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Timeless Victorian Collection #5
A Note of Change
Can a single note change a life, start a romance, or drive two people apart?
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch
Now that Harrison Chase has finally made his fortune as a working man, he will risk it all to save his factory workers from starvation. In the middle of his charge to reverse the Corn Laws, his housekeeper helpfully mails a letter she finds languishing amongst his things. A six-year-old love letter. With no other choice, he rushes back to his childhood home on Christine Stone’s estate. If he can’t get his hands on that letter before she does, Christine will discover what a pitiful and pretentious fool he had been. The one thing he hadn’t counted on was the mail being delayed. Now Harrison must decide which is worse—waiting with Christine as he not-so-slowly falls back in love with her, or leaving, knowing once she reads his letter he can never return.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van
Viola Brodure longs for something more from her life. So when that something more arrives in the form of a letter from the renowned Highland Poet, Ethan Penn-Leith, she seizes her chance. After all, Mr. Penn-Leith merits every swoon-worthy adjective Viola can muster. What woman wouldn’t want to be in her shoes? But after journeying to Scotland and meeting the poet himself, Viola faces a difficult What happens if you don’t want the thing you thought you did?
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon
As an orphan whose only home has been the Foundling Hospital, Rose is tasked to work in the fine houses of Bloomsbury. She knows her duty—take care of the family upstairs and never forget her place. But her traitorous heart won’t follow the rules, and she falls in love with Oliver Withey, a man far above her station. Though she feels like she’s found a home in Oliver’s arms, his mother has other plans for her oldest son—and marrying a servant isn’t one of them. She’ll do anything to keep Rose and Oliver apart, including making a devil’s bargain that ensures they’ll never see each other again. When a mysterious old woman appears, she seems to have answers to Rose’s past. Could those long-held secrets hold the key to the future with Oliver that Rose longs for?
Timeless Victorian
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL
A NOTE OF CHANGE
Timeless Regency
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS
AN EVENING AT ALMACK'S
TO LOVE A GOVERNESS
WIDOWS OF SOMERSET
A Note of Change is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book
Timeless Romance Anthology® is a registered trademark of Mirror Press, LLC
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch
Now that Harrison Chase has finally made his fortune as a working man, he will risk it all to save his factory workers from starvation. In the middle of his charge to reverse the Corn Laws, his housekeeper helpfully mails a letter she finds languishing amongst his things. A six-year-old love letter. With no other choice, he rushes back to his childhood home on Christine Stone’s estate. If he can’t get his hands on that letter before she does, Christine will discover what a pitiful and pretentious fool he had been. The one thing he hadn’t counted on was the mail being delayed. Now Harrison must decide which is worse—waiting with Christine as he not-so-slowly falls back in love with her, or leaving, knowing once she reads his letter he can never return.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van
Viola Brodure longs for something more from her life. So when that something more arrives in the form of a letter from the renowned Highland Poet, Ethan Penn-Leith, she seizes her chance. After all, Mr. Penn-Leith merits every swoon-worthy adjective Viola can muster. What woman wouldn’t want to be in her shoes? But after journeying to Scotland and meeting the poet himself, Viola faces a difficult What happens if you don’t want the thing you thought you did?
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon
As an orphan whose only home has been the Foundling Hospital, Rose is tasked to work in the fine houses of Bloomsbury. She knows her duty—take care of the family upstairs and never forget her place. But her traitorous heart won’t follow the rules, and she falls in love with Oliver Withey, a man far above her station. Though she feels like she’s found a home in Oliver’s arms, his mother has other plans for her oldest son—and marrying a servant isn’t one of them. She’ll do anything to keep Rose and Oliver apart, including making a devil’s bargain that ensures they’ll never see each other again. When a mysterious old woman appears, she seems to have answers to Rose’s past. Could those long-held secrets hold the key to the future with Oliver that Rose longs for?
Timeless Victorian
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL
A NOTE OF CHANGE
Timeless Regency
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS
AN EVENING AT ALMACK'S
TO LOVE A GOVERNESS
WIDOWS OF SOMERSET
A Note of Change is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book
Timeless Romance Anthology® is a registered trademark of Mirror Press, LLC
325 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
March 3, 2020
I have to admit that I was a little giddy when I saw who the authors were for this collection. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time spent reading their books. And I must say that reading this collection was no different.
I couldn't pick a favorite between the first two novellas, they had me completely pulled in from the beginning. And the chemistry written between the characters was fabulous. I loved being in the characters' minds and seeing their reasoning and hopes and desires. I loved the flashbacks and memories and I loved the new memories that were created. Plenty of sweet romance and budding/renewing of friendships. The secondary characters were just as well written. Very enjoyable for sure!
I didn't connect completely with the third novella but still enjoyed it. I thought it was an interesting look at orphans and foundling homes. I liked the character's determination and strength. There was a fun surprise ending and a sweet happy ever after.
Definitely one of my favorite collections in the Timeless Romance line and one I highly recommend.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I couldn't pick a favorite between the first two novellas, they had me completely pulled in from the beginning. And the chemistry written between the characters was fabulous. I loved being in the characters' minds and seeing their reasoning and hopes and desires. I loved the flashbacks and memories and I loved the new memories that were created. Plenty of sweet romance and budding/renewing of friendships. The secondary characters were just as well written. Very enjoyable for sure!
I didn't connect completely with the third novella but still enjoyed it. I thought it was an interesting look at orphans and foundling homes. I liked the character's determination and strength. There was a fun surprise ending and a sweet happy ever after.
Definitely one of my favorite collections in the Timeless Romance line and one I highly recommend.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
February 18, 2020
I LOVED the first 2 stories in this series. This is a 3 novella series about letters leading to love. So much fun to read the differences each author created. The first two stories had me swooning with happiness. Love the way Van and Hatch write. The third story was good but something just felt unbelievable about it. I did enjoy it. Such a good collection I will be rereading again.
February 25, 2020
Three great authors have contributed stories to this fun collection. They were all great but I think I loved Waiting for the Post best followed by A Ring of Gold. Each story is romantic and so very sweet. The characters were vivid and so easy to root for. I enjoyed every single minute in this book. It made my heart happy.
February 26, 2020
I love it when another Timeless Collection comes out and this was a Timeless Victorian, and made my heart get all fluttery and go pitter-patter. Three novellas by three different authors (all ones I've read before) with a common thread--the story has to do with a note/letter than can change everything.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch--When Harrison Chase finds that his housekeeper mailed a letter found in a desk rushes to try and intercept it before Christine receives it. It was a letter he wrote to her six years ago and never mailed--it wasn't supposed to be mailed. While waiting each day for the post to arrive Harrison spends time with Christine where he finds again the love he thought he'd lost.
What a wonderful story to begin this collection. Not only is Harrison waiting for a letter, Christine is waiting for one too. Letters that can change not only their futures, but those of the people they care about. I love how the author always has her female characters get in unladylike predicaments like falling in streams. It makes for wonderful scenes in the readers' mind.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van--Viola Brodure is a writer who's tired of writing the stories she's known for. She wants to write stories that matter. When she receives a letter from poet Ethan Penn-Leith, her father decides to spend the summer in the small village of Edzell so they can meet the poet. Carriage trouble nearby the village lead to Viola meeting Malcolm Penn-Leith, Ethan's older brother.
