Can Emily, a widow, help others find love, and have a chance at love herself?Lady Emily Smithton has returned to society with the sole objective of enjoying herself. Having completed her mourning for her late husband, she has no intention of finding herself a new husband nor even allowing herself to be courted by a gentleman.But when an old beau reappears in the form of one Lord Havisham, Emily … one Lord Havisham, Emily begins to wonder whether her heart can remain as resolute as she had hoped!
Emily discovers that she has something of a follower in young Miss Bavidge, who longs to have the same confidence, gentility, and determination as she. Near to being regarded as a spinster, Miss Bavidge begs for Emily’s help in finding a husband for both herself and her friends.
Emily loves a challenge, and Miss Bavidge and her friends certainly need help, but will Emily be able to aid her?
And what will become of Lord Havisham and his intention to pursue Emily until she consents to his courtship?
This book is the first book of a series about The Spinsters Guild, a group of imperfect ladies who are almost “on the shelf.” Can Lady Emily help them find their perfect match before it is too late? Note that Lady Emily does not finalize her match in this story!
Other books by Rose Pearson:
The Duke’s Daughters Series
The Duke’s Daughters: A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset
A Rogue for a Lady
My Restless Earl
Rescued by an Earl
In the Arms of an Earl
The Reluctant Marquess (Prequel)
A Smithfield Market Regency Romance
The Smithfield Market Romances: A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset
A Rogue’s Flower
Saved by the Scoundrel
Mending the Duke
The Baron’s Malady
The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square
The Waiting Bride
The Long Return
The Duke’s Saving Grace
A New Home for the Duke
Love and Christmas Wishes: Three Regency Romance Novellas
more
Lost Innocent, Second Changes and hope for Spinster’s
This is the first book in a new series, The Spinster’s Guild.
Miss Emily Taylor, Daughter to Viscount Chesterton has just made her debut. Her father has already lined up a husband for her, and old, leering, grotesque man old enough to be her father. Emily is terrified of having to marry Lord Smithton. She has been raised by a father who cares nothing for her but what gain he can make from her. She has learned the hard way to be quiet, and obedient knowing the consequences from her father if she isn’t.
During her debut, she had a chance to meet Lord Havisham, who showed an interest in her. She was very taken with him during what dances and dinners she was able to speak with him. After being told she would
marry Lord Smithton at the end of the season she turns to Lord Havisham for help. She plea’s with him to run off to Scotland with her and marry over the anvil to save her. He let’s her down, saying the disgrace for his family would be to great now that she is engaged to other.
Two year’s later the Widow Lady Smithton is back in London, a Independent, determined woman.
She finds a lot of rumors have been told around the ton, making it harder for her to start over.
She meets Lord Havisham again and finds he wants to make amends. She doesn’t know if she can forgive him.
She is also asked by some young ladies to help them make their way thru the season finding husbands for them. They all have certain problems that they are trying to over come.
This is an very different story. The thing I really disliked about it and why I only gave it two stars is
there is no ending, it is a cliff hanger. You at left with a lot of question’s What happens to Lady Smithton and Lord Havisham, what comes of the lady’s asking for help. Does her father finally leave her alone.
I read a lot of series and there is no reason for cliff hangers. If you enjoy the book, you will buy the next one.
I like to know the end to the story. For those of us who read a lot, we may read other 20 books till the next one in this series is out.. UGH
I absolutely loved this book! The plot, characters, setting are just dynamite! I was kept turning the pages long into the night! Truly a wonderful tale that you will want to add to your library!
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I’m anxious to read the next book. The book held my attention from the beginning.
This was a very good story. It is the beginning of a series and is not a stand alone story. I look forward to reading more about Emily and Lord Havisham in future stories. I also look forward to reading the stories of the ladies in The Spinsters Guild. Rose Pearson is a wonderful author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first book in The Spinsters Guild series it does end with a sort of cliff-hanger or tie into the next book. I want to read the next book. This is about the women under Lady Emily Smithton’s guidance in the Spinster Guild that she starts, and about how she handles herself after the death of her aged husband and the betrayal of her father. It also brings Lord Havisham back into her life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not sure of the ending?
