The Promise of Miss Spencer

by Sarah L. McConkie

MISS SUZANNA SPENCER has successfully avoided marriage, waiting for love and equality in a husband of her choice.

Yet when her father suddenly becomes ill, she agrees to his dying wish—to marry Mr. Lacy and secure her future. Cast suddenly into a mourning period, Suzanna and Mr. Lacy agree to keep their engagement a secret until the proper six months have passed. But when Suzanna and Mr. Lacy find themselves thrown together with Miss Grysham and her handsome uncle Lord Haversley, everything becomes complicated. If only Lord Haversley didn’t expose his true bravery.

If only there wasn’t so much more to him than a gaudy Lord in Parliament. If only he would leave Suzanna alone. As the threat of smallpox looms close, all four friends must work together—and apart—to save the lives of those they love. Forced into keeping a promise, or securing the promise of her future, Suzanna must reconcile her obligations with her heart as she searches for a love she never had.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Fiction, Victorian

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2020

About the author

Sarah L. McConkie started her writing career in the second grade witha thirteen-page magnum opus about dinosaurs. Although the plotline and
penmanship lacked polish, Sarah learned she loved retiring to bed thinking of stories. On a good night, she still does the same thing. She took up the pen several years later after tucking her own little dreamer into bed and now combines modern-life experiences, a robust knowledge of historical hallmarks, and a passion for all things old-fashioned and proper to craft
her historical romances. She co-stars with her own Mr. Right in the real-life romantic comedy she calls life as they raise their five darling children. Sarah believes creating thought-provoking and moral stories promotes literacy in a world that needs more readers. Sarah is a best-selling author and her work has earned both the Swoony Award and the LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award.

Learn more about Sarah at sarahlmcconkie.com, and follow her on social
media.

Facebook: Sarah L McConkie
Instagram: @sarahlmcconkie

Reviews

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this unique regency romance! It was different than most others I have read because it was told from three viewpoints and included a storyline about the smallpox vaccine. The storyline was a little slow to begin but I was still pulled into the story. I liked the main characters and only wished they could have had more interactions with each other and perhaps a little more character development. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, however, and will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Marlene]

*****Currently free!*****

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the feeling of being surprised by a book because when I go in expecting one thing and get something even better...that feeling can't be beat.

The Promise of Miss Spencer is a clean historical fiction romance set around the time of the Small Pox epidemic. We get to hear the story through THREE different perspectives which might have been my favorite part of this book.

At Suzanna's father's death bed, he makes her promise to marry a certain gentleman to assure her safety and well being. A man she may or may not have feelings for but Susanna knows so little of love, she is not quire sure what to think.

The best way to go into the book is BLIND. I do this all the time and it never ceases to increase my enjoyment of a book. Not knowing the synopsis made me enjoy the book even better. The characters are a fun and the banter was funny and charming. There were several places I smiled and I really was kept wanting to read more! Susanna, Mr. Lacey and Lord Haversley are all wonderful characters in their own right and have an equal presence within the story which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Small Pox story line adds only depth to the story but never overshadows the romance which romance lovers will rejoice in! I'm so glad Sarah let me read a copy to review because I would have missed out on a really great story!

I only do honest reviews, regardless of how I am given the book... and I can honestly say that if this is your type of genre, then add this one to your list!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Promise of Miss Spencer is a unique Regency Romance. It has the typical romance story, but also talks about the history of smallpox immunizations. The book showcases several different reactions from the smallpox immunizations. Reactions ranged from fear of the immunizations, skepticism, support, law changers. It's interesting to see that people's reactions to immunizations haven't changed much over the years. The romance was interesting in a couple ways as well. The characters at first were determined to marry out of obligation instead of love. The book lightly discusses how to find a person to marry that's right for you that has similar interests and beliefs. There were many viewpoints presented in this book and it would make for an interesting book to discuss in a book club or with friends. To learn more about The Promise of Miss Spencer, click here.

Please note that I received a free copy of the book, however this is my honest opinion.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You know how they can be- times of service often turn into a bona fide gossip hour." pg 15

McConkie is a new author, but I found her latest book to be fantastic. It's a good clean romance, with a fascinating historical aspect, and an all around fun storyline. Definitely a book to checkout when you are wanting something light but not fake.

