A Second Chance…a do-over? These ladies are not the young naïve girls they once were. Now they are WOMEN who know the value of love, who have faced challenges and aren’t afraid to seek what they want.Come along as they risk it all for a second chance at a happily ever after. Mrs. Sartin’s Secretary by Wendy LaCapra… Mrs. Amelia Sartin helms her late husband’s company and implicitly trusts her … implicitly trusts her Secretary, Matthew Bellamy. However, as she cedes company control to her heir, can Bellamy persuade Amelia he is one thing she cannot leave behind?
To Hell and Back, by Annabelle Anders… Eve Mossant’s life has been quite turned over. As has the carriage she was traveling in to attend her estranged husband’s funeral. Thank heavens for Mr. Waverly, her ever dependable man of business. She wouldn’t know where she’d be without him…
A Lady’s Guide to Marriage by Tabetha Waite… She’s never stopped loving him. He’s never stopped loving her. But is love enough to salvage a crumbling marriage, or will it be their ultimate undoing?
Heart of Decadence by Jenna Jaxon… Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal during her first Season, when her fiancée died. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley arrives, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia must convince him that a woman with a past deserves a future.
A Letter From a Lady by Cynthia Sterling… Deserted by her husband, Lady Clarissa Delaware has opened her home as a respite for ailing gentry, but her newest lodger is a mystery man who seems far too interested in her. Will dangerous intrigue and forbidden passion unite Viscount Adam Kendrick and Lady Clarissa in a bond sure to cause scandal?
A Lady of Courage by Catherine Tinley… Following a scandalous elopement and a cloud of mystery over the legitimacy of her child, Elizabeth has spent years in exile, hiding away from society. Now back in London for the first time, can she find the courage to regain her place and find love?
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Since this is a six-story collection with six different authors, I have decided to review each one as I go. I do plan on reading all six and will be updating this review with each book I finish!
A Lady of Courage – Catherine Tinley: 5 stars
This book was a pleasant surprise for me! While reading the story, I realized that the heroine in this story Elizabeth Milford is actually the mother of Juliana Milford the heroine in The Captain’s Disgraced Lady, a book I absolutely loved. So if you’ve read that story, you’ve already met Elizabeth. I was excited to get to see Elizabeth’s point of view as this story coincides with her daughter Juliana’s.
Well, first I have to say I really liked Elizabeth! She followed her heart as a young girl of twenty-one and eloped to France with the man she loved. By the time she turned twenty-two, she was a widow with an infant daughter. At forty-two she’s a respected mother of a twenty-year-old beautiful, accomplished young lady. When Juliana is invited to England to visit her dear friend Charlotte who recently married an earl, Elizabeth begins to panic. Elizabeth has not been in England since she eloped and is worried to face the scandal of her past.
I liked watching Elizabeth gain her confidence after returning to England. She spent so many years fearful of the past catching up with her, that to watch her finally come to terms and move forward was refreshing. Charles Thornton was just perfect for Elizabeth! He’s kind, handsome, patient and understanding of her situation. He really was the perfect man for her and I’m so glad they were able to find their way to each other.
Catherine Tinley is such a wonderful writer & I enjoyed this storyline so much. Along with a fabulous hero & heroine, there are several secondary characters along with an absolutely perfect ending to make this a must read. Highly recommend!
A Lady’s Guide to Marriage – Tabetha Waite: 5 stars
This is actually the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from Ms. Waite. I definitely enjoyed it, and look forward to checking out her backlist.
I absolutely loved Michael and Albina as a couple. Theirs was a love match all those years ago and they were kind people that you just wanted to see find their way back to each other. Married for twenty-four years, three children and life’s stresses had them drifting apart as their children got older. Both Albina & Michael regret the five-year separation and hope somehow to reunite. Yet neither knows just exactly how to take the initial steps towards each other. I must say, I was extremely happy that Ms. Waite had no scandal between these two to cause the separation. It was obvious they still loved each other & their reunion was all I could have hoped for it to be! It was truly a wonderful second chance story and I enjoyed Ms. Waite’s style of writing. Highly recommend this story and happy to have found a new author!