I LOVED this story and knew who Viola was going to choose from the beginning but that didn't affect my enjoyment while reading. Ethan is the younger, coddled brother who is used to getting everything he wants. Malcolm is the mature one who really gets to know Viola, not just what she appears to be. Poor Viola was way past the age of having her father dictate her life and I loved when she finally spoke her mind. Viola's asthma seemed to be triggered by stress, but those around her, including her father, failed to see or understand that, except for Malcolm. Another wonderful story set in Scotland by Nichole Van.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon--Rose doesn't remember having a family. The Foundling Hospital is the only home she's ever known. Now she's almost 20 years old and will be leaving to take a position as a maid or cook in a fine household. She hopes it's at a local home so she can still see Oliver Withey, the son of a wealthy family she's worked for. He's far above her station in life as a maid but they love each other and want to be together. Oliver's parents are dead set against it and his mother will stop at nothing to keep them apart, until a mysterious woman from Rose's past visits the Foundling Hospital.
Love doesn't care about people's jobs or stations in life. Oliver was a much better person than his mother was. I've never read a story that mentioned a Foundling Hospital but knew what it was because of the BBC show Hetty Feather. It's a shame what people with money will do to get what they want. I loved that the young lady Oliver's mother set him up with kind of had a hand in Oliver and Rose being able to be together. I thought it was kind of ironic and wished the scene when Oliver told his mother about Rose's heritage would've been included. I love to see cruel people get what's coming to them.
I loved all of these novellas. Each one is set in the same era, but they're all so different, which is one of the reasons I adore these collections.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch--When Harrison Chase finds that his housekeeper mailed a letter found in a desk rushes to try and intercept it before Christine receives it. It was a letter he wrote to her six years ago and never mailed--it wasn't supposed to be mailed. While waiting each day for the post to arrive Harrison spends time with Christine where he finds again the love he thought he'd lost.
What a wonderful story to begin this collection. Not only is Harrison waiting for a letter, Christine is waiting for one too. Letters that can change not only their futures, but those of the people they care about. I love how the author always has her female characters get in unladylike predicaments like falling in streams. It makes for wonderful scenes in the readers' mind.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van--Viola Brodure is a writer who's tired of writing the stories she's known for. She wants to write stories that matter. When she receives a letter from poet Ethan Penn-Leith, her father decides to spend the summer in the small village of Edzell so they can meet the poet. Carriage trouble nearby the village lead to Viola meeting Malcolm Penn-Leith, Ethan's older brother.
I LOVED this story and knew who Viola was going to choose from the beginning but that didn't affect my enjoyment while reading. Ethan is the younger, coddled brother who is used to getting everything he wants. Malcolm is the mature one who really gets to know Viola, not just what she appears to be. Poor Viola was way past the age of having her father dictate her life and I loved when she finally spoke her mind. Viola's asthma seemed to be triggered by stress, but those around her, including her father, failed to see or understand that, except for Malcolm. Another wonderful story set in Scotland by Nichole Van.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon--Rose doesn't remember having a family. The Foundling Hospital is the only home she's ever known. Now she's almost 20 years old and will be leaving to take a position as a maid or cook in a fine household. She hopes it's at a local home so she can still see Oliver Withey, the son of a wealthy family she's worked for. He's far above her station in life as a maid but they love each other and want to be together. Oliver's parents are dead set against it and his mother will stop at nothing to keep them apart, until a mysterious woman from Rose's past visits the Foundling Hospital.
Love doesn't care about people's jobs or stations in life. Oliver was a much better person than his mother was. I've never read a story that mentioned a Foundling Hospital but knew what it was because of the BBC show Hetty Feather. It's a shame what people with money will do to get what they want. I loved that the young lady Oliver's mother set him up with kind of had a hand in Oliver and Rose being able to be together. I thought it was kind of ironic and wished the scene when Oliver told his mother about Rose's heritage would've been included. I love to see cruel people get what's coming to them.
I loved all of these novellas. Each one is set in the same era, but they're all so different, which is one of the reasons I adore these collections.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
February 26, 2020
I loved these notes!
Ooh, notes are such a intriguing premise! Although I obviously didn't live in the Victorian age, handwritten messages take me back to my younger years, when friends would pass notes in class or secret love notes were discovered in random places, causing all kinds of elation. I love how each one of these stories is tied by a time period and a note of some kind, although each book is completely different, yet equally beloved and entertaining.
The collection starts out with a bang with a tale of a note mistakenly posted to a childhood crush and a mad rush to intercept it. My heart melted with the tenderness and sweet love found within these pages.
The reader is then treated to a delightfully charming story set in Scotland, where hearts are changed after notes are exchanged and true love is found.
The wrap-up book is a forbidden love full of secrets, desire, and an undiscovered past, which played upon my emotions.
This set proves true to the Timeless Romance Collection in that it delivers reliably sweet and wholesome entertainment that is well worth the reading time.
Content: mild romance in each one
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Ooh, notes are such a intriguing premise! Although I obviously didn't live in the Victorian age, handwritten messages take me back to my younger years, when friends would pass notes in class or secret love notes were discovered in random places, causing all kinds of elation. I love how each one of these stories is tied by a time period and a note of some kind, although each book is completely different, yet equally beloved and entertaining.
The collection starts out with a bang with a tale of a note mistakenly posted to a childhood crush and a mad rush to intercept it. My heart melted with the tenderness and sweet love found within these pages.
The reader is then treated to a delightfully charming story set in Scotland, where hearts are changed after notes are exchanged and true love is found.
The wrap-up book is a forbidden love full of secrets, desire, and an undiscovered past, which played upon my emotions.
This set proves true to the Timeless Romance Collection in that it delivers reliably sweet and wholesome entertainment that is well worth the reading time.
