She’s played Cupid for others Now she’s met her own unlikely match! Part of The Sommersby Brides. Widowed society matchmaker Mrs. Clara Sommersby thinks self-made businessman William Lane is just the man for her neighbor’s overlooked daughter. He’s successful and confident, if emotionally distant, until suddenly–shockingly–his attention turns to Clara herself! She thought her days of romance … her days of romance were over, but is this younger man intent on giving her a second chance?
The Sommersby Brides miniseries
Book 1 — One Week to Wed
Book 2 — “One Night Under the Mistletoe” in Convenient Christmas Brides
Book 3 — His Three-Day Duchess
Book 4 — Mrs Sommersby’s Second Chance
“A wonderfully romantic story all about second chances and finding true love … It’s charming and heart-warming, the writing is as perfect as ever”
— Chicks, Rogues and Scandals on His Three-Day Duchess
“Laurie Benson has created an enthralling story with her wonderful descriptions filled with humor and tender emotions”
— Goodreads on His Three-Day Duchess
more
Widow Clara Sommersby has a secret and no desire to remarry. For years Clara was helpless to control her husband’s spending and recklessness with their finances, but since her husband passed away, she secretly purchased a hotel in Bath and hired her cousin Philip Edwards to be the manager. Through smart choices and hard work, she has turned it into a very popular and profitable venture, one she will not risk losing control of by marrying again!
William Lane meets Clara in the Pump Room while trying the waters. He has recently purchased a coffee house with his friend Hart, the Earl of Hartwick and they learned that there is hot mineral spring in the basement. Now after visiting the Pump Room and seeing how many people “take the waters” he believes that they could convert the coffeehouse into a spa, that is if he can find investors and can convince the owner of the hotel next door to sell to him. Lane has secrets of his own and while he is completely enchanted by Clara, he doesn’t believe he has time or room in his life for a serious relationship.
Clara and Lane end up meeting again when he comes to her rescue while she is out walking her puppy, Humphrey. Lane has a way with puppy and offers to train him. Thus begins their friendship. Clara is convinced she is too old for Lane and Lane is convinced that he has no time for a relationship, but it doesn’t stop them from desiring each other – even as Clara tries to match-make Lane with her young neighbor. When Lane makes it clear the only woman he is interested in is Clara, she begins to wonder if it possible to have a second chance at love or if the cost is too high.
This was a very sweet story of two people with secrets and hurts in their pasts that make it hard for them to trust their feelings. The book is very well written, flows nicely, has wonderful secondary characters, sweet love scenes (a couple of kisses and only one very mild, very vague sex scene) and a very lovely HEA. This is the final book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an e-ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Bath, England 1820 Sigh. What a wonderfully engaging story of the heart, that takes you on a journey of two unlikely people meeting by happenstance and forming an attraction. Laurie Benson’s wonderful descriptions and charming characters makes it seem like you are there, and wouldn’t that be amazing? Her stories are as close as you can get to feeling the atmosphere and even imagining the taste of the restorative waters.
Mrs. Clara Sommersby has made a place for herself in Bath, having been widowed for many years and now owns the hotel next to the baths. Of course that is not public knowledge and she has a male cousin managing it for her. She has been known to do a little matchmaking and maintains her independence.
William Lane is in Bath looking at making a business deal. He wants to buy the hotel next to his coffeehouse since he discovered a spring he discovered a spring underneath. He meets Clara while trying to determine if he should take a drink of the restorative waters or not.
I loved the banter between these two and their slow buildup iin attraction (although he is attracted to her at the first meeting!) They both have pasts that have made them the people they are but I was especially pulled in to Lane’s and really felt for him.
Wonderful secondary characters and of course who could not love Humphrey! Really enjoyed the age difference and the second chance for Clara to find true happiness and Lane to realize he is not defined by his upbringing.
A little sad because this is the last in the series, but wow, what a romance of the heart. Cannot wait to read more by this author who is on my must read list!!
This was a great read and I couldn’t put it down. I loved that both the hero/heroine were in their late 30’s – mid 40’s and were getting their happily ever after. There are so many books out there about young debutantes and gentlemen that is was great to read this story. Laurie Benson brings the characters to life with a well written story. Looking forward to reading many more from her.
For lovers of Regency and Seasoned Romance alike! Loved the characters and the realistic nature of the conflict and its resolution. Will definitely look for more by this author!
*mutters to myself behind the door*
How do I get myself into these situations? *palms face* This is like Groundhog Day. Fingers crossed they’re gentle with me.
*deep breath*
Okay, you got this!
*shouts through door*
I have a confession.
*pauses*
I haven’t read any of the other Sommersby Brides series before diving into Clara and William’s story.
