This is a collection of five short stories occurring in Bath, England. The only author I'm familiar with is Caroline Warfield, and she's a favorite. From what I can tell, all of these stories were new for this publication in 2019. After reading these stories, I'm disappointed with this purchase. Ratings are offered after each title.
Beauty and the Bounder (Jessica Cale) -- VG
This is an unusual and quirky story about a stage actor, Sebastian Virtue, who realizes he must find a rich wife. So he sets out with a French accent, title, and fine clothing to assault the ton. His idea is to compromise a wealthy woman and quickly marry her (before she overthinks). However, all his plans come to naught when he meets Lady Emilia. This is a cute and clever story.
The Earl Takes a Wife (Sherry Ewing) -- 2 STARS
I couldn't get past the third chapter of this drivel. I don't find a sixteen-year-old lady chasing after a man about ten years older an interesting way to spend my reading time. Lady Celia is too conniving and worldly. Miranda won't marry until she catches someone with a title. These characters are fairly loathsome and not interesting.
The Beast Next Door (Jude Knight) -- G
Charis Fishingham is the eldest of three sisters. Someone must marry well this season, or things will get dicey for the family. The girls already remake their dresses, so they look new. Charis is still enthralled with her neighbor, Eric. However, she hasn't seen him in ten years since he got horrible scars on his face (trying to surgically remove a birthmark from his face). This is a terrible story of how his mother, Lady Mayford, calls him Wretch. Now that her two older sons have died, Eric has become the earl (unbeknownst to Charis). Eric's mother thinks that if she controls who Eric marries, she can continue to control the money in the estate. Eric's mother has a lot to learn. Other than H and h, most of the characters are odious.
The Umbrella Chronicles (Amy Quinton) -- 2.5 stars
This is another dud. I searched this author and found that she specializes in a Lady Harriet, a matchmaker, with an umbrella (I suppose to clobber recalcitrant bridegroom from avoiding the altar). I tried to stick with precise Dr. John Hartwell and airhead Emma Merryweather. But by Chapter 7, I gave up. Perhaps this author thinks her writing style is amusing, I don't.
Candles in the Dark (Caroline Warfield) -- E
Sergeant Douglas Marsh left the army after a leg injury. Luckier than most, Doug has inherited his uncle's candle-making factory. He lives with his aunt and shares his trials with her. She has always been a partner with her husband in the business and has many intelligent points to add. Doug is trying to get the Assembly Rooms to try his less-expensive, but better candles.
Esther is very pregnant when she sees Doug Marsh at the bakery. She has been abandoned by the baby's father and her own family. She is nearly destitute but understands the bakery sells day-old bread cheaply at the end of the day. While waiting for the bread, Esther faints, and Dou helps her. Because Doug considers himself fortunate to have a job, he tries to help others in trouble. He helps unemployed ex-soldiers find employment and a job for Esther after she has her baby. However, Mr. Fowler, her direct boss, recognizes Esther and attacks Esther in a cloakroom. Esther is desperate for this job. What should she do?
Beauty and the Bounder (Jessica Cale) -- VG
This is an unusual and quirky story about a stage actor, Sebastian Virtue, who realizes he must find a rich wife. So he sets out with a French accent, title, and fine clothing to assault the ton. His idea is to compromise a wealthy woman and quickly marry her (before she overthinks). However, all his plans come to naught when he meets Lady Emilia. This is a cute and clever story.
The Earl Takes a Wife (Sherry Ewing) -- 2 STARS
I couldn't get past the third chapter of this drivel. I don't find a sixteen-year-old lady chasing after a man about ten years older an interesting way to spend my reading time. Lady Celia is too conniving and worldly. Miranda won't marry until she catches someone with a title. These characters are fairly loathsome and not interesting.
The Beast Next Door (Jude Knight) -- G
Charis Fishingham is the eldest of three sisters. Someone must marry well this season, or things will get dicey for the family. The girls already remake their dresses, so they look new. Charis is still enthralled with her neighbor, Eric. However, she hasn't seen him in ten years since he got horrible scars on his face (trying to surgically remove a birthmark from his face). This is a terrible story of how his mother, Lady Mayford, calls him Wretch. Now that her two older sons have died, Eric has become the earl (unbeknownst to Charis). Eric's mother thinks that if she controls who Eric marries, she can continue to control the money in the estate. Eric's mother has a lot to learn. Other than H and h, most of the characters are odious.
The Umbrella Chronicles (Amy Quinton) -- 2.5 stars
This is another dud. I searched this author and found that she specializes in a Lady Harriet, a matchmaker, with an umbrella (I suppose to clobber recalcitrant bridegroom from avoiding the altar). I tried to stick with precise Dr. John Hartwell and airhead Emma Merryweather. But by Chapter 7, I gave up. Perhaps this author thinks her writing style is amusing, I don't.
Candles in the Dark (Caroline Warfield) -- E
Sergeant Douglas Marsh left the army after a leg injury. Luckier than most, Doug has inherited his uncle's candle-making factory. He lives with his aunt and shares his trials with her. She has always been a partner with her husband in the business and has many intelligent points to add. Doug is trying to get the Assembly Rooms to try his less-expensive, but better candles.
Esther is very pregnant when she sees Doug Marsh at the bakery. She has been abandoned by the baby's father and her own family. She is nearly destitute but understands the bakery sells day-old bread cheaply at the end of the day. While waiting for the bread, Esther faints, and Dou helps her. Because Doug considers himself fortunate to have a job, he tries to help others in trouble. He helps unemployed ex-soldiers find employment and a job for Esther after she has her baby. However, Mr. Fowler, her direct boss, recognizes Esther and attacks Esther in a cloakroom. Esther is desperate for this job. What should she do?
