One of Book Riot’s “9 Not-To-Be-Missed Romances Hitting the Shelves this Summer” Can a woman who’s down on her luck find love with a dashing Duke-to-be? Find out in The Luck of the Bride, the next Regency romance in the Cavensham Heiresses series from Janna MacGregor. She’s leaving nothing up to chance. Not even love… March Lawson is an orphan who, for the past eight years, has struggled to … Lawson is an orphan who, for the past eight years, has struggled to raise her siblings on a meager allowance. Most women March’s age would be picking out ball gowns for the upcoming season. But March’s focus is not on finding a husband. First, she must devote her energies to just one man: the coldhearted skinflint who refuses to release her inheritance.
Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin, is not a heartless man. When he learns that Miss Lawson has been forging his name to procure funds, he can’t bring himself to have her arrested–not when the bold-faced embezzler is so enchantingly beautiful. Instead, McCalpin agrees to visit her home to assess the situation more closely. March has no choice but to accept. But how can she manage the handsome trustee who controls her purse strings–when he tugs at her heart strings as well?
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The Luck of the Bride is a sweet historical romance with memorable characters and a story that tugs at the heart. From parent to bookkeeper to lady farmer to embezzler, March Lawson is my favorite kind of heroine, smart, strong, and loyal. The leading hero, Michael might be a little swoon worthy too. March suffers from the worst of luck but like a true champion rises against whatever life throws her way. When her parents died, she took on the responsibility of raising her three siblings even though she a teenager herself. Running her family’s estate, she manages the books and shears the sheep. A violent storm tears up the roof and empties the coffers causing March to take up a life of crime, embezzling from her own trust. The Marquess of McCalpin, Michael learns of the theft and opens his heart when March’s family circumstances become painfully clear. Taking guardianship and introducing the family to society, Michael brings the Lawsons into his life. The more time spent together the more obvious it is that March and Michael cannot fight their feelings. Like any good love story, there is always a villain in the wings threatening their HEA but love prevails in a breathtaking HEA. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
“Luck is believing your lucky.” –Tennessee Williams
This review features book 3 in The Cavensham Heiresses series. I have not read books 1&2… but I want to now having read this one.
Book 1: The Bad Luck Bride [Claire and Alex]
Book 2: The Bride Who Got Lucky [Emma and Nick]
Book 3: The Luck of the Bride [March and Michael]
Book 4: The Good, the Bad, and the Duke [estimated pub Dec 4, 2018]
From the first paragraph, I was gripped by this story. Although it was the third in a series… it worked well as a stand-a-lone. The author did an excellent joy of bringing the previous stories seamlessly into this book. I loved when Claire and Alex [book 1] were in a scene and Emma and Nick [book 2] were adorable. Emma’s friendship and trust went a long way in helping March during her troubles.
We open with the prologue… Lord and Lady Lawson have died from an influenza outbreak, leaving three children… March [barely 16], Faith [11], Julia [10] and the heir Bennet [1-year old]. Due to many mistakes and neglect, the children are nearly starving with a determined March that she will take care for her siblings.
Chapter one opens eight years later and the Lawson situation has now become desperate and no one is answering March’s letters for assistance. In an attempt to get to her trust fund… the roof is leaking, repairs have to be made on the estate, debts to merchants need to be paid… March began forging the signature of co-trustee Marquess of McCalpin in a request for funds.
Michael Cavensham, Marquess of McCalpin, heir to the Duke of Langham, was determined to find out who the embezzler was and what they were doing with the money. His brother William had brought the theft to his attention and they had refused to honor the latest request, which was rather substantial. When Michael arrived at Lawson Court he was stunned at what he found.
“I’m lucky in having found the perfect partner to spend my life with.” –Sara Paretsky
Our author has written a delightful story of survival, loyalty, love, secrets and family. I absolutely fell in love with the Cavensham family… from the Duke and the Duchess to their extended family. They made this story and gave the reader a feeling of “I want to know these people and be friends with them.”
There was angst, as you would expect in a good love story. The villain was clearly defined, and his object would disgust the reader, as we watched his plans unfold. The supporting cast were helpful to our hero as he fought for his love. The angst just tore my heart out… until the last minute and I was afraid all was lost. This was an I CNPID [could not put it down] type of book. I loved it. I look forward to the next book which is expected later in 2018. I loved these guys.