Mrs. Sartin’s Secretary – Wendy LaCapra: 5 stars
This is actually the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from Ms. LaCapra. Mrs. Sartin’s Secretary is book #1.5 of Ms. LaCapra’s newest series “Lords of Chance” with #2 “Heart’s Desire” coming out soon. That book will feature Lord Markham who played a role in this book.
Amelia and Matthew have known each other for over a decade. Matthew came to work for her husband George at the age of seventeen as his secretary. So when Amelia starts to recognize Matthew as the handsome man he is, she’s a little alarmed. As for Matthew, his feelings of esteem for Amelia has grown into something more. But being her employee holds him back.
I genuinely liked Amelia and Matthew and liked that Amelia was older than Matthew by ten years. It was a refreshing change from the usual storyline of the man being older than the woman. Amelia’s reluctance and fear of them as a couple was understandable. I felt they made a sweet couple and was rooting for them to find a way to overcome the obstacles between them. It was a great read that I would definitely recommend!
I enjoyed Ms. LaCapra’s writing style and will definitely be adding her books to my future reading list!
To Hell and Back – Annabelle Anders: 5/5 stars
To Hell and Back is the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from Ms. Anders and won’t be the last. It was a wonderful story and I look forward to checking out the rest of her books.
Our story starts out with Eve Mossant being informed she is now a widow. Eve’s marriage was not a happy one and she has conflicting feelings over the news. When she decides to make a trip to Pebble’s Gate, the country estate of her late husband’s, it is agreed that her man of business Niles Waverly will travel along with her. After her maid becomes ill on the morning of the trip, Eve ends up traveling without a chaperone. Bad weather forces Niles to ride inside the carriage and then later a carriage accident forces them to spend a few days alone.
What an absolutely wonderful story! I really liked Eve. She may not have had a good marriage, but she was a good mother. She did everything possible to protect her daughters. With her husband’s death, she’s overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. As for Niles he was a perfect Knight in shining armor. Oh my, he was delicious! I liked that he was actually an older man being 47. I really enjoyed the storyline and looked forward to seeing how it would all play out.
Being this was my first book from Annabelle Anders, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I can happily say I loved this story and would not hesitate to read from this author again!
Heart of Decadence – Jenna Jaxon: 5/5 stars
What a wonderful second chance love story and introduction to author Jenna Jaxon’s work! Heart of Decadence is the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from Ms. Jaxon and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Amelia Burrowes is being forced into a marriage by her parents. She’s been ostracized by the ton for the last 10 years after her fiancé unexpectedly died and a scandal ensued. With her younger sisters coming out next season, her family is determined to repair her reputation with a respectable marriage. But when the man her parents have chosen for her tries to compromise her in the library, she has an unexpected savior in Nathan Locke, Viscount Ainsley.
Well, I have to say even before I found out what the scandal from Amelia’s past was, I really liked her. She was a sweet, spirited young woman who was found guilty in the eyes of the Ton based on rumors. Oh my, how I loved Nathan! Nathan and Amelia had an understanding her first season. Then he disappeared. So when he returns and finds her unmarried and her potential fiancé trying to compromise her, he steps in to rescue her. He wants Amelia and immediately takes steps to win her back and repair her reputation. They were an adorable couple and I’m so happy they found their way back to each other! The story was well written and I absolutely loved the Epilogue! I enjoyed Ms. Jaxon’s style of writing and will definitely be looking into her backlist.
A Letter from a Lady– Cynthia Sterling: 5/5 stars
A Letter from a Lady by Cynthia Sterling is another fabulous story from a new to me author. I really enjoyed this one!
Adam Kendrick, Viscount Morgan is looking for his brother Devon. Seems his brother got mixed up with some smugglers after leaving home from a fight with Adam. So when Adam has someone steal letters from the leader of the gang to find out his true identity, he finds a love letter from a Lady Clarissa Delaware. Adam sets out to see Lady Delaware and to see if she knows the whereabouts of her husband. Lady Clarissa Delaware’s husband has disappeared and not been seen since he went bankrupt years ago. She has been taking in elderly gentry to help with the upkeep of her family estate.
