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The Hapgoods of Bramleigh #4
Matchless Margaret
With her two older sisters married, managing family affairs has fallen to capable Miss Margaret Hapgood, leaving little time for thoughts of marriage. But a trip to Bath to find her uncle a wealthy bride throws her in the path of a handsome recuperating soldier, who is equally determined to keep his mother’s fortune out of grasping hands.
475 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2021
337 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dudley
28 books267 followersChristina Hwang Dudley is the author of clean historical and contemporary romance.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
Her historical romances include the Hapgoods of Bramleigh and Ellsworth Assortment series of Regency romances, including THE NATURALIST and TEMPTED BY FOLLY.
In contemporary romance, her forthcoming PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN (Third State Books, 2024) riffs on Austen, but this time the story is set in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Asian American protagonists who hail from different ends of the economic spectrum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 8, 2023
The fourth in the Hapgoods of Bramleigh series, this follows Margaret, who is tasked by her desperate father to travel to Bath with her mother and Uncle Alywn, in order to find the latter a rich wife! It just so happens that Alwyn is determined to marry only one woman, who whilst rich, he does genuinely like, Mrs Waite. The problem is that her son, Dashiell, is very much against the match!
This was a splendid addition to the Hapgoods of Bramleigh series, and very possibly my favourite thus far. The story was just so very Heyeresque, putting me in mind of Cotillion. In short it is lots of fun, with lively characters, many entangled relationships and misunderstandings, and a plot that seems to effortlessly weave it all together. As with all the previous books this is clean cut and old-fashioned.
Margaret, who has always been perhaps the most plain-spoken sister, made for a great heroine. She is there trying her best to manage her spendthrift uncle and mother, and yet as she gets to know the Waites, she can but feel guilty at plotting to help her Uncle secure a good match. This is complicated further by her developing feelings for Dashiell, whilst at the same time befriending his fiance, Charmaine. Throw in an elderly baronet, who Margaret unintentionally and naively encourages, and we have a right merry game in play.
I enjoyed the Bath setting, which was something new for the series, and as always appreciated Dudley's depiction of the time period and societal rules, which she renders a good deal more accurately than many books of the genre.
There was such a colourful host of characters in this book to enjoy too, even the ones who weren't always wholly likeable, like Charmaine, who flawed as she was, I could but enjoy her sense of mischief and coquetry, and I enjoyed the friendship that ensued between the two girls too.
Naturally everything is neatly resolved by the end, but it was all about the fun to be had in the getting there. I am so glad I came upon this series, and very much look forward to the next book following Edith.
This was a splendid addition to the Hapgoods of Bramleigh series, and very possibly my favourite thus far. The story was just so very Heyeresque, putting me in mind of Cotillion. In short it is lots of fun, with lively characters, many entangled relationships and misunderstandings, and a plot that seems to effortlessly weave it all together. As with all the previous books this is clean cut and old-fashioned.
Margaret, who has always been perhaps the most plain-spoken sister, made for a great heroine. She is there trying her best to manage her spendthrift uncle and mother, and yet as she gets to know the Waites, she can but feel guilty at plotting to help her Uncle secure a good match. This is complicated further by her developing feelings for Dashiell, whilst at the same time befriending his fiance, Charmaine. Throw in an elderly baronet, who Margaret unintentionally and naively encourages, and we have a right merry game in play.
I enjoyed the Bath setting, which was something new for the series, and as always appreciated Dudley's depiction of the time period and societal rules, which she renders a good deal more accurately than many books of the genre.
There was such a colourful host of characters in this book to enjoy too, even the ones who weren't always wholly likeable, like Charmaine, who flawed as she was, I could but enjoy her sense of mischief and coquetry, and I enjoyed the friendship that ensued between the two girls too.
Naturally everything is neatly resolved by the end, but it was all about the fun to be had in the getting there. I am so glad I came upon this series, and very much look forward to the next book following Edith.
July 15, 2022
A kisses-only Regency in Bath. Gave this 4 stars.
This had several romances.
1) Dashiell "Dash" & Margaret (the MCs)
2) Charmaine & a man.
3) Uncle Alwyn & a lady.
4) an elderly baronet & a lady.
Friends Dash & Charles fought Napoleon & were wounded
& returned w/ physical limitations to England. Dash had
a lame leg (& used crutches) & Charles lost his left arm.
Charmaine was the v. pretty yet prickly intended of Dash.
They corresponded during the war. He thought they were
ill-suited, but considered her an obligation.
Margaret was charged by her country squire sire to
accompany her mama (with frequent ailments) & her
spendthrift Uncle Alwyn to Bath to help uncle find a rich
lady wife. Also to keep purse strings tight. This seemed
an impossible task for her. Margaret met Dash. He
preferred her low-on-funds uncle not court his widowed
mother. Charm lectured Margaret about this too & called
the h's family 'fortune-hunters.' Charm lacked charm.
The h + Charm became friends of sort. The h stood up to
Charm several times-yes!!!
There was chaos in the couples dept. Some families
distrusted others. How would the author resolve these
tangles? I liked this old-fashioned story. And Dash did
use romantic words, with the right woman. Bravo!
Revised for clarity.
This had several romances.
1) Dashiell "Dash" & Margaret (the MCs)
2) Charmaine & a man.
3) Uncle Alwyn & a lady.
4) an elderly baronet & a lady.
Friends Dash & Charles fought Napoleon & were wounded
& returned w/ physical limitations to England. Dash had
a lame leg (& used crutches) & Charles lost his left arm.
Charmaine was the v. pretty yet prickly intended of Dash.
They corresponded during the war. He thought they were
ill-suited, but considered her an obligation.
Margaret was charged by her country squire sire to
accompany her mama (with frequent ailments) & her
spendthrift Uncle Alwyn to Bath to help uncle find a rich
lady wife. Also to keep purse strings tight. This seemed
an impossible task for her. Margaret met Dash. He
preferred her low-on-funds uncle not court his widowed
mother. Charm lectured Margaret about this too & called
the h's family 'fortune-hunters.' Charm lacked charm.