Rating: MA: mature audience, adult themes, explicit sex scenes between consenting adults
I volunteered to read an uncorrected digital galley from the publisher via NetGalley. The views expressed are my own. Projected publishing date May 1, 2018.
An enjoyable read with the best kind of heroine — one who refuses to quit no matter the odds. March Lawson will take care of her family, even if she has to resort to embezzling (her own funds, really) to make sure they don’t starve. Her trustee, an heir to the duke, discovers the embezzlement, and more than that, realizes how shamefully he has neglected his duties to the Lawson family. The three daughters and son nearly starved at times, and only their eldest sibling’s ingenuity kept the family together. She is just a terrific heroine, and Michael Cavensham (the hero) would be just as wonderful if it weren’t for a wrench in the book toward the end. Trust lost is hard to regain, and Miss March Lawson trusted someone again a little too soon. I’m all for HEAs but sometimes, the H needs to grovel a tad more. I agree with other reviewers who think the last portion of the book took an unnecessary direction. All of that said, Janna MacGregor’s ability with a story and her sterling characters make this book one to savor. (I received an eARC on NetGalley. Opinions mine.)
The Luck of the Bride by Janna MacGregor
The Cavensham Heiresses #3
March Lawson’s life changed in the blink of an eye. With both of her parents dead she, at the age of sixteen, had to take charge of her one year old brother as well as sisters who were ten and eleven. With a guardian unwilling or unable to do the job she was forced to scrimp, save and work hard to keep the roof over her siblings’ heads and food in their bellies. With the help of two staunch friends a bit older she did her best and then had to resort to a bit of forgery to keep caring for her family.
When a new guardian is named his interest in the family is equally disdainful until someone brings to his attention the fact someone might be stealing funds from the March family’s coffers. So, off he goes to check things out and then the story truly begins.
Finally feeling somewhat secure, settling into a safe haven, having enough food in their bellies and being truly happy the March family relaxes and enjoys. Little does March know that her life will not be smooth sailing and there will be rough seas to flounder through before she is able to have a HEA with the man she falls in love with.
This story tells of family love, caring and sharing. There is an evil relative that causes trouble and needs to be dealt with. The hero has difficulty with numbers floating around and not taking shape so when embezzling occurs he is at a bit of a loss and rather defensive. There are secrets and lies and mean-spirited people but also there is warmth and camaraderie and so much more.
I was rather frustrated with Michael a time or two but he did make things right in the end and there was a HEA for him and March and also her family. It was nice to catch up with the couples from the first two books in the series and I now wonder who will star in book four.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
THE LUCK OF THE BRIDE The Cavensham Heiresses #3 of a 4 Book Series by Janna Macgregor. Can be read as a stand alone.
A heartfelt, engrossing Regency read with many twists and turns and an emotional rollercoaster ride. Have tissues at the ready, you may need them. Once again, Ms. MacGregor has delivered a romance with intensely powerful characters and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages. Well written with a storyline that flows seamlessly and effectively. A must read for fans of Regency Romance.
I received a complimentary copy and all opinions are my own.
The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3) by Janna MacGregor This is the first book that I have read by Janna MacGregor and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hated to put it down… Thanks to #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. I must say I will now have to go back and reach the first two. March and Michael(David) are a perfect match… So many twists and turns…laughs…tears…I love both families March’s and Michael’s …and there is a villain we all can love to hate….loved the cat and the rabbit… And yes we get to a HEA.
I have enjoyed this series a lot, especially with the not-so-happy circumstances that arise. It did take me a little bit to get into the story, more so than the other two, but once it got going, I could not stop turning the pages. This story made me laugh, cry, and sigh. The strength that March had to keep their farm and home going, her family together, and improve their future was admirable. I loved how Michael stepped up once he knew he had been lax with his responsibilities. I loved all the characters throughout the series and this book. I highly recommend this book and the series.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and it is a Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team selection. This is my unsolicited review.
Janna MacGregor, why must you toy with my emotions? I came off the high of reading The Bride Who Got Lucky, book two in The Caversham Heiresses series, and couldn’t wait to dive into book three, The Luck of the Bride. Holy moly, I was taken on another roller coaster ride of emotions.
