Book Review: The Widows of Somerset: Timeless Regency Collection


Series: Timeless Regency Collection: Book 15
Publisher: Mirror Press
Release Date: October 6, 2020
Genre: Victorian Historical Romance

Rules of the Secret Society of Young Widows:
Rule 1: Be a widow.
Rule 2: Have an impeccable reputation.
Rule 3: Don't fall in love again.

♡ AN HEIR TO SPARE by Rebecca Connolly
Widowhood has changed much for Anna—Lady Lyndham—but an unconventional heir to the estate was not something she had anticipated. Nor had she anticipated that he would have no intention of forcing her out, although he has every right to. And she certainly did not anticipate finding him handsome, charming, and unfailingly generous. But Ned Richards, the new Lord Lyndham, has a world of surprises in store for her, and not anticipating them will become quite the adventure.

♡ THE WIDOW OF LAVENDER COTTAGE by Jen Geigle Johnson
As a widow, Lillian Hunter has never been in love and plans to never marry again, so the rules of the Secret Society of Young Widows suit her just fine. Her days are spent attempting to transform her newly inherited Lavender Cottage into a livable space until Oliver Wentworth shows up, asking for her late husband. Anxious to establish himself as a landed gentry in Somerset, Oliver is none too pleased to discover that a widow lives alone in a tiny run down cottage bordering his new property. The fact that she’s young and attractive only adds frustration to his sense of responsibility over her. And confound her, she challenges his every attempt to help manage her affairs.

♡ A PROMISE FORGOTTEN by Heather B. Moore
Charlotte Ashford never thought she’d marry a vicar, and she never thought she’d find herself widowed with a young child to care for on her own. She certainly never thought she’d return to Somerset to live with her mother again, and Charlotte never thought she’d see him again. But Lord Wilshore has never forgotten her, and he has never forgotten their promise made long ago. Charlotte would love nothing more than for Lord Wilshore to forgive her, but too much heartache and too much time might make that impossible. Friendship is all she can hope for, but that hope may be dashed as well.

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My Review 💛

The connection of widowhood that binds these stories together is collectively heartbreaking.  Being a woman of divorce myself, and left with absolutely nothing, gave me even more sympathy for these widows, especially when you put their situation into context, as far as the time period, and how women had no rights back then.

I believe that's why I fell in love with Lady Joanna's character so much.  Her advocacy and mission are commendable, and I love how she too is a leading player in each novella.

I adored each story in their own right, but I must admit out of the three, An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly was my favorite, thanks in part to the incredibly charming Lord Lyndham.

I have included brief reviews of each novella below if you would like my thoughts in more detail.

♡ 

An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly 

So cute!!  I instantly fell in love with Anna, feeling her plight deep in my heart.  Ned could not have been more amazing, their chemistry and flirting bringing a smile to my face.  I truly wanted to see these two have the happily ever after they both so richly deserved.  This story was endearing from beginning to end, and I enjoyed every moment.

My Rating: ★★★

♡ 

The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jen Geigle Johnson

Another cute story!! Oliver is so incredibly charming, it's hard not to love him!  I also admired how down to earth Lillian is!  It's very rare, when reading Regency's, that you read about a lady of higher station being so pragmatic, helping the help, and taking charge of her own household.  I loved the change from the normal Regency read - very refreshing!  I could feel the chemistry instantly and loved all the scenes with Lillian and Oliver.  Such a good story!

My Rating: ★★★

♡ 

A Promise Forgotten by Heather B. Moore

Long lost loves reunited again under grave circumstances is always a love that I cheer for!  Both Charlotte and Brand made choices that changed the courses of their lives but still, their bond was so powerful that it brought them back together again.  I adored watching Charlotte fight to get her mothers estate right again, the moments between Brant and baby Emily were absolutely precious, and who wouldn't love a friend like Thea!  Such a sweet and heartwarming tale!

My Rating: ★★★

All in all, this was quite the enjoyable read and another magnificent addition to the wonderfully addictive Timeless Regency Collection.

My Rating: ★★★★★

               

Be sure to check out my reviews for these books from the 
💛

About the Authors

 

Rebecca Connolly


Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

CONNECT WITH REBECCA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

Jen Geigle Johnson


An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, Jen Geigle Johnson discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager.

She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She knows all about the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference.


CONNECT WITH JEN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

Heather B. Moore


Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

CONNECT WITH HEATHER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.

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