*blows out breath*
*pauses* (Yes, again – don’t start with me!)
Is it safe to come out now because I abso-flipping-lutely loved this book and I’m bursting to talk about it?
See? I knew I liked you lot for a reason. *grins*
Anyhoo…
Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m a sucker for an age-gap romance. Most especially when it’s the female MC that’s older. *winks* So, imagine my excitement (steady!) when I came across this book whilst continuing my recent historical-romance-fiction-addiction (Side note: I’m totally hashtagging the crap outta that!)! Yes, I admit, I may have done a little shimmy dance when it hit my kindle.
I’m giving you all fair warning that this is a ‘I’ve started so I need to finish’ type of book. The story consumed me as I took a step back in time and got swept away with all the possibilities. Who doesn’t love a bit of swoony romance in the afternoon? (Keep it clean, peeps!)
I loved how strong and independent Clara is – bucking the societal norms of the time. Given her history you can understand her need to be financially sound even if it is all hush-hush. Is anyone more deserving of a second chance at love?
Then we have Mr Lane *sighs* – determined to prove himself more than the sum of his upbringing. He will do his upmost to be every bit the successful businessman.
Meeting Mrs Sommersby turns his world upside down. One word, peeps – passion. Hmm, *taps chin* maybe I should say discombobulated. *shrugs* Suffice it to say that William is a definite mix of the two *snort* William’s ardour will only be contained for so long behind that stoic reserve.
Bow-chicka-wow-wow! *cups hands round mouth* Unleash the beast! *snorts*
Sorry, sorry. I couldn’t help myself.
*giggles*
With insecurities and secrets abound, Clara and William need to be honest not just with each other but themselves if their love is to stand a chance.
Clara may be famed for her matchmaking skills, but she never counted on William entering her life. This Cupid is about to feel what it’s like to be struck with her own arrow!
There is hope for me yet!
This book was SO REFRESHING in all the right ways!
Author Laurie Benson gives us a story filled with humor, wit, temptation, and potentially scandalous near misses that warms the heart, quickens the pulse, and brings a smile to your face. The leading lady is 30+, and her potential suitor is junior to her senior (though not in a distance of decades or anything), but as anyone can see, they are a PERFECT MATCH! Funny how love can find you when you weren’t even looking…and for these two, watching their “dance” (both literally and figuratively) was a wonderful way to wile away my evenings.
Clara was strong and formidable but in a genteel way that allowed those in her circle to see exactly what she wanted them to see…and not the shrewd, intelligent businesswoman underneath because goodness, a woman owning a business that isn’t sewing, ribbons, or something else considered lady’s work…absurd! I adored seeing her strengths as well as her weaknesses…which apparently include her nieces, her friends, her adorable dog, and a particular man that cuts a fine figure both clothing wise and monetarily. Speaking of the man, William Lane does indeed have his issues…but none of them are in relation to the age difference between him and our gal Clara, nor her desire to remain financially secure, nor her impetuous little dog, but rather his own hazy past, his desire to be seen as successful (almost) at all costs, and his ability to swallow his pride and make the first move. Nothing insurmountable, if they don’t want them to be…
All in all, it was a wonderful story with little surprises here and there to keep you on your toes as you navigate the varying paths of the heart within. A must read for Historical Romance fans…
*ebook received for review; opinions are my own
There are quite a few things unusual about this book, not least is that it’s set in the Regency and neither of the protagonists is a member of the aristocracy, though the heroine is closest, being a baron’s granddaughter and the widow of an earl’s younger son. The hero is very far from it, having grown up in the Foundling Hospital before being trained to work in a bank and working his way up to becoming an businessman and a man of some means.
Another way this story is unusual is that the heroine is forty-five years old, eight years older than the heroine and well out of the first flush of youth. Nor was the desperately unhappy in her first marriage; while her husband was a bit of a chump with money, he wasn’t an unkind sort. Clara’s definitely happier without him as well as having gained her financial independence through a smart investment in a hotel in bath, which is where she winds up coming into conflict with William.
Clara’s kind nature is obvious when she takes on a young girl overlooked by her family to find a match for her, though her attempts to match the girl with William soon take on a farcical turn when William makes it obvious that it’s Clara who holds his interest.
This is a quiet and quite gentle romance, without lots of suspense or external conflict. It’s all about Clara and William making choices individually and together which lead to a happy ending for the both of them. I found it a nice change of pace to what I’ve been reading lately and I really enjoyed Clara being an older heroine. Five stars for a charming read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via Rachel’s Random Resources.
