What do you think?
Rate this book
Sisters of Woodside Mysteries #1-3
The Sisters of Woodside Mysteries Collection: The Governess / The Chaperone / The Companion
Books 1-3 of the Sisters of Woodside Mysteries, a series of traditional Regency romances, drawing room rather than bedroom.
When Mr Edmund Winterton of Woodside dies, his daughters find themselves penniless and homeless. What can they do? Unless they wish to live on charity, they will have to find genteel employment for themselves.
The Governess — Book 1
Annabelle becomes governess to the daughters of the recently bereaved Earl of Brackenwood. She has no idea how to teach, but her pupils can learn all they need from books, so how difficult can it be? She’ll need all her ingenuity to cope with the rebelliousness of her charges, and the unwanted attentions of their father. But when her past returns to haunt her, she has to make a difficult decision.
The Chaperone — Book 2
Widowed Lucy finds a post as chaperon to two young ladies while their mother is awaiting the birth of her child. It sounds like easy work, well suited to her sociable nature, but the sisters squabble over their suitors, and there are tensions below the surface of the seemingly happy family. Then there is the charming Mr Audley, who is more interested in flirting with Lucy than in discovering where his sisters have disappeared to. And as for Lucy’s uncle, who lives nearby, she’s quite convinced he is hiding something. Curiosity is Lucy’s abiding sin, and one day it will get her into trouble.
The Companion — Book 3
Margaret is the quiet one of the Winterton family, happy only in her own home with her sisters protectively gathered around her. As a poor relation, Margaret must become a lowly paid companion to two elderly aunts she has never met. There is no welcome for Margaret at their gloomy house, Pendarreth, but the surrounding woods bring her solace - and unexpected danger.
Books 1-3 of the 5 book series Sisters of Woodside Mysteries. Each book is a complete story with a happy ever after ending, but read them all to find out all the secrets of Winterton family!
When Mr Edmund Winterton of Woodside dies, his daughters find themselves penniless and homeless. What can they do? Unless they wish to live on charity, they will have to find genteel employment for themselves.
The Governess — Book 1
Annabelle becomes governess to the daughters of the recently bereaved Earl of Brackenwood. She has no idea how to teach, but her pupils can learn all they need from books, so how difficult can it be? She’ll need all her ingenuity to cope with the rebelliousness of her charges, and the unwanted attentions of their father. But when her past returns to haunt her, she has to make a difficult decision.
The Chaperone — Book 2
Widowed Lucy finds a post as chaperon to two young ladies while their mother is awaiting the birth of her child. It sounds like easy work, well suited to her sociable nature, but the sisters squabble over their suitors, and there are tensions below the surface of the seemingly happy family. Then there is the charming Mr Audley, who is more interested in flirting with Lucy than in discovering where his sisters have disappeared to. And as for Lucy’s uncle, who lives nearby, she’s quite convinced he is hiding something. Curiosity is Lucy’s abiding sin, and one day it will get her into trouble.
The Companion — Book 3
Margaret is the quiet one of the Winterton family, happy only in her own home with her sisters protectively gathered around her. As a poor relation, Margaret must become a lowly paid companion to two elderly aunts she has never met. There is no welcome for Margaret at their gloomy house, Pendarreth, but the surrounding woods bring her solace - and unexpected danger.
Books 1-3 of the 5 book series Sisters of Woodside Mysteries. Each book is a complete story with a happy ever after ending, but read them all to find out all the secrets of Winterton family!
768 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2020
500 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
62 books480 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 18, 2020
Had some slow part and was tiring that every sister thought she wasn’t good enough so refused to married the “hero” repeatedly throughout the story but not bad all in all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
Enthralling, entertaining tales of good women
Mary Kingswood weaves three beautiful stories of sisters torn apart by poverty upon the death of their father. With no option but to go on, each sister makes her way, as governess, chaperone, companion. With correspondence to fill in their stories, the letter styles are in keeping with what we know of their characters. I was so moved by the third in this trilogy:
'Dear Rosamund,’ her pen wrote. That part was easy. She had to start with Rosamund, as the eldest, and she knew how to begin a letter, so she could manage the first two words. Sometimes she could even write a little more. ‘I am well.’ But then she became stuck. The words danced in her head — ‘I am so lonely… I miss you very much… no one cares about me here… I wish we had never had to split apart… if only we were living in a little cottage with chickens, all together… I am so miserable…’ — but somehow the words stayed in her head, and could not make their way to the paper. Besides, her sisters did not want to hear such misery. So she cried a little and at the end of the hour she crumpled the paper, threw it on the fire and put away her pen for another week.
