Rules of the Secret Society of Young Widows: Rule 1: Be a widow. Rule 2: Have an impeccable reputation. Rule 3: Don’t fall in love again.Coming in October: Three Regency Romances by Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Heather B. Moore AN HEIR TO SPARE by Rebecca ConnollyWidowhood has changed much for Anna—Lady Lyndham—but an unconventional heir to the estate was not something she had … unconventional heir to the estate was not something she had anticipated. Nor had she anticipated that he would have no intention of forcing her out, although he has every right to. And she certainly did not anticipate finding him handsome, charming, and unfailingly generous. But Ned Richards, the new Lord Lyndham, has a world of surprises in store for her, and not anticipating them will become quite the adventure.
THE WIDOW OF LAVENDER COTTAGE by Jen Geigle Johnson
As a widow, Lillian Hunter has never been in love and plans to never marry again, so the rules of the Secret Society of Young Widows suit her just fine. Her days are spent attempting to transform her newly inherited Lavender Cottage into a livable space until Oliver Wentworth shows up, asking for her late husband. Anxious to establish himself as a landed gentry in Somerset, Oliver is none too pleased to discover that a widow lives alone in a tiny run down cottage bordering his new property. The fact that she’s young and attractive only adds frustration to his sense of responsibility over her. And confound her, she challenges his every attempt to help manage her affairs.
A PROMISE FORGOTTEN by Heather B. Moore
Charlotte Ashford never thought she’d marry a vicar, and she never thought she’d find herself widowed with a young child to care for on her own. She certainly never thought she’d return to Somerset to live with her mother again, and Charlotte never thought she’d see him again. But Lord Wilshore has never forgotten her, and he has never forgotten their promise made long ago. Charlotte would love nothing more than for Lord Wilshore to forgive her, but too much heartache and too much time might make that impossible. Friendship is all she can hope for, but that hope may be dashed as well.
Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A HOLIDAY IN BATH
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS
AN EVENING AT ALMACK’S
A WEEK IN BRIGHTON
TO LOVE A GOVERNESS
WIDOWS OF SOMERSET
From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance: Widows of Somerset is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book
Timeless Romance Anthology® is a registered trademark of Mirror Press, LLC
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HEAs all around!
This anthology covers the lives of three widows who moved to Somerset after finding themselves in dire straits. They were invited to become members of the Secret Society of Young Widows. The leader of this group, one Lady Joanna Kingswood, was determined to educate these widows on how not to become destitute again. Very good advice. I wish I could have had a society such as this upon finding myself single again after marriage and children.
In the story An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly, the new Lord Lyndham discovers that the widowed Lady Lyndham was still in residence and he was not even aware that there was a Lady Lyndham. He was so sweet, though, to let the widow continue to stay until a better situation was found for her while he stayed at the local inn nearby.
In the story The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jen Geigle Johnson, Mr. Wentworth, who recently bought the Lyndham estate, met the recently widowed owner of Lavender Cottage when he attempted to correct a property line ‘mistake’. He realized the widow’s plight and instead assisted her with her much needed repairs on Lavender Cottage. A true gentleman.
In the story, A Promise Forgotten by Heather B. Moore, Mrs. Charlotte Ashford and baby Emily moved back with her mother, who was also a widow, when Charlotte’s victor husband passed away. Charlotte had always been in love with her childhood friend, now Lord Wilshore, who was assumed lost at sea. However, he was very much alive. Charlotte had always been in love with her childhood friend, but was at a loss as to how to correct past misunderstandings. And Lord Wilshore needed to keep the promise he made to Charlotte years ago.
I loved each of these stories. They were all very well written and entertaining with HEAs all around.
In reading these stories, it’s obvious that these three authors have worked together for quite some time. (Have you read their sports romances? So fun!) Their continuity of the setting and the connecting characters brings an overall permanence to the collection.
Rebecca’s story may have been my favorite; (don’t tell the others .) I’m just a such a sucker for her witty banter.