Mrs. Sommersby’s Second Chance is the final book in The Sommersby Brides series by author Laurie Benson. I’ve been waiting for Clara’s story since Ms. Benson first mentioned it many months ago. Although I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, I can’t think of a better or more perfect ending for “The Sommersby Brides” series than for Aunt Clara to get her HEA!
Mrs. Clara Sommersby has been in all the previous books in this series. She is a loving and devoted Aunt, who has been there for all three Sommersby sisters since they were young. She has been a widow for a long time and has no desire to remarry and lose her independence.
Mr. William Lane is a new character for us. Lane is a successful self-made businessman in Bath on a business opportunity. He is a friend and business partner to the Earl of Hartwick. “Hart” is a well known and loved character from a previous book and series.
Oh my, I absolutely loved every single thing about this book! Ms. Benson truly did an outstanding job on this story. I always enjoy seeing an older hero/heroine. Clara is actually older than Lane in this story which is a refreshing change, Clara is 45 and Lane is 37. Clara is a well-loved character from the previous books and it’s nice to finally get to find out more about her background and to see her as an independent, successful woman, not just a companion to her nieces.
As for Lane, what a perfect choice for Clara! I love that he’s immediately attracted to her. The fact that she is older than him, never really was an issue in his eyes, and made me love him even more! Growing up as an orphan in a Foundling Home has made him feel like he never belonged anywhere, until Clara.
Ms. Benson truly pulled out all the stops on this final book in the series. It was pure perfection from beginning to end. Beautiful, well-written and perfectly paced story, with characters that grab your heart. The secondary characters were fabulous, especially an adorable, mischievous pup named Humphrey. It was wonderful to get to see the Sommersby sisters one more time, along with Hart, Sarah, the Dowager Duchess of Lyonsdale and a few other characters from previous books. Although I really hated to see this series end, I finished the book with a big smile on my face. I have enjoyed this series tremendously, and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Benson has for us in the future! She’s definitely an author to follow! Highly recommend!
This is my first read by Mrs Laurie Benson, I am slowly discovering Harlequin Historical Romance writers, I take profit of their new releases as my reading time is quite consumed by ARCs to read first before everything.
What attracted me first to preorder outside some great reviews, it was the characters, for once no more in their earliest youth and with the heroine being older than the hero.
And how I am glad I read Clara and William’s story, I smiled and laughed a lot. Mrs Laurie Benson has a way with words, she with great talent crafted a light and humorous tale of two people finding their way together despite age difference and society station.
I loved both main characters, the author gave them history and depth which made them as real as flesh and blood persons.
They are no debutante nor young buck, they have lived and suffered but it made them wiser not bitter.
Clara had to reconstruct herself after her late husband demise, she loved him but he left her in dire circumstances and since she vowed to herself to not ever find herself subject to the influence of a man’s will. She created her own safe heaven, why would she surrender it to another.
William Lane can’t tell what his parentage is, he built himself in the man he is now but he still feels society’s censure when they learn about his more than humble origines.
From their first exchanged glance, they were drawn to another, but their past is what will come between them unless they find a way for them to overcome their own prejudices.
Mrs Laurie Benson painted with subtle strokes a lively and humorous tale of two persons who were not expecting much from the future because of their past issues.
Good book that is a bit different than the usual Regency romance. We have two people that are older, Clara, who is 45, and Lane, who is 37. Neither of them are in the upper echelons of society, though both have friends who are. It also takes place in Bath instead of London, which was a nice change of pace. Bath is frequently mentioned, but I rarely get a good feel for the area in those books. Here most of the action takes place away from the Pump Room setting.
I liked both Clara and Lane. Clara is a widow who has a bit of a reputation as a matchmaker. She is also independent, personable, and an astute businesswoman. Because of the financial problems encountered during her marriage, she is determined never to give another man that kind of power over her livelihood again. Due to the stigma against women in business and the need to maintain appearances, Clara’s ownership of her hotel is secret. She has employed a male cousin to manage it for her, but she retains control over it.
William Lane, who prefers to be called Lane, is a self-made man. Raised in a London Foundling Hospital, he was determined from an early age to make something of himself. He is reasonably wealthy, with investments in many businesses. He is in Bath to start another one. Having discovered a hot spring under the coffeehouse he just purchased, he wants to expand from a coffeehouse into a spa featuring the waters from that spring. To do so, he needs to buy the hotel next door.
I loved the meeting between Clara and Lane. He is at the Pump Room investigating the waters as research when Clara teases him about the intensity of his gaze. He is immediately intrigued by her, with his thoughts being on the somewhat racy side. Clara is intrigued by him also but recognizes that she is older than he and instead plots to match him with the daughter of a neighbor. William is far more interested in Clara and is determined to pursue her for himself. He is helped along the way by Clara’s little dog Humphrey, her friend the Dowager Duchess, and even the girl that Clara tried to match him with. Clara fights her attraction and growing feelings for Lane, feeling that her age makes her unsuitable for a man who is young enough to want children.