The h + Charm became friends of sort. The h stood up to
Charm several times-yes!!!
There was chaos in the couples dept. Some families
distrusted others. How would the author resolve these
tangles? I liked this old-fashioned story. And Dash did
use romantic words, with the right woman. Bravo!
Revised for clarity.
January 7, 2022
Heyer would approve. So so wonderful.
Read it!! This book was so fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really enjoy this author! If Georgette Heyer was writing books in 2021, this would be it. Seriously. It’s that good! And the tangled web of relationships and romances: sigh. Perfect. Maybe it meandered a little in the middle? I don’t care. I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I stayed up way too late finishing it!! I wanted more of Mr. Waite and Margaret together but only because the author does such a wonderful job with sweet and clean but romantic tension. This author is so good at building that romance and suspense; it is what is sorely lacking in most regency novels!! I want everyone to read this series!! Can’t wait for Edith’s story. The only downside to this book is that because I read it so quickly after its publishing date, I’m going to have to wait FOREVER for a new Bramleigh novel.
Read it!! This book was so fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really enjoy this author! If Georgette Heyer was writing books in 2021, this would be it. Seriously. It’s that good! And the tangled web of relationships and romances: sigh. Perfect. Maybe it meandered a little in the middle? I don’t care. I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I stayed up way too late finishing it!! I wanted more of Mr. Waite and Margaret together but only because the author does such a wonderful job with sweet and clean but romantic tension. This author is so good at building that romance and suspense; it is what is sorely lacking in most regency novels!! I want everyone to read this series!! Can’t wait for Edith’s story. The only downside to this book is that because I read it so quickly after its publishing date, I’m going to have to wait FOREVER for a new Bramleigh novel.
May 30, 2022
This is two parts Bath Tangle and two parts Cotillion, and a smidgeon of Northanger Abbey, but at the same time is entirely itself. Christina Dudley is surely one of the finest Regency authors around - original, clever, literate and very, very funny. Every book in this series is a delight, even though they are all completely different, and each one a unique masterpiece.
Here’s the premise: Margaret Hapgood is the third of the four daughters of Squire Hapgood of Bramleigh in Somersetshire. The two eldest are now married, the mother indulges in ill-health, so it falls to Margaret to manages the family’s affairs. This she does so thoroughly that when her uncle, Alwyn Arbuthnot, falls once more into financial difficulties, Margaret is deployed to take him to Bath, accompanied by her mother, to find him a wealthy bride so that he won’t be a drain on the squire’s purse any longer.
This he’s perfectly willing to do, so they find cheap lodgings - and almost the first person they meet is the wealthy widow he courted in London, whose son whisked her to safety out of the eager hands of Uncle Alwyn. The son, Dashiell Waite, is a soldier recovering from a leg injury received in the war with France, and he meets Margaret when she accidentally knocks his crutches from under him. He’s accompanied by his friend, Charles Haworth, another war-wounded ex-soldier, now the unexpected owner of a country estate. They are joined in Bath by Dashiell’s betrothed-from-the-cradle cousin, Charmaine Blakely, and her mother, and this little group form an uneasy friendship, fostered by Charmaine’s unexpected friendship for Margaret.
Charmaine is, in many ways, the driver of this plot, rather than Margaret. She’s the character who most reminds me of Northanger Abbey, for she’s the worldly-wise and flirtatious Isabella to Margaret’s innocent Catherine Morland, not exactly leading Margaret astray but using her as a go-between as Charmaine tries to provoke Dashiell into uncharacteristic jealousy, or at least some sign of passion, and manipulates everyone around her to do her bidding. Even though we can see that she doesn’t much care about Dashiell and is a thoroughly cold and selfish person, she still has flashes of humour and even friendliness. It would have been so easy to make her an out and out villain, but she’s far more layered than that. Her desire for Dashiell to court her properly is actually fairly understandable, although her assumption that he should simply ‘know’ what she wants is perhaps a little unrealistic.
I mentioned the echoes of Heyer’s Bath Tangle and Cotillion, which lies not so much in the characters involved but in the situation. The misaligned but betrothed couple, Charmaine and Dashiell, are reminiscent of Bath Tangle, while between Charmaine and Dashiell, his lovelorn friend Haworth and Margaret, Alwyn and Mrs Waite, we have three of the four couples for our cotillion. The fourth couple is Sir Dodkins Hargate, who takes a shine to Margaret because she reminds him of his dead daughter, and his old friend and neighbour, Mrs Turner. How these four align and realign themselves, and the right couples end up together is the subject of the second half of the book, and I won’t spoil it by elaborating on that. I did find it just a tad surprising, and I’d be interested to know just what Dashiell will do for money now, because it really wasn’t explained.
Nevertheless, this was another fine five star read for me, and even the Americanisms [*] didn’t bother me so much in this book (only the use of ‘passed’ instead of died or even passed on or passed away, but it’s a minor point in the overall scheme of things). The Regency Dudley evokes seems very authentic to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the Bath setting as a variation from the rural countryside (although I confess I wondered whether Sydney Gardens would really be holding outdoor breakfasts in the winter). This probably could be read as a standalone, but it would be far better after reading the series in sequence, to get the full picture of the Hapgood family background. And now on to Edith’s tale (and the faithful Lionel, I hope).
[*] The author tells me she’s fixed these.
Here’s the premise: Margaret Hapgood is the third of the four daughters of Squire Hapgood of Bramleigh in Somersetshire. The two eldest are now married, the mother indulges in ill-health, so it falls to Margaret to manages the family’s affairs. This she does so thoroughly that when her uncle, Alwyn Arbuthnot, falls once more into financial difficulties, Margaret is deployed to take him to Bath, accompanied by her mother, to find him a wealthy bride so that he won’t be a drain on the squire’s purse any longer.