I loved the strength in Jen’s character Lillian and the forgiveness of Heather’s second chance romance. All three stories were well written and a delight to read. I’m continually impressed with the caliber of stories in the Timeless Romance Collections.
4.5 Stars overall, fun and unique anthology! Whenever I see a collaboration by Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Heather B. Moore I know I’m in for a treat. These three authors do a great job of connecting settings and characters and this fun Timeless Regency Collection is no exception to that talent. The idea of having each main character be a widow was definitely fresh and I loved seeing them all learn what true love can be.
An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly 4.5 stars
I think the hero in this one was my favorite. Ned was so humble and genuine, his character made me laugh and cheer throughout the story. I liked the funny play on him being the new Lord Lyndham and the confusion as he and Anna fell in love. The epilogue was a great wrap up to this fun story too and I am so glad we got that future glimpse.
The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jen Geigle Johnson 4.5 stars
This was such a cute love story between a rising gentleman and an independent widow. My favorite aspect was the secondary tale with the properties that mirrored the love story of the couple. This had such a sweet cast of characters; I loved both the main characters and the helpful and loving servants we see throughout.
A Promise Forgotten by Heather B. Moore 5 stars
I was honestly a little surprised this novella was my favorite of the three since I started off expecting to dislike that Charlotte had broken her promise and the heartache it caused. However, the chemistry in this one was strongest for me and I enjoyed really feeling the bond and love Charlotte and Brand shared along with the growth that their experiences brought them.
I received an advance reader copy of this anthology. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoy the Timeless Romance Anthologies and always have fun looking for the commonalities in the short stories housed in the books. This set of stories had more similarities than I expected – the connecting character, Lady Joanna, was a fun additional element. The length of these stories is perfect for a quick read and it is satisfying to see each of these widows get their happily after all!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Loved this anthology by these authors! These are three of my favorite authors and I loved that they wrote an anthology together. I loved each of the stories individually but I also loved how each connected to each other through the Secret Widow Society set up by Lady Joanna. I loved how her goal was to make sure that the young widows wouldn’t do something so dumb as to fall in love without making sure to protect themselves financially. I really did love this book and it will be one that I read again.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
The connection of widowhood that binds these stories together is collectively heartbreaking. Being a woman of divorce myself, and left with absolutely nothing, gave me even more sympathy for these widows, especially when you put their situation into context, as far as the time period, and how women had no rights back then.
I believe that’s why I fell in love with Lady Joanna’s character so much. Her advocacy and mission are commendable, and I love how she too is a leading player in each novella.
I adored each story in their own right, but I must admit out of the three, An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly was my favorite, thanks in part to the incredibly charming Lord Lyndham.
I have included brief reviews of each novella below if you would like my thoughts in more detail.
An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly
So cute!! I instantly fell in love with Anna, feeling her plight deep in my heart. Ned could not have been more amazing, their chemistry and flirting bringing a smile to my face. I truly wanted to see these two have the happily ever after they both so richly deserved. This story was endearing from beginning to end, and I enjoyed every moment.
The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jen Geigle Johnson
Another cute story!! Oliver is so incredibly charming, it’s hard not to love him! I also admired how down to earth Lillian is! It’s very rare, when reading Regency’s, that you read about a lady of higher station being so pragmatic, helping the help, and taking charge of her own household. I loved the change from the normal Regency read – very refreshing! I could feel the chemistry instantly and loved all the scenes with Lillian and Oliver. Such a good story!
A Promise Forgotten by Heather B. Moore
Long lost loves reunited again under grave circumstances is always a love that I cheer for! Both Charlotte and Brand made choices that changed the courses of their lives but still, their bond was so powerful that it brought them back together again. I adored watching Charlotte fight to get her mothers estate right again, the moments between Brant and baby Emily were absolutely precious, and who wouldn’t love a friend like Thea! Such a sweet and heartwarming tale!