Both Lane and Clara have insecurities that make it difficult for them to see any permanence to a relationship between them. Clara has her age and her reluctance to trust any man to respect her need for independence. Lane’s background has him believing that he isn’t good enough for her and feeling that is reinforced when he has to deal with aristocrats who look down on him. There was a heartbreaking scene at a dinner one night that made me tear up for Lane’s hurt. I loved Clara’s reaction and what it meant to him.
Clara and Lane’s relationship goes along quite nicely as they grow closer. I liked that they could share their pasts without fear of judgment. There was a good amount of respect between them, and I loved that their maturity made it possible for them to talk through any problems that came up. But there was one issue that was left hanging until near the end, and that was the attempt to purchase the hotel. Clara’s secret was so well kept that it took most of the book for it to come out. When it did, there was shock and dismay on both sides. It was interesting to see how it all played out, with doubts, fears, and emotions all tangled up. There were times I wanted to shake Clara because of how she would push him away. The ending was fantastic. I loved the extraordinary thing that she did for him and how it brought him back to her side. It warmed my heart to see him finally break through her fears.
The secondary characters were great. Humphrey, the dog, was adorable, not too sweet with just the right of puppy mischief in his actions. I liked how the Dowager Duchess encouraged Clara, along with that hint of matchmaker competitiveness. Clara’s nieces made me laugh when her hotel ownership came out, and their support of her no longer hiding it. I also liked Juliet’s efforts to make Clara see that there was nothing wrong with loving Lane. I liked Lane’s friend and partner, Hart, especially the way he would give Lane a hard time about his people skills.
Well, what to say about this, other than; My goodness, I love it, its absolute perfection!!! This ladies and – I think there maybe some – gents, is how you write a Regency romance. Laurie Benson, I bow down to you!!
I will attempt to put my scattered thoughts in order and write a proper review without too mush gushing, long sighing pauses and over the top waffling, but really with this beauty I make no promises that I won’t just talk for an hour about how gorgeous Lane is and how brilliant Humphrey is when trying to hump a plant pot…you have to read it, but I think all us dog owners have been in Clara’s shoes a time or two.
So, this is the final book **Sobs and sniffles** in what has been a wonderful series, I will admit that personally the previous book was a little hit and miss for me and I did feel bad about writing a not as glowing review, but i have vowed to be honest but apart from that i have absolutely adore this series. It has been such a joy to get to know the Sommersby ladies over the course of the four books, they have become a little like family now I have spent so much time with them and I am very say sad to let them go….I just don’t want to, surely there is more Sommersby’s out there somewhere?. Long lost cousins four times removed or something….hint, hint
Anyhow, so this is book four and as i always say, you can very easily read this as a stand-a-lone as well as part of the series, but i do say start from the start and get to know all the characters. For me it has been Clara who has been the star of each one, there was always something about older woman that just caught my attention, she is brilliantly funny, independent and insightful. I was very happy when i heard that she was going to get a story of her own. It has been a wait, for someone who doesn’t even like to wait in queue in a shop then wait for Clara’s story was agony, but worth it, because this is a doozy!
Set in the beautiful city of Bath, self made man; William Lane is there doing research for his newest business idea, he is set to propose to his business partner a certain man called Hart, I’m sure others will recognise that gent. While there he is very reluctant to try out the famous healing waters, when he catches the twinkling eye of Mrs Clara Sommersby. He is instantly enthralled by the enigmatic woman – and let me just say that his thoughts aren’t exactly angelic, they do concern hot baths and glistening bare skin Clara takes a instant shine to the younger man, but obviously she doesn’t think of him in that way, she is far too ‘old’, for a start she has other things to occupy her mind, a bit of matchmaking. Her and good friend the Dowager Duchess of Lyonsdale start to match make Clara’s neighbours daughter; Harriett. Clara has an idea that a certain Mr Lane would be perfect for the younger, shy woman. The problem with that, is William Lane has his beady eye set on someone else completely; why would he want a shy little cub when he can have the lioness instead? I love how there is an instant attraction between Clara and Lane, their blossoming romance builds up in such a beautiful natural way, they are such an adorable couple who you just know are made for one and other.