Each sister has a strength, a mystery to unravel, love freely given, and love returned magnificently in the end. There are descriptions of grief too deep for tears; grief beyond the reach of religion. There are clever plot twists. Best of all there is a likable H/h in each tale; you rejoice in their triumphs.
Mary Kingswood weaves three beautiful stories of sisters torn apart by poverty upon the death of their father. With no option but to go on, each sister makes her way, as governess, chaperone, companion. With correspondence to fill in their stories, the letter styles are in keeping with what we know of their characters. I was so moved by the third in this trilogy:
'Dear Rosamund,’ her pen wrote. That part was easy. She had to start with Rosamund, as the eldest, and she knew how to begin a letter, so she could manage the first two words. Sometimes she could even write a little more. ‘I am well.’ But then she became stuck. The words danced in her head — ‘I am so lonely… I miss you very much… no one cares about me here… I wish we had never had to split apart… if only we were living in a little cottage with chickens, all together… I am so miserable…’ — but somehow the words stayed in her head, and could not make their way to the paper. Besides, her sisters did not want to hear such misery. So she cried a little and at the end of the hour she crumpled the paper, threw it on the fire and put away her pen for another week.
Each sister has a strength, a mystery to unravel, love freely given, and love returned magnificently in the end. There are descriptions of grief too deep for tears; grief beyond the reach of religion. There are clever plot twists. Best of all there is a likable H/h in each tale; you rejoice in their triumphs.
March 19, 2024
Excellent historical novels of English landed gentry in 19th century
These delightful novels are charming and realistic pictures of the lives of ladies and gentlemen of the 1800s in England. Think Jane Austen without the witty, tongue-in-cheek social observations, though with the full complement of characters needed to depict the times.
Each novel is a leisurely but detailed tapestry of the lives of its main characters, catching us up in their challenges, relationships, and romances. Each novel also includes a mystery that is part of the plot.
These novels are especially full of varied characters of the gentry, each of them brought up in the mindset of their times but adopting, distorting, or amending that mindset through the filters of their temperaments, genders, and personal histories.
We see the characters deal with the values of money, social standing, class, religious beliefs, and morals in their own ways, reflecting the full spectrum of human characteristics.
I found these novels to be satisfying reading.
These delightful novels are charming and realistic pictures of the lives of ladies and gentlemen of the 1800s in England. Think Jane Austen without the witty, tongue-in-cheek social observations, though with the full complement of characters needed to depict the times.
Each novel is a leisurely but detailed tapestry of the lives of its main characters, catching us up in their challenges, relationships, and romances. Each novel also includes a mystery that is part of the plot.
These novels are especially full of varied characters of the gentry, each of them brought up in the mindset of their times but adopting, distorting, or amending that mindset through the filters of their temperaments, genders, and personal histories.
We see the characters deal with the values of money, social standing, class, religious beliefs, and morals in their own ways, reflecting the full spectrum of human characteristics.
I found these novels to be satisfying reading.
October 1, 2022
In the beginning, I didn't think I'd like this book as much as the two previous ones but I was wrong! Margaret at first seems too shy to be much of an interesting character but I should have known that Mary Kingswood would fill her in and draw her out to such a degree that she quite became my favourite of the Woodside sisters - of course EACH one is my favourite when I am reading their particular story. Even though I knew who was behind most of the intrigue, I didn't know exactly how it would all work out and who the mother of the viscount would turn out to be. The relationship between Delacrost and his "first born" was so fraught with drama that I just knew the final resolution would be worth the wait. Very enjoyable book.
February 10, 2022
Detailed, realistic stories of life in Regency England
Ms Kingswood has, like all good authors in the Regency romance genre, the ability to make her plots and settings so realistic you could almost believe she was alive at that time. All the complexities of both aristotic and humble Village life are lovingly detailed.
Her characters are consistently original and their struggles define love and happiness in a society that was extraordinarily rigid about issues like class and a woman's virtue, are both endearing and sometimes painful to read.
Ms Kingswood has, like all good authors in the Regency romance genre, the ability to make her plots and settings so realistic you could almost believe she was alive at that time. All the complexities of both aristotic and humble Village life are lovingly detailed.