All in all, this was quite the enjoyable read and another magnificent addition to the wonderfully addictive Timeless Regency Collection.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
Three novellas about widows. My favorite was A Promise Forgotten by Heather Moore, then An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly. The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jan Geigle Johnson was my least favorite. It is kind of blase, no real fire or particular interest between the H/h. It would be fun to see Lady Joanna Kingswood and her secret society in future stories. One more thing, I purchased a print copy. In the first story, as I turned the page it would come out in my hand. Not the other two novellas. It was a bit frustrating and contributed to a lower rating. Still these are very gentle romances.
Book collections like this make me happy. I love having short books by several authors to read. It makes things fun. And I loved the common denominator of the Secret Society of Young Widows in this one.
First up is An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly. I liked Anna. I also liked that she was the introduction to the Secret Society of Young Widows. She kind of showed us what it was and how it worked before she moved on. This one was kind of funny with Anna versus Ned. She was Lady Lyndham, and he was Lord Lyndham, but they weren’t married. Which seemed kind of awkwardly funny. But these two grew close through living life the way they did. And it was sweet to watch. I loved it!
The Widow of Lavender Cottage is the next story in the book. Jen Geigle Johnson did a good job with this one. I loved the independent way Lillian plans to live her life. Only Oliver shows up and basically throws her plans on the ground and stomps on them. One of my very favorite scenes was the rooftop scenes where Oliver has to save the day. And it’s hilarious when the Secret Society of Young Widows comes calling unexpectedly. Such a great story!
And last in this book is Heather B Moore’s A Promise Forgotten. This one started off sad with Charlotte leaving her husband’s grave for the last time with her young daughter. But then she finds out that Brand, the man she was promised to didn’t die the way she thought he did. And that’s when things become fun! I loved this second chance type story. The author did a fabulous job with the characters. And the plot was cute.
If you haven’t read any of these collections, you should read this one!
I was sent a copy of Widows of Somerset as a gift from the authors. All opinions are my own.
It’s no secret that I love reading Timeless Romance Collections. Widows of Somerset has become a new favorite. I loved the idea of a group of young widowed women coming together to form the Secret Society of Young Widows. Lady Joanna Kingswood, dowager marchioness is at the head bringing the women together. With her unique flavor, she teaches the women about navigating the waters of widowhood and preparing to take control of their lives including their finances.
Each of the stories was so good and unique. Of course, the stories are written by three fantastic authors: Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Heather B. Moore. They all know how to not only write great romances but they’re also wonderful storytellers. Each story highlights people faced with challenges, women fighting to become independent, and desperately trying not to fall in love. Of course, that’s what eventually happens but I’ll leave those details for you to find out on your own.
These great Timeless Regency Collections are wonderful books for people that don’t always have a lot of time to read. You get an enjoyable story and a fast read combined. If you like clean Regency romances, this collection will be one you’ll certainly delight in.
I really enjoyed this Timeless collection of romances about widows who knew no love in their first marriages. Whether the man was indifferent or too old or just too preoccupied, their wives were less in their eyes.
I thought the authors did a good job on bringing the plight of these young women to the forefront. That a lot of these widows were just pawns to be used by fathers and husbands. But what happens to the lady when her husband dies? All three of these women were in various degrees of bad situations especially financially.
Lady Joanna, the head widow if you will, was a hoot. She tied all of these women together as she sought to make them wiser the second time marriage came around, and for them not to dismiss their future security for love. If their new beaus loved them, they would provide for them. So true and relevant even for today.
I don’t have a favorite story. Each was romantic and wonderfully told and I enjoyed how each lady found herself in love whether a new one or one that has been rekindled.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
My favorite were the first two stories, but they are all way too much fun! I found it interesting how differently I view widows versus widowers. Usually, I don’t particularly appreciate reading the second time around stories. However, these tales are truly delightful.
I was intrigued by this book from the first moment I started reading. I love the second chance nature of this anthology. Each story was beautiful and well written.
One of my favorite things about the Timeless Regency Collection books is the chance to read multiple wonderful stories from multiple wonderful authors. The Widows of Somerset is the 15th Timeless Regency book and I loved all three stories!