Content: mild romance in each one
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
February 10, 2020
Another lovely collection of Victorian-era romances from some of my favorite authors! When these Timeless collections have three stories instead of six, they are each longer and I feel like they have the time to really develop the characters and the story within the novella format.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch is one of my favorites of this collection- 5 stars! I loved Christine's friendly personality and it's easy to see why Harrison fell in love with her as a youth and did so again so quickly when they are reunited. He doesn't feel worthy of her as a self-made successful tradesman when she is of a higher class in society. Her family's estate is at risk so some complicated dynamics come into play. Her brother who is also Harrison's friend brings some humor to the dialogue and it was a pleasure to read as this meant-for-each-other match overcame the miscommunications and hesitations to find their happily ever after.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van is another 5 star story! The setting in Scotland was amazing and I loved the way the author was able to portray the accents and customs. Viola is a spinster author so she seems to have a measure of independence, but it only extends as far as she follows her father's advice. Their adventure to Scotland to meet a poet she admires- and gives a public "shout out" to in her latest book- quickly spirals out of control when he and everyone decide that they would make an excellent match. It was funny how the author portrayed him with his success but also revealed how his process worked. His brother is the epitome of a manly Highlander and Viola can't help but form an unlikely friendship with the unassuming man who has poetry in his soul.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon was different than the other stories in that there wasn't as much character development and the focus was more on the plot. The villain of Oliver's mother was the driving force behind the conflict and while I liked the interesting setting, the story fell flat for me when it became rather melodramatic. I think that other readers will still enjoy the story, but it wasn't my cup of tea, especially as a follow up to the first two stories. I would rate this one 3 stars.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch is one of my favorites of this collection- 5 stars! I loved Christine's friendly personality and it's easy to see why Harrison fell in love with her as a youth and did so again so quickly when they are reunited. He doesn't feel worthy of her as a self-made successful tradesman when she is of a higher class in society. Her family's estate is at risk so some complicated dynamics come into play. Her brother who is also Harrison's friend brings some humor to the dialogue and it was a pleasure to read as this meant-for-each-other match overcame the miscommunications and hesitations to find their happily ever after.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van is another 5 star story! The setting in Scotland was amazing and I loved the way the author was able to portray the accents and customs. Viola is a spinster author so she seems to have a measure of independence, but it only extends as far as she follows her father's advice. Their adventure to Scotland to meet a poet she admires- and gives a public "shout out" to in her latest book- quickly spirals out of control when he and everyone decide that they would make an excellent match. It was funny how the author portrayed him with his success but also revealed how his process worked. His brother is the epitome of a manly Highlander and Viola can't help but form an unlikely friendship with the unassuming man who has poetry in his soul.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon was different than the other stories in that there wasn't as much character development and the focus was more on the plot. The villain of Oliver's mother was the driving force behind the conflict and while I liked the interesting setting, the story fell flat for me when it became rather melodramatic. I think that other readers will still enjoy the story, but it wasn't my cup of tea, especially as a follow up to the first two stories. I would rate this one 3 stars.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
December 23, 2020
3 Victorian love stories.
"A Ring of Gold" by Nichole Van. Kisses only.
This 2nd story was by far my fav. Scotland 1843. Viola
(prone to asthma attacks) wrote mostly sermonizing
novels: the variety her Da preferred & Ethan wrote
poems. They corresponded. Then her curate Da was
a guest preacher in Scotland, near E's home. Not subtle
on his part but stunning Vi was in her early 30s. So Vi &
Ethan met, but E had less depth than she imagined. An
empty suit. She met a 2nd man & their souls connected.
Vi felt shy in crowds and guarded against anxiety which
led at times into her asthma problems. Her Da was too
controlling.
I like Ms Van's style. This is the 3rd story I read by her.
Stories #1 and #3 did not hold my interest as well.
The gentry bro and sister in #1 seemed too calm
learning that their old friend (son of their family's
steward) wanted to change the Corn Laws & become
a MP.
"A Ring of Gold" by Nichole Van. Kisses only.
This 2nd story was by far my fav. Scotland 1843. Viola
(prone to asthma attacks) wrote mostly sermonizing
novels: the variety her Da preferred & Ethan wrote
poems. They corresponded. Then her curate Da was
a guest preacher in Scotland, near E's home. Not subtle
on his part but stunning Vi was in her early 30s. So Vi &
Ethan met, but E had less depth than she imagined. An
empty suit. She met a 2nd man & their souls connected.
Vi felt shy in crowds and guarded against anxiety which
led at times into her asthma problems. Her Da was too
controlling.
I like Ms Van's style. This is the 3rd story I read by her.
Stories #1 and #3 did not hold my interest as well.
The gentry bro and sister in #1 seemed too calm
learning that their old friend (son of their family's
steward) wanted to change the Corn Laws & become
a MP.
Read
April 10, 2022I got this via ILL for the Esther Hatch story, "Waiting for the Post" -- I didn't read the others because the return window was so brief. Three stars for the Hatch story. I'm a sucker for a good snail mail story but this one didn't quite deliver. It had the potential to be more than it was; I was intrigued by the idea of a young lady willing to become a governess and give up her dowry to help support the failing family estate. And the hero's dedication to repealing the Corn Laws to help the poor and the starving (despite the fact this might ruin the estate where his father is steward, and the family of the woman he loves) had the potential to be a really complex moral quandary. Unfortunately, neither of these threads was well developed. Instead, we had several chapters that seemed to consist of nothing more than the Hero and Heroine strolling the estate grounds waiting for the post to arrive. There's even an entire chapter on rock skipping --if you've seen those Hallmark movies where the guy has to touch the girl's hand to help her fish/bake/shoot-an-arrow and it's suddenly G-rated scintillating you can guess how that scene goes ;-) Overall, I was fairly bored -- I don't think it is Hatch's finest, there was quite a bit of purple prose too.
February 26, 2020
Five stars for the first two stories.
Two stars for the last story.
Two stars for the last story.
May 21, 2020
Can a single note can change a life, start a romance, or drive two people apart?
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch
Now that Harrison Chase has finally made his fortune as a working man, he will risk it all to save his factory workers from starvation. In the middle of his charge to reverse the Corn Laws, his housekeeper helpfully mails a letter she finds languishing amongst his things. A six-year-old love letter. With no other choice, he rushes back to his childhood home on Christine Stone’s estate. If he can’t get his hands on that letter before she does, Christine will discover what a pitiful and pretentious fool he had been. The one thing he hadn’t counted on was the mail being delayed. Now Harrison must decide which is worse—waiting with Christine as he not-so-slowly falls back in love with her, or leaving, knowing once she reads his letter he can never return.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van
Viola Brodure longs for something more from her life. So when that something more arrives in the form of a letter from the renowned Highland Poet, Ethan Penn-Leith, she seizes her chance. After all, Mr. Penn-Leith merits every swoon-worthy adjective Viola can muster. What woman wouldn’t want to be in her shoes? But after journeying to Scotland and meeting the poet himself, Viola faces a difficult question: What happens if you don’t want the thing you thought you did?
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon
As an orphan whose only home has been the Foundling Hospital, Rose is tasked to work in the fine houses of Bloomsbury. She knows her duty—take care of the family upstairs and never forget her place. But her traitorous heart won’t follow the rules, and she falls in love with Oliver Withey, a man far above her station. Though she feels like she’s found a home in Oliver’s arms, his mother has other plans for her oldest son—and marrying a servant isn’t one of them. She’ll do anything to keep Rose and Oliver apart, including making a devil’s bargain that ensures they’ll never see each other again. When a mysterious old woman appears, she seems to have answers to Rose’s past. Could those long-held secrets hold the key to the future with Oliver that Rose longs for?
A Note of Change is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book
_______________________________
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch: 5 stars
A Ring of Gold by Nicole Van: 5 stars
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon: 3.5 stars
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
A Note of Change is the fifth book in the Timeless Victorian Collection series in which each book contains a selection of 3 novellas by various historical romance authors. In A Note of Change we have three novellas: Waiting for the Post by Easther Hatch, A Ring of Gold by Nicole Van, and A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon.
