This beautiful, clean Regency romance from beloved author Jane Ashford takes you to a glittering world of revelations and romance, where a lonely earl can find love where he least expects it… traveling, his estate feels too empty, and he quickly heads to London. There, he encounters Teresa Alvarez de Granada, a charming Spanish noblewoman and is immediately entranced.
There is no room for earls in the quiet, safe life Teresa has finally found for herself. The earl might be charming and handsome, but she knows firsthand how dangerous attraction can be. The more determined Teresa is to discourage Arthur, the more entangled they get, and it’s only a matter of time before her respect for him starts to feel a lot like love.
Praise for Jane Ashford’s Regency romances:
“Humor, drama, mystery, romance, intrigue, and a surprising ending.”—Harlequin Junkie for How to Cross a Marquess
“An irresistible love story.”—Library Journal for A Duke Too Far
“Expertly crafted…another triumph of nuanced characterization and sparkling wit.”—Booklist for Nothing Like a Duke
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Earl’s Well That ends Well by Jane Ashford is a lovely tale about Arthur, Earl of Macklin who was widowed and lonely now that his children were all grown. He went to London and made new friends. Played matchmaker to several people. Then he met Teresa Alvarez a Spanish noble woman with a sad past. Her past keeps her jaded. She has a hard time accepting that Arthurs truly an honest and honorable man. This story was a thrilling tale of intrigue, mystery, and love. I enjoyed it the whole time. The characters were really well done. I especially liked the ladies who solved mysteries. I hope the author gives the other 3 ladies there happily ever after. What a great read. thank you.
So happy the Earl that helped four others find love got his own story. I would hope the author would continue with the three girls.
Earl’s Well That Ends Well is the fifth book in Jane Ashford’s The Way to a Lord’s Heart series. The clever title and beautiful cover first caught my eye. When I realized I’ve read two of the previous books in the series and really enjoyed them, I was happy to get an opportunity to review this installment. And when I realized this was Arthur’s story, the matchmaker in the previous novels, I was ecstatic! Arthur really deserved his own HEA. Alas, though this was a pleasant story, I feel poor Arthur was cheated.
Arthur Shelton, the widowed Earl of Macklin, previously helped four grieving noblemen get past their grief and find love. Arthur, however, began to see how empty and lonely his own life was, so he returned to London. There he meets Teresa Alvarez de Granada, a Spanish noblewoman, and is quickly taken with the beautiful woman. Teresa, however, has been hurt and used in the past, and does her best to avoid the handsome earl. When the two begin to investigate the disappearance of young opera dancers that Teresa knew, however, she feels herself being drawn to Arthur. Can a woman with a past have a relationship with a highly respected lord and not ruin his life?
One thing I particularly liked about this story is that both leads were not in the first blush of youth; Arthur was a 50-year-old grandfather and Teresa, I believe, was in her 40’s. That was a nice change of pace. I enjoyed reading about Arthur in the previous books, and I was thrilled that he would get the love he so richly deserved the second time around. I had trouble warming to Teresa, however. Though I could sympathize with her because she was previously hurt, I think she didn’t give Arthur much opportunity to get to know her better; therefore, her growing feelings of love didn’t ring true to me. The plot of the missing opera dancers seemed a bit contrived; I did, though, enjoy the bantering of the young ladies of the ton who wanted to help with the investigation. Though this wasn’t a total win for me, it was an enjoyable sweet romance. I just think Arthur deserved more.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Over the last year, Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin, helped a group of four young men cope with the death of a loved one, to let go of the past, learn to live again, and find love. When his family leaves after their Christmas celebrations, he decides it is time for him to follow suit. While visiting his young friend Tom, he meets Teresa Alvarez. Teresa fled Spain to escape the horrors of Napoleon’s rampage. She paints scenery at the theatre workshop where Tom works. Arthur is taken with her immediately. Could she be part of the new life he desires? Will she even wish to be part of his future?
This is a wonderful story of second chances. The exciting plot has lots of action, adventure, and danger wrapped around an engaging courtship. Arthur and Teresa are joined by an awesome cast of characters. Tom, the three young ladies who love to solve mysteries and puzzles, and Miss Julia Grandison are absolutely delightful. The villains are just that. Arthur changes and loses some of his prim attitude during the story. You will love the red waistcoat with silver stripes and what happened when he wore it. An enjoyable read. I recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
I really enjoyed the WAY TO A LORD’S HEART series by Jane Ashford. It was nice to see Macklin finally get his HEA. I was a little disappointed that he didn’t end up with Helena from HOW TO CROSS A MARQUESS—I thought they would make a good couple. But Teresa is a strong, courageous character, even if she’s a little prickly at first. This book runs the gamut from serious to playful—it was nice to see Ada’s friends again. I’m hoping they’ll get a series of their own next!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
I´m not sure about this story. This is the first book I read from this author and I think the writing is really good.
Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin, has learned to live his own life as a widower. Yet when he returns home after traveling, he feels empty, and he quickly heads to London. There, he encounters Teresa Alvarez de Granada, a charming Spanish noblewoman and is immediately entranced.
But Teresa has finally found a life of peace for herself after suffering a lot in the hands of a noble man and the war. The earl might be charming and handsome, but she knows firsthand how dangerous attraction can be. But as both work together to solve the mystery of missing theatre dancers, the more entangled they get, and it’s only a matter of time before her respect for him starts to feel a lot like love.
I usually prefer steamer romances. This is a bit old school for me, a lot of inner thinking and almost not actual physical interaction. It´s romantic in its own way you could say. I finished the book in a couple of days. It’s entertaining and the main characters are well developed. I really like that they are not a young couple.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What do you get when an earl decides his life needs shaking up? Ten years after his wife’s death, Arthur, decides he needs to allow himself to be happy again. He becomes attracted to a woman, Theresa, who mistrusts men and does not want to be noticed. I enjoyed this last book in the Way to a Lord’s Heart Series. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my honest review.
This was a well-written, entertaining book. Teresa Alvarez de Granada has a quiet, safe life and that’s how she wants it to stay. Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin meets Teresa and is instantly smitten. The characters in this book were great, the story drew me in, and the book was hard to put down. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Arthur Shelton, seventh Earl of Macklin, 49, has spent a nice Christmas with his children and their families. He lost his wife, Celia, 10 ten years ago from a fever. Even with his own grief, he has helped 4 young men with their own grief, enabling them to find happiness and love again. Now, he realizes it’s time for him to find love again too.
Back in London, he sees Tom, a young man he helped from being on the streets to now working and living an honest life. He enjoys the theater and likes to work with the scenery. Walking together one day they encounter a young woman fighting off a bully. Tom introduces her as Señora Teresa Alvarez de Granada. Tom says she paints the scenery and is quite talented. She acts aloof to Arthur which surprises him. Then she turns and leaves abruptly. Tom explains that she lives quietly with a servant and seems to have a small income. Arthur thinks she was born a lady and now lives a life of reduced circumstances. She likes her simple life and her privacy. When Arthur comes by the theater one day to see Tom, Teresa is there and again acts aloof. However, Arthur does what he can to talk to her and draw her out.
Arthur later learns that Teresa’s family lost so much in the war and she is bitter. Perhaps he can help her overcome her own type of grief.
Arthur and Teresa join Tom and some of their friends from the theater in get-togethers. That’s when I began to wonder why I was reading this book in the first place. Why is an older earl hanging around with younger people and trying to impress some woman who treats him with disdain? I have read many books by this author and have enjoyed only a few. in recent years I find her books to be off the wall. Sorry, I try to continue to give authors like this the benefit of the doubt and try them again, but I think I’m done here.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin, has helped four young noblemen recover from grief and find love, but he’s learned to live his own life as a widower. Yet when he returns home after travelling, his estate feels too empty, and he quickly heads to London. There, he encounters Teresa Alvarez de Granada, a charming Spanish noblewoman and is immediately entranced. There is no room for earls in the quiet, safe life Teresa has finally found for herself. The earl might be charming and handsome, but she knows firsthand how dangerous attraction can be. The more determined Teresa is to discourage Arthur, the more entangled they get, and it’s only a matter of time before her respect for him starts to feel a lot like love.
This is the fifth book in the series & Arthur finds his HEA, I’ve wanted the gentle meddler to find happiness from the start of the series. Another aspect I loved was that Arthur is a grandfather in his fifties & Teresa is in her forties. They are attracted from their first meeting but their relationship only advances in the later third of the book. A well written book with strong characters & previous characters do make appearances which I love. I also love Tom & would love to meet him again when he’s mature & ready to marry. The book is well paced & held my interest all the way through, an enjoyable series finale
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Earl’s Well That Ends Well
The Way to a Lord’s Heart Series #5
Jane Ashford
https://www.facebook.com/JaneAshfordWriter/
Release Date 12/29/2020
Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca
This beautiful, clean Regency romance from beloved author Jane Ashford takes you to a glittering world of revelations and romance, where a lonely earl can find love where he least expects it…
Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin, has helped four young noblemen recover from grief and find love, but he’s learned to live his own life as a widower. Yet when he returns home after traveling, his estate feels too empty, and he quickly heads to London. There, he encounters Teresa Alvarez de Granada, a charming Spanish noblewoman and is immediately entranced.
There is no room for earls in the quiet, safe life Teresa has finally found for herself. The earl might be charming and handsome, but she knows firsthand how dangerous attraction can be. The more determined Teresa is to discourage Arthur, the more entangled they get, and it’s only a matter of time before her respect for him starts to feel a lot like love.
Will her past impede her to listen to her heart …
From the moment I discovered this series, I was very much curious about Macklin, and after the last book, I had great expectancy about a future release with his own HEA.
And one thing is certain the author did not disappoint. I loved every minutes of this read.
