, knocked against my chest. I would have to answer to it, for I could not bear the hollowness.”
(I just ❤️ that quote! Excellent wording Heather Chapman!)

This is a delightful proper regency romance! It read like a romantic comedy in my head. It is about an inheritance that comes with a list of a particular type that begs the question of how one defines affection and if it can be listed and defined by person. I liked all the characters and their personalities! They each brought something extra to the overall story. In particular I loved Lady Barrington, Ivy’s grandmother, for her disposition and wit. The snarky grandmother or aunt is always a fun addition to any story.

My only complaint would be a lack of description in tone or expressions in the dialogue. There were some moments where I needed to puzzle out their reactions and words to discover the overall tone. But that is minor and no detriment to the book— it might even be due in part to the first person narrative. I know many love reading that type of narrative in particular so here’s a great option for you!!

“There is one part of the list you have yet to prove, Henry.” “My repertoire?” His lips spread into an absurdly handsome grin.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable regency romance. I decided to end my summer with a "beach read" -- something that doesn't require much energy or brainpower and that has a clean romance and a happy ending. This book checked all of those boxes. I liked the characters -- especially the grouchy grandma and the male lead. I really liked the letter of requirements (don't want to give away any spoilers). But the author's descriptions drove me crazy at times. His "tangled lashes"? What does that even mean? I kept trying to picture that. How do your lashes get tangled? This phrase was used repeatedly. This is just one example of a trite (and somewhat odd) phrase. Another was an apparent obsession with eyebrows. Lots of attention was given to how people's eyebrows moved or creased or furrowed. I found it distracting. It didn't ruin the book for me, I still enjoyed it, but there were many times that I rolled my eyes. However, if this is your genre and you love a good regency, romance I would recommend this. Although it was predictable, I still found it interesting, fast, and entertaining.

[Crazychriss889 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The MCs have known each other for years but have never really talked a lot? And now that she is 18 and starting her season, they suddenly decide they are in a first name only basis? And not just privately but in front of other nobles? This is supposed to be a historical sort of regency era book but there are so many scenes in this book that would have been unheard of back then. The first name thing is one, another is the lack of chaperoning...

And the grandmother basically telling her grandkid to just kiss every suitor available to check off an item of a list? Yeah, would not have flowed back then. Thank god the heroine tells her that face to face

Still, couldn't continue with this one. I thought it was just a but too boring. And the hero didn't enamor me

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! I loved reading it from only Ivy's point of view. I felt the anguish over her choice of suitor and her thoughts on if her affections were returned in someone she thought as a friend. This is one of my favorite Regency stories in a long while.

I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While my foot has been busted these last few weeks (and I have been unable to move) I have been devouring every book I can possibly find. Because I bore easily while sitting on my duff, it has been easiest and best to read what I like to call "vacation reads," which more often than not equal "clean regency romance," because I already understand the rules of the world and it doesn't require much brain power. Just a fun escape is all I need. With that said, I have probably read at least 10 of these types of books this last week, and this book was BY FAR my favorite. It had a depth and feeling to it that most books of this genre definitely be lack. And while the ending was utterly predictable from within the first few pages, the journey to that ending was a joy to experience. The story was so adorable and enchantingly sweet. So while most of the books I'll be rating on here this week will only have a rating (most often rounded up because I'm feeling generous...bless these books for helping me not go insane while I wait for my foot to heal), this one definitely deserved a review. Pick this one up if you want a good swoon.

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart still hasn't recovered from this book. This book reminds me why I love this genre

I enjoyed reading about Almack's though I loved the time spent at Bridgestone. The imagery was beautifully written and easy to picture. I just loved it. I loved the time spent in the garden in this book though I wish there had been more scenes with it. I loved the turkey scene, I was laughing out loud. The characters were also very well-written. The grandmother was hilarious. The jokes involving repertoire and the such were so funny. I also really liked Ivy. She was a good heroine and I especially enjoyed Henry. He was a bit of a puzzle to me at first. I honestly wasn't sure what to make of him, but I too, fell for him like Ivy haha. I loved the letter scene, and honestly the refreshment scene at Almack's. I can't say enough how good this book is. I will definitely be rereading this in the future! :)

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story by Heather Chapman! Ivy is a headstrong young woman embarking on her first season. When her step-grandfather dies, she learns that the manor that she loves is going to go to a distant relative named Henry, whom she has met a few times and who loved to compete with her in the past. When Henry arrives for the reading of the will, both he and Ivy are surprised to learn of a provision which if met would allow Ivy to inherit her beloved Bridgestone Manor.