I thought I missed my chance to review this arc, but luck out when Ms. Pearson sent an email. The story is really good forced into an arranged marriage with elderly Marquis of Smithton it takes two years for Emily to get her freedom back. Lord Havisham who had always wanted Lady Emily now seek her out when she returns to the ton, but it may not be as easy as he thinks. Miss Bavidge and her friends request Emily aid in finding husbands and so is the beginning of the Spinsters Guild. I am not sure I like the ending, but I understand the author’s point of view and I am looking forward to the other books in the series. I highly recommend I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
A story well written and deep of emotion and surprises…
A story different from what you’ll expect…
A young window… an abusive father and husband… friendships…
A book for all…
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is was an interesting story about promised marriage, very young girl to much older man. It was sad she had to learn how to avoid him before he died. Then she is left a widow. Emily holds her head up high and returns to London. Yes, there are rumors and other things said about her, but she was left as a wealthy widow and has no problem standing up to those who choose to criticize her. She goes to several balls of the season and is approached by a young woman who would like to make an appointment to meet with her. Emily is surprised when they approach her but she ends up meeting them and helping them. She calls the meetings with the girls (and there are several by now) The Spinsters Guild.
Emily ends up running into a man, Lord Havisham, who she ask to marry her – to prevent her from marrying the old gentleman. He was very charming, handsome and kind.
It goes on to let you know she has become very independent and has to stand up to her father as she will not permit him to ruin her life or gain any money from her life ever again. Lord Havisham ends up offering to help her with the Guild and the book leaves you hanging right there.
to me that is the biggest disappointment to the whole book. I do not like cliffhangers, but it is a very captivating story.
How Emily is able to overcome her terrible situation and come out strong and more independent is inspiring. Loved it. I received as an arc for honest review.
In the beginning of the book it kind of dripped the plot of the story a little at a time. It wasn’t until a little over half way of the book that it really became interesting. I must say that it made up for the prior part. I loved reading about how in two years that the timid, afraid, bullied debutante Miss Emily Taylor became the courageous and direct speaking person she longed to be. She was now the widowed Lady Smithton. Part of the story covers her relationship with Viscount Havisham. He rejected her prior to her wedding Lord Smithton and has regretted it since. He lays his heart bare to her asking for forgiveness. In the meantime, her evil father is spreading rumors of her and her dead husband that are not true. For nefarious reasons he wants her under his roof again. The best part of the book begins with a surprising twist to the story. It is Emily’s acquaintance with four young ladies in need of social aid. They are in awe of her and find the way she handles herself in society regardless of the rumors is admirable. When I got to the end, I said “OH NO” I have to wait for the next book to find out what will happen next. I really believe this series will only get better and better.
A delightful read that I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Determination can make a person do anything. I great plot that I could not put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
BE STILL MY HEART!!!
Crap on toast! All the heartbreak, fear, uncertainty and intrigue will keep you in a tail spin in this refreshing take. Tutelage to undertake, expectations to meet and places to be. Battling the trials and tribulations along with a slew of plot twists that launch this installment to life wonderfully. A myriad of unpredictable mishaps and a host of surprises that trigger those stormy emotions forward. The characters are inventive with depth and on point realism it feels like you’re among old friends. The scenes play out in realistic scenario’s with vivid descriptions that make for an incredible backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Fantastic job Rose, thanks for sharing.
Expect this one to start off a little slow and to be a little different from the author’s past books, where you will have to keep going in the series to find out what happens to several people, instead of there being that solid standalone story she usually has. That was not a problem for me, though, as this series looks very promising, and I was still drawn into the story of what was going on with everyone. Not only do we have Emily, who thinks she only wants freedom after a terrible forced marriage, and Lord Havisham who wants to rekindle old feelings, but we are also introduced to a few young women with their own troubles and who consider themselves close to being spinsters. You just want to give everyone a big hug, as what they are all dealing with really tugs at your heart strings. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how things progress, and I’m really looking forward to where the author takes their stories.