All three of the novellas are lovely, but I really loved Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch and A RIng of Gold by Nicole Van. I thought the characters were well fleshed out. They were such lovely characters and I felt a connection to each of thema and their paths through the stories. I found both these two novellas to be wonderfully paced with I would give them both a seperare 5 star review if I were able. I will reread them again at some point.
As for the third, it was still and enjoyable novella, but I did not enjoy A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon quite as much as the first two and would probably rate it at 3.5 stars. It was the shortest of the three and as a result I did not really feel any connection to or investment in the characters. The storyline felt a bit rushed in comparison to the other two and, as it was a classic rags to riches story, it lacked a sense of reality and you could see what the ending had in store from the firsts few pages.
Overall this was such a great anthology book with some lovely novellas. This was the first from this series that I have read, but I plan on going back to read some of the previous books in the series to see what the other novellas have in store. So as of yet, I can not recommend the series as a whole, but I do recommend this addition to the series. I know that novellas are not everyone's cup of tea, but if they're yours I think you'll certainly enjoy A Note of Change.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch
Now that Harrison Chase has finally made his fortune as a working man, he will risk it all to save his factory workers from starvation. In the middle of his charge to reverse the Corn Laws, his housekeeper helpfully mails a letter she finds languishing amongst his things. A six-year-old love letter. With no other choice, he rushes back to his childhood home on Christine Stone’s estate. If he can’t get his hands on that letter before she does, Christine will discover what a pitiful and pretentious fool he had been. The one thing he hadn’t counted on was the mail being delayed. Now Harrison must decide which is worse—waiting with Christine as he not-so-slowly falls back in love with her, or leaving, knowing once she reads his letter he can never return.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van
Viola Brodure longs for something more from her life. So when that something more arrives in the form of a letter from the renowned Highland Poet, Ethan Penn-Leith, she seizes her chance. After all, Mr. Penn-Leith merits every swoon-worthy adjective Viola can muster. What woman wouldn’t want to be in her shoes? But after journeying to Scotland and meeting the poet himself, Viola faces a difficult question: What happens if you don’t want the thing you thought you did?
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon
As an orphan whose only home has been the Foundling Hospital, Rose is tasked to work in the fine houses of Bloomsbury. She knows her duty—take care of the family upstairs and never forget her place. But her traitorous heart won’t follow the rules, and she falls in love with Oliver Withey, a man far above her station. Though she feels like she’s found a home in Oliver’s arms, his mother has other plans for her oldest son—and marrying a servant isn’t one of them. She’ll do anything to keep Rose and Oliver apart, including making a devil’s bargain that ensures they’ll never see each other again. When a mysterious old woman appears, she seems to have answers to Rose’s past. Could those long-held secrets hold the key to the future with Oliver that Rose longs for?
A Note of Change is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book
_______________________________
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch: 5 stars
A Ring of Gold by Nicole Van: 5 stars
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon: 3.5 stars
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
A Note of Change is the fifth book in the Timeless Victorian Collection series in which each book contains a selection of 3 novellas by various historical romance authors. In A Note of Change we have three novellas: Waiting for the Post by Easther Hatch, A Ring of Gold by Nicole Van, and A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon.
All three of the novellas are lovely, but I really loved Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch and A RIng of Gold by Nicole Van. I thought the characters were well fleshed out. They were such lovely characters and I felt a connection to each of thema and their paths through the stories. I found both these two novellas to be wonderfully paced with I would give them both a seperare 5 star review if I were able. I will reread them again at some point.
As for the third, it was still and enjoyable novella, but I did not enjoy A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon quite as much as the first two and would probably rate it at 3.5 stars. It was the shortest of the three and as a result I did not really feel any connection to or investment in the characters. The storyline felt a bit rushed in comparison to the other two and, as it was a classic rags to riches story, it lacked a sense of reality and you could see what the ending had in store from the firsts few pages.
Overall this was such a great anthology book with some lovely novellas. This was the first from this series that I have read, but I plan on going back to read some of the previous books in the series to see what the other novellas have in store. So as of yet, I can not recommend the series as a whole, but I do recommend this addition to the series. I know that novellas are not everyone's cup of tea, but if they're yours I think you'll certainly enjoy A Note of Change.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
February 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this collection of stories from the Timeless Victorian series. While I’ve read plenty of Regency romances, I’m not as familiar with the Victorian era, and I found these stories to be fresh and unique. I can’t wait to read more from this time period!
Esther Hatch’s book, “Waiting for the Post” was delightful and I loved the depth the author was able to put into such a short story. Harrison or “Harry” was a great protagonist and I enjoyed the way his character is slowly revealed, bit by bit. He races home from London in the hopes of intercepting an important letter that was never supposed to be mailed to the girl he could never forget. Enter Christine, and a host of memories and feelings bring Harry to some tough decisions about his future. I liked Christine as well. She is kind and while she missed Harry since he’s been away, it was endearing to watch her affection for him morph into something deeper. A wonderful story for sure!
Nichole Van’s “A Ring of Gold” was another fantastic addition to this collection. I loved the elements that made up this book- asthma attacks, a gentleman farmer, a broody highlander poet, and a celebrated authoress who yearns to write about more than what’s considered acceptable in her time. Both Viola and Malcolm were endearing protagonists, and I adored the way Malcolm truly “saw” Viola. A wonderful tale of growth and love, with a clean romance that had my toes curling in delight.
Annette Lyon’s “A Rose by Any Other Name” was what I would consider the weakest story in this collection. While I enjoyed it, there was far too much buildup in the plot for it to all suddenly come together in a couple pages. So much of the tension and trials faced by the protagonists was solved a bit too quickly, and without a lot of detail or discussion of how everything worked out. There seemed to be a lot more telling rather than showing, especially as everything suddenly and magically wrapped up to a perfect happily ever after. Still a good story though, and Rose was a sweet protagonist.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Esther Hatch’s book, “Waiting for the Post” was delightful and I loved the depth the author was able to put into such a short story. Harrison or “Harry” was a great protagonist and I enjoyed the way his character is slowly revealed, bit by bit. He races home from London in the hopes of intercepting an important letter that was never supposed to be mailed to the girl he could never forget. Enter Christine, and a host of memories and feelings bring Harry to some tough decisions about his future. I liked Christine as well. She is kind and while she missed Harry since he’s been away, it was endearing to watch her affection for him morph into something deeper. A wonderful story for sure!
Nichole Van’s “A Ring of Gold” was another fantastic addition to this collection. I loved the elements that made up this book- asthma attacks, a gentleman farmer, a broody highlander poet, and a celebrated authoress who yearns to write about more than what’s considered acceptable in her time. Both Viola and Malcolm were endearing protagonists, and I adored the way Malcolm truly “saw” Viola. A wonderful tale of growth and love, with a clean romance that had my toes curling in delight.