Henry is darling and as each item is met on the list, Ivy begins to see that he is more than she first thought him to be. Each is competing against each other and so the provision is a constant strain between them. I won't tell you what the provision is, but it is an ingenious way for both Henry and Ivy to see each other in a new light.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy has lost her grandfather and her beloved summer home to her grandfather’s heir. But during the reading of the will she is given a chance to claim her summer home by finding the perfect husband during her first season. Perfect according to her grandmother’s ridiculous terms.

The character development is excellent in this regency with the hero on the high side of normal. The plot was creative and fresh with lots of great humor throughout! There are no stale balls or boring horseback rides, but fun and cute experiences to create a relatable and endearing story.

I love all of Chapman’s writing but this has to be my new favorite. This regency is easy to get lost in and hard to put down.

[Shale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I dislike leaving bad reviews but this book just didn't speak to me at all.

I liked the beginning and the letter of requirements. However theses were the points against it
- I got bored half way through and slipped to the end. Wasn't engaging enough for me to stick with it.
- I don't love first person, especially in regency novels idk why. First person usually sets up my biggest pet peeve which appears next...
- love triangle no no no thank you
- And finally this is super superficial, Henry had red hair. And I just... Don't like to read that. It's a squick

So this book would be great for anyone who doesn't have the same qualms I do Abbott my books. I did enjoy the end, but I don't feel like going back and reading the middle.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I really liked this book's plot!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was darling!
The provision in the will was actually from a letter found in an old house, which then found its way into the author’s hands via a good friend. She researched the source, but has no idea where the letter came from. This letter is what sparked the idea for the novel. It is a list of what to look for in a husband. ❤️ I think this list stands the test of time.


Seek a man, if possible, who has mountains in his eyes… and be sure his glance can sweep across the plains…
Look for one who laughs in a hearty manner… and has a twist of kindness at the edge of strong and even lips…
His hair should be neat… but not too much so… There must always be one unruly lock that defies the comb and falls like a rebel on a handy forehead… Beware of men who fawn too much in the company of peers. This man is seeking status and, in time, will barter part of his soul—and also yours—for a nod from a well-born knave. Does he clink his coins with relish and with glee? Pass him by. Misers make unholy lovers…
Does he welcome competition with manly zest… and rally to the challenge of a chase? This is good. He will never be a doltish sideline-stander.
Guns he should feel at home with… and he must have a way with dogs… and the sight of a horse with breeded lines should bring a glint of heaven to his eyes…
Does he preen in front of mirrors? Forget him. Harsh is the life of a wife condemned to live her days in the company of a vain peacock….
Does he speak well of his companions? Is he quick to praise their deeds? If this is so, it is to his favor for it indicates he has security of person. Men who deal in petty prattle and deride the feats of others with snide remarks and sneers are unsure in their bones and in time will feed upon the spirit of a faithful wife to bolster a waning ego…
Does he keep his carriage spotless and in good hue? This could be a minus sign… A man who expends much energy and pride on an inanimate possession may in time deploy his wife to second place…
He should like the feel of leather…. and the smell of new hay in a field… and he should look well standing near a tree…
His ears should like the sound of an ocean surf… and let him walk solid, but always with an animal grace…
Look long in search for a man who brings a gift when there is no occasion. Many men celebrate the standard holidays with traditional presents… but a man has true spirit when he gives a woman a pretty bauble just to see her eyes bubble with surprise…
Look for a man who loves his mother… but be cautious of the one who worships her. He, indeed, may turn out to be a chronic son who whimpers all his days at his mother’s knee.
Neatness is a prize in a male, of course… But prissy males make finicky life companions. Nervous is life with a man who makes a fetish seeking dust on high cupboards and complaining about tables in slight disarray.
It is popular for a woman to think of a man as marriage material if he likes young children. But a word of caution here. Many a man can be a pretender when he waves eloquent about a child. Rather, look for a man whom children like instinctively. If he has this secret gift, children will gravitate to him in a crowded room…
A husband, of course, should a kisser be… but he must command a repertoire. A man’s kisses should have fire and passion, yes… but he must have the art of kissing kind and gently too.
If he is quick to anger, look again... but beware of a man who sulks in too much silence. If he has an admiring eye for the passing ladies, this is good. After all, a man who is to love one woman well must love all women in a general way.
These are the qualities to look for in a man. It would be well, also, if he is tall. It is not so much that short men are bad. They are merely inconvenient. A wife must learn to shrink herself when beside him. It is also nice to have a man around the residence who can reach things on high shelves.