Well, first I have to say this story had my attention from beginning to end, wondering when the mysterious husband would reappear and how Adam and Clarissa would ever find a way to be together. Their first meeting was not love at first sight, although there is an attraction, both are suspicious of each other. Adam doesn’t trust that Clarissa isn’t a part of her husband’s smuggling ring, and Clarissa doesn’t trust Adam of telling the truth of why he’s in her home. I liked Clarissa, she’s a woman who is kind and loving and has taken everything on her shoulders. Adam’s interactions with the children and the elderly people in the house were priceless! He was a good man who was struggling to find his brother and to fight the growing desire for Clarissa a married woman.
This story is well written with fabulous secondary characters, smugglers, plus a surprise I didn’t see coming at all, this was truly an enjoyable read. I will definitely look into more of Ms. Sterling’s books!
Different authors and a set of stories and surprisingly I enjoyed every one! I found myself looking forward to getting to the next chapter….these are a find!
Can I just say I was so looking forward to reading these amazing stories by some of my favorite authors? A Second Chance Love really pulled me just by the title alone because that is one of my favorite tropes!
Mrs. Sartin’s Secretary by Wendy La Capra
A widow, Mrs Sartin has a secretary Matthew, who she suddenly noticed when she saw him at an event outside of work. But she was ten years older and his employer which seemed to get in the way. Little did she know he felt the same about her but he knew his managing mother would heartily object and want him to marry a younger lady. But hearts cannot be denied as they really get to know each other and find that nothing can stand in their way! Wendy writes wonderful stories that always capture my heart!
To Hell and Back by Annabelle Anders
“January twenty-ninth. Two days ago. Found dead. In his bed. Smothered with is own pillow.” Eve contimplated. What a perfect end to a wastrel of a husband after all these years. Eve had been married over twenty years to Jean Luc but they had not lived together for many years. Mr Waverly, her man of business delivered the news. Was it bad to feel relief? This is a perfectly wonderful story of Eve who had truly not felt the affections or comfort of a man in so long and Niles, her man of business who had been in love with her forever. Now she is free and the journey they set out on to go settle the estate, is fraught with so many unexpected happenings! Humor, a tumble (ok not that yet!), an awareness that has just come to life and romance that is sigh worthy! Her dear Mr. Waverly. For a novella, this packed everything in to make this tale amazing. I adore everything this author writes and I can only add this splendid story to the list!
A Lady’s Guide to Marriage by Tabetha Waite
A lovely story about a couple married over twenty five years but who have lived apart for over five. The sad part is they loved each other but could not seem to come back together, as neither would take the first step. A lot of misunderstandings and unspoken words have kept them seperate. But as they end up together in the country, can they talk and realize what they mean to each other? Filled with humor and hearfelt emotions, Tabetha Waite brings this wonderful story to life, that I could not wait to find out what happend next!
Heart of Decadence by Jenna Jaxon
Miss Amelia Burrowes had a terrible first season in London. Her fiance died and the true man she wanted to marry just disappears! Blamed for all that happened, she is ruined in the eyes of society and does not return until ten years later. Her mother has arranged a marriage for her to, oh yes, not a man of her choosing, but the hope is she will be received again so her sisters can have a hope of marraige for themselves. But who should appear but the man who disappeared years ago. The sparks are coming off the page because they still have feelings for each other. But can they make it work this time?
A Letter from a Lady by Cynthia Sterling
A wife who was abandoned by her husband years ago, Clarissa lives with her best friend and two children and runs a home for the ailing. Adam is looking for his brother and takes a room at the retreat run by Clarissa. He suspects her husband had something to do with the disappearance of this sibling. Thinking he may be a spy, Clarissa and her friend are not sure why he is there or who he really is at all! A suspenseful story that kept me reading until the end!
A Lady of Courage by Catherine Tinley
Another wonderful second chance at love story that involves Elizabeth who has spent years on her own. She was ruined years ago in a scandalous elopement and then left with a child. Now she returns to the world and goes to London. Hopefully she can find happiness and a love that has ben denied her for so long. Just a beautiful story!
This a delightful set of six heartwarming tales of rediscovering love, with a new person, with the same person, with the right person. All six stories had the same theme, but each author presented a couple with a different circumstance and path leading to happily ever after.