This he’s perfectly willing to do, so they find cheap lodgings - and almost the first person they meet is the wealthy widow he courted in London, whose son whisked her to safety out of the eager hands of Uncle Alwyn. The son, Dashiell Waite, is a soldier recovering from a leg injury received in the war with France, and he meets Margaret when she accidentally knocks his crutches from under him. He’s accompanied by his friend, Charles Haworth, another war-wounded ex-soldier, now the unexpected owner of a country estate. They are joined in Bath by Dashiell’s betrothed-from-the-cradle cousin, Charmaine Blakely, and her mother, and this little group form an uneasy friendship, fostered by Charmaine’s unexpected friendship for Margaret.
Charmaine is, in many ways, the driver of this plot, rather than Margaret. She’s the character who most reminds me of Northanger Abbey, for she’s the worldly-wise and flirtatious Isabella to Margaret’s innocent Catherine Morland, not exactly leading Margaret astray but using her as a go-between as Charmaine tries to provoke Dashiell into uncharacteristic jealousy, or at least some sign of passion, and manipulates everyone around her to do her bidding. Even though we can see that she doesn’t much care about Dashiell and is a thoroughly cold and selfish person, she still has flashes of humour and even friendliness. It would have been so easy to make her an out and out villain, but she’s far more layered than that. Her desire for Dashiell to court her properly is actually fairly understandable, although her assumption that he should simply ‘know’ what she wants is perhaps a little unrealistic.
I mentioned the echoes of Heyer’s Bath Tangle and Cotillion, which lies not so much in the characters involved but in the situation. The misaligned but betrothed couple, Charmaine and Dashiell, are reminiscent of Bath Tangle, while between Charmaine and Dashiell, his lovelorn friend Haworth and Margaret, Alwyn and Mrs Waite, we have three of the four couples for our cotillion. The fourth couple is Sir Dodkins Hargate, who takes a shine to Margaret because she reminds him of his dead daughter, and his old friend and neighbour, Mrs Turner. How these four align and realign themselves, and the right couples end up together is the subject of the second half of the book, and I won’t spoil it by elaborating on that. I did find it just a tad surprising, and I’d be interested to know just what Dashiell will do for money now, because it really wasn’t explained.
Nevertheless, this was another fine five star read for me, and even the Americanisms [*] didn’t bother me so much in this book (only the use of ‘passed’ instead of died or even passed on or passed away, but it’s a minor point in the overall scheme of things). The Regency Dudley evokes seems very authentic to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the Bath setting as a variation from the rural countryside (although I confess I wondered whether Sydney Gardens would really be holding outdoor breakfasts in the winter). This probably could be read as a standalone, but it would be far better after reading the series in sequence, to get the full picture of the Hapgood family background. And now on to Edith’s tale (and the faithful Lionel, I hope).
[*] The author tells me she’s fixed these.
February 3, 2026
Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey meets Georgette Heyer’s Black Sheep to a splendiferous result in Christina Dudley’s fourth Hapgoods of Bramleigh, Matchless Margaret.
Margaret is the third of the now notorious Hapgood sisters because her older sisters both eloped for love and scandalized society for a time. That was a few years back and, now Bramleigh drowses quietly and calmly in the countryside with the Squire enjoying his hounds and hunting, her mama reposing on her chaise, and Margaret firmly in charge of the household.
Naturally, this state of affairs can’t last and it all changes when one of her mother’s spendthrift rakish brothers suddenly passes away and her Uncle Alwyn informs them that the creditors have closed in at the family’s London townhouse. The Squire’s weak heart is a concern and he can’t be allowed to be importuned by her uncle so a plan is devised to sell the townhouse and pay off the debts and get her uncle to Bath where he can live less expensively while getting him married off to a rich wife who can afford her uncle’s extravagances.
The trip to Bath includes her mama who can’t be parted from her remaining brother while grief is fresh and Margaret who is put in charge of the purse and must keep her uncle and mother from large expenses. In a fun twist of fate, Alwyn has already found just such a woman, with complications, of course. Margaret must pull off the match or another equally successful, no matter what.
Dashiel Waite has just returned from war, healing from a leg wound. He finds his mother being pursued by a fortune hunter and his longtime-fiancée and cousin, Charmaine Blakely seemingly as indifferent to getting married as he is. A trip to Bath is in order for him to heal and his mother to be away from London at the present. His cousin and her mother join them.
In true Hapgood fashion, Margaret bumps into Dashiel and its inevitable that their family’s mix and mingle for the Bath social season. This becomes a fun Regency romp with all the amusing encounters and entertaining plot twists as Margaret and Dashiel secretly fall for one another, Charmaine willfully is determined to get her way, Alwyn and mama get Margaret into a scrape, and Margaret gets flirting tips and unwanted suitors. It was a tangle worthy of Heyer and Charmaine gave Austen’s Isabella Thorpe a run for her money when all was said and done.
Sparkling, witty, and lightly mischievous with a talented Katherine Anderson delivering the audio narrator with a naturalness so that I was highly entertained from start to finish.
I rec'd a digital audio file from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 1.28.26.
Margaret is the third of the now notorious Hapgood sisters because her older sisters both eloped for love and scandalized society for a time. That was a few years back and, now Bramleigh drowses quietly and calmly in the countryside with the Squire enjoying his hounds and hunting, her mama reposing on her chaise, and Margaret firmly in charge of the household.
Naturally, this state of affairs can’t last and it all changes when one of her mother’s spendthrift rakish brothers suddenly passes away and her Uncle Alwyn informs them that the creditors have closed in at the family’s London townhouse. The Squire’s weak heart is a concern and he can’t be allowed to be importuned by her uncle so a plan is devised to sell the townhouse and pay off the debts and get her uncle to Bath where he can live less expensively while getting him married off to a rich wife who can afford her uncle’s extravagances.
The trip to Bath includes her mama who can’t be parted from her remaining brother while grief is fresh and Margaret who is put in charge of the purse and must keep her uncle and mother from large expenses. In a fun twist of fate, Alwyn has already found just such a woman, with complications, of course. Margaret must pull off the match or another equally successful, no matter what.