[Eliza Gravedoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance with a touch of humor

When I first downloaded this book I thoght it was written by another author, since is part of the same series. I was surprised to see how different was her writting style from one book from another. Just at the end, I realised the series compiles books from different authors.

I loved to see again our dear solicitor, Mr. Tutle-Kirk.

As for the story, I really enjoyed it. I liked the humor between Ivy and Henry, an even if you know how are they going to end up, the book doesn't have the typical clichés.

Another positive thing I found, is the presence of a loving father, with his flaws, but it's so nice to have a FL with a loving father and grandmother. And I really liked having the letters between father and daughter, it helped having a break from Ivy's POV. And I wished to have known Percival. He seemed such a good soul.

I also appreciated, no having the evil mother/grandma, who would be mean and try to marry the lead characters, with no reagards to their feelings. Yes they were presing, but our grandma in this case, had her grandaughter's interest at heart.

Henry our ML was my favourite character. He was so real, warm and funny. I just loved him, and how he showed that for man it couldn't have been easy either to marry back then.

Ivy our FL, had a voice, but even if she had a mind of her own, she wasn't a feminist. Which I appreciate, because for some reason, many historical romance novels, portrait women with our contemporary woldview. She did critisezed how awful it was to just being put into society and shown of, hoping to stand out and have some men falling in love with you.

Overall, it was an easy read, ideal for when you just want to read something that will put a smile on your face.
I don't give it 5 stars, because sometimes the read was a bit slow, with all the thoughts of Ivy. The novel is written form her perspective only. But other than that, I really enjoyed it.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really liked this story. It is about Miss Ivy Linfield's quest to own her loving grandfather's home Bridgestone. She must marry by the end of the season to do so. Otherwise the property will be inherited by Percival's heir his grandnephew Henry Thorne. Henry loved Bridgestone just as much as Ivy did. From the very beginning Ivy put Henry in the competitor’s box and treated him that way. She was determined to win no matter what. However, a peculiar set of rule or guidelines were established in Percival's will that the gentleman she married must rise to and Henry was to be the judge of its adherence. What a story. It is whimsical, fun and delightfully entertaining. The author swept from one scene to another without dallying or providing filler. I found that style most refreshing and it made the story move smoothly and quickly along. For the most part I enjoyed the characters. Ivy's Grandmother was a force to be reckoned with, Henry was manly with a pure and loving soul. But I had a little problem with Ivy's character. As much as her grandmother claimed she had "pluck" I found her to get angry quickly and come to the wrong conclusions often. She misinterpreted many signs of the type of man she was to marry and there was this feeling of helplessness surrounding her that did not sit right with me. I did love the letters between her and her father. I thought those were telling and really poignant. In the end everyone got what they desired. HEA. A very good read.

[Breanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to say it’s predicable (which isn’t bad in a regency romance), you know within the first chapter who the girl is going to end up with BUT I liked the twist of inheritance and list of attributes. It was fun to see and compare the characters to each requirement and see the love and truth of the list grow.


I enjoyed the love hate relationship between Ivy and Henry; acquaintances, competitors, friends, judges, lovers. The love triangle, though with a predictable outcome, was intense in anticipation and emotion.

I enjoyed Ivy’s personality and seeing a different side to a “regency heroine.” She knew what society and etiquette required but still had her moments of freedom and “self”; as she ran in the garden and hid under tables. This freedom of spirit also made the idea of the book, her going against society norms to battle for a property that she (as a female) would never inherit, to be more realistic. I also like that she figured out her own emotions and love and did not have to be told by Henry to realize them.

My one negative about the book was the constant repetition of Henry’s appearance; His eyes, his dimples, his tangled eyelashes, the color of his hair or the freckle by his eye- it became too much.