Rating: 3/5 stars
Best For: 14 and up, fans of regency romances and other clean romances.
# of Pages: 196
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Buy

Some other fav quotes:
"Oh I care nothing of the men. But I would hate to appear underdressed with Lady Florence and her mother watching like vultures. I must go." pg17

"As they danced she could not help but think that the people who come into one's life come for a reason." pg 190

[Kitcatscratch · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a DNF for me. They're rare but it happens.. It was just too boring. Sometimes I purposely seek out somewhat slow and inoffensive books by authors whose specialty they seem to be. This however was too much. If another character was described as kind and worthy I was going to scream. When the H is somewhat embarrassed by the fact that he was remembered by another character for his overly extravagant sleeve cuffs...well that pretty much summed up the story.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal Preference

Good plot, interesting. I take issue with "heroes" who use their superior strength to overcome women. It's not romantic.The author states that the first kiss was an assault. I tried to find some redeeming quality in the hero but struggled.

[Jordyn Gines · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cute, easy regency read with some interesting information about smallpox. I really liked Susanna and the storyline however I felt like it needed a little more. A little more character development, a little more plot, a little more romance.

I felt like Susanna really didn’t even know if she was in love and I would have enjoyed more witty banter between her and Lord Haversley.

Overall a cute read.

[Grace Tolman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author so I didn't know what to expect.
First off, I really liked the front cover. I thought that the subdued snow background with the lady with the black dress was so intriguing. I also liked the font that they used for the title.
But then the plot just didn't do it for me. I tried really hard to get invested in our characters, but the way their stories were weaved into one another was a bit confusing. In the beginning, we were introduced to Ms. Spencer and then a clergyman that would replace her dying father. This younger pastor and Ms. Spencer were bound by their promise to the dying Mr. Spencer to get married. Then we also meet a lord/member of Parliament that is trying so hard to be a dandy but actually has a serious side.
I think that the paragraphs with inner dialogues were too long and the conversations/interactions between the characters were too short. I was needing a good balance between the two.
However, I did appreciate the look inside the battle for smallpox vaccine in England during the 1800s. I am grateful that I live in a time where I don't have to fear that illness. Although we do have Covid-19 this year and so I can kind of relate how a virus can kill so many people at once.
Overall, I think the book has some good historical points but the fictional part was a little lackluster for me. I was hoping for more deep emotions and real connections with the characters. This just felt like it was missing a few pieces for it to be remarkable.

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

Love the history in historical romance? Just finished the audiobook version of this book. As someone who equally enjoys the history part of historical romance, I love it when an author can balance fascinating history with a good love story. In this case, it’s the history of the small pox vaccine. I had heard of the milkmaid who had cowpox that lead to the discovery of a small pox vaccine. I never gave a thought to who would prove the validity of the vaccine and how scary it would be to be the first one to try it and then be exposed to the disease multiple times to see if it works.

Some books I believe are better listened to because if the narrators are good, they can really bring out the emotion of the characters. That’s what I enjoyed about this book. I kept thinking “just 10 minutes more.”

The story is told from three different perspectives (Miss Suzanna Spencer, Mr. Lacy, and Lord Haversley). I loved both the male and female narrators.

I only wish that the main characters had more interactions with each other. There is a reason why Suzanna holds back, but I wish there could have been more moments like when she is secretly baking bread and Lord Haversley catches her in the kitchen. There are enough twists and turns to really keep you wondering who Suzanna will end up with, if anyone at all...

If you’re looking for a historical romance audiobook to listen to, this is a good one to pick up.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Cedar Fort for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

Audiobook version: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Content: Clean historical romance

[Happy Reading Watching · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one back in March and forgot to upload my review here.🤔


"As they danced she could not help but think that the people who come into one’s life come for a reason." - The Promise of Miss Spencer: A Regency Romance by @sarahlmcconkie
❄
Really enjoyed the charcters, story & history. You can also see the work & research that was put into this one. If you are looking for a sweet, short Regency Romance with some history look no further!
You can get your copy tomorrow & today you can also get @sarahlmcconkie First book is also available for free until tomorrow "Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor"
❄
Book Synopsis:
"MISS SUZANNA SPENCER has successfully avoided marriage, waiting for love and equality in a husband of her choice.
Yet when her father suddenly becomes ill, she agrees to his dying wish—to marry Mr. Lacy and secure her future. Cast suddenly into a mourning period, Suzanna and Mr. Lacy agree to keep their engagement a secret until the proper six months have passed. But when Suzanna and Mr. Lacy find themselves thrown together with Miss Grysham and her handsome uncle Lord Haversley, everything becomes complicated. If only Lord Haversley didn’t expose his true bravery."
Received an ARC & all my thoughts are my own.