Dashiel Waite has just returned from war, healing from a leg wound. He finds his mother being pursued by a fortune hunter and his longtime-fiancée and cousin, Charmaine Blakely seemingly as indifferent to getting married as he is. A trip to Bath is in order for him to heal and his mother to be away from London at the present. His cousin and her mother join them.
In true Hapgood fashion, Margaret bumps into Dashiel and its inevitable that their family’s mix and mingle for the Bath social season. This becomes a fun Regency romp with all the amusing encounters and entertaining plot twists as Margaret and Dashiel secretly fall for one another, Charmaine willfully is determined to get her way, Alwyn and mama get Margaret into a scrape, and Margaret gets flirting tips and unwanted suitors. It was a tangle worthy of Heyer and Charmaine gave Austen’s Isabella Thorpe a run for her money when all was said and done.
Sparkling, witty, and lightly mischievous with a talented Katherine Anderson delivering the audio narrator with a naturalness so that I was highly entertained from start to finish.
I rec'd a digital audio file from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 1.28.26.
July 16, 2022
Matchmaking Schemes and Misadventures in Bath
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
SERIES: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh #4 (Note each book is standalone and can be read out of order)
THE PREMISE: Margaret Hapgood travels to Bath with her mother and uncle – not for her own amusement and romantic adventures – but because she is charged with managing her uncle and ensuring that he makes a wealthy match. Margaret has her hands full with curbing her uncle’s expensive habits, creating opportunities for him to win over his lady love’s disapproving family, managing her own unexpected suitors, and navigating a friendship with a beautiful but often conniving new friend…
WHAT I LOVED:
- With the Hapgoods Again: I am so happy to be reunited with the dear Hapgood family! For those of you who are not yet acquainted, the Hapgoods are an almost impoverished gentry family of four independently-minded daughters, a blustery and unsophisticated squire who must be careful to not become agitated, and an often indisposed and indolent mother living in Somerset. And with the new setting of Bath, new friends and acquaintances, and a frank and blunt heroine who is often occupied with being the only adult in the room, the stage is set for adventure and misadventure in this latest installment of the Hapgoods of Bramleigh.
- Margaret: What a splendid heroine; I love that she isn’t looking for romance and has such practical and forthright nature. I found her earnestness in all things, her naivete, and her determination to do what is right to be completely endearing. I loved her interactions with each character in this story and how she handles herself through all the drama, little dangers, and conundrums she encounters.
- A New Frenemy: With her eagerness to be admired and her manipulative tendencies, Charmaine Blakely put me in mind of Isabella Thorpe from Northanger Abbey. Not the sort of person you want for a friend, for sure, and yet Margaret is a true and loyal friend to her. However, unlike Catherine Morland, Margaret would often stand up to Charmaine and put her in her place when need be. #GoMargaret!
- An Unavailable Hero: Daishell Waite is an injured soldier who has long been betrothed to his cousin, Charmaine Blakely. And after returning from the Peninsula War, he is starting to question his future with Charmaine. While he finds Miss Hapgood’s frankness and unaffected conversations enjoyable, he isn’t free to do anything about it. I loved Daishell and all the quiet moments he spent enjoying Margaret’s company.
- Heyeresque!: This whirlwind adventure that is filled with imaginative and impossible marriage schemes, entertaining calamities, skillful repartee, and well-defined characters often felt reminiscent of a Georgette Heyer novel. The pacing, balance, and clever twists and turns Ms. Dudley employes captured the comedic brilliance Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances so perfectly! Brava, Ms. Dudley!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
My only wish would be for a family tree or personae dramatis to be included at beginning of the novel.
CONCLUSION:
Matchless Margaret is a captivating Regency Romance by Christina Dudley that matches romantic ambitions with unexpected attachments, meddlesome family members with wayward relations, and comedic mishaps with exhilarating twists. I most highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
SERIES: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh #4 (Note each book is standalone and can be read out of order)
THE PREMISE: Margaret Hapgood travels to Bath with her mother and uncle – not for her own amusement and romantic adventures – but because she is charged with managing her uncle and ensuring that he makes a wealthy match. Margaret has her hands full with curbing her uncle’s expensive habits, creating opportunities for him to win over his lady love’s disapproving family, managing her own unexpected suitors, and navigating a friendship with a beautiful but often conniving new friend…
WHAT I LOVED:
- With the Hapgoods Again: I am so happy to be reunited with the dear Hapgood family! For those of you who are not yet acquainted, the Hapgoods are an almost impoverished gentry family of four independently-minded daughters, a blustery and unsophisticated squire who must be careful to not become agitated, and an often indisposed and indolent mother living in Somerset. And with the new setting of Bath, new friends and acquaintances, and a frank and blunt heroine who is often occupied with being the only adult in the room, the stage is set for adventure and misadventure in this latest installment of the Hapgoods of Bramleigh.
- Margaret: What a splendid heroine; I love that she isn’t looking for romance and has such practical and forthright nature. I found her earnestness in all things, her naivete, and her determination to do what is right to be completely endearing. I loved her interactions with each character in this story and how she handles herself through all the drama, little dangers, and conundrums she encounters.
- A New Frenemy: With her eagerness to be admired and her manipulative tendencies, Charmaine Blakely put me in mind of Isabella Thorpe from Northanger Abbey. Not the sort of person you want for a friend, for sure, and yet Margaret is a true and loyal friend to her. However, unlike Catherine Morland, Margaret would often stand up to Charmaine and put her in her place when need be. #GoMargaret!
- An Unavailable Hero: Daishell Waite is an injured soldier who has long been betrothed to his cousin, Charmaine Blakely. And after returning from the Peninsula War, he is starting to question his future with Charmaine. While he finds Miss Hapgood’s frankness and unaffected conversations enjoyable, he isn’t free to do anything about it. I loved Daishell and all the quiet moments he spent enjoying Margaret’s company.