Annette Lyon’s “A Rose by Any Other Name” was what I would consider the weakest story in this collection. While I enjoyed it, there was far too much buildup in the plot for it to all suddenly come together in a couple pages. So much of the tension and trials faced by the protagonists was solved a bit too quickly, and without a lot of detail or discussion of how everything worked out. There seemed to be a lot more telling rather than showing, especially as everything suddenly and magically wrapped up to a perfect happily ever after. Still a good story though, and Rose was a sweet protagonist.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 20, 2020
I’m giving this anthology 4 stars, even though I couldn’t get into the third story.
Waiting for the Post was sweet and lighthearted. My first Esther Hatch story, and I’ll be checking out her other books.
A Ring if Gold by Nichole Van absolutely stoke my heart. This is the SECOND TIME this year that i’ve fallen for fierce, manly poetry! I cannot believe myself. The I’m importing Malcolm to dwell on my book boyfriend dude ranch. I was surprised by how complete this novella felt. I will definitely reread.
I’m sorry to say I couldn’t get into A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon. Orphans and foundling homes. Just wasn’t my cuppa tea.
Waiting for the Post was sweet and lighthearted. My first Esther Hatch story, and I’ll be checking out her other books.
A Ring if Gold by Nichole Van absolutely stoke my heart. This is the SECOND TIME this year that i’ve fallen for fierce, manly poetry! I cannot believe myself. The I’m importing Malcolm to dwell on my book boyfriend dude ranch. I was surprised by how complete this novella felt. I will definitely reread.
I’m sorry to say I couldn’t get into A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon. Orphans and foundling homes. Just wasn’t my cuppa tea.
June 7, 2020
This is a collection perfect for readers to escape to a world of innocence and the chivalry of days long gone!
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 27, 2020
Romance, clean, period; Series, but stand alone read
This was a gorgeous collection! The novella's were so well written, and loved the variety of how the way they pulled together the note! Typically I find one that I don't like as well, but all three of these were strong novellas, with compelling writing, and sweet romance.
E.H. Harrison and Christine's moments as Harrison races to intercept a letter never meant to be mailed, was so sweetly done. Both of their attractions to each other, as they think it can't really happen, and the change from friends to sweethearts and love interest grows with each passing moment together. Harrison fighting his feelings due to class, and worry, and Christine, with her brother telling her that there is no chance Harrison's feelings are more than brotherly. Gorgeous, sweet, romance, with well-drawn characters and setting.
N.V.'s novella, with Viola, Ethan, and Marcus was set in a lovely Scottish setting, the triangle between the two brothers and Viola, so interestingly composed, and of course, Viola, wanting to stretch her wings as a writer, become independent of her father, and find the love of her heart, the person who speaks to her heart, sees 'her' for who she is, and encourages her, loves her, and wants her growth is a sweet, gorgeously set, and written novella. I loved the poetic imagery and lines that are interspersed in the novella. N.V.'s series set in Scotland is one of my favorites, and this addition to the series she is writing is a perfectly written addition to her series.
A.L.'s novella, with Rose's present and past, and her future with Oliver was cleverly composed as the impediments to their relationship seemed insurmountable and thwarted by Oliver's parents and her employer. Rose's past and present as a foundling, and orphan, all seemed to conspire against Rose and Oliver's hope to have a future together. The events leading up to her finding out the secrets of her past, her determination, best efforts, and the setting in the Foundling Home, and with Oliver's parents opposition made for a compelling novella. The denouement moment was perfectly done! My only complaint was I wished for just a bit more of the ending to be explained. I'll leave it at that, as I don't want to put any spoilers up.
This was one of the stronger collections I have read with all of the novella's being well done (usually there is one that isn't as strong for me as a reader).
I received an ARC from Timeless Romance, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was a gorgeous collection! The novella's were so well written, and loved the variety of how the way they pulled together the note! Typically I find one that I don't like as well, but all three of these were strong novellas, with compelling writing, and sweet romance.
E.H. Harrison and Christine's moments as Harrison races to intercept a letter never meant to be mailed, was so sweetly done. Both of their attractions to each other, as they think it can't really happen, and the change from friends to sweethearts and love interest grows with each passing moment together. Harrison fighting his feelings due to class, and worry, and Christine, with her brother telling her that there is no chance Harrison's feelings are more than brotherly. Gorgeous, sweet, romance, with well-drawn characters and setting.
N.V.'s novella, with Viola, Ethan, and Marcus was set in a lovely Scottish setting, the triangle between the two brothers and Viola, so interestingly composed, and of course, Viola, wanting to stretch her wings as a writer, become independent of her father, and find the love of her heart, the person who speaks to her heart, sees 'her' for who she is, and encourages her, loves her, and wants her growth is a sweet, gorgeously set, and written novella. I loved the poetic imagery and lines that are interspersed in the novella. N.V.'s series set in Scotland is one of my favorites, and this addition to the series she is writing is a perfectly written addition to her series.
A.L.'s novella, with Rose's present and past, and her future with Oliver was cleverly composed as the impediments to their relationship seemed insurmountable and thwarted by Oliver's parents and her employer. Rose's past and present as a foundling, and orphan, all seemed to conspire against Rose and Oliver's hope to have a future together. The events leading up to her finding out the secrets of her past, her determination, best efforts, and the setting in the Foundling Home, and with Oliver's parents opposition made for a compelling novella. The denouement moment was perfectly done! My only complaint was I wished for just a bit more of the ending to be explained. I'll leave it at that, as I don't want to put any spoilers up.
This was one of the stronger collections I have read with all of the novella's being well done (usually there is one that isn't as strong for me as a reader).
I received an ARC from Timeless Romance, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 31, 2020
I always enjoy these Timeless collections centered around a unique theme, and stories based on a letter seemed especially unique! All of these stories were just as fun and romantic as I’d hoped, and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
* Waiting for the Post ~ I absolutely adored this novella, and upon completing it I realized just how much I truly love Esther Hatch’s writing and storytelling. This story was no exception. I loved the premise of Harrison returning to his childhood home to try and intercept an old love letter that his housekeeper accidentally sent, only to fall back in love with the woman who stole his heart all those years ago while waiting for the post. Not only was the plot delightful, but both Christine and Harrison were fantastic characters, their romance was adorable, and I loved the growth both experienced, especially Harrison as he overcomes his feelings of not being worthy of the woman he loves. This is definitely a story I’ll reread many times in the future. In the meantime, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that one day we’ll get a story about Christine’s brother.
* A Ring of Gold ~ I knew I’d enjoy a romance featuring an author considering I’m one myself, and I’m so happy it fulfilled my expectations. This story also featured a delightful premise of two writers who finally meet after a brief correspondence, only for the heroine to fall in love not with the poet she’s always admired, but his highlander brother. I adored watching Viola and Malcolm’s romance unfold amongst the gorgeous Scottish scenery, see their relationship deepen, as well as experience Viola’s growth as she comes to stand up for what she wants in life. Malcolm was a wonderful hero who truly saw Viola’s real self and fell in love for exactly who she was. It such a charming and romantic love story, told in Nichole Van’s wonderful prose. I really must read more of her work.