Emily’s father was very demanding and controlling and forced Emily to marry Lord Smithton who was also Mean and controlling. Lord Smithton has since died and Emily’s period of mourning is over. Emily returns to London a much stronger and wealthier person than when she left and befriends 4 women who are on the verge of becoming spinsters. Also, will Emily renew the attraction to Lord Havisham which she had before her marriage? Another great book by Rose Pearson.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a lovely story .. a widow who wants to REMAIN a widow – and enjoy the freedom it brings. AND yet – a old friend that could be more than a friend . . . .and all these young women who need a helping hand . . . can both be helped?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Miss Emily Taylor, daughter to the Viscount Chesterton, was being forced into an arranged marriage with the abusive, elderly Marquis of Smithton. She hated the man and, in a desperate attempt to avoid the marriage, she sought out her friend, Viscount Havisham, asking him to elope with her and rescue her from this terrible fate. Being an honorable man, Havisham is not willing to do this since she is promised to another.
After the passage of two years, Lady Emily Smithton has now returned to society having been virtually sold into an unpleasant marriage. She has now become a strong and independent young woman who has vowed to never put herself under a man’s control again. She has wealth and does not let society push her around. Her strength and courage does not go unnoticed.
Lady Emily is approached by Miss Bavidge and others who ask for her help in finding matches so that they are not spinsters, left on the shelf. This will be the start of the Spinsters Guild, to give hope to women who would otherwise live lonely, solitary lives through no fault of their own!
In the meantime, Lord Havisham, who had always wanted Lady Emily, intends to seek her out and pursue the relationship they could not have before. Needless to say, she is not interested in the man who would not help rescue her when she most needed him. But he refuses to give up on her. Will he convince her to give him a chance? Would he be willing to help her assist the new members of the Spinsters Guild to find their husbands? Will her controlling father push his way back into her life to regain control of her?
There are so many things going on in this wonderful book! Lady Emily has survived her terrible marriage and developed into such a strong person who can inspire others to be strong too. This is going to be a wonderful series of books! Although we won’t know Lord Havisham’s outcome yet, there are definitely choices ahead for him! Don’t miss out on this one as we see the creation of the Spinsters Guild preparing to move into Book 2.
I love this book and will be waiting breathlessly for the next book in the new series! I am so excited to read a new series from Rose Pearson! She is a wonderful author and I have enjoyed reading her books. The series is about “The Spinster Guild”, I believe this series will be very enjoyable to read and look forward to read it. I recommend reading this book, so you will know how the spinster guild is formed and a romance or two or three… will be found in this series. Way to go Rose Pearson! Love your books!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first book of the Spinster’s Guild is truly a delight! It’s the story of Emily, Lady Smithton, who turned to Lord Havisham for help, which he denied and sold in marriage to an old and nasty Lord. Returning to London years later after her morning period and subject to gossip spread by her father, Emily reenters society with her head held high. She is a new woman, strong and confident.
Approached by several young ladies for help, Emily hatches a plan which is the start of a new beginning. Really enjoyable read. Can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is not a stand alone book beginning a series. The story is interesting as far as it goes. As a personal preference I do not like series that do not consist of stand along volumes. If you don’t mind them it is a five star story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emily Taylor is being forced by her father to wed Lord Smithton a man more of her father’s age than hers, try as she might there is no way out of it. Two years later Emily has returned to town a free woman of independent means with a home of her own, a widow with her whole life ahead of her and she plans to keep her independence. Her father is still trying to force her home but she has refused. On a walk in the park, a young lady approaches her with a request to call on her, at first Emily thinks it is just another person looking for gossip about her husband’s death but upon a second look she changes her mind and tells the young lady she is welcome to call. Later that evening she attends a gathering and a second young lady also asks permission to call, puzzled by this she agrees. She is surprised to hear a man call her name when she sees who it is she is shocked and angry at the same time, she new Lord Havisham the gentleman she had asked to save her from her marriage and he had walked away from her, she still was embarrassed by her behavior that night. When he started to tell her how sorry he was and that he still had feelings for her she told him she did not wish to speak to him and walked away. She finally meets with the young ladies and finds they need her help to find a marriage that they choose, not their parents and to be judged on their own merit, not by the mistakes committed by their fathers. Emily agrees to help as much as she can, the group grows by two more and they call themselves The Spinsters Guild.
So it is the Begining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.