Tabetha Waite’s A Lady’s Guide to Marriage is heartwarming and humorous (and my favorite of the six). Even though married for twenty-five years, Albina and Michael Baine still love each other as intensely as they did when they first wed. They just don’t know it. A series of misunderstandings has kept them separated for five years. Enough, already, so Albina travels to the country to see if they can mend their marriage. The visit has its ups and downs, and it doesn’t look good for reconciliation. Albina plans to leave. Can Michael convince her to stay? Well, that’s a surprise. An engaging story. Absolutely loveable characters. 5 Stars
If you like Regency romance and second chance stories, try this collection. I enjoyed all six stories and recommend the set.
Mrs. Sartin’s Secretary by Wendy LaCapra… Mrs. Amelia Sartin helms her late husband’s company and implicitly trusts her Secretary, Matthew Bellamy. Older woman & younger employee made for a riveting read as they both have fallen for each other
To Hell and Back, by Annabelle Anders… Eve Mossant’s life has been quite turned over. As has the carriage she was travelling in to attend her estranged husband’s funeral. Thank heavens for Mr. Niles Waverly, her ever dependable man of business. The author is one of my must read authors & this captivating novella is just so good. I loved the Devilish Debutantes & so pleased to read Eve & Niles’ story, a definite 5 star read
A Lady’s Guide to Marriage by Tabetha Waite… She’s never stopped loving him. He’s never stopped loving her. Another must read author. This novella took me through a gamut of emotions, it was very much one step forward & two steps back The road to their HEA was stony but held me enthralled all the way through
Heart of Decadence by Jenna Jaxon… Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal during her first Season, when her fiancée died. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley arrives, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia must convince him that a woman with a past deserves a future. Yet another must read author of mine, I loved this second chance novella, I was routing for Amelia all the way through, she deserved her HEA
A Letter From a Lady by Cynthia Sterling… Deserted by her husband, Lady Clarissa Delaware has opened her home as a respite for ailing gentry, but her newest lodger is a mystery man who seems far too interested in her. A new author to me & I thoroughly enjoyed this novella
A Lady of Courage by Catherine Tinley… Following a scandalous elopement and a cloud of mystery over the legitimacy of her child, Elizabeth has spent years in exile, hiding away from society. She truly deserved her HEA & to be happy.
The joy of these short stories were as all were second chances the characters were mature & proved love isn’t only for debutantes. Six well written, enthralling reads
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I enjoyed this story so much. I like she ran businesses with the help of her secretary, I love to talk about that dynamic but that would spoil it ! Wonderful story I enjoy this author I’d read anything she writes.
Second Chance Love
A Regency Romance Set
by Annabelle Anders, Tabetha Waite, Jenna Jaxon, Wendy LaCapra, Cynthia Sterling and Catherine Tinley
Mrs. Sartin’s Secretary by Wendy LaCapra
Mrs. Amelia Sartin is a widow and she has a problem….she’s fallen for a younger man! Not only is she older by ten years she’s his employer! Will they be able to throw caution out the window and pursue their love? Will Matthew be a man and put his meddling mother in her place and be with the woman he loves?
I’m a sucker for second chances at love, I truly believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Wendy LaCapra has done a wonderful job at expressing the emotions of both the main characters. They just proved that love is blind to age race and colour! Everyone deserves a happy ending.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
I will be updating my reviews as I read the rest of the stories.
I read two of the stories and I’m excited to read the rest. I read To Hell and Back and I enjoyed the story of a lady of means being attracted to her “man if business.”
The second I read was A Lady’s Guide To Marriage, I found this story hopeful. It’s an unusual story in that it’s about a married couple who have grown apart, but get a second chance to reignite their marriage. Love these two stories!
From employee / employer, lovers separated by parents, estranged married couple, and others, this book has a good variety of interesting, mature couples getting a second chance at love. Very enjoyable.
Mrs. Sartin’s Secretary by Wendy LaCapra
I love an unexpected second chance at love. When love hit these two it hit them hard and fast. People saw it before they did and it was only a matter of time. I was holding my breath when she left the house and when he went to talk to his mother.
Amelia didn’t see him as a man until she saw him outside of work. Then everything changed. I loved how she didn’t care what people thought. She had a friend that wasn’t going to let her run.
Matthew won’t give up that easily. He won’t let his mother’s plans or anyone stand in his way. He has a surprise that you won’t see coming.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review