[Sara Ormsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet Regency era romance. On his deathbed, Mr. Spencer entreats his daughter, Suzanna, to find a good match and settle down so he knows she will be cared for. She promises to marry Mr. Lacy- the man who will take her father's place. After she makes her promise, she comes to know Lord Haversley. As their relationship grows, Suzanna wonders how she can be true to her father and follow her heart.

I enjoyed this novel and the historical aspect of it- the main characters are on a crusade to help make people aware of the small pox vaccine. It featured a few people who were actually involved in the beginning of the small pox vaccinations. I learned quite a few new things!

I felt the story was interesting, but I wish there would have been more development in the characters. It didn't feel like any of them grew much over the course of the story. I enjoyed the sweet conversations between characters, and it is a perfect read if you are looking for something nice and light. I rounded up to 4 stars.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story with an interesting premises, author Sarah L. McConkie brings to light intriguing information about the small pox epidemic and the small pox vaccine. The story was a little hard to get into as readers will feel like they are an outsider viewing into the story, rather than being pulled in as if a character in the story. But if readers stick with the story, it is a short, sweet, easy and intriguing read.

Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: March 10, 2020
Number of pages: 210

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read that included three different points of view so there is plenty of insight of how the main characters think and feel about certain events. The smallpox vaccine, smallpox itself, and the general thoughts on its treatment in the 1820's-30's is the historical element of this story that is most interesting. The friendships established were endearing, the romance was a bit lacking considering avoidance seemed to be the main solution to all of the possible attachments in that respect, until the end of course. There were other parts of the story that felt a bit off to me, but overall I was invested in the lives of the characters and wanted them to reach their happily-ever-after and enjoyed how it all wrapped up in the end.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute romance with a plot focus on the smallpox vaccine which was really interesting. I enjoyed this quick read and thought the characters were really sweet and likable. I learned a lot about smallpox which as a fan of history that was neat for me. The sort of love triangle was fun between the characters and I would say the romance picked up more around the halfway point. The ending was my favorite part as Jacob and Suzanna were able to actually connect more. I think if the ending had been a little bit longer to draw out more of that bond I would have given it it another star. Overall, the writing was well done and I enjoyed the multiple perspectives in the narration. I would recommend this book and read more by the author.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely historical

It’s 2 am and i should be sleeping, but I couldn’t stop reading this book. I have never before read a historical that included small pox and i found it so fascinating.
This included a unique hero and heroine. I loved how the heroine thought poorly of the hero. There were many unique qualities about this book that I really liked.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I read over 300 books a year, it is sometimes difficult to find an interesting read; so many of the plotlines are worn out.  But here comes an author with a twist; how the vaccine for smallpox came to civilization (England).  Suddenly, the characters had something tangible to care about and they offer an interesting history lesson about vaccines to the reader.

Suzanna loses her vicar/father.  But before he dies, he has a chat with his vicar-in-training.  They come to an understanding that Suzanna will marry Matt after she emerges from mourning (for her father).  Matt is in love with Suzanna but over the 6-month-waiting-period, he comes to believe that she does not love him.  During this time, Lord Haversley is looking for someone to share his life with -- he's even promised his mother that he will make an offer to a woman within 6 months.

I thought this book moved at a great pace until near the end.  Then, the book careened to a quick close.  I thought the agreement to marriage was a bit abrupt.  Otherwise, the characters were interesting and likable. The pacing was wonderful and the history lesson kept my attention throughout.  Overall score: 4.5 stars

[Carlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. The story was well done, and I didn't like either Jacob or Mr. Lacy at first but the both grew on me. I was impressed at how the romances grow and very satisfied with the way the story ended.

My problem with the book was that it wasn't just a romance story, it was a sermon on the importance of vaccination. The story is told against the backdrop of smallpox and the main characters are both very passionate about vaccination. This is all fine, but the way it was written felt like I was getting preached at every other chapter. Vaccination was more than something the characters were passionate about, so much so that it seemed the author's secondary purpose in writing the book was to convince all the readers to get vaccinated. Again, not a bad thing, just not what I was looking for when I picked up what seemed like a fun romance. I read romances to escape the horror of the world, not be reminded of them. If that's not something that would bother you personally you'll probably like this book, it was just too preachy for my taste.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet clean romance with a large slice of the history of the smallpox vaccine. The vaccine history was interesting to me especially as I read this while anxiously waiting for the Covid-19 vaccine. We can be so grateful to the forefathers who developed vaccinations. Kind of interesting that some of the reactions about vaccines in the 1820s are still around in 2020. Even with the knowledge that it is only with vaccines that some of our most horrible diseases have been eliminated.