The Luck of the Bride follows March, who was briefly introduced in book two, and Michael, whose family is the focus of the series. March lost her parents just as she was about to be presented to society and had to raise her younger siblings and she’d do just about anything for them. Michael is reluctantly in charge of their trust funds until March and her siblings come of age. There are definite sparks when these two come together.
I loved March. She was fiercely protective of her siblings, extremely smart and clever. She was super proud and didn’t want help from Michael and his family, she just wanted her inheritance in order to support her family. She had so much thrown at her in life and yet she makes the best of it and barrels through life at 120%. And when she loves, there’s no turning back. Michael was a typical titled hero. A bit arrogant, thinking he knows what’s best for everyone. But he’s also fiercely loyal to his family and is guarding a pretty big secret. And when he loves, he falls hard and fast and it shakes him to his core. And together, while they butt heads, they also can’t deny the chemistry between them.
Their story had so many ups and downs, I was glued to the book. Just when I thought we’d get the happily ever after, Ms. MacGregor threw in a wrench I wasn’t expecting and it made the story all the more enthralling. I enjoyed the visits from the past couples in the series and the whole Cavensham family. March’s siblings were quirky and made for enjoyable secondary characters.
I absolutely adored The Luck of the Bride. I couldn’t put the book down and was up past my bedtime so I could get to that promised happily ever after. The tears were flowing and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I highly recommend this series and in particular this story.
My review originally posted at Novels Alive.
A misunderstanding and the promise of trust.
March Lawson became the sole provider for her three siblings when their parents died. For seven years she has struggled on their family estate to put enough food on the table and pay their bills.
All her letters to the attorney and their guardian for help has never come. Desperate, March forges the signature of their guardian manipulating her inheritance to support her family. This leads to a lot of trouble. The downfall of her plan comes in the form of the man whose name she forged, Michael Cavensham, Marquess of McCalpin. I laughed till I cried and I cried till the end. A romance doesn’t get much better than this.
I really enjoy Ms. MacGregor’s stories and this story did not disappoint. Michael Cavensham, the Marquess of McCalpin, has a secret that could ruin him if it ever came to light. His brother, William, is there to support him in everything he needs and will do anything to protect his brother. When William finds evidence of money missing comes to light, Michael demands the young woman, Miss March Lawson, attend him immediately. March has never seen such a handsome man and Michael has never dealt with a high-spirited woman like March before. Their attraction is often offset by events out of their control and when a cousin of March’s comes to London to ruin her, Michael doesn’t know what to believe anymore. Will he learn to trust March or is he destined to live his life alone?
I’ve read the other two books in the series and those characters make an appearance in this book as well. While this story doesn’t have a lot of action, there are such heartfelt emotions throughout the story that I didn’t miss a lot of intrigue in the plot. I can’t wait to see what Ms. MacGregor has in store for March’s sisters, Faith and Julia. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not obligated to leave a review.
Just what the doctor ordered!
What an enjoyable read of loyalty, family, kindness, and love.
March Lawson took care of her younger siblings since she was sixteen. Along with that responsibility came Lawson Court, the bookkeeping, the sheep shearing, and putting food on the table. The solicitor assigned to the estate was non-existent and after eight long years the hunger pangs were starting to affect each of them.
When the new solicitor, Michael Cavensham, Marquess of McCalpin, decides to visit the estate to understand why March is in need of so much money from the estate, his angry heart softens at her beauty and the struggles the family has been experiencing.
There’s so much to this story you have to read this well written story to get all the feels.
I loved loved loved this book. March Lawson must take care of her younger siblings after their parents died! Without a guardian it’s up to March to handle the crumbling estate until her younger brother Bennet can take over the title. But without funds she tries to get money from her dowry by forging the signature of the Marquess of McCalpin. When discovered she is sent to London to find out what is going on. Where she meets Michael Cavensham, The Marquess. He decided after seeing the state the Lawson family is in to become their guardians. And brings them to London and introduce the sisters into society. And have Bennet properly educated. I love Bennet .
Then the ruthless Lawson cousin comes to destroy March’s reputation and joy!
Keep a box of tissues near by!!
Narrator was okay. A bit melodramatic.