Her characters are consistently original and their struggles define love and happiness in a society that was extraordinarily rigid about issues like class and a woman's virtue, are both endearing and sometimes painful to read.
July 14, 2024
An Enjoyable Collection
These three stories are sure to transport the reader to a different time and place in the most pleasant way. I love Mary Kingswood romances for that reason. These three books didn’t fail to meet my expectations. Adventure? Check.
Sweet but not overpowering romance? Check.
Clean? Check.
Period accurate? Check.
If you love stories which feature strong female main characters who haven’t lost their femininity, truly heroic male main characters, and mysteries which are likely to keep you guessing, then this collection should be a good fit for you.
These three stories are sure to transport the reader to a different time and place in the most pleasant way. I love Mary Kingswood romances for that reason. These three books didn’t fail to meet my expectations. Adventure? Check.
Sweet but not overpowering romance? Check.
Clean? Check.
Period accurate? Check.
If you love stories which feature strong female main characters who haven’t lost their femininity, truly heroic male main characters, and mysteries which are likely to keep you guessing, then this collection should be a good fit for you.
October 29, 2020
I truly enjoyed reading these stories. Ms. Kingswood's writing style is soothing and descriptive so that I can easily create the scenes in my mind's eye. There are about a dozen typos of grammar, odd sentence structure and over the top words out of context with the rest of the story that did interrupt the good read. I would love to read more by this author.
October 30, 2020
I’m running out of superlatives
Honestly Mary Kingswood seems unable to write a substandard story - does she never run out of good ideas?!!!! All of these stories are riveting- excellent writing with interesting characters and an engrossing mystery to boot. Just off to buy the next in the series.
Honestly Mary Kingswood seems unable to write a substandard story - does she never run out of good ideas?!!!! All of these stories are riveting- excellent writing with interesting characters and an engrossing mystery to boot. Just off to buy the next in the series.
March 3, 2021
Historical fiction is my genre and I found these stories whimsical and challenging at times. I particularly enjoyed the chaperon, the way Margaret gradually stepped into her self awareness and reliance without oral communication until circumstances forced her to speak. Mary Kingswood has become my new binge authorl. I finished her silver linings series and now I'm sailing through Sisters of Woodside.
January 4, 2022
Very interesting with unexpected situations
The book was very exciting with many unexpected situations happening. I really enjoyed the book. It was a clean book in which I didn't have to filter through sex scenes . But instead there was excitement all the way through. As are the kingswood's books that I've read. She is a great author.
The book was very exciting with many unexpected situations happening. I really enjoyed the book. It was a clean book in which I didn't have to filter through sex scenes . But instead there was excitement all the way through. As are the kingswood's books that I've read. She is a great author.
February 10, 2022
Quite odd stories
And even stranger characters. There were stories with romance and drama. But these are the most prudish people, especially for country people. A widow is found kissing and released of her chaperone dutie s and told to pack. A girl steals, another kills infants and is not prosecuted. writing is a 3 too.
And even stranger characters. There were stories with romance and drama. But these are the most prudish people, especially for country people. A widow is found kissing and released of her chaperone dutie s and told to pack. A girl steals, another kills infants and is not prosecuted. writing is a 3 too.
February 23, 2022
Delightful Regency romances with a touch ofmystery
Mary Kingswood writes with just enough historical color, mystery and intrigue to make you want to read in one sitting. She doesn’t bog down in lengthy descriptions, but instead develops her characters with depth and interest. I love her writing.
Mary Kingswood writes with just enough historical color, mystery and intrigue to make you want to read in one sitting. She doesn’t bog down in lengthy descriptions, but instead develops her characters with depth and interest. I love her writing.
January 6, 2022
third book in the series
I have enjoyed all the good so far but I feel this one is the best. The twists and turns are wonderful. Margaret, the lead charter, is wonderfully flawed, but strong.
I have enjoyed all the good so far but I feel this one is the best. The twists and turns are wonderful. Margaret, the lead charter, is wonderfully flawed, but strong.
February 5, 2022
Must read
I have enjoyed this book very much the characters come to live right before my eyes the stories interesting and page turning I and looking forward to reading Fannys story and finding out about Woodsides secrets Toni
I have enjoyed this book very much the characters come to live right before my eyes the stories interesting and page turning I and looking forward to reading Fannys story and finding out about Woodsides secrets Toni
February 13, 2022
Such a great read. I enjoyed all of the stories and the different characters. I
Excellent collection of stories each having differing characters but all of the books connected . I was kept interested by each sister a great bit of intrigue in each book.