* A Rose by Any Other Name ~ I haven’t had a chance to read this novella yet considering I wasn’t in the mood for such a plot-focused story, but I hope to soon.
* Waiting for the Post ~ I absolutely adored this novella, and upon completing it I realized just how much I truly love Esther Hatch’s writing and storytelling. This story was no exception. I loved the premise of Harrison returning to his childhood home to try and intercept an old love letter that his housekeeper accidentally sent, only to fall back in love with the woman who stole his heart all those years ago while waiting for the post. Not only was the plot delightful, but both Christine and Harrison were fantastic characters, their romance was adorable, and I loved the growth both experienced, especially Harrison as he overcomes his feelings of not being worthy of the woman he loves. This is definitely a story I’ll reread many times in the future. In the meantime, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that one day we’ll get a story about Christine’s brother.
* A Ring of Gold ~ I knew I’d enjoy a romance featuring an author considering I’m one myself, and I’m so happy it fulfilled my expectations. This story also featured a delightful premise of two writers who finally meet after a brief correspondence, only for the heroine to fall in love not with the poet she’s always admired, but his highlander brother. I adored watching Viola and Malcolm’s romance unfold amongst the gorgeous Scottish scenery, see their relationship deepen, as well as experience Viola’s growth as she comes to stand up for what she wants in life. Malcolm was a wonderful hero who truly saw Viola’s real self and fell in love for exactly who she was. It such a charming and romantic love story, told in Nichole Van’s wonderful prose. I really must read more of her work.
* A Rose by Any Other Name ~ I haven’t had a chance to read this novella yet considering I wasn’t in the mood for such a plot-focused story, but I hope to soon.
February 20, 2020
I loved this book. I think whenever I step into the Victorian Era I think of North and South. There are still some class issues, labor issues, and that infernal beast-progress! This collection was interesting where each story had some time into letter writing. It's a lost art today!
The first story, Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch, involved Harrison Chase (Harry), the steward’s son, and his childhood friend Christine. Harry left 6 years ago to make something of himself. He originally planned to come back for Christine when he felt worthy of her. But plans have changed as his business and ambitions have developed. When his housekeeper sends an old letter that he'd written to Christine 6 years before, he finally returns home to intercept the letter before she can receive it.
I loved the glimpses into Harry and Christine's childhoods. They certainly got into a lot of mischief, and I loved the playful side they brought out in each other as adults. There was plenty of humor, misunderstandings, and growth in this story.
Second, we had A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van. This was my favorite! When authoress, Miss Viola Brodure compliments the poetry of Mr. Ethan Penn-Leith in one of her novels, she opens the door to all kinds of gossip and matchmaking in the London gossip sheets. Everyone including her father, decide that the two young authors would make a cute couple.
After the authors exchange a couple letters, Viola's father decides that they should happen to visit
Edzell, Scotland for the summer and meet the famous poet. So many interfering busybodies! While Viola loves Ethan's poetry on paper, she's more fascinated with his quiet older brother, Malcom. If only she can get everyone to stop pushing her at Ethan...
This story was absolutely adorable! I loved Malcom's quiet strength, introspection, and playfulness. He and Viola brought out the best in one another. I loved each of their interactions, and seeing how they would finally get themselves out of the tangle they were in!
Third, A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon. Rose Sayer is an orphan and an occasional kitchen maid living at the foundling home. When she and the son of a fine house, Oliver Withey, fall in love, chaos breaks loose. His parents are not pleased and are quite calculating about keeping them apart.
I could see the ending coming a mile away, but still loved the fairytale ending.
This was a fun collection with class lines blurring, characters who are involved in trade (gasp!), and sweet romances. I highly recommend it!
Content: clean (some kissing)
The first story, Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch, involved Harrison Chase (Harry), the steward’s son, and his childhood friend Christine. Harry left 6 years ago to make something of himself. He originally planned to come back for Christine when he felt worthy of her. But plans have changed as his business and ambitions have developed. When his housekeeper sends an old letter that he'd written to Christine 6 years before, he finally returns home to intercept the letter before she can receive it.
I loved the glimpses into Harry and Christine's childhoods. They certainly got into a lot of mischief, and I loved the playful side they brought out in each other as adults. There was plenty of humor, misunderstandings, and growth in this story.
Second, we had A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van. This was my favorite! When authoress, Miss Viola Brodure compliments the poetry of Mr. Ethan Penn-Leith in one of her novels, she opens the door to all kinds of gossip and matchmaking in the London gossip sheets. Everyone including her father, decide that the two young authors would make a cute couple.
After the authors exchange a couple letters, Viola's father decides that they should happen to visit
Edzell, Scotland for the summer and meet the famous poet. So many interfering busybodies! While Viola loves Ethan's poetry on paper, she's more fascinated with his quiet older brother, Malcom. If only she can get everyone to stop pushing her at Ethan...
This story was absolutely adorable! I loved Malcom's quiet strength, introspection, and playfulness. He and Viola brought out the best in one another. I loved each of their interactions, and seeing how they would finally get themselves out of the tangle they were in!
Third, A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon. Rose Sayer is an orphan and an occasional kitchen maid living at the foundling home. When she and the son of a fine house, Oliver Withey, fall in love, chaos breaks loose. His parents are not pleased and are quite calculating about keeping them apart.
I could see the ending coming a mile away, but still loved the fairytale ending.
This was a fun collection with class lines blurring, characters who are involved in trade (gasp!), and sweet romances. I highly recommend it!
Content: clean (some kissing)
February 26, 2020
Yet another great collection of Victorian Novellas! This was a great book, the stories included were great! It was fun to see each relationship ignite and grow.
Waiting for the Post - Esther Hatch. A great story of an old love letter sent and the author trying to retrieve it. Only to have an opportunity to reunite with his lost love and find feelings are still there. After some struggles and misunderstandings, they finally work things out and have their happily ever after.
A Ring of Gold - Nichole Van. This was a great story of expectations and reality. Viola had expectations of a poet she was conversing with and seemed to have high esteem for. However as she showed up in his home town, she met his brother and found that sometimes reality far surpasses our expectations.
A Rose by Any Other Name - Annette Lyon. This was a great love story. The heir and his maid simply fell in love. However because of their social differences his parents would not allow the match. With some conniving plans on their part the story was doomed to failure and sadness. However unexpected news gave the couple hope. A great story about accepting and loving others for who they are, not what they do or who they were born to.
I love these collections! Great to read several short stories with a common theme.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Waiting for the Post - Esther Hatch. A great story of an old love letter sent and the author trying to retrieve it. Only to have an opportunity to reunite with his lost love and find feelings are still there. After some struggles and misunderstandings, they finally work things out and have their happily ever after.
A Ring of Gold - Nichole Van. This was a great story of expectations and reality. Viola had expectations of a poet she was conversing with and seemed to have high esteem for. However as she showed up in his home town, she met his brother and found that sometimes reality far surpasses our expectations.