The romance is kind of a double love triangle with 4 people entwining the two triangles. I liked all four of these characters. I guess you could possibly add in a 5th character but we don't really get to know her well and therefore don't care much about her.

This is a slower paced but enjoyable romance. No sex, language or violence. And no real villain. The conflict is simply in their circumstances.

[ChamberBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story! At first I thought this was going to be a love triangle type of story, and if you know me then you know I really don’t like reading those. But this was nice and wasn’t annoying like a lot of other stories. I enjoyed the protagonists and the male lead, their romance was cute and it was nice to see their development. I do wish there was more of it though towards the end but that’s just me.

Overall this was a cute historical romance story so if you want something short and light then I recommend this one!

*This book was given to me by the publisher but all thoughts are my own!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Regency romance with a little bit of historical fiction with dr Jenner and his use of a vaccine using puss froM sores from a milkmaid with cowpox to infect James Phipps in 1796 to stop the spread of the deadly “ speckled monster” small pox.

Suzanna, a rectors daughter and lord haverly are on a mission to stop the spread and death. Haverley had lost his sister of age 9 to it fictionally and he felt guilty not demanding her getting the vaccination because of fear.

A secret engagement prevents the two from enjoying getting to know each other, but as circumstances change, opportunities come about

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can love conquer a promise to a dying father?

I thoroughly enjoyed multiple facets of the book.

The first being the historical fact suffused into it regarding Smallpox and Edward Jenner's work in trying to vaccinate all against it.

I enjoyed that it brought our heroine and hero together despite their first meeting not showing any promise for anything more.

I also enjoyed the way she was able to have both parties who had agreed to the engagement realize they deserved more.....

I sweet clean romance anyone might enjoy.

[Emily Guenther · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the romantic build-up in this one, probably because I saw a lot of similarities between my own love story and this one. Or at least one similarity.

My one complaint is that the story ended too soon. I wanted to know what happened with Mr. Lacy and Jacob's niece, too. However, I really wanted to see what happened after the ML and FL got together. How would they interact now that they are engaged and what would his mom think of it, how would they work together as equal partners, etc?

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!!
Sarah McConkie has created a beautiful story. The plot and characters were engaging. The setting of a smallpox epidemic is timely for current events, and provided a unique background to this Victorian era novel. By the end of the book, I was struggling with wanting to savor every last word and simultaneously speed read the remaining pages to find out what happens and how everything would come together.

[Katy Jo Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah McConkie brought the Importance of vaccination with a wonderful love story.

A love story wrapped up in the history of Victorian times
People were scared of small pox but they filled with fear we feel today.
Vaccinations only contain the disease nothing else.

Today's vaccines (not vaccinations) contain dangerous chemicals and technology do NOT confuse one with the other.
Thanks to Sarah McConkie for providing a clear distinction.

[Abbie Butcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed like a strange tie, almost a nod, to COVID-19. This story came out March 2020, so I couldn't be sure, but is centered around small-pox and how deadly it is, and the origins of that particular vaccine. Most of the plot was trying to convince the reader how useful vaccines are, which I'd rather spend that reading more about the characters detailed personalities or histories. Would not read again.

[Atley Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I read the entire book in a day! I just had to know how it all worked out! Beautifully written. I even cried a few times because I could relate with the emotions of these characters. Yet, the romance pulled so evenly & seamlessly throughout the story.I can't wait to read another one of her books! Way to go Sarah! 😘

[Julia T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

A delightfully wonderful clean romance novel. I loved the way the history and background of the smallpox vaccine was woven in. The characters were well developed, and I enjoyed watching Ms Spencer come into her own. A perfect amount of tension right up to the end. A fun, quick read!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out kind of slow for me. I had a hard time reading more than a chapter at a time. However once I got past 50% the pace increased, and I was anxious to see it through the end. The story is clean and wholesome, and it addresses small pox and the efforts to pass a law in parliament to make vaccines available to all classes.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually much of a reader, but I couldn't put this book down! The storyline was constantly flowing and the characters were unique and charming. I finished in a day as it was a quick and exciting read. I would highly recommend this regency romance!