How much can one person endure? For March Lawson, it’s apparently a lot. Daughter of a highly regarded viscount, she and her three younger siblings are orphaned just before her debut season. Despite the paperwork in place, none of the guardians, solicitors, or trustees step up to fulfill their duties to the family. Even her best efforts barely keep them from starvation. Finally, she garners the attention of one of the men who can assist with their situation, but for a scandalous reason.
Lots to love here: a hardworking woman willing to do anything for her family, a handsome aristocrat with an unexpected challenge, friends who are more like family, an imperious farm cat, distracting kisses, and one smarmy relative determined to create chaos and heartbreak. But perhaps my favorite part is that March is good at math and accounting–and she doesn’t hide it.
I enjoyed this book. The main character, March Lawson, to me it seems as if; to quote my father “if it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all”. Her parents send her and her 3 siblings away when their mother falls ill. The illness leaves March, 17, and her young siblings orphans. They have each other, two faithful servants, and a guardian who could care less…. Eight years later, dire times befall the Lawson family and March is forced to do something that could land her in jail. She’s embezzling funds from her own trust under the guise of their newest guardian. … Then she is called to London to face the new guardian. Is all lost? Will March go to jail and leave her siblings to a fate worse than death? Enter the Marquess of McCalpin, the newest guardian of the Lawson family. Just what will he make of this family? Will he press charges against March and send her siblings scattered across England? Wonderfully written, poignant at times; my emotions were involved and ran the gamut while reading this story.
I was sobbing last night over this story and I hate to cry before bed because that always leads to puffy eyes in the morning. This was my first Janna MacGregor book and it will not be my last! I loved that the hero was not perfect – and in a way that could not be fixed by changing his behavior or attitudes. I loved the evil cousin and the scene in the ballroom. And I really loved the heroine who did everything in her power to keep her family together and fed. And as a side note – loved the cat coming into the family dining room scene. The story was such that each character got some time in the spotlight and I became quite attached to them. I am supposed to be having a “no book buying” January, but Janna MacGregor is going to be the end of that. BN.com here I come!
Fun read!!!
I love it when a snob gets put in his place. Characters and storyline was wonderful. I loved our heroine and how she did what had to be done for her siblings and came to love our hero as well. He started out as overly pompous, but then started realizing what other people, especially women have to do to survive.
The Luck of the Bride is book three in The Cavensham Heiresses. Wow! I can’t say enough good things about this book. I couldn’t put it down.
“On the stairs and dressed in a moss-green riding jacket and buckskin breeches covered in mud, he had turned when they’d entered. March’s gaze collided with his, and her heart stumbled as if missing a dance step. From the distance, there was no doubt his blue eyes matched the brightest feather of a kingfisher. His chestnut hair sported wet curls, most likely from the exertion of an afternoon ride. Time stood still as she studied his face. Radiant sunshine from a window next to him caressed his cheek and surrounded him in a ring of light. He could have been the model for Michelangelo’s David. She’d never seen such perfection in a real man before.”
MacGregor is a master storyteller who gives her characters depth and vulnerability. I think the hero of this book, Lord McCalpin is one of my favorites. He is strong, handsome and vulnerable. I can’t wait to read the fourth book in this series. I won this book in a giveaway on Facebook.
Loved it!
Sigh.. Be still my heart!! This story just wrapped around my heart and once I started I could not put it down. Janna MacGregor’s well drawn characters came to life with her descriptive prose and I could actually see them in my mind. The hero Michael Caversham, heir to the Duke of Langham has a secret and has been hiding it since he was a child. He has been fortunate that his brother has stood by his side and helped him through the years. March Lawson has a secret of her own. Her family has been living hand to mouth since her parents passed away and she was left in charge of her three siblings years ago. Although there was money left in trusts, she has not been able to access the funds. She finally catches the attention of Michael as he has become her guardian and she has been breaking the law to protect her siblings. As he summons her to his home and the two meet.. Well all I can say if there are so many wonderful emotions in this story. March has only looked after her siblings for years and never thought of herself. Michael had no idea of her existence until recently. Then there is the evil cousin who hopes to gain it all. I could go on and on about this story because I loved it so much. But I do not want to give it all away and I know you will feel the same!! This is the first story in this series I have read and it can be read as a standalone. But trust me, I intend to go back and read everything this author has written. It was that amazing. Yes, yes it was…