- Heyeresque!: This whirlwind adventure that is filled with imaginative and impossible marriage schemes, entertaining calamities, skillful repartee, and well-defined characters often felt reminiscent of a Georgette Heyer novel. The pacing, balance, and clever twists and turns Ms. Dudley employes captured the comedic brilliance Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances so perfectly! Brava, Ms. Dudley!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
My only wish would be for a family tree or personae dramatis to be included at beginning of the novel.
CONCLUSION:
Matchless Margaret is a captivating Regency Romance by Christina Dudley that matches romantic ambitions with unexpected attachments, meddlesome family members with wayward relations, and comedic mishaps with exhilarating twists. I most highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
November 15, 2021
Actually, instead of my own review, I'll paste a few texts and emails I've received:
"Matchless Margaret may be your best yet!" --N.Z.
"So much fun! It took a great deal of restraint to not finish it in one sitting. Thanks for bringing some levity and joy to my week!" --H.H.
"Read and enjoyed Matchless Margaret...can't wait to read Edith's story!"--R.M.
"I just finished reading Matchless Margaret. Such a good book! Quite enjoyable."--S.J.
"Matchless Margaret may be your best yet!" --N.Z.
"So much fun! It took a great deal of restraint to not finish it in one sitting. Thanks for bringing some levity and joy to my week!" --H.H.
"Read and enjoyed Matchless Margaret...can't wait to read Edith's story!"--R.M.
"I just finished reading Matchless Margaret. Such a good book! Quite enjoyable."--S.J.
January 19, 2025
Minus 1 star because the author grants herself five, right up there with Jane Austen. Ms. Dudley, you're nowhere near Georgette Heyer, never mind Jane Austen.
October 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this one - couldn’t put it down.
It looks like maybe 4 years have passed since the last book. Margaret has flourished as the head of the family, putting her strong will and outspoken tongue to use, getting things to be running pretty smoothly. She’s grown in confidence and hubris. 😁 but it’s not too much, just enough to get her in over her head.
To that end, Margaret made a few faux pas but they were little thoughtless when distracted, etc. She showed a lot more self awareness than before (fleeing when she was overwhelmed) and didn’t embarrass people by asking inappropriate questions or divulging private information like in the previous books. Perhaps it was 4 years of weathering scandal aftermath and paying careful attention to communication so as not to upset her father.
In any event. Margaret and Charmaine certainly formed an unlikely friendship. I was uncomfortable with the feelings developing on both sides with C in the middle, even if she didn’t love/want him most of the time. I don’t like that trope.
I certainly felt for Margaret, and all the fires she had to put out. It’s a very quiet romance in that M and D don’t interact much in the book and, due to the fact that he spends 99% of it engaged to someone else, there is little to no actual romance between them. But Margaret is a winning character - I was invested in -her- story, not as much -their- story.
That said, I was a little disappointed by the ending. No word of how C took it. No mention of if C and H got on well after all, because I think we all had our doubts. How are M and D supporting themselves? That’s something that made no sense to me for this whole book. Women didn’t usually have an inheritance to themselves; when their husbands died, the bulk of it usually went to their son(s). So while Mrs. W may have had a small settlement of her own, it wouldn’t have been the whole estate. The money would have gone to her son. This story would have made more sense if she was entirely financially dependent on her son and THAT’S why she couldn’t marry A; bc her son wouldn’t approve the match and settle anything on her and A didn’t have anything really to support himself on let alone a wife.
Anyway, since most of the book was decidedly -not- a romance, I was definitely left wanting more. And had a lot of follow up questions. 😂
It looks like maybe 4 years have passed since the last book. Margaret has flourished as the head of the family, putting her strong will and outspoken tongue to use, getting things to be running pretty smoothly. She’s grown in confidence and hubris. 😁 but it’s not too much, just enough to get her in over her head.
To that end, Margaret made a few faux pas but they were little thoughtless when distracted, etc. She showed a lot more self awareness than before (fleeing when she was overwhelmed) and didn’t embarrass people by asking inappropriate questions or divulging private information like in the previous books. Perhaps it was 4 years of weathering scandal aftermath and paying careful attention to communication so as not to upset her father.
In any event. Margaret and Charmaine certainly formed an unlikely friendship. I was uncomfortable with the feelings developing on both sides with C in the middle, even if she didn’t love/want him most of the time. I don’t like that trope.
I certainly felt for Margaret, and all the fires she had to put out. It’s a very quiet romance in that M and D don’t interact much in the book and, due to the fact that he spends 99% of it engaged to someone else, there is little to no actual romance between them. But Margaret is a winning character - I was invested in -her- story, not as much -their- story.
That said, I was a little disappointed by the ending. No word of how C took it. No mention of if C and H got on well after all, because I think we all had our doubts. How are M and D supporting themselves? That’s something that made no sense to me for this whole book. Women didn’t usually have an inheritance to themselves; when their husbands died, the bulk of it usually went to their son(s). So while Mrs. W may have had a small settlement of her own, it wouldn’t have been the whole estate. The money would have gone to her son. This story would have made more sense if she was entirely financially dependent on her son and THAT’S why she couldn’t marry A; bc her son wouldn’t approve the match and settle anything on her and A didn’t have anything really to support himself on let alone a wife.
Anyway, since most of the book was decidedly -not- a romance, I was definitely left wanting more. And had a lot of follow up questions. 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
I absolutely love Margaret, and since I started this series out of order, I look forward to reading her sisters’ romances and learning more about her “sideways.” She is so astute at managing everything but her own heart. What a wonderfully messy ending to so many tangled affections and relationships. I kept thinking what an interesting movie this would make (especially with allusions to so many Austen-like characters!). A real treat, especially when read by the very talented Katherine Anderson.
December 19, 2023
I have to give it at least 3 stars because I finished it and i DID like Margaret and Dash but i was in AGONY that we spent like 95% of the book with OW/OM drama, even if their hearts weren't involved. that was torture. Elfie and Fred will always have my whole heart in this family
December 4, 2021
Fun, fast-paced, and with a lovely twist. Another great Regency romance!
November 21, 2021
Another fun read. I loved the relationship between Margaret and Charmaine, it seemed very contemporary.