A Rose by Any Other Name - Annette Lyon. This was a great love story. The heir and his maid simply fell in love. However because of their social differences his parents would not allow the match. With some conniving plans on their part the story was doomed to failure and sadness. However unexpected news gave the couple hope. A great story about accepting and loving others for who they are, not what they do or who they were born to.
I love these collections! Great to read several short stories with a common theme.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 27, 2020
This is an excellent anthology. I loved-loved every story and author in this one. That rarely happens when I read these, so I highly recommend this for romance readers. It’s a super well done set.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch
This was a cute story about Harrison (Harry) and Christine. For six years, Harrison has tried to put Christine out of his mind. He was the poor steward’s son on her father’s manor house and took off without a goodbye, hoping to work hard to become a man worthy of her hand. But now, six years later, he wonders if he even wants anything to happen between them. He has grown up and is fighting the laws that hold Christine’s family in power. But when his house servant sends a letter he wrote years ago to Christine in Dorset, he leaves London in a hurry to try to intercept that letter before he is made to look the fool. Loved this story. It was fun, with great characters in a friends to lovers scenario. Super sweet
A Ring of Godl by Nichole Van
Oh my! Van is the master at weaving her stories and characters into my heart uber-fast. This one is about the famous woman author, Viola Brodure, who all of England and Scotland wants to get together with the famous Scottish poet, Ethan Penn-Leith…to have a romance of their own. When her father pulls strings to get them invited to Scotland to actually meet her literary hero, she is dismayed to realize her heart feels a huge disconnect from him, but not for his farmer brother. So much emotion and sweet angsty romance in this one. Probably my favorite of this whole set—although it’s a great set of stories…so I hate to pick favorites. This one didn’t disappoint me on any level though. Excellent story, characters, and romance.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon
Heart-tugging story about Rose, an orphan foundling who meets and falls in love with Oliver when she is hired occasionally to work at his parent’s fancy home for parties. Oliver wishes to marry her, but when he tells his parents, they threaten to cut him off and he would have no way to take care of Rose. Then his parents go to devious means to keep the two apart and you think it’s going to be awful…and for a while it is. A forbidden romance with class warfare that definitely will keep you turning pages until you’re done. Good thing it’s short.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch
This was a cute story about Harrison (Harry) and Christine. For six years, Harrison has tried to put Christine out of his mind. He was the poor steward’s son on her father’s manor house and took off without a goodbye, hoping to work hard to become a man worthy of her hand. But now, six years later, he wonders if he even wants anything to happen between them. He has grown up and is fighting the laws that hold Christine’s family in power. But when his house servant sends a letter he wrote years ago to Christine in Dorset, he leaves London in a hurry to try to intercept that letter before he is made to look the fool. Loved this story. It was fun, with great characters in a friends to lovers scenario. Super sweet
A Ring of Godl by Nichole Van
Oh my! Van is the master at weaving her stories and characters into my heart uber-fast. This one is about the famous woman author, Viola Brodure, who all of England and Scotland wants to get together with the famous Scottish poet, Ethan Penn-Leith…to have a romance of their own. When her father pulls strings to get them invited to Scotland to actually meet her literary hero, she is dismayed to realize her heart feels a huge disconnect from him, but not for his farmer brother. So much emotion and sweet angsty romance in this one. Probably my favorite of this whole set—although it’s a great set of stories…so I hate to pick favorites. This one didn’t disappoint me on any level though. Excellent story, characters, and romance.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon
Heart-tugging story about Rose, an orphan foundling who meets and falls in love with Oliver when she is hired occasionally to work at his parent’s fancy home for parties. Oliver wishes to marry her, but when he tells his parents, they threaten to cut him off and he would have no way to take care of Rose. Then his parents go to devious means to keep the two apart and you think it’s going to be awful…and for a while it is. A forbidden romance with class warfare that definitely will keep you turning pages until you’re done. Good thing it’s short.
February 29, 2020
This review is for Esther Hatch’s novella Waiting for the Post.
February 23, 2020
10stars!! Quick easy read where you fall in love with the plot and characters! I was busy this week and a quick read was just what I needed! I loved this! Way to go!
February 23, 2020
Great collection of short stories! If you're looking for some quick, well-written romance stories, this is the book for you.
March 22, 2023
3.5 - The first 2 stories were great but the 3rd was...umm...not!
March 28, 2022
Kindle Unlimited 8/?
2.5 stars.
I found all the so-called "notes of change" to be either not compelling plot devices, contrived, or just somewhat nonexistent so the collection theme as a whole was rather lost on me.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch - 3 stars. Our main couple was cute, but the gimmick of the letter never meant to be sent, while definitely the closest we have to matching the theme of the collection, felt it was dragged out too long, especially since we don't really know what's in it. Wouldn't go out of my way necessarily but would read again.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van - 2.5 stars. I really liked Malcolm and I enjoyed his character and how he interacted with Viola, but Viola herself and everything else was just boring to me and I can't see myself re-reading it.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon - 2 stars. Starcrossed lovers struggling against society and their status is all well and good, but things were too convenient, too easy, and too blatant wish-fulfillment for my taste.
2.5 stars.
I found all the so-called "notes of change" to be either not compelling plot devices, contrived, or just somewhat nonexistent so the collection theme as a whole was rather lost on me.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch - 3 stars. Our main couple was cute, but the gimmick of the letter never meant to be sent, while definitely the closest we have to matching the theme of the collection, felt it was dragged out too long, especially since we don't really know what's in it. Wouldn't go out of my way necessarily but would read again.
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van - 2.5 stars. I really liked Malcolm and I enjoyed his character and how he interacted with Viola, but Viola herself and everything else was just boring to me and I can't see myself re-reading it.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon - 2 stars. Starcrossed lovers struggling against society and their status is all well and good, but things were too convenient, too easy, and too blatant wish-fulfillment for my taste.
February 3, 2020
Such a great collection of Victorian romances, I enjoyed reading these three stories so much! Overall, this collection is 4.5 stars, but I thought it helpful to note what I thought of each individual story.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch: 5 stars, 10 if I could give them.
Let me start by saying if you haven't yet had the privilege to read a novel by Ester Hatch, you need to! She never ceases to amaze me with her writing talents. Waiting for the Post is everything I have come to love in her novels. The characters are well-developed and have such personality you feel like you know them. The tension between Christine and Harry was fantastic! I especially enjoyed how the two kept getting caught in the rain together and the fun scene of skipping rocks. The way Christine's eyes open to see Harry as more than just a friend was believable as well as the reactions of side characters. For being a novella, this story has a complete plot. The way backstory between the characters was presented flowed naturally and I never felt wanting for details. I laughed when Christine receives Harry's letter and confronts him in Gerald's study *swoon*. Fantastic, it was just pure fantastic!
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van: 5 stars, very sweet story
This may be the first story I have read by this author (not positive, but either way she is relatively new to me) and it left me excited to read other books she has written. Right out the door the story took a direction I did not expect and it was fun. I like that who you think the romance will be between isn't exactly what happens. I'm trying not to spoil anything so let me just say the author did a fabulous job developing the relationship between Viola and her match. The language in the book felt so authentic and the emotions just lifted off the page. I always appreciate when the romance between characters feels authentic and believable. That is how I would describe this novella. Also, the dog was a great addition to the story's cast and I enjoy how he even played into the budding romance. Definitely a great read!