It is a different setting than the previous books as Macklin was helping young men to find a new path, with love on their journey, now he is the one struck by lightning.
But there is still young Tom to follow him.
So it was nice to learn more about this man, after decades of following society’s rules, he strayed a bit when he involved himself in others’ life, but still answered to the ton’s dictates.
But upon his first encounter with Teresa, he finds himself at loss, navigating for once new waters. He does not know how to interact with her without offending or angering her, she is not swayed and does not coo because he is an Earl, even more, she seems to reject him because of it. She is irritable and avoid him as much as possible. If not for Tom, she would do her best to never see him again.
Teresa is the enigma of this tale, who is she and why does she act in stark contrast to most women. When her past is reveled, she has every right to be wary of men and their supposed protectiveness. She went from having it all to having none at all, with only herself to rely on. She learned the harsh way how to swim among sharks lurking in the shadow to ponce on whom they will see as easy prey. Why she will need time to acknowledge Macklin as being different from the other men of power. What she thought first as being condescending is in fact real interest in the persons he mingles with, he is no meaningless patron, he cares about the people he befriends.
I loved watching them walk toward the other at their own peculiar speed, each tiny gesture or deed revealing a part of each other’s inner strength and kindness. Until there is no denying of their feelings.
5 stars
some sweet kissing.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Heartwarming romance for the older set!
Arthur’s friendship with young Tom brings him into the world of the Drury Lane theater, especially its behind-the-scenes creative staff. He’s instantly fascinated by the beautiful but guarded Senora Alvarez, but her quiet life is protected only by continuing to protect her secrets and avoid entanglements with men like Arthur.
Arthur and Teresa are both drawn into investigating the mysterious disappearances of some of the opera dancers, bringing Teresa well outside her comfort zone and showing Arthur a side of London he had not previously examined. I loved how Tom was their facilitator, how strong and focused he was despite his youth, and how determined he was to find out what had happened to his friends.
This story captivated me from the beginning and I devoured every page as fast as I could. I was instantly in love with all these characters, and laughed and cheered with them as they successfully completed their mission. I loved the way Teresa challenged Arthur on every level, and his plan to remove Teresa’s last remaining obstacle was brilliantly executed.
The HEA was delightfully sweet, and I hope we haven’t seen the last of this intriguing world. Ada’s friends are perfectly poised to star in their own books, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
An Earl nearing fifty, lost his wife ten years ago. His children all have their own homes and family. Lonely he decides it’s time to find a wife. Arthur, Earl of Machlan, is not the typical Earl. Considered a matchmaker by the young set, he’s also willing to help anyone in need. His introduction to Senora Teresa Alvarez leaves him stunned and intrigued. Working for the theater painting flats,Teresa questions the motives of this man with the twinkle in his eyes. When three dancers disappear and soon after another, Machlan steps in to help find them. The more Arthur shows his true integrity, the more Teresa falls under his spell. A love story and mystery, Arthur is a true swoon-worthy hero to remember.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
A Second Chance at Love
Jane Ashford concludes her The Way to a Lord’s Heart Series with the Earl who facilitated the happiness of the four previous romances. Reading the previous books is recommended, but unnecessary to understand this book. After the death of his wife the Earl of Macklin, Arthur Shelton, can not imagine his own happiness. London is where friends and new acquaintances can help him forget his loss. All Teresa Alvarez de Granada wants is her freedom, especially from meddlesome Earls. Arthur pursues Teresa respectively, by getting to know her interests. She expresses her distaste liberally, and is very opinionated about people and food. Their tart beginning, melts into a better understanding that outward appearances do not define who a person is. They are a well-matched couple in passion and principles. Jane Ashford word choice is a bit flowery, with words like “tumult” mixed in. Which fits the haughty airs that both characters are fond of. There are cameos from the character if the previous books as well. Earl’s Well That Ends Well is a delightful, slow build historical romance about finding love later in life.
Earl of Macklin, Arthur Shelton, learned to live his own life as a widower. When he returns home after traveling, his estate feels too empty, and he quickly heads to London where he encounters Teresa Alvarez de Granada, a charming Spanish noblewoman and is immediately entranced. There begins the pull and tug relationship and the more determined Teresa is to discourage Arthur, the more entangled they get, and it’s only a matter of time before her respect for him starts to feel a lot like love. Love which I absolutely did not have for this novel.
The first quarter of any book is crucial and can literally make or break it. If the author fails to gain the attention of the reader (me), get ready to wave your hand and say sayonara because this girl is gone! I tried really really hard to like this but goodness gracious this was a snoozefest. From the leading characters, romance, meek storyline and everything else in between. I just couldn’t do it anymore and had to unfortunately drop this. I gave this more than a fair shot to impress me but nope. It was more than apparent it wasn’t happening and I ponder, how did I keep my eyes open for this?
All in all, this was more of a ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ type of read and I hope the next novel I read from this author is something to write home about.