May 22, 2022
Matchless Margaret is the 4th in the series of clean historical romances by Christina Dudley. Each book is about a daughter (or heir) of squire Hapgood of Bramleigh.
The 2nd daughter Alice and the 1st Elfrida have found their happily ever afters in the first 2 books. The 3rd one (School for Love) was about the heir Hugh Hapgood.
This book moves things forward by a few years and the focus is now on Margaret the 3rd daughter. She can't open her mouth, but she puts a foot in it. She is bossy and inelegant, and I thoroughly identified with her!
Margaret has very little hope of getting married as her poor family depend on her to manage the house and make money last.
Alwyn her maternal uncle makes things as difficult as he can with his constant demands for funds. His latest start seems to be entanglement with a well-to-do widow Mrs Waite. The widows son returns hotfoot from the wars to put a stop to the scheme.
Squire Hapgood has had enough. He packs off his demanding brother-in-law, and thrifty daughter Margaret (and her mother) to Bath. The plan is to find a wealthy widow for Alwyn.
The trio land in Bath, only to find that Mrs.Waite and her son, his betrothed (Charmaine Blakely), a friend (Mr.Howlock) etc. already there. As Margaret has to scheme to get her ne-er do well uncle married, Mrs Waite seems the answer to a prayer.
But can such a straight-forward woman as Margaret scheme? Can she prevent her flighty mother and uncle from throwing away more money? Can she do it all with her heart intact?
This book has a lovely cast of characters, all well-etched.
The lovely Charmaine who befriends Margaret is a most interesting and charming character. The stuttering Mr.Howlock, the 'soldier' humor, the references to Sense and Sensibility - all are great fun to read. There are 4 sets of couples by the end of this book, and the author manages to give them all a happy ending with a suitable partner without straining your credulity.
There are some tender passages, that I reread because they were so well-written and ardent. Thank you, Ms. Dudley for a most entertaining few hours!
There is no real villain in this story, as in the other books too. But there is a mystery about how Margaret will finally attract and marry the man she loves.
Excellent book in the series, and while this could be a standalone read, I would still recommend starting with book 1, so you can enjoy all the characters better. You can see Margaret growing up in the other 3 books. 5 star rating for this book!
The 2nd daughter Alice and the 1st Elfrida have found their happily ever afters in the first 2 books. The 3rd one (School for Love) was about the heir Hugh Hapgood.
This book moves things forward by a few years and the focus is now on Margaret the 3rd daughter. She can't open her mouth, but she puts a foot in it. She is bossy and inelegant, and I thoroughly identified with her!
Margaret has very little hope of getting married as her poor family depend on her to manage the house and make money last.
Alwyn her maternal uncle makes things as difficult as he can with his constant demands for funds. His latest start seems to be entanglement with a well-to-do widow Mrs Waite. The widows son returns hotfoot from the wars to put a stop to the scheme.
Squire Hapgood has had enough. He packs off his demanding brother-in-law, and thrifty daughter Margaret (and her mother) to Bath. The plan is to find a wealthy widow for Alwyn.
The trio land in Bath, only to find that Mrs.Waite and her son, his betrothed (Charmaine Blakely), a friend (Mr.Howlock) etc. already there. As Margaret has to scheme to get her ne-er do well uncle married, Mrs Waite seems the answer to a prayer.
But can such a straight-forward woman as Margaret scheme? Can she prevent her flighty mother and uncle from throwing away more money? Can she do it all with her heart intact?
This book has a lovely cast of characters, all well-etched.
The lovely Charmaine who befriends Margaret is a most interesting and charming character. The stuttering Mr.Howlock, the 'soldier' humor, the references to Sense and Sensibility - all are great fun to read. There are 4 sets of couples by the end of this book, and the author manages to give them all a happy ending with a suitable partner without straining your credulity.
There are some tender passages, that I reread because they were so well-written and ardent. Thank you, Ms. Dudley for a most entertaining few hours!
There is no real villain in this story, as in the other books too. But there is a mystery about how Margaret will finally attract and marry the man she loves.
Excellent book in the series, and while this could be a standalone read, I would still recommend starting with book 1, so you can enjoy all the characters better. You can see Margaret growing up in the other 3 books. 5 star rating for this book!
November 15, 2021
Christina Dudley is my favorite Regency romance writer. I've loved all the books in the Hapgood series, and Matchless Margaret was loads of fun. There are so many lovable characters, including Uncle Alwyn and Sir Dodkins, both of whom I was prepared to dislike upon introduction. Margaret is delightful, and I loved her tell-it-like-it-is approach to life, especially in contrast to Charmaine's passive aggressiveness. I could learn from her in that area. Most of my reading is pretty heavy, so reading a book like this that is simply a lot of fun is a real treat.