** The “sexy” post marriage ending was fun, flirty and romantic but not needed; it might have taken a little away from the “regency romance” feel.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable funny story about imperfect love. The first part of the book was kind of slow to me and it didn’t keep my attention very well. But I was determined to finish the book because I really loved the previous book by this author. Wow, once this book got going I couldn’t put it down. Just wow, it was a fun read. The crazy list of requirements for Ivy to meet in her future husband if she wanted to inherit was so well thought of. Imagine my surprise when at the end of the book in the authors’s notes, this was based off an actual list someone had from a long time ago. Hands down my favorite scene was the infamous table scene at Almanacks. It was so ridiculous that I was giggling like a ninny and made my husband want to know what I was reading! Although Henry’s love letter in the lover letter contest was a close second. It was everything that a good love letter should be. I definitely recommend this book.
This book gets 4-1/2 stars from me.
Although I received an advance copy of this book to read, this review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
Rating G

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Provision for Love is a really short and cute regency romance. Ivy's step-grandfather was her grandfather in everything but blood. Because she's not his heir, she's set to lose the property where she spent much of her childhood to his grand-nephew. At least she thought, until she learns of a stipulation that would allow her to inherit if she gets married by the end of her first season to a man that meets her grandmother's list of criteria.

It's a really funny list of criteria, and while some of it sounds obviously dated and ridiculously sexist, the gist of it is pretty accurate. I think the whole book has a much deeper message though, about finding someone who fits your own list and not one set for you by someone else. Finding independence and not sticking too strictly to the mandates of society.

It was slightly repetitive in certain ways, as can be expected from a book like this. Overall though I liked it and I'd recommend it for people in this genre.

This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....

[Kim Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I liked the story. I get tired of the romance conflict thing that most of the stories have in them. You like the guy - well, like him already, stop trying to figure out reasons for why it won't work! I like a story where the love story is easy and together they work out a tense or suspenseful plot. In this story the heroine needs to find a husband to be able to inherit her grandfather's home, but Henry is already slated to inherit. Her grandmother has given her a list of things that her new husband must have for her to be happy in her marriage and still inherit her favorite place to be. She and Henry are close and getting closer, but he is her rival for the manor - yet he is the only one who fits all of the criteria! But there is a close runner up, and she keeps looking at him rather than at Henry - and he's a nice guy, but she doesn't love him! Ah, conflict!

This is a clean read.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t want to include any spoilers for this book so it’ll be hard to say specifically what I liked most about it. Basically I enjoyed the interactions between the two main characters. I also really loved the letters exchanged between the heroine & her father. This is probably the only area that I was disappointed with - we didn’t get to have much “interaction” with the father. I would have liked it if there was more dialogue with him. This book is primarily written from the 1st person point of view - in some instances I wished I could have known what another characters thoughts were but this is true to life isn’t it?! We can’t always tell what is going through another persons mind haha
This is a clean & wholesome read which I can happily recommend. It is actually the first book I have read by this author but hopefully not the last. I will be keeping my eye out for more.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy’s step-grandfather wanted her to find a man worthy of sharing Bridgestone with her when he wrote the provision that if she became engaged by the end of her first London season to a man that met the requirements her grandmother outlined she would inherit the property. Her grandmother wanted her to be with someone like her grandfather and her list was a bit over the top because of that. Ivy was so focused on the list and her goal of winning Bridgestone that she didn’t factor in what her heart wanted. Henry inherited Baron Barrington’s title, but I thought it was strange that everyone continued to call him Mr. Thorne. He was funny, trying to thwart Ivy’s suitors and a romantic at heart. The grandmother was funny too with her outrageous ways. I loved the idea of a secret garden and it reminded me of one of my favorite books from my youth.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is the first book I have read from this author but it won’t be my last. This book is one of three books that deals with unexpected inheritance. The same solicitor is present in each book. This one has the main character of Ivy. Ivy has to marry before the end of the season if she wants to inherit Bridgestone. But the catch is she has to find a man that meets all the crazy expectations her grandmother made into a list. Henry, who will inherit if she doesn’t achieve this goal, is also the one that gets to judge if Ivy has meet all the items on the list. Ivy meets many eligible bachelors. Including a future Duke. Ivy doesn’t expect to find love while she is trying t find a husband. Although it is predictable who she ends up with it is a fun journey with Ivy as she figures out her heart. I loved the characters even if they were a bit clueless at times.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite trope is Pride and Prejudice, where you get to watch the couple fall in love, almost involuntarily. This is a nice new twist on it, because the two are friends... sometimes. The circumstance they are put in, battling over the inheritance, causes mistrust and hard feelings, but they’re both good people and frequently recognize when their emotions are overwhelming good sense. They both need to truly understand what love is, and learn to recognize it in themselves, and be brave enough to risk and sacrifice for it.

The book is well-written and very enjoyable. It made me laugh, which is one of my favorite things for a book to do. A clean romance, if you like great characters you’ll like this book.