William Lane, oh, William!! Could there be a more perfect (for me) hero? I don’t think it is a surprise that I find the self made, hard working man alluring. He didn’t have the best of starts in life, being raise in a Foundling Hospital, which by all accounts were just awful, some were no better then the workhouse. But, with true grit and determination to make something of himself, he pulled himself out of the gutter and now he is a business man in his own right, he has got the most brilliant mind, he see’s things in ways which others are just blind to. But there is a vulnerable part of him, the part that still sees the world from the Foundling Hospital, the part that stills believes he isn’t good enough. He is so self assured, so independent; so when he does need help from others -aristocrats especially – it does irk him. I can really relate to this man, everything about his character speaks to me, he is just a wonderful, honourable, loyal and gentle man. Who needs a title when you have a brain?
This book is such a joy to read, I love that our leading couple are older then your average Mills and Boon/Harlequin couple, as Lane is 37 and Clara 45, I found that to be such a refreshing change. Its about time and I do hope that this will the start of more stories with older leads, instead of all the young whipper-snappers – Hmmm, I sounded like my Gran there! Another aspect of this book that I love, is that it shows that having children are not crucial to have a happily ever after, that if anything in the book spoke volumes to me.
As ever the thing that I really picked up from this, as do from any of Ms Benson’s books; is her passion for the Regency era, you get a real sense that she genuinely adores this period of history, she pours her heart into creating a realistic, charming and expressive world for us all to fall into. Another thing that did catch my attention with this, is her subtle ways of incorporating all the senses, it really brings the story and the characters alive, you visualise everything in your mind as though you were sitting in Clara’s hotel garden with them smelling the roses. I love it!
Over all this is an enchanting, mesmerising and captivating love story that meticulously weaves solid historical details with a charming second chance romance. I honestly cannot recommend this more, there isn’t a single thing that I dont like about this.
Perfect!
Mr. William Lane came to Bath from London to secure a business matter. While debating on whether he should drink the local waters, he meets Mrs. Clara Sommersby. Clara has thrived since her husband’s passing, and she enjoys her independence. She likes the very serious and dedicated Mr. Lane, but has not considered remarrying; she will not have a man dictacte how to manage her affairs, and besides William is too young for her. Clara and her friend Eleanor, the Dowager Duchess of Lyonsdale, cannot resist their matchmaking impulses and Clara takes upon herself to match William to her neighbour’s overlooked daughter Harriet. But it is soon apparent to everyone that this is not the way things are going.
Charming, enchanting, captivating: this is what MRS. SOMMERSBY’S SECOND CHANCE is! On the surface, this is a very simple story – boy meets girl – but beneath the surface, there is so much going on! There’s the age difference: Clara is 45 and William 37, and it was not well regarded at the time the story is set. There are class differences, which are not immediately apparent, and Society’s preoccupations with appearances. William and Clara come very different backgrounds, but they are fundamentally very much alike: they have worked hard for what they have and intend to succeed in their future endeavours. They are also very different: he is reserved and often far too serious while she is bubbly and gregarious, yet they complement each other so well. They also have tragic backstories, and I thought the author gave an unusual spin to Clara’s marriage. Clara and William were just so lovely, I couldn’t wait to see them together, but oh the obstacles the reader knows they will encounter!
It is refreshing to have a Regency romance with older characters: William is 37 and Clara 45, and especially with the woman being older. I loved how everyone behaved according to their age, from the Dowager Duchess to nineteen year-old Harriet. There are so many wonderful characters in this story! The irrepressible Dowager, who threatens to steal the show, and whose interactions with Clara are simply delightful; William’s friends, the Earl of Hartwick and the Duke of Lyonsdale, are fabulous and they have wonderful exchanges that made me laugh quite a few times. Even Clara’s dog, Humphrey, was perfect; not too cute, just a normal, mischievous puppy. I thought it absolutely marvellous that both Clara and William earned my respect with their actions; there is no telling here, gentle readers, only showing. Clara is an admirable heroine; she knows what she wants and she takes the appropriate measures to make it happen.
The attraction between Clara and William is palpable right from the start, with none of those endlessly hardening and tightening body parts. You feel that shimmering moment of awareness when they look at each other that first time when they realise that they cannot ignore what is happening. Ms. Benson possesses an impeccable sense of time and place, of history and customs; I felt I also was in 1820 Bath for a little while.
MRS. SOMMERSBY’S SECOND CHANCE is so intelligently crafted, I felt secure that nothing stupid would occur, but I wondered how Clara and William would react when the conflicts arose. There was no lack of communication, but there were things that had remained unsaid between them because there was no need for some details to be discussed until they naturally came up, and to witness the characters deal with the issues like reasonable adults was a joy to behold. MRS. SOMMERSBY’S SECOND CHANCE is a grand love story with the most perfect ending one could wish for; oh my heart!