January 21, 2022
A Five Star Finale
This is one terrific Regency romance. Christina Dudley has written a marvelous slightly nonsensical novel, full of a marvelous male love interest, an innocent heroine, her unforgiving father, and so many additional characters it is hard to list them all. I absolutely loved it. GH would be proud. How to summarize? Margaret's spendthrift uncle, Alwyn Arbuthnot, chooses to winter in Bath, so Margaret's father, Richard Hapgood, decides that she and her mother who is Alwyn's sister, will go to Bath as well to help him choose a wife so he will stop caging from her penniless father. What they don't know is that Alwyn has finally fallen in love with a rich heiress, Mrs Waite. She is the mother of Dashiell Waite, just released from his responsibilities as a soldier fighting in Portugal against Napoleon's armies due to a wound to his leg. He now gets around on crutches and travels with his mother to Bath not knowing that Alwyn will be in Bath. He has refused to let
Alwyn court his mother. He must join his fiancé, Charmaine, and her family. He has been engaged to Charmaine ever since they were children, and knows they must marry in the Spring although he realizes he does not love her and never will since she is cold and thoughtless. He is accompanied by his friend Harwood who has lost an arm in the war. On Mr Waite's first walk in Bath he is hit and accidentally knocked off his crutches by Margaret who is making lists of where her uncle and mother can go without spending money. So starts this superb romance. I recommend it and this whole 4 book series so far,
This is one terrific Regency romance. Christina Dudley has written a marvelous slightly nonsensical novel, full of a marvelous male love interest, an innocent heroine, her unforgiving father, and so many additional characters it is hard to list them all. I absolutely loved it. GH would be proud. How to summarize? Margaret's spendthrift uncle, Alwyn Arbuthnot, chooses to winter in Bath, so Margaret's father, Richard Hapgood, decides that she and her mother who is Alwyn's sister, will go to Bath as well to help him choose a wife so he will stop caging from her penniless father. What they don't know is that Alwyn has finally fallen in love with a rich heiress, Mrs Waite. She is the mother of Dashiell Waite, just released from his responsibilities as a soldier fighting in Portugal against Napoleon's armies due to a wound to his leg. He now gets around on crutches and travels with his mother to Bath not knowing that Alwyn will be in Bath. He has refused to let
Alwyn court his mother. He must join his fiancé, Charmaine, and her family. He has been engaged to Charmaine ever since they were children, and knows they must marry in the Spring although he realizes he does not love her and never will since she is cold and thoughtless. He is accompanied by his friend Harwood who has lost an arm in the war. On Mr Waite's first walk in Bath he is hit and accidentally knocked off his crutches by Margaret who is making lists of where her uncle and mother can go without spending money. So starts this superb romance. I recommend it and this whole 4 book series so far,
July 18, 2022
When Mrs. Hapgood’s ne’er-do-well brother Alwyn Arbuthnot falls in love with a wealthy widow named Mrs. Waite, Squire Hapgood tasks Margaret with going to Bath and ensuring that his brother-in-law makes a match of it. Outspoken and managerial, Margaret must match wits with Mrs. Waite’s son Dashiell, an injured veteran from the Napoleonic wars who will not let his mother be taken advantage of. Dashiell himself is engaged to his “perfect” cousin Charmaine, who expects him to jump to her every whim without her having to communicate what those whims are. Dissatisfied with his manipulative fiancee, Dashiell finds much to admire in Margaret’s forthright nature. But how can a man of honor woo a lady when he is engaged to another?
This book was a fascinating contrast of characters. Margaret is capable and assertive but innocent of the ways of the world. Charmaine is spoiled and passive-aggressive, continually needling those around her and annoyed about Dash’s injury which keeps him from dancing attendance on her as she would like. Dash himself is clever, handsome and possessed of a trenchant wit. The struggle of not wanting his mother to be connected with the Hapgood family but desiring Margaret himself is reminiscent of Mr. Darcy’s interference with Mr. Bingley’s attachment to Jane while being interested in Elizabeth himself. This was my favorite book of the series!
This book was a fascinating contrast of characters. Margaret is capable and assertive but innocent of the ways of the world. Charmaine is spoiled and passive-aggressive, continually needling those around her and annoyed about Dash’s injury which keeps him from dancing attendance on her as she would like. Dash himself is clever, handsome and possessed of a trenchant wit. The struggle of not wanting his mother to be connected with the Hapgood family but desiring Margaret himself is reminiscent of Mr. Darcy’s interference with Mr. Bingley’s attachment to Jane while being interested in Elizabeth himself. This was my favorite book of the series!
February 12, 2024
One of my favourite aspects of the author’s writing is the sense she gives of the social niceties and requirements of the time and how women were subject to the wills of their men. So, pick a good one!
Here, Margaret has been effectively running the household for 4 years , although barely 18 herself. She does like to be in charge though. She surely has her hands full this time, directing Uncle Alwyn in his attempt to secure a wealthy bride and thereby cease being a drain upon the insufficient Hapgood finances and induce a further seizure in her father Squire Hapgood. Add in the care she has to give her indulged invalidish mother, whilst holding the purse strings tight and maybe she can secure a husband for herself too while she’s at it?
Margaret might be managing but she’s rather a sweetheart and her troubles and agonies of thoughts are engaging, whilst her flash of occasional temper and frankness of speech make for some funny moments.
Mr. Waite’s long affianced Charmian is beautiful, demanding, self absorbed and almost shockingly callous on occasions. She demands adoration and wooing, he can’t be bothered.
Until he finds himself very bothered by Margaret.
Social drama, finely drawn romance and crossed paths make this an enjoyable read.
Here, Margaret has been effectively running the household for 4 years , although barely 18 herself. She does like to be in charge though. She surely has her hands full this time, directing Uncle Alwyn in his attempt to secure a wealthy bride and thereby cease being a drain upon the insufficient Hapgood finances and induce a further seizure in her father Squire Hapgood. Add in the care she has to give her indulged invalidish mother, whilst holding the purse strings tight and maybe she can secure a husband for herself too while she’s at it?
Margaret might be managing but she’s rather a sweetheart and her troubles and agonies of thoughts are engaging, whilst her flash of occasional temper and frankness of speech make for some funny moments.
Mr. Waite’s long affianced Charmian is beautiful, demanding, self absorbed and almost shockingly callous on occasions. She demands adoration and wooing, he can’t be bothered.
Until he finds himself very bothered by Margaret.
Social drama, finely drawn romance and crossed paths make this an enjoyable read.
August 11, 2022
My favorite of the series, along with A Fickle Fortune. After her two older sisters marry, Margaret is left to run the Bramleigh household in place of her mother. She runs a tight ship, which gets on everyone's nerves, even though she means well. She fusses over her father's health and goes over the accounts, looking for areas to economize. And rightfully so! Like many Regency romances, this book sends our heroine to Bath for the season. But she's not looking for a husband - she's assigned by the squire as a chaperone for her mother and rakish, spendthrift Uncle Alwyn (who has long lived off an allowance from the squire) as they attempt to foist him off on a rich window and end some of their financial difficulties. Margaret doesn't expect to meet the handsome Dashiell Waite, who has returned from the Napoleonic wars with an injured leg.