The first story, An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly, gives us a great introduction to the Secret Society of Young Widows. I loved Anna’s story. Her fears for her future and the way Ned won her over with his goodness.
The second story, The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jen Geigle Johnson, is a great story about Lillian and her happy independence and the magic of a new neighbor and disputed property lines. So fun!
The last story is A Promise Forgotten by Heather B. Moore. Charlotte’s story of heartbreak and a second chance is a lovely story. I liked Brand’s character a lot. He was so good. Broken-hearted, feeling betrayed, but also wanting to do the right thing.
I really enjoyed each story in this book!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
Widows of Somerset is a collection of novellas set around a common theme of young widows in Victorian times in England left destitute by the death of their husbands. With a creative theme and elements that tie the three stories together, these stories were a delight to read. It was interesting to see the different takes on the subject that the three authors used. Lady Joanna connected the stories with her heart for helping and tutoring young widows navigate the waters of widowhood and prepare themselves for the future. I’d love to hear her story sometime. All of the stories by these three talented authors were enjoyable. The characters were colorful and engaging and fun to meet. This is a great addition to the Timeless Regency Collection series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Another wonderful anthology by some very talented authors. Many times the heroines of hisotrical fiction are sweet young things just starting off in their adult life. Being a widow myself, I was rather intrigued by this anthology with widowhood the main theme. The idea of a secret society for widows that is designed to help them navigate the world on their own was genius. These were a delight to read.
Widows of Somerset is part of the Timeless Regency series. It is a collection of three stories by three different authors. These stories include:
An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly
The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jen Geigle Johnson
A Promise Forgotten by Heather B. Moore
I could not pick a favorite among the three as I loved every one of them equally. I am giving it five stars. Readers who enjoy quick Regency era romances, will want to pick this one up.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Widows of Somerset
Overall score: 4.5 stars. (All three books have aspects/attitudes I feel wouldn’t have happened historically. So, in that vein, enjoy them for the sweet, clean romances that they are.)
An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connelly (4.5 stars)
A wonderful story that introduces the Widows of Somerset and the rules that they must agree to as members of that society.
Anna, Lady Lyndham, is a recent widow but is not saddened by the loss of her husband, only devastated by the fact that he made no provision for her in his will. Once the new heir shows up, she will be turned out and will be destitute.
The heir, Ned Richards a former clergyman, shows up and digs right in with manual labor. He tells Anna that she can continue to live in the house while he lives in a room in town. He starts right to work fixing up the estate and various tenant cottages, etc.
He falls in love with her and she admires him…a delightful story ensues.
The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jen Geigle Johnson (4.0 stars)
Loss of 1/2 star for the niggling proofing issues that kept happening again and again. Here’s one example:
“Although the walk was not long, Lillian knew that if she were to attempt it, surely the sky would notice and send down a pillage just out of irony.” (Deluge?)
The story was full of delightful interactions between the widow, Lillian, and her neighbor, Oliver. Lillian is good friends with the three servants she brings with her to her new life at Lavender Cottage, and they serve as chaperones, after a manner.
She loves her newfound independence. She joins the society of widows and is begins to be worried because one of the rules is to NOT fall in love. And she is definitely falling in love.
A Promise Forgotten by Heather B. Moore (4.5 stars)
Another delightful story!
Charlotte didn’t wait long enough for her childhood love to return from India (even though he was presumed to be dead). She was married to a man who she didn’t love and had a child by him. Her husband died and left her and her baby girl destitute. She decides to go home and live with her mother. She receives a shock when she finds her mother all but penniless.
Brand is back in England and bitter that the woman who fueled his will to live didn’t wait for him. He is hurt by the fact that she got married and is even a bit jealous of her husband, even though she is now a widow.
Through the Young Widows society, Charlotte learns the importance of studying ledgers. What she finds involves Brand and lawyers and, eventually, renewed love.
*poor, **ok, ***good, **** very good, *****something special
There is so much to love about this book and these three stories! All three of these authors are fantastic and they have created such a fun premise for these stories. A society of widows who educate themselves so that the varying situations of destitution never happen to them again. I really love this- women helping other women to succeed.
All three of these stories are lovely. Both the female and male leads in all books are smart, strong and just all around good people. (Anna and Ned might be my favorite!) The stories have a consistency to them with the overlapping of some secondary characters. It made the stories feel interwoven and I liked that.
The stories were very romantic and made my heart happy. There were plenty of emotional moments and fun moments. There was growth and there was love. All had fantastic happily ever afters. It was perfect!
Content: kissing
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved this collection–the cover is gorgeous, the stories sweet yet swoony and they’re written by three of my favorite authors! What more could a hopeless romantic and historical fiction lover ask for except longer stories? These collections have a common theme running through them and this time they’re all young widows gathered together by Lady Joanna into a Secret Widow Society. There are only three rules: Rule 1: Be a widow; Rule 2: Have an impeccable reputation; and Rule 3: Don’t fall in love again.
AN HEIR TO SPARE~ by Rebecca Connolly (5 stars)–My heart is still swooning over this one. Anna and the previous Lord Lyndham didn’t have children so there’s no heir to inherit anything. He left her with barely enough money to survive on, and to make matters worse (yes, they can get worse), once the new Lord Lyndham arrives Anna will be homeless. When the new Lord Lyndham arrives he’s not at all what Anna expected. I loved how sweet Ned was to Anna, whose husband left her with nothing. Lady Joanna intrigued me because she was so very different than all the ladies of that time–teaching women how to look out for themselves financially. This was a great start to a wonderful book.
THE WIDOW OF LAVENDER COTTAGE~ by Jen Geigle Johnson (5 stars)–Lillian Hunter is trying to optimistic. Her deceased husband left her a small cottage on some land and enough of an allowance that paid for a cook, a butler and a maid. The name Lavender Cottage sounds so charming, too bad it’s been neglected and is in need of a deep cleaning and some repairs. Cleaning the cottage is what leads to a hilarious meeting with the owner of the neighboring estate, Oliver Wentworth. I loved watching Lillian and Oliver go from being slightly adversarial neighbors, to friends to more all while learning the history of their respective properties. Again Lady Joanna is there to welcome Lillian to the society and help her learn to stand up for herself.
A PROMISE FORGOTTEN~ by Heather B. Moore (5 stars)–Widowed after only a few months of marriage and discovering she was pregnant shortly thereafter, Charlotte Ashford’s life isn’t what she’d dreamt of as a young woman. But here she is with her baby returning to her hometown of Somerset to live with her controlling mother near the man she had cared for and promised to marry, Bran Wilshore. This story really tugged at my heartstrings. Not just for Charlotte but for her mother’s situation as well. I loved Thea and how she got Bran involved. I loved how Charlotte used the knowledge taught to her by Lady Joanna to not only help herself, but help her mother. This story also has a strong element of forgiveness because Bran needed to forgive Charlotte for what happened several years before. Even though there were serious elements there were also such tender, swoony moments.
I loved all of the stories in this collection. I loved the theme of young widows and a secret society that would help them avoid being in their current situation should they marry again. These stories have heart, humor, forgiveness, and love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of stories! I can happily recommend it for anyone who enjoys clean Regency Era romance novels. This collection has three wonderful authors who have developed such beautifully sweet and funny characters and storylines. I would eagerly read another book following on with this collection – whether it be compiled together like this or individually by each author, I wouldn’t mind in the least! There is so much potential and scope for carrying on with this particular storyline with so many of the extra characters mentioned – particularly with how the story by Jen Geigle Johnson finished. I was super intrigued and seriously did not want it to end. But no spoilers. No spoilers!
I’ll leave the review here, except to say again that I loved the characters in these stories. I loved the stories themselves. They’re all clean and wholesome with feel good endings, the only problem being that they come to an end. Sigh.
I received an ARC of this book however this in no way influenced my opinion. I am not obligated to leave this review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Rebecca Connolly Jen Geigle Johnson Heather B. Moore