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon: 4-4.5 stars, well done, but needed just a bit more
The final story in this collection fits in well with the other two, but unlike the other novellas that felt complete, this one seemed to need a little bit more. I don't know if it just felt a little rushed to me since the romance already existed, but it just didn't capture me at the start like the other two did. That being said, it was still very well-written and I enjoyed that it wasn't predictable. Rose and Oliver never faltered in their love for each other and I'm glad the evil plotting of Oliver's parents didn't pan out.
I definitely recommend A Note for Change, it's a wonderful collection of Victorian romance.
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch: 5 stars, 10 if I could give them.
Let me start by saying if you haven't yet had the privilege to read a novel by Ester Hatch, you need to! She never ceases to amaze me with her writing talents. Waiting for the Post is everything I have come to love in her novels. The characters are well-developed and have such personality you feel like you know them. The tension between Christine and Harry was fantastic! I especially enjoyed how the two kept getting caught in the rain together and the fun scene of skipping rocks. The way Christine's eyes open to see Harry as more than just a friend was believable as well as the reactions of side characters. For being a novella, this story has a complete plot. The way backstory between the characters was presented flowed naturally and I never felt wanting for details. I laughed when Christine receives Harry's letter and confronts him in Gerald's study *swoon*. Fantastic, it was just pure fantastic!
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van: 5 stars, very sweet story
This may be the first story I have read by this author (not positive, but either way she is relatively new to me) and it left me excited to read other books she has written. Right out the door the story took a direction I did not expect and it was fun. I like that who you think the romance will be between isn't exactly what happens. I'm trying not to spoil anything so let me just say the author did a fabulous job developing the relationship between Viola and her match. The language in the book felt so authentic and the emotions just lifted off the page. I always appreciate when the romance between characters feels authentic and believable. That is how I would describe this novella. Also, the dog was a great addition to the story's cast and I enjoy how he even played into the budding romance. Definitely a great read!
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon: 4-4.5 stars, well done, but needed just a bit more
The final story in this collection fits in well with the other two, but unlike the other novellas that felt complete, this one seemed to need a little bit more. I don't know if it just felt a little rushed to me since the romance already existed, but it just didn't capture me at the start like the other two did. That being said, it was still very well-written and I enjoyed that it wasn't predictable. Rose and Oliver never faltered in their love for each other and I'm glad the evil plotting of Oliver's parents didn't pan out.
I definitely recommend A Note for Change, it's a wonderful collection of Victorian romance.
February 19, 2020
I loved these stories; the first two especially! I’m a new fan of Esther Hatch (I was already a fan of the other two authors in this anthology). I’m not sure how I missed her before, but I look forward to reading the few other things she has already published.
February 16, 2020
This collection of three novellas is DELIGHTFUL! After I read the first one, I thought they should have put it last because I loved it so much. However, each of the last two novellas were just as delightful. I loved all three authors! The characters were wonderful and so entertaining! LOVED IT!
March 13, 2020
I absolutely LOVED Esther Hatch’s short story, The Note of Change! It was a perfectly crafted short story, and it had some great twists that left me wondering how the story would end.
May 10, 2020
Such a fantastic series!
I loved the first book. The witty banter and the teasing between the childhood friends was so enjoyable. To see them fall in love was so much fun! The length was just perfect and made an great early morning read.
I loved loved loved the second book, as it was written by one of my favorite authors. I loved the glimpses of Scotland through the poet’s eyes. Beautiful imagery and full of emotion! A shy author heads to Scotland to meet a poet and finds love in the simple life. She also discovers how to write about real issues. It’s like a self discovery and transformation that you get to see. Sweet book!
The last book you kind of step into a love story that is at the breaking point due to family issues. I enjoyed the story but it left me wanting to know what comes next. They make it over the first hurdle in an unexpected clever way but then there is this whole adventure ahead of them that I want to read!
Great collection of books!!!
Rating: G
I loved the first book. The witty banter and the teasing between the childhood friends was so enjoyable. To see them fall in love was so much fun! The length was just perfect and made an great early morning read.
I loved loved loved the second book, as it was written by one of my favorite authors. I loved the glimpses of Scotland through the poet’s eyes. Beautiful imagery and full of emotion! A shy author heads to Scotland to meet a poet and finds love in the simple life. She also discovers how to write about real issues. It’s like a self discovery and transformation that you get to see. Sweet book!
The last book you kind of step into a love story that is at the breaking point due to family issues. I enjoyed the story but it left me wanting to know what comes next. They make it over the first hurdle in an unexpected clever way but then there is this whole adventure ahead of them that I want to read!
Great collection of books!!!
Rating: G
February 3, 2020
I really enjoyed these novellas! One of the things I really liked is the stories felt complete. I didn’t feel like I was lacking part of the story which sometimes happens in novellas because they are shorter. The first story Waiting for The Post was a sweet story about childhood friendships and how sometimes we don’t see ourselves as others see us. The next novella A Ring Of Gold was my favorite. I loved Malcolm. He was all male and still he saw Viola and her needs and he was her fierce defender. The last one A Rose By Any Other Name was good too. This story has some characters you love and some you really hate. My only complaint was I wish it had an epilogue. I highly recommend this collection of novellas.
February 4, 2020
Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch
Harrison Chase was the steward’s son who left to try to make something of himself. Christine Stone was the daughter of a wealthy landowner who lived a life of luxury. Six years later a stray letter brings them back together.
“Three days—that should be enough.”
He took three steps before asking. “Enough for what?”
“To make you smile at me again, before you have to go back to living your life for nails.”
Esther Hatch is a master at writing moments between characters. I always enjoy the funny moments but it is the sweet and tender moments that stand out even more. I feel like I hold my breath when I read through some of these beautifully written scenes.
“Behind his eyes was a dark storm of emotions that belied the carefree young man she had once known.”
A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van
I like that the hero is not the one you would expect from the beginning of the story, and I liked that the main characters were in their 30s.
I was afraid that Viola and Malcolm’s relationship would be superficial because of their intense first attraction to each other, but it was nice to see them really get to know each other and have a deeper connection.
Naming the dog Beowoof is hilarious! The scenes with Viola, Malcolm, and Beowoof were my favorites, and someone not liking dogs should be a huge red flag.
When I was reading the scene where Viola talks baby talk to Beowoof I wondered what person in their 30s actually did this. Later that day I noticed I was talking the same way to my poodle-mix. I’m in my 30s. Point taken.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon
I liked hearing about the foundling’s home and the contrast with Oliver’s “new money” family, but I wish I had felt more connection with the characters. Maybe if there had been some more scenes when Oliver and Rose were falling in love?
There were also parts of this story that seemed a little far fetched which made it hard to relate to.
Waiting for the Post was my favorite story in the book, and I also really enjoyed A Ring of Gold.
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