This book is so funny, and has some really great characterization. At times, I both loved and hated the vain and manipulative Charmaine. She could give both Isabella Thorpe and Cynthia Kirkpatrick a run for their money.
This book is so funny, and has some really great characterization. At times, I both loved and hated the vain and manipulative Charmaine. She could give both Isabella Thorpe and Cynthia Kirkpatrick a run for their money.
June 14, 2024
Very enjoyable
I am very much enjoying Ms Dudley’s books. This is the second one I’ve read in this series. She has a way of making the characters seem so real, it’s impossible not to empathize with them, and rejoice in their success or be saddened by their sorrows. The storyline is innovative and interesting, and the characters colourful and endearing. The dialogue is thoroughly enjoyable, both humorous and entertaining. I did not come across any typos in this book, however I did encounter a common grammatical error a few times, ie Miss So-and-so and me, instead of myself or I. Apart from that, I found the writing exemplary, notwithstanding a few non-period expressions. And it is totally wholesome with no bedroom scenes. I highly recommend.
I am very much enjoying Ms Dudley’s books. This is the second one I’ve read in this series. She has a way of making the characters seem so real, it’s impossible not to empathize with them, and rejoice in their success or be saddened by their sorrows. The storyline is innovative and interesting, and the characters colourful and endearing. The dialogue is thoroughly enjoyable, both humorous and entertaining. I did not come across any typos in this book, however I did encounter a common grammatical error a few times, ie Miss So-and-so and me, instead of myself or I. Apart from that, I found the writing exemplary, notwithstanding a few non-period expressions. And it is totally wholesome with no bedroom scenes. I highly recommend.
April 12, 2022
This is such a gem. It's so reminiscent of Heyer, but doesn't remind me of any one of her books in particular. Margaret is just wonderful, so good and sincere and naive all at the same time. The side characters are so good! Even the annoying and mostly hateful Charmaine is somehow still also endearing and I grudgingly somewhat liked her. And the pickle Margaret gets into, delightful. I've read probably hundreds (no exaggeration) of regency novels, yet this series and author is new to me. What a find!
August 28, 2022
Having read the previous Hapgood novels I was surprised that Margaret was as repressed as she was. Having a run away mouth is a burden. Your thoughts fly out when you don't even realize you are thinking them. That was what I expected from Margaret. Yet she maintained a cool facade and kept her tongue civil when her temper raged. Her mother and uncle spending a years income on paste jewelry! Yet she did not rail or carry on about their foolishness! It would have cost more than no meat for a week!
The romance portion worked out as it should and to everyone's advantage.
The romance portion worked out as it should and to everyone's advantage.
October 8, 2024
I would have liked a little more time with the two leads together before falling in love. All in all, Margaret (FMC) had too much Charmaine and not enough Dashiell in her life. This author is very good at writing catty women, and Charmaine was no exception. But, as in real life, mean girls are far better in small doses; this novel had WAY too much Charmaine. I’ve read a lot of Dudley’s books in the past several weeks and impossible-to-break engagements pop up a little too often. Still, she is wry and witty and does a great job of building out her characters.
Want to read
August 3, 2022I read the first two books of The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and I found them enjoyable. However I could not really get into this book; both the heroine and the hero were not super likable and their relationship was not progressing, even by the midpoint of the book. I found the conniving twists, lies and overall deception of many of the characters to be unsavory.
I decided not to finish this book because I frankly just lost interest in the future of the characters.
I decided not to finish this book because I frankly just lost interest in the future of the characters.
February 21, 2022
Another fabulous title for the series
I love the pacing & flow of the story. Great characters & dialogue again. I enjoyed the lighthearted & funny moments sprinkled in the story. I thought the plot, unfolding of the story and its resolution was interesting and satisfying. Fans of Georgette Heyer need to snatch up this whole series.
I love the pacing & flow of the story. Great characters & dialogue again. I enjoyed the lighthearted & funny moments sprinkled in the story. I thought the plot, unfolding of the story and its resolution was interesting and satisfying. Fans of Georgette Heyer need to snatch up this whole series.
July 21, 2022
Tangled romances
If it weren't for the fact that this is a romance novel, I would genuinely have believed that everyone was going to end up married to the wrong people (except Alwyn, who seems to lead a charmed life). I loved how everything worked out, rather like dominoes falling. I even managed to like Charmaine, though I would have sworn I would not.
If it weren't for the fact that this is a romance novel, I would genuinely have believed that everyone was going to end up married to the wrong people (except Alwyn, who seems to lead a charmed life). I loved how everything worked out, rather like dominoes falling. I even managed to like Charmaine, though I would have sworn I would not.
August 5, 2022
Well, I like the continuing tale of the Hapgood family, but this one took a tediously long time to come to a very predictable outcome. I think there are at least two more which I will probably read, because I like some of the characters, (not so much I this book, however,) and because they are on Kindle Unlimited, and almost free.
March 13, 2023
This is book four in the series and I keep waiting for a letdown that never comes. I am in love with all of the characters ( well, not with Mama) and each book has its own satisfying and unique story. It’s not just the same plot with new characters. The writing is crisp and interesting, the plots are intriguing and the stories stay clean but romantic. Love it. Love the whole series.
April 8, 2024
Charming and likable
You often wonder what's left to say in a series of sister stiries, I have fallen in love with Christina 's style and storytelling . Heroine Margaret is thoroughly believable . You can't help but root for her as she tries to manage her financially irresponsible mother and uncke. And damaged hero Dash is memorable for his patience and nod to true love
You often wonder what's left to say in a series of sister stiries, I have fallen in love with Christina 's style and storytelling . Heroine Margaret is thoroughly believable . You can't help but root for her as she tries to manage her financially irresponsible mother and uncke. And damaged hero Dash is memorable for his patience and nod to true love
May 22, 2024
Margaret and her mom go to anth after the deaths of one of her uncle Alec. Their remaining uncle joins them in Bath and they plan on getting her uncle married so as to no longer be a burden to her father. It ends up getting quite complicated and before Margaret finds her hea with Danielle there are quite a few bumps in the road to go over.
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