Excellent collection of stories each having differing characters but all of the books connected . I was kept interested by each sister a great bit of intrigue in each book.
February 22, 2022
Very enjoyable romance\mysteries.
Mary Kingswood stories are always interesting and readable. The romance part always covers the problems the couple face and resolved the without entering the bedroom and the mysteries are true mysteries intriguing ti! Please the end.
Mary Kingswood stories are always interesting and readable. The romance part always covers the problems the couple face and resolved the without entering the bedroom and the mysteries are true mysteries intriguing ti! Please the end.
February 28, 2022
An engaging series
I really enjoyed reading this series and look forward to reading the rest of the series books. It had a little of everything that I enjoy in a novel. Definitely worth the read!
I really enjoyed reading this series and look forward to reading the rest of the series books. It had a little of everything that I enjoy in a novel. Definitely worth the read!
April 7, 2022
These were spectacular stories.
I loved the characters and how different the sisters are from each other. Each story is entirely different and well crafted to fit together. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I loved the characters and how different the sisters are from each other. Each story is entirely different and well crafted to fit together. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 7, 2022
Mystery and Love
I loved these books!!! All the twist, turns and mystery. You just can’t put them down until the end and when you think you have figured it out you are in for another surprise.
I loved these books!!! All the twist, turns and mystery. You just can’t put them down until the end and when you think you have figured it out you are in for another surprise.
December 11, 2022
All for o e, and one for all
I enjoyed this collection very much! Mysteries, love, balls, all folded into three books. Each sister has her own personality, and now I need to read the two remaining books so I can find out how it all ends! Very engaging.
I enjoyed this collection very much! Mysteries, love, balls, all folded into three books. Each sister has her own personality, and now I need to read the two remaining books so I can find out how it all ends! Very engaging.
Read
April 2, 2024Excellent stories
The sisters are very different, but each book follows one of them to happily-ever-after. I especially liked book 3 , which has a long convoluted story, with more twists and mystery than possible. Each book has mysteries. Each hero is admirable.
The sisters are very different, but each book follows one of them to happily-ever-after. I especially liked book 3 , which has a long convoluted story, with more twists and mystery than possible. Each book has mysteries. Each hero is admirable.
August 20, 2025
I can't put the book down
Great reads! Ms Kingswood lures you in and has a talent of tying her many stories together. I get very little work done since I picked up the first book. I will not share anything of the stories so just pick one and start reading.
Great reads! Ms Kingswood lures you in and has a talent of tying her many stories together. I get very little work done since I picked up the first book. I will not share anything of the stories so just pick one and start reading.
January 31, 2022
Please see individual stories for review.
February 13, 2022
Great Read
Loved all the stories. Good characters and held my interest throughout. Descriptions were good also. The mystery in the last one held my interest right until the end!
Loved all the stories. Good characters and held my interest throughout. Descriptions were good also. The mystery in the last one held my interest right until the end!
February 20, 2022
Sisters of Woodside
Wow! Now these stories were what I would call gothic. Convoluted and somewhat eerie. Well written. I could say more but, that would mean spoilers...
Wow! Now these stories were what I would call gothic. Convoluted and somewhat eerie. Well written. I could say more but, that would mean spoilers...
March 6, 2022
Audiobook: 3.5*
May 10, 2022
Sweet romances
I enjoyed all three of the books in this collection. I liked all of the characters and felt like the romances were well developed and believable.
I enjoyed all three of the books in this collection. I liked all of the characters and felt like the romances were well developed and believable.
June 14, 2022
How can it get any better
I loved the sisters. Each of them were so individual, smart, and courageous. I think I liked Lucy and Mr. Atley best.
I loved the sisters. Each of them were so individual, smart, and courageous. I think I liked Lucy and Mr. Atley best.
March 20, 2024
wonderful stories
A few spelling errors, but overall, a wonderful, engaging set of stories for 3 of the sisters. I very much enjoyed everything.
A few spelling errors, but overall, a wonderful, engaging set of stories for 3 of the sisters. I very much enjoyed everything.
April 6, 2024
Good Read
Very good read different but interesting,can not wait to read the rest. Very hard to figure out some of the mystery
Very good read different but interesting,can not wait to read the rest. Very hard to figure out some of the mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews