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Chance Sisters #2
The Winter Bride
Damaris Chance's unhappy past has turned her off the idea of marriage forever. But her guardian, Lady Beatrice Davenham, convinces her to make her coming out anyway—and have a season of carefree, uncomplicated fun.
When Damaris finds herself trapped in a compromising situation with the handsome rake Freddy Monkton-Coombes, she has no choice but to agree to wed him—as long as it's in name only. Her new husband seems to accept her terms, but Freddy has a plan of his own: to seduce his reluctant winter bride.
Will Damaris's secrets destroy her chance at true happiness? Or can Freddy help her cast off the shackles of the past, and yield to delicious temptation?
When Damaris finds herself trapped in a compromising situation with the handsome rake Freddy Monkton-Coombes, she has no choice but to agree to wed him—as long as it's in name only. Her new husband seems to accept her terms, but Freddy has a plan of his own: to seduce his reluctant winter bride.
Will Damaris's secrets destroy her chance at true happiness? Or can Freddy help her cast off the shackles of the past, and yield to delicious temptation?
13 pages, Audio CD
Published April 1, 2014
About the author
Anne Gracie
72 books1,469 followersI've always loved stories. Family legend has it that I used to spend hours playing in the sand pit, with a dog on either side of me and Rocka the horse leaning over me, his head just touching my shoulder, while I told them stories. I have to say, dogs and horses are great audiences, apart from their tendency to drool occasionally. But people are even nicer.
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 430 reviews
April 3, 2014
The Winter Bride is a laughter-filled journey into the world of experimental Chinese swimming pigs, enchanting the hearts of readers and making them yearn to read the story over and over again. Intrigued? I hope so.
Confirmed bachelor Freddy Monkton-Coombes has a deep aversion to marriage, responsibilities, and muffins – the eligible misses of marriageable age who seek to entrap him in marriage. His best friend, Max, had married one of the Chance Sisters in The Autumn Bride, and asked Freddy to look after them along with his elderly Aunt Beatrice while he’s on his honeymoon. Appalled, Freddy reluctantly agrees, and that’s where his troubles began. He has no problem dealing with the charming Jane and Daisy Chance, but Damaris Chance is a different matter.
Damaris Tait became Damaris Chance in a chain of events detailed in The Autumn Bride. She had grown up in China with her missionary father, and escaped to England upon the death of her father and the burning of their mission. What she endured during her travels is her deepest secret, and also the one which convinced her to never marry, despite her deep yearning for security and a husband to care for her. When Freddy is driven to near insanity by the ploys of his mother to marry, he concocts a crazy scheme of a fake betrothal with the only girl who doesn’t want to marry – Damaris. Yet, as their fake betrothal continues, why does Freddy suddenly want to make it real? And more importantly, can he convince Damaris to tell him the shadows of her past?
This is an amazing piece of work that animates not only Freddy and Damaris, but every secondary character, making them lovable and realistic. But really, Freddy and Damaris take the cake here. Damaris is a quiet, pleasant girl of hidden talents (she is a skilled painter of china) and hidden dreams. Being a foreigner, her life in China was harsh and even more that her father condemned her for being of bad blood, giving no love to her. She is caring, considerate, and even more astounding, she has mettle. For her escape to England, she walked hundreds of miles in China, and after all she’s endured, no one is more deserving of happiness than her.
Freddy, whether he knew it at first, is exactly the type of person Damaris needed in her life. His infectious humor both charms and unsettle her, just as she unsettles him with her knowing eyes that peer deep into his soul. He is a chameleon and does the practiced rake very well, pretending that his brother’s death doesn’t affect him still, pretending that his parents’ insults don’t harm him, and pretending that he is a complete wastrel when he’s a successful businessman. There is so much hidden depth in Freddy, and it takes Damaris but a few days to realize, while his own epiphany comes years after. But it was well worth it.
Freddy and Damaris lived their lives in parallels, neither belonging, hurt by their family, and both seeking a truer love. Most of all, they truly understand each other.
“You know your fear is both false and illogical, but you fear it anyways.”
She stopped dead and looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. “You do understand,” she breathed, so softly it was almost lost in the fog. (Pg 50)
There is so much to commend this book and Anne Gracie’s writing. Some parts made me shed tears; others had me laughing until my sides hurt. Anne Gracie is a superb writer who takes you on a beautiful journey of two amazing character’s path to love, filled with joy and laughter, and an unquenchable happiness when the “dragons” are defeated.
I highly recommend this book, but advise readers to read The Autumn Bride first. If the tagline in The Autumn Bride was muffins, then the tagline in this is the experimental Chinese swimming pigs. I cannot wait for Jane and Daisy's books, for they will undoubtedly wow me as well. Fans of Jane Austen will no doubt enjoy a selected quote at the beginning of each chapter, providing relevant wit to this amazingly charming story. Read to find out about the pigs! :)
*My hearty thanks to the publisher for this review copy; yes, this is an honest review.
___________________________
There is SO much more I want to comment on this book, but I'll just let you read it and discover for yourselves. ^_^
Confirmed bachelor Freddy Monkton-Coombes has a deep aversion to marriage, responsibilities, and muffins – the eligible misses of marriageable age who seek to entrap him in marriage. His best friend, Max, had married one of the Chance Sisters in The Autumn Bride, and asked Freddy to look after them along with his elderly Aunt Beatrice while he’s on his honeymoon. Appalled, Freddy reluctantly agrees, and that’s where his troubles began. He has no problem dealing with the charming Jane and Daisy Chance, but Damaris Chance is a different matter.
Damaris Tait became Damaris Chance in a chain of events detailed in The Autumn Bride. She had grown up in China with her missionary father, and escaped to England upon the death of her father and the burning of their mission. What she endured during her travels is her deepest secret, and also the one which convinced her to never marry, despite her deep yearning for security and a husband to care for her. When Freddy is driven to near insanity by the ploys of his mother to marry, he concocts a crazy scheme of a fake betrothal with the only girl who doesn’t want to marry – Damaris. Yet, as their fake betrothal continues, why does Freddy suddenly want to make it real? And more importantly, can he convince Damaris to tell him the shadows of her past?
This is an amazing piece of work that animates not only Freddy and Damaris, but every secondary character, making them lovable and realistic. But really, Freddy and Damaris take the cake here. Damaris is a quiet, pleasant girl of hidden talents (she is a skilled painter of china) and hidden dreams. Being a foreigner, her life in China was harsh and even more that her father condemned her for being of bad blood, giving no love to her. She is caring, considerate, and even more astounding, she has mettle. For her escape to England, she walked hundreds of miles in China, and after all she’s endured, no one is more deserving of happiness than her.
Freddy, whether he knew it at first, is exactly the type of person Damaris needed in her life. His infectious humor both charms and unsettle her, just as she unsettles him with her knowing eyes that peer deep into his soul. He is a chameleon and does the practiced rake very well, pretending that his brother’s death doesn’t affect him still, pretending that his parents’ insults don’t harm him, and pretending that he is a complete wastrel when he’s a successful businessman. There is so much hidden depth in Freddy, and it takes Damaris but a few days to realize, while his own epiphany comes years after. But it was well worth it.
Freddy and Damaris lived their lives in parallels, neither belonging, hurt by their family, and both seeking a truer love. Most of all, they truly understand each other.
“You know your fear is both false and illogical, but you fear it anyways.”
She stopped dead and looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. “You do understand,” she breathed, so softly it was almost lost in the fog. (Pg 50)
There is so much to commend this book and Anne Gracie’s writing. Some parts made me shed tears; others had me laughing until my sides hurt. Anne Gracie is a superb writer who takes you on a beautiful journey of two amazing character’s path to love, filled with joy and laughter, and an unquenchable happiness when the “dragons” are defeated.
I highly recommend this book, but advise readers to read The Autumn Bride first. If the tagline in The Autumn Bride was muffins, then the tagline in this is the experimental Chinese swimming pigs. I cannot wait for Jane and Daisy's books, for they will undoubtedly wow me as well. Fans of Jane Austen will no doubt enjoy a selected quote at the beginning of each chapter, providing relevant wit to this amazingly charming story. Read to find out about the pigs! :)
*My hearty thanks to the publisher for this review copy; yes, this is an honest review.
___________________________
There is SO much more I want to comment on this book, but I'll just let you read it and discover for yourselves. ^_^
August 25, 2021
The coming-out season was almost upon them, but Damaris Chance wasn’t interested in searching for a husband. She was never getting married, with owning a small cottage, a garden and maybe some pets as far as she was prepared to envision. But her aunt, Lady Beatrice Davenham persuaded Damaris to join her sister Jane in the coming out season, just for the fun of it. Damaris’ past was an unhappy one, but she wouldn’t dwell on it – her life now saw her content.
Freddy Monkton-Coombes had been told by his good friend Max, that he was to ‘keep an eye on the girls’ while Max and Abby – Damaris, Jane and Daisy’s sister – were on their honeymoon, and Freddy took his role seriously, albeit reluctantly. Until he saw Damaris. After a letter from Freddy’s mother, he went to Damaris with a plan, which he just had to persuade her to agree to. Would she? Could she? When it seemed like there was a way to make her dream come true, Damaris concurred…
The Winter Bride is the 2nd in the Chance Sisters series by Aussie author Anne Gracie and I enjoyed it very much. Damaris is an independent, feisty and determined young woman, but also naïve. Aunt Bea is an absolute delight, and Freddy an amusing charmer. As I've already read the 3rd in the series, The Spring Bride – Jane’s story, I have Daisy's story left to read - The Summer Bride. Recommended.
Freddy Monkton-Coombes had been told by his good friend Max, that he was to ‘keep an eye on the girls’ while Max and Abby – Damaris, Jane and Daisy’s sister – were on their honeymoon, and Freddy took his role seriously, albeit reluctantly. Until he saw Damaris. After a letter from Freddy’s mother, he went to Damaris with a plan, which he just had to persuade her to agree to. Would she? Could she? When it seemed like there was a way to make her dream come true, Damaris concurred…
The Winter Bride is the 2nd in the Chance Sisters series by Aussie author Anne Gracie and I enjoyed it very much. Damaris is an independent, feisty and determined young woman, but also naïve. Aunt Bea is an absolute delight, and Freddy an amusing charmer. As I've already read the 3rd in the series, The Spring Bride – Jane’s story, I have Daisy's story left to read - The Summer Bride. Recommended.
December 14, 2017
This is the second book in the Chance Sisters series, and I must say this one was loads better than the first!!! Freddy and Damaris first struck me as two people who were wrong for each other.... I was proven wrong!!! These two were such a match made in heaven! I loved them and I loved the way they fell in love!
This instalment had a little bit of sex, but this series seems to focus more on the romance, the friendships, and the family! I adore the journey we are taken on by Anne Gracie! I love her writing, it pulls me into the stories that she creates, and makes me feel so much emotion for her characters!
This author’s books are a must read if you enjoy a heat warming historical romance! She hasn’t let me down so far!!!
This instalment had a little bit of sex, but this series seems to focus more on the romance, the friendships, and the family! I adore the journey we are taken on by Anne Gracie! I love her writing, it pulls me into the stories that she creates, and makes me feel so much emotion for her characters!
This author’s books are a must read if you enjoy a heat warming historical romance! She hasn’t let me down so far!!!
December 18, 2015
Well that was unexpected (and in the best possible way). I was going to have a quiet night with a little Fallout 4 and in bed at a reasonable hour. This book upset those plans. Sorry. Too mild. This book took those plans, tossed them into a cement mixer and poured them into a tornado that reached escape velocity on a trajectory with the sun.
Ahem. So this is a series and I would recommend starting with the first. Which is a good book, so you're lucky there. But I'd encourage reading this one even if the first was awful because Damaris and Freddy are just too awesome to miss.
And now the struggle not to burble. I'll try to keep it short. Damaris is just lovely. We know from the first book that there's some serious damage in her past. This book takes its time revealing details but that's mainly so we can experience them with Freddy and that's a powerful scene that benefited greatly from the added emotional impact. What's most awesome about Damaris, though, is how fearless she is in standing up for those in need of defense despite her own hurts and insecurities. It was very surprising to find Freddy in the category of those needing defense and beyond awesome when she steps up in glorious virtue to rain fire on evildoers. And yeah, that's vague to avoid spoilers, but it was awe inspiring. Gracie has a way with those charged, righteous diatribes and the brief glimpse of it in the first book is carried even further in this one. That it doesn't wander into self-righteousness or, worse, didacticism is a miracle and mark of her talent as an author.
And don't think that Freddy isn't worthy of Damaris just because he finds himself in a place where Damaris can stand up for him. He's every bit her match when his interest is engaged and his strength is a perfect complement to hers. I suspected he had hidden depth in the first book and that hint is delivered with power here. I loved his quiet competence and that he didn't need to make a big deal out of himself all the time. He's worth reading the book all by himself and being matched with Damaris is wonderful icing on the cake.
It was a delight to spend time with these two as they helped heal each others' wounds and come together in a way that made them stronger than they could ever be separately. After about the halfway mark I knew I was lost and that I'd be staying up to finish the book. I'm so glad I did even though I'll pay the price in the morning.
A note about Steamy: On the low end, but powerful for all that. There's a single explicit sex scene but it was perfect in timing, length, and emotional impact. Given Damaris' past, it was incredibly important for Gracie to get this one right and I thought she did an incredible job.
Ahem. So this is a series and I would recommend starting with the first. Which is a good book, so you're lucky there. But I'd encourage reading this one even if the first was awful because Damaris and Freddy are just too awesome to miss.
And now the struggle not to burble. I'll try to keep it short. Damaris is just lovely. We know from the first book that there's some serious damage in her past. This book takes its time revealing details but that's mainly so we can experience them with Freddy and that's a powerful scene that benefited greatly from the added emotional impact. What's most awesome about Damaris, though, is how fearless she is in standing up for those in need of defense despite her own hurts and insecurities. It was very surprising to find Freddy in the category of those needing defense and beyond awesome when she steps up in glorious virtue to rain fire on evildoers. And yeah, that's vague to avoid spoilers, but it was awe inspiring. Gracie has a way with those charged, righteous diatribes and the brief glimpse of it in the first book is carried even further in this one. That it doesn't wander into self-righteousness or, worse, didacticism is a miracle and mark of her talent as an author.
And don't think that Freddy isn't worthy of Damaris just because he finds himself in a place where Damaris can stand up for him. He's every bit her match when his interest is engaged and his strength is a perfect complement to hers. I suspected he had hidden depth in the first book and that hint is delivered with power here. I loved his quiet competence and that he didn't need to make a big deal out of himself all the time. He's worth reading the book all by himself and being matched with Damaris is wonderful icing on the cake.
It was a delight to spend time with these two as they helped heal each others' wounds and come together in a way that made them stronger than they could ever be separately. After about the halfway mark I knew I was lost and that I'd be staying up to finish the book. I'm so glad I did even though I'll pay the price in the morning.
A note about Steamy: On the low end, but powerful for all that. There's a single explicit sex scene but it was perfect in timing, length, and emotional impact. Given Damaris' past, it was incredibly important for Gracie to get this one right and I thought she did an incredible job.
May 16, 2021
Technically this wasn't a 4 star read for me, but the insanely charming, funny and self-deprecating hero makes the story and bumps it up. There are too few nice guy heroes that are still interesting to read, but this one meets the mark. The heroine is good, for one, she can hold her own against the H's snobby and somewhat cruel parents and she does it within the constraints of killing them with politeness. I didn't care for the heroine as much which is a more "It's me not her".
The H and h both have some tragic backstories, but Anne Gracie doesn't fall down the rabbit hole of turning them into complete idiots over it. Neither one is out to reek vengeance on the world over the sins cast upon them by others, but each deals with their issues the best they can.
So many other reviews give the details.
The H and h both have some tragic backstories, but Anne Gracie doesn't fall down the rabbit hole of turning them into complete idiots over it. Neither one is out to reek vengeance on the world over the sins cast upon them by others, but each deals with their issues the best they can.
So many other reviews give the details.
December 28, 2018
3.5 stars. Quite enjoyable, with some surprising plot twists. Freddy is an adorable hero.
June 16, 2014
If I appreciated Lady Beatrice in the previous book of the series, here I'm adding another character: Freddy!
His fear of muffins and marriage is hilarious! He would do anything to avoid them! But fate has other plans for him... *wink*
Damaris, one of the Chance sisters is an orphan who has some very traumatic events in her young life. She's always calm and in control, but behind this apparence a fear of rejection and abandonment is lurking.
Both Damaris and Freddy are plagued by guilt, but they cover them differently. Freddy posing as an empty headed dandy, Damaris as a perfect young lady.
Fate, or better Max, force them in close contact, and both cannot excape the attraction that slowly builds between them.
Here too the romance is slow building, but very sweet.
Damaris fights it because she's afraid of the repercutions her past (all very real and tragic) will have if it comes in the open.
Freddy fights it because he feels that he doesn't deserve happyness.
Still it is Freddy that capitulates first and the way he woos Damaris is fantastic! His playfulness while fighting her fears is just what Damaris needs. I laughed at the twist he gave to some Biblical stories and the convoluted route he took to bring Damaris to surrender. It was really, really excellent!
It is also important to remark that both of them are very strong characters. Freddy, when freed of his guilt is ready to do anything to make Damaris love him; Damaris' , when confronted with Freddy's parents disdain, impassioned defence of Freddy's character! What a wonderful scene! I wanted to applaud her!
Also, like a cherry on top, Lady Beatrice is present here too and it was wonderful finding her in such a great shape!
I'm looking forward to reading the next books in this series and I hope both Lady Beatrice and Freddy will be present in them! I also hope for more characters like them to enliven them. I think Patrick Flynn, the "Pirate" with his gold earring! ;)
His fear of muffins and marriage is hilarious! He would do anything to avoid them! But fate has other plans for him... *wink*
Damaris, one of the Chance sisters is an orphan who has some very traumatic events in her young life. She's always calm and in control, but behind this apparence a fear of rejection and abandonment is lurking.
Both Damaris and Freddy are plagued by guilt, but they cover them differently. Freddy posing as an empty headed dandy, Damaris as a perfect young lady.
Fate, or better Max, force them in close contact, and both cannot excape the attraction that slowly builds between them.
Here too the romance is slow building, but very sweet.
Damaris fights it because she's afraid of the repercutions her past (all very real and tragic) will have if it comes in the open.
Freddy fights it because he feels that he doesn't deserve happyness.
Still it is Freddy that capitulates first and the way he woos Damaris is fantastic! His playfulness while fighting her fears is just what Damaris needs. I laughed at the twist he gave to some Biblical stories and the convoluted route he took to bring Damaris to surrender. It was really, really excellent!
It is also important to remark that both of them are very strong characters. Freddy, when freed of his guilt is ready to do anything to make Damaris love him; Damaris' , when confronted with Freddy's parents disdain, impassioned defence of Freddy's character! What a wonderful scene! I wanted to applaud her!
Also, like a cherry on top, Lady Beatrice is present here too and it was wonderful finding her in such a great shape!
I'm looking forward to reading the next books in this series and I hope both Lady Beatrice and Freddy will be present in them! I also hope for more characters like them to enliven them. I think Patrick Flynn, the "Pirate" with his gold earring! ;)
October 21, 2024
Three and a half stars
Damaris Chance has no desire whatsoever to get married, her unhappy and troubled past has put all thoughts of marriage out of the picture. Despite knowing this aversion to marriage her guardian Lady Beatrice Davenham, has convinced her to make her coming out and at least have a fun season. But Damaris meets Freddy Monkton-Coombes. Freddy definitely doesn’t want to get married either and he is tired of all the eliglble young women being paraded before him, young women he calls ‘muffins �� Then he meets Damaris and she is like no woman he has ever met. When he learns she is dead set against marriage, he comes up with a plan to foil the houseparty his mother has planned with an array of suitable girls. Damaris agrees to help him after he helps her out of an awkward situation and offers her something she has always wanted. But it is not marriage.
Damaris is a spunky young woman, who has suffered unspeakable situations in her past that make her feel unworthy of marriage. Freddy also has his share of issues and guilt heaped on him by his parents for actions that caused his brother George’s death.
Damaris at first thinks Freddy is a shallow rake but she comes to see there is a lot more to him.
This is an engaging tale. Aunt Bea, and the ‘sisters’ of Damaris add interest. Freddy’s parents are easy to dislike given the way they treat Freddy. No wonder he never wants to go home.
I thought the book went on too long and could have done without detailed sex scene, which I skimmed but others may enjoy though. Issues a bit easily resolved too I thought. So, in the end three and a half stars.
This is book 2 in a story of the Chance Sisters. I had not read book 1/but this reads fine as a stand alone.
Damaris Chance has no desire whatsoever to get married, her unhappy and troubled past has put all thoughts of marriage out of the picture. Despite knowing this aversion to marriage her guardian Lady Beatrice Davenham, has convinced her to make her coming out and at least have a fun season. But Damaris meets Freddy Monkton-Coombes. Freddy definitely doesn’t want to get married either and he is tired of all the eliglble young women being paraded before him, young women he calls ‘muffins �� Then he meets Damaris and she is like no woman he has ever met. When he learns she is dead set against marriage, he comes up with a plan to foil the houseparty his mother has planned with an array of suitable girls. Damaris agrees to help him after he helps her out of an awkward situation and offers her something she has always wanted. But it is not marriage.
Damaris is a spunky young woman, who has suffered unspeakable situations in her past that make her feel unworthy of marriage. Freddy also has his share of issues and guilt heaped on him by his parents for actions that caused his brother George’s death.
Damaris at first thinks Freddy is a shallow rake but she comes to see there is a lot more to him.
This is an engaging tale. Aunt Bea, and the ‘sisters’ of Damaris add interest. Freddy’s parents are easy to dislike given the way they treat Freddy. No wonder he never wants to go home.
I thought the book went on too long and could have done without detailed sex scene, which I skimmed but others may enjoy though. Issues a bit easily resolved too I thought. So, in the end three and a half stars.
This is book 2 in a story of the Chance Sisters. I had not read book 1/but this reads fine as a stand alone.
March 10, 2017
There was so much to love about The Winter Bride that I don’t even know where to start. While a large portion of the first book in this series focused on establishing the Chance sister’s circumstances and budding relationship with Lady Beatrice, it’s clear this installment belonged to Freddy and Damaris. Their road to love was filled with hilarity and heartbreak, often times within seconds of each other, and it was enough to keep a reader on her toes. But that’s what happens when you have a hero and heroine who each have an aversion to marriage.
I just love the way Freddy and Damaris fell in love – how Damaris was scared to death of it and shying away, but Freddy so rational about the entire situation and determined to win her over. The way he reflected on their first kiss and how it was the best kiss he’d ever participated in had me in stitches.
Freddy and Damaris had both had their share of heartbreak, and that strengthened their connection. But Damaris had quiet strength, honesty, and fairness, all qualities I find admirable in a heroine. She was convinced she was never going to get married or be a mother, and every time children were mentioned, her longing was so tangible my heart broke for her. As for Freddy, I found him to be, surprisingly, effervescent and happy go lucky, and I loved him for it. That’s not to say Freddy didn’t have a more serious side; he did, and I think that’s why I loved his carefree side so much. Freddy needed that to deal with his past. While Freddy’s mother frustrated me, I loved her persistence about her son getting married, as it led him to Damaris. I’m glad that Damaris wouldn’t be cowed by his parents, and that she was so angry on Freddy’s behalf for the way they treated him. And I love, love, love that it was seeing her go toe to toe with his parents that finally opened Freddy’s eyes to how special Damaris was. There was a bit of a wait for the sexy times in this one, but the payoff was worth it. Freddy was so kind and gentle with Damaris, everything she needed. I’m not sure I could love him any more than I do. Also, why is revenge so damn sexy in historical romance? I found Freddy wanting to dish out retribution on behalf of Damaris so hot. And yeah, sweet, too. But mostly hot.
As for how this series is progressing, I continue to love the family these young women have made with each other, and I adored Patrick Flynn and his introduction. I am so excited to read his and Daisy’s book!
This book is more unique than the blurb suggests. It’s not your typical ‘ruined’ story. In fact, Damaris’ ruin doesn’t come along until well into the second half of the book, giving her and Freddy plenty of time to get to know each other and for their feelings to develop. I loved The Winter Bride, and I’m so glad I already have the next book in the series fired up and ready to go!
Audio Review: I adore the narrator for this series. I think she is able to portray the characters true to who they are. Max and Freddy were very different heroes, and her tone reflected that. While she may have narrated both stories, she acclimated her tone to that of each book. And oddly enough, the entire time I was listening to the first book, I knew the narrator reminded me of someone, but I couldn’t put my finger on who. It came to me with this installment – she sounds like a young Angela Lansbury. If you’re a fan of audio, I think the audio version of this is wonderful and am glad this was my first experience with the story.
This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
I just love the way Freddy and Damaris fell in love – how Damaris was scared to death of it and shying away, but Freddy so rational about the entire situation and determined to win her over. The way he reflected on their first kiss and how it was the best kiss he’d ever participated in had me in stitches.
Freddy and Damaris had both had their share of heartbreak, and that strengthened their connection. But Damaris had quiet strength, honesty, and fairness, all qualities I find admirable in a heroine. She was convinced she was never going to get married or be a mother, and every time children were mentioned, her longing was so tangible my heart broke for her. As for Freddy, I found him to be, surprisingly, effervescent and happy go lucky, and I loved him for it. That’s not to say Freddy didn’t have a more serious side; he did, and I think that’s why I loved his carefree side so much. Freddy needed that to deal with his past. While Freddy’s mother frustrated me, I loved her persistence about her son getting married, as it led him to Damaris. I’m glad that Damaris wouldn’t be cowed by his parents, and that she was so angry on Freddy’s behalf for the way they treated him. And I love, love, love that it was seeing her go toe to toe with his parents that finally opened Freddy’s eyes to how special Damaris was. There was a bit of a wait for the sexy times in this one, but the payoff was worth it. Freddy was so kind and gentle with Damaris, everything she needed. I’m not sure I could love him any more than I do. Also, why is revenge so damn sexy in historical romance? I found Freddy wanting to dish out retribution on behalf of Damaris so hot. And yeah, sweet, too. But mostly hot.
As for how this series is progressing, I continue to love the family these young women have made with each other, and I adored Patrick Flynn and his introduction. I am so excited to read his and Daisy’s book!
This book is more unique than the blurb suggests. It’s not your typical ‘ruined’ story. In fact, Damaris’ ruin doesn’t come along until well into the second half of the book, giving her and Freddy plenty of time to get to know each other and for their feelings to develop. I loved The Winter Bride, and I’m so glad I already have the next book in the series fired up and ready to go!
Audio Review: I adore the narrator for this series. I think she is able to portray the characters true to who they are. Max and Freddy were very different heroes, and her tone reflected that. While she may have narrated both stories, she acclimated her tone to that of each book. And oddly enough, the entire time I was listening to the first book, I knew the narrator reminded me of someone, but I couldn’t put my finger on who. It came to me with this installment – she sounds like a young Angela Lansbury. If you’re a fan of audio, I think the audio version of this is wonderful and am glad this was my first experience with the story.
This review was originally posted on Books & Beauty Are My Bag.
May 11, 2017
Wonderful Anne Gracie. I adored your amusing, witty dialogue, and engaging cast of loveable characters. Freddy and Damaris, secondary characters from The Autumn Bride, are the star players, well supported by the rest of this delightful mishmash of a ‘family’, especially the outspoken and outrageous Aunt Bea. Lady Beatrice can turn any situation to her own advantage or to the advantage of her beloved adopted ‘nieces’. Nothing will stand in the way of their happiness as far as she is concerned; no bending of the truth is unacceptable.
She has decided that Freddy Monkton-Coombes, her nephew Max’s oldest friend, will meet her girls and she orchestrates this meeting shamelessly. Freddy is a confirmed bachelor and avoids what he refers to as, ‘muffins’’- young women intent on trapping a chap into marriage – like the plague. He has skilfully sidestepped this terrible fate for many years but, from the moment he comes face to face with the quietly serene and beautiful Damaris, he is hooked even though he doesn’t realise it at the time.
Whilst he is away on his honeymoon with Abby, Aunt Bea’s eldest ‘niece’, Max, whose story was told in The Autumn Bride, has coerced Freddy into acting as guardian/chaperon to the girls and his aunt. Although initially extremely reluctant, Freddy eventually agrees and takes his promise very seriously. Naturally, it throws him into regular contact with Damaris, and the die is cast as he begins to enjoy her company and she his. At this point, I must add that whilst The Winter Bride can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I recommend reading The Autumn Bride first as there is quite a complicated back story and the relationship between Aunt Beatrice and her ‘nieces’ is explained in detail.
Freddy’s parents have decided that it is high time he settles down and produces an heir, and have therefore arranged a house party where hordes of these ‘muffins’ will be waiting to pounce. Damaris is just as set against marriage as Freddy and so he comes up with an idea which will keep them both free of a leg shackle. When he eventually persuades Damaris to his way of thinking, the two enter into a mutually agreeable pact. They will announce a fake betrothal which will serve the dual purpose of placating both his parents and Aunt Bea. While Aunt Bea is intent on arranging a season for her, Damaris’ only ambition is to live quietly in the country in a little cottage with a few chickens and a vegetable garden. Here she hopes to have the peace and quiet to forget the past tragedies and horrific memories which plague her. On the face of it, this arrangement suits both Freddy and Damaris and, in return for her wholehearted compliance, Freddy sets about the task of arranging the purchase of a country cottage for Damaris.
Damaris’s peace is to be shattered, however, by the elegantly beautiful Freddy as he unwittingly worms his way into her life. He has worked very hard to present a rakish, devil-may-care appearance to the ton but behind this façade is a man with a keen business brain who is also kind, thoughtful and, most importantly, honourable with oodles of integrity. As the story unfolds, it emerges that he suffered a boyhood tragedy which has left him deeply traumatised and apparently, as a result of this tragedy, unloved by his parents. His outward devil-may-care persona is a carefully manufactured one, behind which he hides in their presence, and his self-deprecating manner and refusal to explain or defend himself to his cold and unloving parents only seems to perpetuate their annoyance and disregard for him even more. Observing all this on a visit to his family, Damaris intuitively sees how very unhappy he is whilst in their company. She is appalled by their treatment of their only son and sets out to get to the bottom of the rift between them and, in the process, show them how very wrong they are about him. There are a few amusing but bitter-sweet moments where she takes Freddy’s autocratic parents to task, and he is both touched and amazed by her courage, having only previously seen the quiet, gentle side of her nature. This is where we see the real Freddy Monkton-Coombes, as Damaris determinedly begins to strip away the layers of his past and hidden turmoil…. sniff!
Freddy begins to see that Damaris is no ‘muffin’ and comes to the astounding realisation that he is not against marriage at all with the right girl, and that girl is Damaris. But how to persuade her? To this end, he sets out to make their betrothal fact rather than fiction. Freddy is such a darling man, that even his seduction and compromising of Damaris is somehow honourably achieved, especially as it’s done after she has confessed her distressing secret. And what a touchingly tender but sensual scene it is, and throughout Ms. Gracie maintains her legendary wit and humour, without undermining the love, affection and sheer sexiness which has grown between them. It’s one of those very memorable scenes that leaves the reader with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Anne Gracie’s references to Jane Austen’s works add yet more humour and wit, especially in the scene where Freddy, initially horrified at being obliged to attend Aunt Bea’s literary society – deviously organised by her to introduce her ‘nieces’ to the young men of society – quotes the opening lines from Pride and Prejudice:
'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a fortune must be in want of a wife.’..he shudders….”What about the poor fellow’s wants, eh? Do they matter? No. Every female in the blasted story was plotting to hook some man for herself or her daughter or niece. If you don’t call that horror, I don’t know what is".
The serious underlying issues for both protagonists, which each eventually helps the other to overcome, make this so much more than just a fluffy romance and it is definitely my favourite of the Chance Sisters series, although I love them all. Both characters are utterly loveable and I have never forgotten Freddy’s character even though I initially read the book on its publication three years ago – a fair indication of how much of an impression this book and his lovely character made on me.
As previously mentioned, I read and loved this book when it was originally published and when I spotted that the audio version was at last available in the UK, I jumped at it, and immediately downloaded the whole series, especially when I realised that it had been recorded by the acclaimed actress and comedienne, Alison Larkin. Ms. Larkin is a special favourite of mine and her name on an audio book is always guaranteed to attract my attention. When I saw that she was in collaboration with Anne Gracie, there was never any doubt in my mind that this would be a wonderfully satisfying listen. In my opinion, Ms. Larkin is the perfect choice to perform this witty and charming series with its Austen quotes. I always think (and say it whenever I review one of her audio books) that she has a ‘smile’ in her voice, which, in this case, perfectly captures the humour always present in Anne Gracie’s novels.
In addition, her considerable acting skills are evident when dealing with the deeper, more serious issues. This is especially true when Damaris reveals her heart-breaking secret and Freddy’s childhood trauma emerges, and then the more serious side to his nature. Alison Larkin handles these revelations with supreme sensitivity.
As I have already mentioned, Freddy initially gives the impression of superficiality, seeming to prefer avoiding not only confrontation but responsibility too. But this impression is dispelled as we learn more about him and Alison Larkin sheds his light-hearted persona and exaggerated, slightly foppish accent as she subtly builds up the tension, especially during the scene towards the end of the book where Freddy, by this time devoid of all levity, is moved to violence. Between them, the author and narrator show his hidden mettle as he squares up to his opponent in defence of his love.
Alison Larkin’s rendition of Aunt Bea is also particularly clever as this manipulative but kindly, elderly lady, who is guilty of telling the biggest whoppers, is a tremendous character and a difficult one to capture with credibility I would imagine. However, Ms. Larkin gives a faultless performance, worthy of any West End stage, as she portrays this indomitable lady with her decidedly imperious upper crust accent, using just the right amount of intonation and nuance to indicate her age and air of entitlement.
I can’t praise Alison Larkin’s performance highly enough as she brings Anne Gracie’s lovely, tear-jerking, feel-good story to sparkling life with her accomplished interpretation of it. I would LOVE to hear Ms. Larkin perform The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie (another of my favourite books) which I believe has yet to be recorded…. hint to the audio company and publisher!
I highly recommend THE WINTER BRIDE for both content and narration and, as I have all four books in my audio library, I look forward to many more hours of listening pleasure.
She has decided that Freddy Monkton-Coombes, her nephew Max’s oldest friend, will meet her girls and she orchestrates this meeting shamelessly. Freddy is a confirmed bachelor and avoids what he refers to as, ‘muffins’’- young women intent on trapping a chap into marriage – like the plague. He has skilfully sidestepped this terrible fate for many years but, from the moment he comes face to face with the quietly serene and beautiful Damaris, he is hooked even though he doesn’t realise it at the time.
Whilst he is away on his honeymoon with Abby, Aunt Bea’s eldest ‘niece’, Max, whose story was told in The Autumn Bride, has coerced Freddy into acting as guardian/chaperon to the girls and his aunt. Although initially extremely reluctant, Freddy eventually agrees and takes his promise very seriously. Naturally, it throws him into regular contact with Damaris, and the die is cast as he begins to enjoy her company and she his. At this point, I must add that whilst The Winter Bride can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I recommend reading The Autumn Bride first as there is quite a complicated back story and the relationship between Aunt Beatrice and her ‘nieces’ is explained in detail.
Freddy’s parents have decided that it is high time he settles down and produces an heir, and have therefore arranged a house party where hordes of these ‘muffins’ will be waiting to pounce. Damaris is just as set against marriage as Freddy and so he comes up with an idea which will keep them both free of a leg shackle. When he eventually persuades Damaris to his way of thinking, the two enter into a mutually agreeable pact. They will announce a fake betrothal which will serve the dual purpose of placating both his parents and Aunt Bea. While Aunt Bea is intent on arranging a season for her, Damaris’ only ambition is to live quietly in the country in a little cottage with a few chickens and a vegetable garden. Here she hopes to have the peace and quiet to forget the past tragedies and horrific memories which plague her. On the face of it, this arrangement suits both Freddy and Damaris and, in return for her wholehearted compliance, Freddy sets about the task of arranging the purchase of a country cottage for Damaris.
Damaris’s peace is to be shattered, however, by the elegantly beautiful Freddy as he unwittingly worms his way into her life. He has worked very hard to present a rakish, devil-may-care appearance to the ton but behind this façade is a man with a keen business brain who is also kind, thoughtful and, most importantly, honourable with oodles of integrity. As the story unfolds, it emerges that he suffered a boyhood tragedy which has left him deeply traumatised and apparently, as a result of this tragedy, unloved by his parents. His outward devil-may-care persona is a carefully manufactured one, behind which he hides in their presence, and his self-deprecating manner and refusal to explain or defend himself to his cold and unloving parents only seems to perpetuate their annoyance and disregard for him even more. Observing all this on a visit to his family, Damaris intuitively sees how very unhappy he is whilst in their company. She is appalled by their treatment of their only son and sets out to get to the bottom of the rift between them and, in the process, show them how very wrong they are about him. There are a few amusing but bitter-sweet moments where she takes Freddy’s autocratic parents to task, and he is both touched and amazed by her courage, having only previously seen the quiet, gentle side of her nature. This is where we see the real Freddy Monkton-Coombes, as Damaris determinedly begins to strip away the layers of his past and hidden turmoil…. sniff!
Freddy begins to see that Damaris is no ‘muffin’ and comes to the astounding realisation that he is not against marriage at all with the right girl, and that girl is Damaris. But how to persuade her? To this end, he sets out to make their betrothal fact rather than fiction. Freddy is such a darling man, that even his seduction and compromising of Damaris is somehow honourably achieved, especially as it’s done after she has confessed her distressing secret. And what a touchingly tender but sensual scene it is, and throughout Ms. Gracie maintains her legendary wit and humour, without undermining the love, affection and sheer sexiness which has grown between them. It’s one of those very memorable scenes that leaves the reader with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Anne Gracie’s references to Jane Austen’s works add yet more humour and wit, especially in the scene where Freddy, initially horrified at being obliged to attend Aunt Bea’s literary society – deviously organised by her to introduce her ‘nieces’ to the young men of society – quotes the opening lines from Pride and Prejudice:
'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a fortune must be in want of a wife.’..he shudders….”What about the poor fellow’s wants, eh? Do they matter? No. Every female in the blasted story was plotting to hook some man for herself or her daughter or niece. If you don’t call that horror, I don’t know what is".
The serious underlying issues for both protagonists, which each eventually helps the other to overcome, make this so much more than just a fluffy romance and it is definitely my favourite of the Chance Sisters series, although I love them all. Both characters are utterly loveable and I have never forgotten Freddy’s character even though I initially read the book on its publication three years ago – a fair indication of how much of an impression this book and his lovely character made on me.
As previously mentioned, I read and loved this book when it was originally published and when I spotted that the audio version was at last available in the UK, I jumped at it, and immediately downloaded the whole series, especially when I realised that it had been recorded by the acclaimed actress and comedienne, Alison Larkin. Ms. Larkin is a special favourite of mine and her name on an audio book is always guaranteed to attract my attention. When I saw that she was in collaboration with Anne Gracie, there was never any doubt in my mind that this would be a wonderfully satisfying listen. In my opinion, Ms. Larkin is the perfect choice to perform this witty and charming series with its Austen quotes. I always think (and say it whenever I review one of her audio books) that she has a ‘smile’ in her voice, which, in this case, perfectly captures the humour always present in Anne Gracie’s novels.
In addition, her considerable acting skills are evident when dealing with the deeper, more serious issues. This is especially true when Damaris reveals her heart-breaking secret and Freddy’s childhood trauma emerges, and then the more serious side to his nature. Alison Larkin handles these revelations with supreme sensitivity.
As I have already mentioned, Freddy initially gives the impression of superficiality, seeming to prefer avoiding not only confrontation but responsibility too. But this impression is dispelled as we learn more about him and Alison Larkin sheds his light-hearted persona and exaggerated, slightly foppish accent as she subtly builds up the tension, especially during the scene towards the end of the book where Freddy, by this time devoid of all levity, is moved to violence. Between them, the author and narrator show his hidden mettle as he squares up to his opponent in defence of his love.
Alison Larkin’s rendition of Aunt Bea is also particularly clever as this manipulative but kindly, elderly lady, who is guilty of telling the biggest whoppers, is a tremendous character and a difficult one to capture with credibility I would imagine. However, Ms. Larkin gives a faultless performance, worthy of any West End stage, as she portrays this indomitable lady with her decidedly imperious upper crust accent, using just the right amount of intonation and nuance to indicate her age and air of entitlement.
I can’t praise Alison Larkin’s performance highly enough as she brings Anne Gracie’s lovely, tear-jerking, feel-good story to sparkling life with her accomplished interpretation of it. I would LOVE to hear Ms. Larkin perform The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie (another of my favourite books) which I believe has yet to be recorded…. hint to the audio company and publisher!
I highly recommend THE WINTER BRIDE for both content and narration and, as I have all four books in my audio library, I look forward to many more hours of listening pleasure.
August 21, 2023
Ok, I like this BUT.
Trigger warnings up the wazoo here: all of it is discussed, none of it is shown.
1) MC h was repeatedly raped prior to her meeting the MC H and sold into sex slavery. Like we are talking less than a year after her trauma, she’s met and is getting physical with the MC H. That’s both dark and I think honestly her trauma would have prevented their magical first time together.
2) MC H’s brother died as a child in a horrible accident and for 16 years his parents, as well as he, blame him for it. Also dark and incredibly sad.
3) MC H faces down the man who raped the MC h and it is a quick fight, but brutal.
So far, both the first book and this one have had the MC h undergo traumatic things where the MC H was the hero and he bad guy gets his due, legally.
I kind of am here for the found family, not for the dark backstory to keep popping up to say hi. I want to see the sisters and aunt interact more. It’s good that we see a lot of the relationship between the MC H and h develop, the love part feels real, but I think I want sisterhood more right now?
Oh, and if the MC H referred to a woman with marriage on her mind as a muffin ONE MORE TIME, I was going to reach into the book and commit violence on his person. DUDE! We GET it, you resent having to get married because REASONS. But for then women involved, it was life or death! She became his property and not many would say “boo” if he beat his wife or ran them into the poorhouse, so making a good and well-off choice was important for her future wellbeing.
Anywho, this story was a LOT darker then the first one imho, since the MC h in this one had the bad things happen directly to her, rather then to her sister. The MC H’s story was sad too, but we had a good scene with the MC h giving his parents what-for, so that was good.
Spicy, pre-marriage scenes, so if you like your romances clean, this one might not be for you.
3, not bad but darker then I would have liked it to be, stars.
Trigger warnings up the wazoo here: all of it is discussed, none of it is shown.
1) MC h was repeatedly raped prior to her meeting the MC H and sold into sex slavery. Like we are talking less than a year after her trauma, she’s met and is getting physical with the MC H. That’s both dark and I think honestly her trauma would have prevented their magical first time together.
2) MC H’s brother died as a child in a horrible accident and for 16 years his parents, as well as he, blame him for it. Also dark and incredibly sad.
3) MC H faces down the man who raped the MC h and it is a quick fight, but brutal.
So far, both the first book and this one have had the MC h undergo traumatic things where the MC H was the hero and he bad guy gets his due, legally.
I kind of am here for the found family, not for the dark backstory to keep popping up to say hi. I want to see the sisters and aunt interact more. It’s good that we see a lot of the relationship between the MC H and h develop, the love part feels real, but I think I want sisterhood more right now?
Oh, and if the MC H referred to a woman with marriage on her mind as a muffin ONE MORE TIME, I was going to reach into the book and commit violence on his person. DUDE! We GET it, you resent having to get married because REASONS. But for then women involved, it was life or death! She became his property and not many would say “boo” if he beat his wife or ran them into the poorhouse, so making a good and well-off choice was important for her future wellbeing.
Anywho, this story was a LOT darker then the first one imho, since the MC h in this one had the bad things happen directly to her, rather then to her sister. The MC H’s story was sad too, but we had a good scene with the MC h giving his parents what-for, so that was good.
Spicy, pre-marriage scenes, so if you like your romances clean, this one might not be for you.
3, not bad but darker then I would have liked it to be, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2014
4.5 solid-gold stars for this one, the second book in the Chance Sisters series. Maybe I was in the right mood, but I was captivated by the characters. A hero to dream on. A likable, strong heroine. (Loved that scene at the Breckenridge breakfast table.) A plot -- a fairly credible plot. Some sparkling, clever dialogue -- often mildly funny. Engrossing, poignant -- even slightly profound. Plus, several sizzling pages between the sheets.
My only quibbles are minor: It was winter, so the storm would have been freezing, hypothermic conditions (and how would parsley be growing?). Plus, a little too pat towards the end, on two counts: Also, I could do without the profanity, but at least it wasn't a frequent occurrence.
In my view, this book is stronger than book 1. More deeply felt. But it would be best to start with book 1. And I'm eager to read the fantastical Flynn's story. A self-made nabob of lowly Irish birth and a tendency towards bling. Will he star in book 3? Maybe Flynn -- who plans to marry an aristocrat -- will hook up with Daisy, the gimp-footed gutter girl with fashion design flare -- whom I adore??
My only quibbles are minor: It was winter, so the storm would have been freezing, hypothermic conditions (and how would parsley be growing?). Plus, a little too pat towards the end, on two counts: Also, I could do without the profanity, but at least it wasn't a frequent occurrence.
In my view, this book is stronger than book 1. More deeply felt. But it would be best to start with book 1. And I'm eager to read the fantastical Flynn's story. A self-made nabob of lowly Irish birth and a tendency towards bling. Will he star in book 3? Maybe Flynn -- who plans to marry an aristocrat -- will hook up with Daisy, the gimp-footed gutter girl with fashion design flare -- whom I adore??
November 11, 2018
I was predisposed to dislike this after all the disappointing (to me) Bride books Gracie has been churning out since 2008 but I borrowed it from the library on another reviewer's recommendation. Turns out I really like it, proving once again that it's not a good idea to have preconceived biases about anything.
The plot itself isn't what makes this such a good read. It's the two main characters. They're great, especially hero Freddy. Heroine Damaris is admirable also. I do so enjoy a woman who's determined to make it on her own and not for stupid reasons. She has a dark secret in her past (yes, yes, that is so cliche but I didn't care) that makes her behavior very reasonable, and she is also a very likeable female.
But the absolute delight of the book is hero Freddy. He also has a dark issue in his past (yes, yes, again cliche but let's move on) that makes him seem emotionally aloof and somewhat superficial, but as the story progresses Damaris and Freddy reveal themselves to each other and begin the healing process.
This isn't a dark, angsty book although it does have those dark secrets. Gracie keeps the serious issues serious without making this a bummer of a book. For the most part, it's actually a fun read. I do so love the "God's Plan" theory as explained by Freddy to Damaris. the Venice (no, NOT Italy) moments, and, of course, the experimental Chinese swimming pigs are not to be missed.
The plot itself isn't what makes this such a good read. It's the two main characters. They're great, especially hero Freddy. Heroine Damaris is admirable also. I do so enjoy a woman who's determined to make it on her own and not for stupid reasons. She has a dark secret in her past (yes, yes, that is so cliche but I didn't care) that makes her behavior very reasonable, and she is also a very likeable female.
But the absolute delight of the book is hero Freddy. He also has a dark issue in his past (yes, yes, again cliche but let's move on) that makes him seem emotionally aloof and somewhat superficial, but as the story progresses Damaris and Freddy reveal themselves to each other and begin the healing process.
This isn't a dark, angsty book although it does have those dark secrets. Gracie keeps the serious issues serious without making this a bummer of a book. For the most part, it's actually a fun read. I do so love the "God's Plan" theory as explained by Freddy to Damaris. the Venice (no, NOT Italy) moments, and, of course, the experimental Chinese swimming pigs are not to be missed.
July 2, 2014
4 ½ stars. I enjoy the author’s choices and dialogue.
Like the first book in the series, this is not great writing, but I felt good while reading it. The happiness flowed into my other life. And that makes it 5 stars for me.
I wish more regency romances were like this. Too many authors use inaccurate assumptions and secrets for excessive drama and suspense. Gracie does not. I’m not talking about Damaris keeping a secret about her past. That was reasonable. Here’s an example of something I liked. After sex, Damaris makes an assumption that is wrong. Another author would have Damaris leave the guy and not say why. But Gracie has the guy sense something wrong, ask her about it, and not give up until she tells him. So she tells him, and then he explains why the assumption is wrong. I was pleased because I am used to other authors who would draw that out for extended conflict. Sometimes I don’t mind drawing it out, but many times I do.
I loved the character Freddy. He was entertaining. He fears and avoids muffins (irritating females chasing him for marriage). Aunt Bea mistakenly thinks he likes to eat baked muffins. He does not correct her. So she frequently serves him muffins, and then he has to think of ways to avoid eating them, like throwing one in the fire, but then he worries there might be a smell.
HEROINE WAS RAPED IN THE PAST.
Some readers might want to know this. The rapes were not shown in detail, but they were mentioned. The f-word was used regarding this.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I really enjoyed the narrator Alison Larkin. I frequently complain when a female narrator uses a weird voice for the hero, and Larkin used a weird voice for Freddy. He did not sound sexy at all. He almost sounded comical. But this narrator is so wonderful with emotional interpretations - I loved it, weird Freddy and all. I loved the way she interpreted Mrs. Jenkins (a very minor character) who was Damaris’ boss at the pottery shop. I plan to look for more books that she narrates. However, one of my friends was disappointed with the narrator, so it’s a personal preference.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 12 hrs and 31 mins. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none, other than the f-word mentioned above. Number of hero/heroine sex scenes: two. Setting: 1816 mostly England. Book copyright: 2014. Genre: regency romance.
Like the first book in the series, this is not great writing, but I felt good while reading it. The happiness flowed into my other life. And that makes it 5 stars for me.
I wish more regency romances were like this. Too many authors use inaccurate assumptions and secrets for excessive drama and suspense. Gracie does not. I’m not talking about Damaris keeping a secret about her past. That was reasonable. Here’s an example of something I liked. After sex, Damaris makes an assumption that is wrong. Another author would have Damaris leave the guy and not say why. But Gracie has the guy sense something wrong, ask her about it, and not give up until she tells him. So she tells him, and then he explains why the assumption is wrong. I was pleased because I am used to other authors who would draw that out for extended conflict. Sometimes I don’t mind drawing it out, but many times I do.
I loved the character Freddy. He was entertaining. He fears and avoids muffins (irritating females chasing him for marriage). Aunt Bea mistakenly thinks he likes to eat baked muffins. He does not correct her. So she frequently serves him muffins, and then he has to think of ways to avoid eating them, like throwing one in the fire, but then he worries there might be a smell.
HEROINE WAS RAPED IN THE PAST.
Some readers might want to know this. The rapes were not shown in detail, but they were mentioned. The f-word was used regarding this.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I really enjoyed the narrator Alison Larkin. I frequently complain when a female narrator uses a weird voice for the hero, and Larkin used a weird voice for Freddy. He did not sound sexy at all. He almost sounded comical. But this narrator is so wonderful with emotional interpretations - I loved it, weird Freddy and all. I loved the way she interpreted Mrs. Jenkins (a very minor character) who was Damaris’ boss at the pottery shop. I plan to look for more books that she narrates. However, one of my friends was disappointed with the narrator, so it’s a personal preference.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 12 hrs and 31 mins. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: none, other than the f-word mentioned above. Number of hero/heroine sex scenes: two. Setting: 1816 mostly England. Book copyright: 2014. Genre: regency romance.
July 25, 2015
I have mixed feelings about The Winter Bride. Don't get me wrong, I liked it enough--the 3 stars are a testament to that--but the story just had too many flaws to ignore.
For one, its characterisation was problematic and one-dimensional. It's problematic in the sense that I found Damaris' character to be inconsistent at times. At the start of the book, she's very serious and solemn, and then all of a sudden, halfway through it, she's all laughter and smiles. I also found that the other characters, including Freddy, the hero, to be rather bland and lacking in depth. To give them credit, Freddy, Max, and the Chance sisters were likeable. It's just that, well, they don't have enough character depth to feel real. The same holds true with Freddy's parents. The way they were painted in the story, especially their irrational hatred against Freddy, seemed too contrived to be normal. This issue stopped me from making any connection to the characters. I didn't feel invested.
Another issue I have with the book is the irregularity in the tone. It can be funny at one instance, and then serious the next. The mercurial quality to the tone just made me confused as to how I should feel at the scenes.
The whole reading experience entertained me, but it was a shallow kind of entertainment. The plot was very simplistic and not at all compelling. I liked it, but that's just it.
For one, its characterisation was problematic and one-dimensional. It's problematic in the sense that I found Damaris' character to be inconsistent at times. At the start of the book, she's very serious and solemn, and then all of a sudden, halfway through it, she's all laughter and smiles. I also found that the other characters, including Freddy, the hero, to be rather bland and lacking in depth. To give them credit, Freddy, Max, and the Chance sisters were likeable. It's just that, well, they don't have enough character depth to feel real. The same holds true with Freddy's parents. The way they were painted in the story, especially their irrational hatred against Freddy, seemed too contrived to be normal. This issue stopped me from making any connection to the characters. I didn't feel invested.
Another issue I have with the book is the irregularity in the tone. It can be funny at one instance, and then serious the next. The mercurial quality to the tone just made me confused as to how I should feel at the scenes.
The whole reading experience entertained me, but it was a shallow kind of entertainment. The plot was very simplistic and not at all compelling. I liked it, but that's just it.
December 29, 2019
12/29/19 update - I have no recollection of reading this book. Thankfully GR does, or I would’ve read it again and had to figure it out. Woohoo for keeping track of my reading.
September 1, 2021
For a modern Regency romance, this one was not half bad. I don't remember why I picked this one up, especially since I had thought another book by this author was so absurd that I gave it one star and skipped through most of it in 2 hours. I think it was because someone on my Georgette Heyer Facebook group compared the hero of this one, Freddy, to Freddy of Cotillion Indeed the hero was the best thing about this book and did bear a passing resemblance to one of my favorite heroes.
Unfortunately, I am just about over romance novels that don't bring anything more to the table than the romance. Here we have two protagonists who are dead set against getting married agreeing to a fake betrothal to keep people off their backs. This one suffers because the journey to the inevitable finally falling in love part to the entirely obvious from the beginning deep dark secret that the heroine harbors is pretty tedious.
But there were some bright spots. One was the heroine's takedown and telling off of Freddy's cruel and blind parents.
The other was Freddy's refreshing reaction to Damaris' drama of finally confessing why she can never marry.
Poor Damaris. She sure got the wind taken out of her sails.
Anne Gracie is not a bad writer, but there is no wit despite the light pleasant easy tone. There are too many eye-rolling moments and cliches in character development and plot. She is very repetitive. The cutesy term "muffin" for ingenues trying to trap Freddy into marriage is repeated like 40 times in a book just a little over 300 pages long. It was distracting and annoying.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
Unfortunately, I am just about over romance novels that don't bring anything more to the table than the romance. Here we have two protagonists who are dead set against getting married agreeing to a fake betrothal to keep people off their backs. This one suffers because the journey to the inevitable finally falling in love part to the entirely obvious from the beginning deep dark secret that the heroine harbors is pretty tedious.
But there were some bright spots. One was the heroine's takedown and telling off of Freddy's cruel and blind parents.
Damaris couldn’t believe it. Had they never reflected on what they’d done? “You two treated him like an assassin, when he was just a little boy who liked to play cricket with his brother. Twelve years old, and you pushed him out of the family...What kind of parents are you? You lost one son, but you threw the other away.”And it was not just one short scene either. She wins every point quite a few times.
The other was Freddy's refreshing reaction to Damaris' drama of finally confessing why she can never marry.
“Well, I’m shocked,” said Freddy in as shocked a manner as he could conjure up. “Deeply shocked,” he repeated. “May I serve you some of this apple tart? It looks and smells delicious, doesn’t it?” “Apple tart?” she repeated blankly. “Didn’t you hear what I said?”
Poor Damaris. She sure got the wind taken out of her sails.
Anne Gracie is not a bad writer, but there is no wit despite the light pleasant easy tone. There are too many eye-rolling moments and cliches in character development and plot. She is very repetitive. The cutesy term "muffin" for ingenues trying to trap Freddy into marriage is repeated like 40 times in a book just a little over 300 pages long. It was distracting and annoying.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
April 12, 2014
Fabulous addition to the series and Freddy was the bomb!!!
August 20, 2015
What sheer delight this was to read! I had not read this author's books before and I certainly missed out when I started with the second book of the series (though, I had no trouble reading it out of actual order). Sometimes one is just precisely in the mood for something light, good-humored, and just enough heartwarming romance and twisting to the plot to give it balance. Even better if it totally takes one by surprise.
I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, but an eccentric old lady who does as she pleases, four unique women who are sisters of the heart if not real sisters, a man styling himself as a rake merely to keep from those feelings that hurt and the chance of yet someone else leaving him, oh and lets not forget the watchful eyes of society, deep dark secrets from the past, and a love affair that takes everyone by surprise including the people who find themselves in love.
The story opens with Freddie Monkton-Coombes giving his word, reluctantly, to his best friend that he will watch over Max's new sisters in law and his aunt while Max is away on his honeymoon. Freddie has no desire to be anywhere near respectable young women who are making their debut for the Season because they will be swarming with men who he will have to watchsafe and worse, they will be attending affairs where marriage-minded girls and their vigilant mamas will be looking to snag him.
But a his promise is his word of honor so he manfully sets out to do his duty. His duty soon leads him into the oddest situations because these women all seem to have an eccentric bend particularly the oldest of the sisters, Damaris. Freddie catches Damaris sneaking out, but instead of the trouble he expects her to be in, she is doing something crazy- and perfectly above board. He chooses to keep her secret and in turn, later finds himself needed to make an interesting proposition to Damaris. He needs a fake fiancee and Damaris needs the money he would pay her. Freddie gets a whole lot more than he bargained for from his growing feelings for the enigmatic Damaris to the truth about her past.
Damaris Chance reluctantly agrees to a Season. She has no desire to marry in fact she can't or the truth would disgrace her and all that are associated with her. Her pretend sisters only know the part of her past that begins when she was sold to the brothel where they were all brought and escaped, but Damaris' history is so much worse and darker than they can imagine. As a result of her choice, she knows that she must have an income and no one can know that she is working. She barely gets started on her nest egg when the disturbing Freddie Monkton-Coombes discovers what she is doing. While he isn't the fribble and flirt he pretends to be, she still doesn't expect the fastidious man to not only keep her secret, but act as her escort. His outrageous plan to use her to help him get past his mother's plot to set him up is absurd, but what he dangles as an incentive sure is not. Damaris finds that faking an engagement is harder than she imagined and mostly because she starts to wish that it is real.
Alright, so I was very excited about this one. I was hooked from the beginning when I chuckled aloud over Max's aunt's scheming and her way of looking at matters.
The old lady flapped a dismissive hand. "Pish-tush, what nonsense! Now come along, gels, Mr. Monkton-Coombes will have finished his muffins, and while all men should be kept waiting a little- it keeps them nicely on edge, I find- it does not do to keep them dangling too long. And when one finally joins them, they must be made to feel that the waiting was worthwhile..." p. 15 Lady Beatrice from The Winter Bride
There are aspects of this one that I found interesting. First, there is Freddie, Max, and Flynn's involvement in trade and enterprise. I enjoyed that they were active, intelligent men and this occupied some scenes so that the focus was more wide-spread than the romance. I also found the unusual background of the circle of ladies a refreshing nuance to keep this one from being a traditional style historical romance.
And speaking of an aspect that went beyond the romance, emotional abuse of children is another theme that runs through this one. Freddie was an emotionally abused child because he was the ignored and then later, unwanted second son. Damaris also had it hard with her missionary father, from the time she could remember and worse when her mother died, who treated her more like a burden and later the hired help than his child. The man was a bitter, narrow-minded sort that didn't reflect well on his choice to be a missionary. And worse, he perpetrated a form of emotional abuse to Damaris that made my blood boil. She had a very rough life, but added to this was all the wrong thinking this evil man instilled in her. She was repressed and ignorant as a result of his words to her as a child and young teenage girl. She was made to feel guilty over something that was natural and right like physical love and attraction. She thought some other things too that she got from this guy, but I don't want to do spoilers so lets just say that his actions were villainous even if later it all made sense.
And nestled in the middle of all this was their romance. In a nutshell, it was a fake mates type plot. Freddie needed Damaris to act as his betrothed to keep his parents off his back. Damaris and Freddie both swear off marriage for two different reasons. Freddie wants nothing to do with the intimacy, responsibility, and closeness of such a union and Damaris, influenced by her father and her past, thinks she can't have marriage with a decent man and what's more doesn't ever want intimacy with a man. Naturally, this was a slow developing romance, but once it got there, it heated up fast. Freddie was careful with Damaris and he accepted her and her past without a qualm just as Damaris was perfect for him because she dug to the heart of his issues and made him face them. They were a fun, beautiful couple and I loved reading their romantic story.
"Well I'm shocked," said Freddie in as shocked a manner as he could conjure up. "Deeply shocked," he repeated. "May I serve you some of this apple tart? It looks and smells delicious, doesn't it?"
"Apple tart?" she repeated blankly. "Did you hear a word I said?"
"What you said?" he cut a generous slice of tart. "You mean about you not being Miss Chance?" He slid it onto a plate and passed it to her. "And not being related to your sisters and your aunt and having no fortune- yes, and I told you that I was shocked. Deeply. Will you have cream with that?" Without waiting for her answer, he lavished her apple tart with clotted cream.
She frowned and gave him an accusing look. "You knew. All the time I worried about telling you, and you knew!"
"You're not eating. It's delicious. Of course I knew."
"Then why did you say you were shocked? Deeply shocked?"
"You seemed to expect it and I didn't want to disappoint you." He gave her a wicked grin. "I don't like to disappoint ladies, you see." P. 135 Freddie and Damaris from The Winter Bride
In summation, this was one of the best historical romances that I've read all year and heartily recommend it to other historical romance fans.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, but an eccentric old lady who does as she pleases, four unique women who are sisters of the heart if not real sisters, a man styling himself as a rake merely to keep from those feelings that hurt and the chance of yet someone else leaving him, oh and lets not forget the watchful eyes of society, deep dark secrets from the past, and a love affair that takes everyone by surprise including the people who find themselves in love.
The story opens with Freddie Monkton-Coombes giving his word, reluctantly, to his best friend that he will watch over Max's new sisters in law and his aunt while Max is away on his honeymoon. Freddie has no desire to be anywhere near respectable young women who are making their debut for the Season because they will be swarming with men who he will have to watchsafe and worse, they will be attending affairs where marriage-minded girls and their vigilant mamas will be looking to snag him.
But a his promise is his word of honor so he manfully sets out to do his duty. His duty soon leads him into the oddest situations because these women all seem to have an eccentric bend particularly the oldest of the sisters, Damaris. Freddie catches Damaris sneaking out, but instead of the trouble he expects her to be in, she is doing something crazy- and perfectly above board. He chooses to keep her secret and in turn, later finds himself needed to make an interesting proposition to Damaris. He needs a fake fiancee and Damaris needs the money he would pay her. Freddie gets a whole lot more than he bargained for from his growing feelings for the enigmatic Damaris to the truth about her past.
Damaris Chance reluctantly agrees to a Season. She has no desire to marry in fact she can't or the truth would disgrace her and all that are associated with her. Her pretend sisters only know the part of her past that begins when she was sold to the brothel where they were all brought and escaped, but Damaris' history is so much worse and darker than they can imagine. As a result of her choice, she knows that she must have an income and no one can know that she is working. She barely gets started on her nest egg when the disturbing Freddie Monkton-Coombes discovers what she is doing. While he isn't the fribble and flirt he pretends to be, she still doesn't expect the fastidious man to not only keep her secret, but act as her escort. His outrageous plan to use her to help him get past his mother's plot to set him up is absurd, but what he dangles as an incentive sure is not. Damaris finds that faking an engagement is harder than she imagined and mostly because she starts to wish that it is real.
Alright, so I was very excited about this one. I was hooked from the beginning when I chuckled aloud over Max's aunt's scheming and her way of looking at matters.
The old lady flapped a dismissive hand. "Pish-tush, what nonsense! Now come along, gels, Mr. Monkton-Coombes will have finished his muffins, and while all men should be kept waiting a little- it keeps them nicely on edge, I find- it does not do to keep them dangling too long. And when one finally joins them, they must be made to feel that the waiting was worthwhile..." p. 15 Lady Beatrice from The Winter Bride
There are aspects of this one that I found interesting. First, there is Freddie, Max, and Flynn's involvement in trade and enterprise. I enjoyed that they were active, intelligent men and this occupied some scenes so that the focus was more wide-spread than the romance. I also found the unusual background of the circle of ladies a refreshing nuance to keep this one from being a traditional style historical romance.
And speaking of an aspect that went beyond the romance, emotional abuse of children is another theme that runs through this one. Freddie was an emotionally abused child because he was the ignored and then later, unwanted second son. Damaris also had it hard with her missionary father, from the time she could remember and worse when her mother died, who treated her more like a burden and later the hired help than his child. The man was a bitter, narrow-minded sort that didn't reflect well on his choice to be a missionary. And worse, he perpetrated a form of emotional abuse to Damaris that made my blood boil. She had a very rough life, but added to this was all the wrong thinking this evil man instilled in her. She was repressed and ignorant as a result of his words to her as a child and young teenage girl. She was made to feel guilty over something that was natural and right like physical love and attraction. She thought some other things too that she got from this guy, but I don't want to do spoilers so lets just say that his actions were villainous even if later it all made sense.
And nestled in the middle of all this was their romance. In a nutshell, it was a fake mates type plot. Freddie needed Damaris to act as his betrothed to keep his parents off his back. Damaris and Freddie both swear off marriage for two different reasons. Freddie wants nothing to do with the intimacy, responsibility, and closeness of such a union and Damaris, influenced by her father and her past, thinks she can't have marriage with a decent man and what's more doesn't ever want intimacy with a man. Naturally, this was a slow developing romance, but once it got there, it heated up fast. Freddie was careful with Damaris and he accepted her and her past without a qualm just as Damaris was perfect for him because she dug to the heart of his issues and made him face them. They were a fun, beautiful couple and I loved reading their romantic story.
"Well I'm shocked," said Freddie in as shocked a manner as he could conjure up. "Deeply shocked," he repeated. "May I serve you some of this apple tart? It looks and smells delicious, doesn't it?"
"Apple tart?" she repeated blankly. "Did you hear a word I said?"
"What you said?" he cut a generous slice of tart. "You mean about you not being Miss Chance?" He slid it onto a plate and passed it to her. "And not being related to your sisters and your aunt and having no fortune- yes, and I told you that I was shocked. Deeply. Will you have cream with that?" Without waiting for her answer, he lavished her apple tart with clotted cream.
She frowned and gave him an accusing look. "You knew. All the time I worried about telling you, and you knew!"
"You're not eating. It's delicious. Of course I knew."
"Then why did you say you were shocked? Deeply shocked?"
"You seemed to expect it and I didn't want to disappoint you." He gave her a wicked grin. "I don't like to disappoint ladies, you see." P. 135 Freddie and Damaris from The Winter Bride
In summation, this was one of the best historical romances that I've read all year and heartily recommend it to other historical romance fans.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2024
Review from 2014
B+ for content / B- for narration.
The Winter Bride is the second in a series of books about the four Chance sisters – who aren’t actually sisters (well two are, the other two aren’t!), instead being a group of women who were brought together under very inauspicious circumstances and who, on breaking out of those circumstances, decide to rename themselves because their escape from a life of drudgery and abuse has given them all a second chance.
The girls now reside with their splendidly eccentric “aunt” Beatrice, Lady Davenham, who is busily making plans for the come-outs of Damaris and Jane, but Damaris isn’t keen on the idea. She doesn’t want to find herself a husband, which is the usual purpose of having a Season, but Lady Bea reassures her that she doesn’t have to get married if she doesn’t want to, and tells her she should look upon her season as a chance to live a little and have some fun.
In the previous book in the series - The Autumn Bride - Abigail Chance married Max, Lord Davenham (Lady Beatrice’s nephew), and he has asked his best friend Freddy Monkton-Coombes to keep an eye on the other girls while he and Abby are away on their honeymoon. Freddy, a ladies’ man and confirmed bachelor who lives in fear of the crowds of “muffins” (young, marriage-minded women) who are determined to land him, is not particularly enthused at the prospect, but he nonetheless agrees to look out for the girls and provide an escort when required.
Freddy and Damaris strike up a gentle friendship – and then one day, Freddy hits upon a scheme which will get both of them something they want. The time is approaching for his annual visit to his family home, somewhere he only goes on one particular day a year for his brother’s memorial service, but this year, his mother has organised a house-party which will be filled with eligible “muffins.” He reasons that if he announces his engagement, his mother will have to call off the house party and stop nagging him to get married, so he asks Damaris if she will become betrothed to him. She has already made him aware of her intention never to marry, and as he doesn’t want to get married either, there is no danger of their betrothal leading to the altar.
I always enjoy a “fake-relationship” plot and this one is very well done indeed. Damaris and Freddy discover they are alike in many ways – both have long-held and deeply buried secrets, have grown up suffering the disapprobation of their parents and, deep down, are looking for something more in their lives than what they currently have. Best of all, they communicate well and truly understand each other, sensing their affinity and seeing that there is more to the other than there would at first seem. Damaris is a likeable and sympathetic heroine who has been through some horrible things in her life, but has steadfastly refused to let them destroy her. Instead of becoming bitter and cold, she is caring and considerate, a perfect match for Freddy, who is an absolutely wonderful hero. He has a reputation as a womaniser, and the face he presents to the world is one of a devil-may-care man-about-town who pretends he is unaffected by his brother’s death and that his parents’ attitude towards him doesn’t hurt – but Damaris quickly sees the real Freddy beneath the veneer.
“You’re a chameleon, Freddy Monkton-Coombes. To most of London society, you’re nothing but an entertaining rattle, a frivolous fellow with not a serious thought in your head.”
“I assure you, there’s always at least one thought in my head.” He waggled his brows at her in a lascivious fashion.
She ignored it. “To Max you’re a friend to rely on; to Flynn, a partner with a business brain as sharp as his own; to Nanny McBride you’re her darling boy who spoils her with little treats—long after her usefulness has passed, and very few servants in this world command that kind of loyalty; to me you’re—” She broke off, suddenly flustered by what she’d been about to say.
“Yes? What am I to you, Miss Chance?” It was his deepest rake-on-the-prowl voice.
She collected herself and replied, “To me, you’re very kind.”
The Winter Bride is a thoroughly enjoyable and emotionally satisfying story featuring two well-rounded protagonists and features a set of similarly well-drawn supporting characters. It says much about the quality of the story and writing that the problems I experienced with the narration didn’t detract from my enjoyment too much. Alison Larkin’s narration is 80% excellent, but I again felt letdown by the way she portrayed the hero. On paper, Freddie is utterly gorgeous – handsome, funny, kind, self-deprecating and, when it counts, sexy as hell. Many Regency romances have their heroes adopt a laconic, ennui-laden drawl, but Ms Larkin takes Freddie’s too far, so that even in the more romantic scenes, he sounds like the worst kind of upper-class twit.
One may ask why I continue to listen to Ms Larkin’s narrations in light of this, and it’s a question I ask myself frequently. The answer is always the same – it’s because she is very good at everything else and I keep hoping that somewhere along the line, she will find an acceptable and attractive way to portray the male leads in the audiobooks she narrates. I’ve listened to a couple of audios where she’s almost made it – but this isn’t one of them.
The narrative flows well, and Ms Larkin really gets to grips with the emotional side of the story as well as bringing out the humour. She voices all the sisters distinctly, her interpretation of Lady Bea is a hoot, and all the secondary characters are as well-played as the major ones, complete with a variety of convincing regional accents where appropriate. There are a couple of minor mispronunciations along the way, and one more frequent one which I confess was rather annoying –Bea – the diminutive form of Beatrice – is pronounced “bee” NOT “bee-ah”, which is something Kaetrin mentioned in her review of The Autumn Bride.
Overall however, listening to The Winter Bride was an enjoyable experience, even in the light of the reservations I have expressed regarding the narration, and I will certainly be looking out for the next in the series.
B+ for content / B- for narration.
The Winter Bride is the second in a series of books about the four Chance sisters – who aren’t actually sisters (well two are, the other two aren’t!), instead being a group of women who were brought together under very inauspicious circumstances and who, on breaking out of those circumstances, decide to rename themselves because their escape from a life of drudgery and abuse has given them all a second chance.
The girls now reside with their splendidly eccentric “aunt” Beatrice, Lady Davenham, who is busily making plans for the come-outs of Damaris and Jane, but Damaris isn’t keen on the idea. She doesn’t want to find herself a husband, which is the usual purpose of having a Season, but Lady Bea reassures her that she doesn’t have to get married if she doesn’t want to, and tells her she should look upon her season as a chance to live a little and have some fun.
In the previous book in the series - The Autumn Bride - Abigail Chance married Max, Lord Davenham (Lady Beatrice’s nephew), and he has asked his best friend Freddy Monkton-Coombes to keep an eye on the other girls while he and Abby are away on their honeymoon. Freddy, a ladies’ man and confirmed bachelor who lives in fear of the crowds of “muffins” (young, marriage-minded women) who are determined to land him, is not particularly enthused at the prospect, but he nonetheless agrees to look out for the girls and provide an escort when required.
Freddy and Damaris strike up a gentle friendship – and then one day, Freddy hits upon a scheme which will get both of them something they want. The time is approaching for his annual visit to his family home, somewhere he only goes on one particular day a year for his brother’s memorial service, but this year, his mother has organised a house-party which will be filled with eligible “muffins.” He reasons that if he announces his engagement, his mother will have to call off the house party and stop nagging him to get married, so he asks Damaris if she will become betrothed to him. She has already made him aware of her intention never to marry, and as he doesn’t want to get married either, there is no danger of their betrothal leading to the altar.
I always enjoy a “fake-relationship” plot and this one is very well done indeed. Damaris and Freddy discover they are alike in many ways – both have long-held and deeply buried secrets, have grown up suffering the disapprobation of their parents and, deep down, are looking for something more in their lives than what they currently have. Best of all, they communicate well and truly understand each other, sensing their affinity and seeing that there is more to the other than there would at first seem. Damaris is a likeable and sympathetic heroine who has been through some horrible things in her life, but has steadfastly refused to let them destroy her. Instead of becoming bitter and cold, she is caring and considerate, a perfect match for Freddy, who is an absolutely wonderful hero. He has a reputation as a womaniser, and the face he presents to the world is one of a devil-may-care man-about-town who pretends he is unaffected by his brother’s death and that his parents’ attitude towards him doesn’t hurt – but Damaris quickly sees the real Freddy beneath the veneer.
“You’re a chameleon, Freddy Monkton-Coombes. To most of London society, you’re nothing but an entertaining rattle, a frivolous fellow with not a serious thought in your head.”
“I assure you, there’s always at least one thought in my head.” He waggled his brows at her in a lascivious fashion.
She ignored it. “To Max you’re a friend to rely on; to Flynn, a partner with a business brain as sharp as his own; to Nanny McBride you’re her darling boy who spoils her with little treats—long after her usefulness has passed, and very few servants in this world command that kind of loyalty; to me you’re—” She broke off, suddenly flustered by what she’d been about to say.
“Yes? What am I to you, Miss Chance?” It was his deepest rake-on-the-prowl voice.
She collected herself and replied, “To me, you’re very kind.”
The Winter Bride is a thoroughly enjoyable and emotionally satisfying story featuring two well-rounded protagonists and features a set of similarly well-drawn supporting characters. It says much about the quality of the story and writing that the problems I experienced with the narration didn’t detract from my enjoyment too much. Alison Larkin’s narration is 80% excellent, but I again felt letdown by the way she portrayed the hero. On paper, Freddie is utterly gorgeous – handsome, funny, kind, self-deprecating and, when it counts, sexy as hell. Many Regency romances have their heroes adopt a laconic, ennui-laden drawl, but Ms Larkin takes Freddie’s too far, so that even in the more romantic scenes, he sounds like the worst kind of upper-class twit.
One may ask why I continue to listen to Ms Larkin’s narrations in light of this, and it’s a question I ask myself frequently. The answer is always the same – it’s because she is very good at everything else and I keep hoping that somewhere along the line, she will find an acceptable and attractive way to portray the male leads in the audiobooks she narrates. I’ve listened to a couple of audios where she’s almost made it – but this isn’t one of them.
The narrative flows well, and Ms Larkin really gets to grips with the emotional side of the story as well as bringing out the humour. She voices all the sisters distinctly, her interpretation of Lady Bea is a hoot, and all the secondary characters are as well-played as the major ones, complete with a variety of convincing regional accents where appropriate. There are a couple of minor mispronunciations along the way, and one more frequent one which I confess was rather annoying –Bea – the diminutive form of Beatrice – is pronounced “bee” NOT “bee-ah”, which is something Kaetrin mentioned in her review of The Autumn Bride.
Overall however, listening to The Winter Bride was an enjoyable experience, even in the light of the reservations I have expressed regarding the narration, and I will certainly be looking out for the next in the series.
July 9, 2014
Originally Posted On My Blog: my link text
Damaris Chance is one of the four chance sisters, practically adopted into this sisterhood. Damaris has a history, and has made some decisions, that has led her to not believing in love or marriage. She knows that life can never be a option for her. At first she refuses to take part of the season, just content to work on her pottery and be a companion. However her guardian, Lady Beatrice Davenham, has other plans for her. She convinces Damaris to enter into the season for fun and enjoyment and not take it seriously. Freddy Monkton Coombes, made a promise to his closest friend, to watch over the three sisters. Despite his reservations, he will keep the end of his deal with Max. When he meets Damaris, he is captivated, and proposes a fake engagement, since neither of them have any interest in marriage, and be able to have fun and relax with the season. But fate has other plans, will Freddy be able to to show the promise and devotion of true love and redemption?
The Winter Bride is the second book in the Chance Sisters series. For those of you who have yet to read this author or this series, this is the most latest series by Anne Gracie. This series is based on a sisterhood that forms between four women, and this story is Dameris' story. Now I just adored Damaris, and I can be picky toward my heroines...but Damaris was wonderful. There was so much I felt endearing about Damaris, and so easy to relate with. With each page, you are just on her side. You start to understand her strengths and weaknesses, and see the inner strength, and you come to admire her character. Damaris is a fighter, but more with what has happened in her past. She does have some inner demons...and this is where Freddy comes in. Freddy....oh sigh....I could kiss him!! He was such a perfect match for Damaris. He has that fighter spirit, and will protect those he cares about. He has been rejected by his parents who blame him for his brothers death. He hasn't had much of a easy life either, but is a fighter in making a life for himself. He is intelligent, charming, and tender. and romantic.
The story is the kind of love story you can relax into, and just enjoy. There isn't much at the edge of your seat suspense that is bound to give you a stroke. This story is sweet, romantic and will warm your heart. It does deal with some complex issues, but the way Anne Gracie weaves this story together, in a creation of a powerful tale, with strong characters that make you believe in the power of healing and true love. REMARKABLE!!
Damaris Chance is one of the four chance sisters, practically adopted into this sisterhood. Damaris has a history, and has made some decisions, that has led her to not believing in love or marriage. She knows that life can never be a option for her. At first she refuses to take part of the season, just content to work on her pottery and be a companion. However her guardian, Lady Beatrice Davenham, has other plans for her. She convinces Damaris to enter into the season for fun and enjoyment and not take it seriously. Freddy Monkton Coombes, made a promise to his closest friend, to watch over the three sisters. Despite his reservations, he will keep the end of his deal with Max. When he meets Damaris, he is captivated, and proposes a fake engagement, since neither of them have any interest in marriage, and be able to have fun and relax with the season. But fate has other plans, will Freddy be able to to show the promise and devotion of true love and redemption?
The Winter Bride is the second book in the Chance Sisters series. For those of you who have yet to read this author or this series, this is the most latest series by Anne Gracie. This series is based on a sisterhood that forms between four women, and this story is Dameris' story. Now I just adored Damaris, and I can be picky toward my heroines...but Damaris was wonderful. There was so much I felt endearing about Damaris, and so easy to relate with. With each page, you are just on her side. You start to understand her strengths and weaknesses, and see the inner strength, and you come to admire her character. Damaris is a fighter, but more with what has happened in her past. She does have some inner demons...and this is where Freddy comes in. Freddy....oh sigh....I could kiss him!! He was such a perfect match for Damaris. He has that fighter spirit, and will protect those he cares about. He has been rejected by his parents who blame him for his brothers death. He hasn't had much of a easy life either, but is a fighter in making a life for himself. He is intelligent, charming, and tender. and romantic.
The story is the kind of love story you can relax into, and just enjoy. There isn't much at the edge of your seat suspense that is bound to give you a stroke. This story is sweet, romantic and will warm your heart. It does deal with some complex issues, but the way Anne Gracie weaves this story together, in a creation of a powerful tale, with strong characters that make you believe in the power of healing and true love. REMARKABLE!!
October 13, 2021
“You look at him in the same way, when he’s not looking—like he’s a sweetmeat on a stick and you’re starvin’ hungry.”
“Resentment and blame and willful blindness to the truth can never bring comfort.”
**Synopsis:**
Freddy (hyphen-hyphen) 😉😂 has sworn to never marry, but that doesn’t stop the marriage mamas and the “muffins” from hoping they can change his mind.
~ “As sole heir to his father’s title and fortune, not to mention having his own private fortune, he’d been a target for matchmaking mamas and daughters since he’d first appeared in society.”
When his best friend leaves for his honeymoon he makes the following request of Freddy:
~ “I want you to look after Aunt Bea and the girls while Abby and I are on our honeymoon,”
Aunt Beatrice is enough of a handful but Freddy finds that Damaris might be his undoing.
~ “The less he had to do with the bride’s sisters the better, as far as he was concerned. Good girls, especially good pretty girls, were . . . dangerous. And one Chance sister in particular was, to Freddy’s mind, more dangerous than most.”
Damaris has also sworn that she will never marry, which means the upcoming London season is certainly not high on her bucket list. In fact, she downright refuses to participate. All she wants is a little cottage in the country.
~ “It was her dream to live in a little cottage in the country, with chickens and a vegetable garden, somewhere quiet and peaceful. And safe. Above all, safe.”
So when Freddy provides an opportunity for that exact thing, she agrees to his request.
~ “Will you do me the honor of betrothing yourself to me, in public and in private, for as long as it remains convenient to us both?”
She took a deep breath and ruined the parody. “In exchange for you buying me a cottage, sir, I will.”
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * Lady Beatrice…. 🤣🤣
* * the “Muffins” avoidance, Chinese swimming pigs, curicle driving, heiress rumors. Lots of fun times.
* * OMG - how horrible!! 😡
~ “Where are you?” she asked.
“After George died, my parents had the artist paint me out of the picture. They put the urn in my place. You can just see the toe of my shoe, there.”
“He said it carelessly, as if the small shoe were an amusing mistake, but they’d painted their only remaining son out of the family portrait.”
* * loved the way Damaris stood up to Freddy’s parents.
~ “What kind of parents are you? You lost one son, but you threw the other away.”
* * this is a slow burn, but I thought they had a good connection. From the walks to the pottery shop to the travel to/from Freddy’s parents home, the alone time really allowed them to form a good foundation.
* * same as the first book, this is not heavy on steam, but rather focused on building relationships.
* * Flynn - quite the character. I’m really looking forward to his book.
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: dubious consent (retelling of past event, not explicitly described)
- Setting: London 1816
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Book 2 brings a new love couple, but it picks up where book 1 left off. So you definitely need to read in order.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical, fake fiancé
- Who is the Hero? The Honorable Frederick Monkton-Coombes (aka Freddy hyphen-hyphen) (age: 28). Partner in Flynn & Co. Oriental Trading.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: bad relationship with parents, has deep guilt over the loss of his brother, avoids “muffins” at all cost, rake, good business acumen, charmer
* H likable? Yes.
- Who is the Heroine? Damaris Tait (aka Damaris Chance) (age: 19). Her parents were missionaries and she grew up in China. When her father died she ended up in London (although the trip there was extremely unpleasant for Damaris).
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: has worked all her life, has no desire to be married, distant, untouchable, quietly spoken, has been lonely most of her life, stubborn mule-head,
speaks Chinese, paints on china, brave, courageous
* h likable? Yes.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 61%.
- First time they sleep together: 80%
- Safe sex? as is common with historical romance, no protection used
- First time they say I Love You 93%
- steamy? Steam factor is a bit low
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Yes. Damaris has a secret that she reveals around 75%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? I chuckled a few times. The humor is dry and sarcastic. Worked well for me.
- Did I swoon🥰? Freddy had a few swoony moments
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? a little bit later
- Recommend? yes. I’m enjoying the series so far
**Quotes**
“You mean all of them? All the girls?”
“Yes, of course all of them,” Max said impatiently. “There are only three. They’re not exactly a horde.”
“No, I won’t be your mistress.”
“Mistress? Have you got maggots in your brain?”
“I didn’t realize you had a headache.”
He nodded. “I call it Mother and Father. The moment they were off the estate I felt so much better.”
“You said you wouldn’t look.”
“I said I’d try to be a gentleman. It’s not quite the same thing.”
“A gentleman wouldn’t look.”
“A saint wouldn’t look. You seem to have an odd understanding of gentlemen.”
“If you turn up on the docks and demonstrate your involvement in this matter”—she glanced at Damaris’s hair—“especially looking like you’ve been up all night and dragged through a bush backward, you will cause a scandal.”
“Resentment and blame and willful blindness to the truth can never bring comfort.”
**Synopsis:**
Freddy (hyphen-hyphen) 😉😂 has sworn to never marry, but that doesn’t stop the marriage mamas and the “muffins” from hoping they can change his mind.
~ “As sole heir to his father’s title and fortune, not to mention having his own private fortune, he’d been a target for matchmaking mamas and daughters since he’d first appeared in society.”
When his best friend leaves for his honeymoon he makes the following request of Freddy:
~ “I want you to look after Aunt Bea and the girls while Abby and I are on our honeymoon,”
Aunt Beatrice is enough of a handful but Freddy finds that Damaris might be his undoing.
~ “The less he had to do with the bride’s sisters the better, as far as he was concerned. Good girls, especially good pretty girls, were . . . dangerous. And one Chance sister in particular was, to Freddy’s mind, more dangerous than most.”
Damaris has also sworn that she will never marry, which means the upcoming London season is certainly not high on her bucket list. In fact, she downright refuses to participate. All she wants is a little cottage in the country.
~ “It was her dream to live in a little cottage in the country, with chickens and a vegetable garden, somewhere quiet and peaceful. And safe. Above all, safe.”
So when Freddy provides an opportunity for that exact thing, she agrees to his request.
~ “Will you do me the honor of betrothing yourself to me, in public and in private, for as long as it remains convenient to us both?”
She took a deep breath and ruined the parody. “In exchange for you buying me a cottage, sir, I will.”
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * Lady Beatrice…. 🤣🤣
* * the “Muffins” avoidance, Chinese swimming pigs, curicle driving, heiress rumors. Lots of fun times.
* * OMG - how horrible!! 😡
~ “Where are you?” she asked.
“After George died, my parents had the artist paint me out of the picture. They put the urn in my place. You can just see the toe of my shoe, there.”
“He said it carelessly, as if the small shoe were an amusing mistake, but they’d painted their only remaining son out of the family portrait.”
* * loved the way Damaris stood up to Freddy’s parents.
~ “What kind of parents are you? You lost one son, but you threw the other away.”
* * this is a slow burn, but I thought they had a good connection. From the walks to the pottery shop to the travel to/from Freddy’s parents home, the alone time really allowed them to form a good foundation.
* * same as the first book, this is not heavy on steam, but rather focused on building relationships.
* * Flynn - quite the character. I’m really looking forward to his book.
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: dubious consent (retelling of past event, not explicitly described)
- Setting: London 1816
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: Book 2 brings a new love couple, but it picks up where book 1 left off. So you definitely need to read in order.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: historical, fake fiancé
- Who is the Hero? The Honorable Frederick Monkton-Coombes (aka Freddy hyphen-hyphen) (age: 28). Partner in Flynn & Co. Oriental Trading.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: bad relationship with parents, has deep guilt over the loss of his brother, avoids “muffins” at all cost, rake, good business acumen, charmer
* H likable? Yes.
- Who is the Heroine? Damaris Tait (aka Damaris Chance) (age: 19). Her parents were missionaries and she grew up in China. When her father died she ended up in London (although the trip there was extremely unpleasant for Damaris).
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: has worked all her life, has no desire to be married, distant, untouchable, quietly spoken, has been lonely most of her life, stubborn mule-head,
speaks Chinese, paints on china, brave, courageous
* h likable? Yes.
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 61%.
- First time they sleep together: 80%
- Safe sex? as is common with historical romance, no protection used
- First time they say I Love You 93%
- steamy? Steam factor is a bit low
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Yes. Damaris has a secret that she reveals around 75%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? I chuckled a few times. The humor is dry and sarcastic. Worked well for me.
- Did I swoon🥰? Freddy had a few swoony moments
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? a little bit later
- Recommend? yes. I’m enjoying the series so far
**Quotes**
“You mean all of them? All the girls?”
“Yes, of course all of them,” Max said impatiently. “There are only three. They’re not exactly a horde.”
“No, I won’t be your mistress.”
“Mistress? Have you got maggots in your brain?”
“I didn’t realize you had a headache.”
He nodded. “I call it Mother and Father. The moment they were off the estate I felt so much better.”
“You said you wouldn’t look.”
“I said I’d try to be a gentleman. It’s not quite the same thing.”
“A gentleman wouldn’t look.”
“A saint wouldn’t look. You seem to have an odd understanding of gentlemen.”
“If you turn up on the docks and demonstrate your involvement in this matter”—she glanced at Damaris’s hair—“especially looking like you’ve been up all night and dragged through a bush backward, you will cause a scandal.”
February 21, 2018
Много приятна книжка, харесаха ми героите и постепенното развития на връзката им. Очаквам книгата за Джейн с нетърпение.
July 14, 2018
I absolutely love this series!!
The Heroines are a perfect combination of sweet, stubborn, strong and intelligent. The heroes are everything a hero should be.
The Heroines are a perfect combination of sweet, stubborn, strong and intelligent. The heroes are everything a hero should be.
April 3, 2016
Another book for the liar-liar-pants-on-fire-blurb list!
Freddy Monkton-Coombes doesn't want to get married. Damaris Chance doesn't want to get married. Easiest solution: FAKE BETROTHAL!! After meeting the in laws; sharing their deep, dark secrets; and getting stranded together, the fakeness of their betrothal is called into question because REAL FEELINGS!! OH NO.
1. This was very good! I liked seeing the developing intimacies between Freddy and Damaris and how they made conscious decisions to share their histories and secrets. (So often do best friends or enemies share this information with the hero / heroine instead. Although, that is kind of what happened with Nanny McBride??? UGH, BOOK.)
2. Ok, so this is going to be my segue-way into some of my complaints, but before I do that I really want to reiterate that I liked this! It was comfortable and fun and I liked Damaris and I liked Freddy and how they lives got folded together. It wasn't a drop-everything 5 star read, but it was entertaining and fun.
3. Except that I got a little annoyed by the pacing at times. It wasn't anything excrutiating, but there were a few times when emotional intimacies seemed to kind of...happen, rather than develop naturally. Like how after only 2-3 days of walking together (1 of which is when Freddy hires a cab that costs more than her take home for the day....), Damaris finds herself thinking that now there's a greater initmacy between her and Freddy because she almost tells him stuff.
Which...doesn't... I mean, Freddy and Damaris have spent some time in each other's company (albeit chaperoned by Aunt Beatrice and the other sisters), so I could see unchaperoned walks leading to a closer relationship, absolutely! Except both of them are on guard with each other almost to the point of ridiculousness because of their Great Big Crushes. The leap to "almost friends" didn't feel earned--it felt assigned.
This is a HUGELY MINOR complaint because it didn't ruin any of my enjoyment of the book, but it did pull me out of the story a bit. There were a few other moments that felt similar, where the path was clearly laid to get to the next emotional milestone, but instead of showing that movement we're thrown ahead and told that it's done.
4. I was also the tiniest bit annoyed with the family plot being wrapped up the way it was. I was almost hoping I'd get a book where the decision is made to keep the family at a distance because they were so toxic. I even got Damaris talking about found families!! I HAD HOPE.
But no, instead there's an apology scene and a "We'll do better" scene and I DON'T CARE. GIVE ME THE "You said that last time; I'm sorry but not again" SCENE. lskjdkjlkfgj (And like, I GET IT. Who doesn't want to believe that family will always come around the corner for you? BUT NOT ALWAYS.)
5. Who was Damaris after all? I felt like I had a good understanding of her as this reserved woman with lava under her skin: someone who was not particularly warm with those she has only just met, but once she knows and likes you is fiery and passionate.
Except I felt like she was fiery and passionate ALL THE TIME by the end of the book. As if the reserved woman had been burned away, never to be seen again. (Is this supposed to tie back to her secrets and the POWER OF LOVE? Because if so, I will be even MORE disappointed.) I find a lot of romances do this: the heroine is only shy until they have Love and then they are burbling kindness and joy and bliss all over everyone in the splash zone. Ugh.
6. Here's the thing about 99% of my complaints: they're not necessarily complaints about this book. They're about tropes and plot points that I happened to see in this book that annoyed the bajeebers out of me. While I disliked their presence, I still ultimately felt The Winter Bride was well done, interesting, and engaging. I just would have liked it so much more if not for these few, tiny complaints.
Freddy Monkton-Coombes doesn't want to get married. Damaris Chance doesn't want to get married. Easiest solution: FAKE BETROTHAL!! After meeting the in laws; sharing their deep, dark secrets; and getting stranded together, the fakeness of their betrothal is called into question because REAL FEELINGS!! OH NO.
1. This was very good! I liked seeing the developing intimacies between Freddy and Damaris and how they made conscious decisions to share their histories and secrets. (So often do best friends or enemies share this information with the hero / heroine instead. Although, that is kind of what happened with Nanny McBride??? UGH, BOOK.)
2. Ok, so this is going to be my segue-way into some of my complaints, but before I do that I really want to reiterate that I liked this! It was comfortable and fun and I liked Damaris and I liked Freddy and how they lives got folded together. It wasn't a drop-everything 5 star read, but it was entertaining and fun.
3. Except that I got a little annoyed by the pacing at times. It wasn't anything excrutiating, but there were a few times when emotional intimacies seemed to kind of...happen, rather than develop naturally. Like how after only 2-3 days of walking together (1 of which is when Freddy hires a cab that costs more than her take home for the day....), Damaris finds herself thinking that now there's a greater initmacy between her and Freddy because she almost tells him stuff.
Which...doesn't... I mean, Freddy and Damaris have spent some time in each other's company (albeit chaperoned by Aunt Beatrice and the other sisters), so I could see unchaperoned walks leading to a closer relationship, absolutely! Except both of them are on guard with each other almost to the point of ridiculousness because of their Great Big Crushes. The leap to "almost friends" didn't feel earned--it felt assigned.
This is a HUGELY MINOR complaint because it didn't ruin any of my enjoyment of the book, but it did pull me out of the story a bit. There were a few other moments that felt similar, where the path was clearly laid to get to the next emotional milestone, but instead of showing that movement we're thrown ahead and told that it's done.
4. I was also the tiniest bit annoyed with the family plot being wrapped up the way it was. I was almost hoping I'd get a book where the decision is made to keep the family at a distance because they were so toxic. I even got Damaris talking about found families!! I HAD HOPE.
But no, instead there's an apology scene and a "We'll do better" scene and I DON'T CARE. GIVE ME THE "You said that last time; I'm sorry but not again" SCENE. lskjdkjlkfgj (And like, I GET IT. Who doesn't want to believe that family will always come around the corner for you? BUT NOT ALWAYS.)
5. Who was Damaris after all? I felt like I had a good understanding of her as this reserved woman with lava under her skin: someone who was not particularly warm with those she has only just met, but once she knows and likes you is fiery and passionate.
Except I felt like she was fiery and passionate ALL THE TIME by the end of the book. As if the reserved woman had been burned away, never to be seen again. (Is this supposed to tie back to her secrets and the POWER OF LOVE? Because if so, I will be even MORE disappointed.) I find a lot of romances do this: the heroine is only shy until they have Love and then they are burbling kindness and joy and bliss all over everyone in the splash zone. Ugh.
6. Here's the thing about 99% of my complaints: they're not necessarily complaints about this book. They're about tropes and plot points that I happened to see in this book that annoyed the bajeebers out of me. While I disliked their presence, I still ultimately felt The Winter Bride was well done, interesting, and engaging. I just would have liked it so much more if not for these few, tiny complaints.
April 6, 2014
Until this moment, if anyone asked what was my favorite Anne Gracie book I would have said The Perfect Rake - without a doubt. And now - I would be hard pressed to choose between The Perfect Rake and The Winter Bride!
I absolutely LOVED this book - Freddy is as close to perfect as you can imagine. He is kind, funny, loyal and well just stinking perfect!
Damaris is wonderful too - my heart just broke for this girl. The fact that she was not a nasty man hating shrew is amazing. After everything she had been through - I think I could have even liked her if she was. But she wasn't - she was the perfect match for Freddy. She is warm, loving and fiercely protective of those she loves. I love how she stood up to Freddy's parents - she was incredible!
I can't wait for the next book - will it be Daisy or Jane? Who will Flynn end up with? Ms. Gracie please write faster!!!
If you want a book that has humor without being silly and a book with emotional depth without being dark and heavy - READ THIS BOOK. You will not be disappointed !!
I absolutely LOVED this book - Freddy is as close to perfect as you can imagine. He is kind, funny, loyal and well just stinking perfect!
Damaris is wonderful too - my heart just broke for this girl. The fact that she was not a nasty man hating shrew is amazing. After everything she had been through - I think I could have even liked her if she was. But she wasn't - she was the perfect match for Freddy. She is warm, loving and fiercely protective of those she loves. I love how she stood up to Freddy's parents - she was incredible!
I can't wait for the next book - will it be Daisy or Jane? Who will Flynn end up with? Ms. Gracie please write faster!!!
If you want a book that has humor without being silly and a book with emotional depth without being dark and heavy - READ THIS BOOK. You will not be disappointed !!
January 21, 2018
This was an ok story but with too many mentions of the H and OW. Unlike the h, nothing would cool my ardour than the guy saying: “Babe, don’t worry. You’ll like it since lots of other women have told me I’m good at it.” Sorry, no thanks.
Also, the H continued his relationship with his mistress well after meeting the h. There weren’t any details on page but we hear about how his mistress exhausted him the night before, several times. Again, yuck. And while the slow revelation of the MCs’ feelings for each other was realistic, I was strangely not compelled by it all. The writing was engaging, hence the two stars, but I was alternately disgusted and unconvinced by the H, so that affected my enjoyment. If you like HR featuring a rake H, you might like this one. As it was, I read it because it was part of a series, but I probably would have skipped it as a stand-alone.
Before I forget, I adored the first introduction between Daisy and Flynn. I hope he doesn’t turn out to be gross too. :/
Also, the H continued his relationship with his mistress well after meeting the h. There weren’t any details on page but we hear about how his mistress exhausted him the night before, several times. Again, yuck. And while the slow revelation of the MCs’ feelings for each other was realistic, I was strangely not compelled by it all. The writing was engaging, hence the two stars, but I was alternately disgusted and unconvinced by the H, so that affected my enjoyment. If you like HR featuring a rake H, you might like this one. As it was, I read it because it was part of a series, but I probably would have skipped it as a stand-alone.
Before I forget, I adored the first introduction between Daisy and Flynn. I hope he doesn’t turn out to be gross too. :/
June 18, 2014
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I really enjoyed this book. There were some very serious elements to the drama underlying the whole story but it was nicely balanced by the character development and the love story between Freddy and Damaris.
I didn't think I would like Freddy's character much because he came off as shallow and flippant in the first book. In this book the author lets us see what he's really all about. He brought out the very best in Damaris too.
I'm so glad to have Goodreads friends who understand what I enjoy in historical romance and recommend books like this. Thanks Kathleen!
I really enjoyed this book. There were some very serious elements to the drama underlying the whole story but it was nicely balanced by the character development and the love story between Freddy and Damaris.
I didn't think I would like Freddy's character much because he came off as shallow and flippant in the first book. In this book the author lets us see what he's really all about. He brought out the very best in Damaris too.
I'm so glad to have Goodreads friends who understand what I enjoy in historical romance and recommend books like this. Thanks Kathleen!
October 5, 2014
Um, the description of this book is wrong. It's a fake betrothal, not forced marriage. Which isn't that big of a deal, since I bought it for the author and series, not the trope, but it was a little confusing when I kept wondering why they weren't compromised yet!!!
Anyway, I didn't like this quite as much as the first one. The relationship between the sisters wasn't very present, which disappointed me. But, oh, Freddy is a good one. Wonderful hero.
Anyway, I didn't like this quite as much as the first one. The relationship between the sisters wasn't very present, which disappointed me. But, oh, Freddy is a good one. Wonderful hero.
October 3, 2018
After being somewhat disappointed by THE AUTUMN BRIDE, I LOVED this book. Beautifully written, emotional, romantic and funny, it was a total delight from beginning to end.
I absolutely adored Freddy. In The Autumn Bride, he is seemed nothing more than a handsome, charming, entertaining, frivolous rake who has no interest in marriage and avoids ‘muffins’ – eligible young ladies who are constantly trying to trick him into marriage – like the plague. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Freddy’s carefree lifestyle is a carefully cultivated façade to hide the guilt he feels over his brother’s death and the hurt caused by his parents’ indifference and insults. He is an honourable man who proves to be a loyal friend to Max, a valued and shrewd business partner to Flynn and a man who inspires the love and loyalty of his servants.
I truly felt for Damaris whose mother died when she was twelve, leaving her to be brought up by her missionary father who only believed in duty and obedience not love. He instilled in Damaris a belief that she had inherited her mother’s wanton nature. Forced to flee China after her father is murdered and his mission burnt, she manages to escape to England. What happened during that journey is her terrible secret; one which has convinced her that she will never marry and one which she has never shared with anyone. I could not help but be moved by her longing for a life she knew she could never have.
Did they think she didn’t want to be loved, didn’t want to have someone whose business—no, whose pleasure it would be to take care of her, protect her? And who would let her take care of him and love him in return?
Ms. Gracie builds the relationship between Freddy and Damaris slowly making the romance both believable and emotionally satisfying. As they come to know and understand each other, during the pretend betrothal, their tentative attraction gradually blossoms into love.
London society sees Freddy as nothing more than the ‘frivolous fellow with not a serious thought in his head’ but Damaris sees beyond that façade to the kind, charming, clever, loyal, thoughtful, funny man who deserves to be loved. Damaris has captured Freddy’s heart with her beauty, serenity, stubbornness, courage, understanding and laughter.
I love the scene where Damaris shows real courage when she defends Freddy and gives his parents a good tongue-lashing, refusing to be intimidated by them.
“The entire time I’ve been here all you’ve done is make cutting remarks about him to me—and I’m his betrothed. I’ve heard nothing but criticism, disparagement and negativity. I cannot credit it. You are his mother and you, his father. He is your son—your only son.” Her eyes prickled with angry, frustrated tears. “What kind of parents are you? You lost one son, but you threw the other away.”
When Damaris reveals her secret to Freddy, I love his reaction…
“You did the only thing you could. No one would blame you. I certainly wouldn’t."
and his willingness to risk his life to slay dragons for her.
The love scene in the cottage is so beautifully written, full of warmth, humour and passion. I love the lengths Freddy is willing to go to allay Damaris’ fears, especially his own paticular interpretation of certain Biblical stories!
He picked up her hand and kissed it. “Enough of that, insatiable creature. I’m explaining something to you and it’s very important. God’s plan.”
“Oh. Yes?” she said vaguely.
“Yes. The pleasure men and women receive from lying together. Without the pleasure, it would happen far less frequently, and then where would we be? Would we be so happy about going forth and multiplying, as we’re told to do in the Bible?”
She stretched languorously and didn’t answer.
He went on. “Stop distracting me and listen. No, we wouldn’t. So the pleasure is all part of God’s plan and it is your sacred duty to enjoy it to the best of your ability. The future of the human race depends on it.”
There is a colourful cast of secondary characters including:
- the indomitable Lady Bea of whom Freddy says – God, but the old lady was a tricky piece. He felt like he’d gone three rounds in a verbal boxing ring.
- Mrs Jenkins, Damaris’s employer, who is always warning her about ‘headin’ down the Road to Roon’
- Captain Patrick Flynn, a lapsed Irish Catholic, with a penchant for bright colours and earrings and a desire to marry a fine young English lady.
- The experimental Chinese swimming pigs (to know more, I’m afraid you will have to read the book)
Max and Abby (The Autumn Bride) and Jane and Daisy are also there to provide aid and support to Freddy and Damaris, and those who like a delightful Epilogue will not be disappointed.
MY VERDICT: A charming, heart-warming romance with characters who will steal your heart. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Chance Sisters series (click on the link below for more details):
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8549...
This review was firs posted on the Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
I absolutely adored Freddy. In The Autumn Bride, he is seemed nothing more than a handsome, charming, entertaining, frivolous rake who has no interest in marriage and avoids ‘muffins’ – eligible young ladies who are constantly trying to trick him into marriage – like the plague. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Freddy’s carefree lifestyle is a carefully cultivated façade to hide the guilt he feels over his brother’s death and the hurt caused by his parents’ indifference and insults. He is an honourable man who proves to be a loyal friend to Max, a valued and shrewd business partner to Flynn and a man who inspires the love and loyalty of his servants.
I truly felt for Damaris whose mother died when she was twelve, leaving her to be brought up by her missionary father who only believed in duty and obedience not love. He instilled in Damaris a belief that she had inherited her mother’s wanton nature. Forced to flee China after her father is murdered and his mission burnt, she manages to escape to England. What happened during that journey is her terrible secret; one which has convinced her that she will never marry and one which she has never shared with anyone. I could not help but be moved by her longing for a life she knew she could never have.
Did they think she didn’t want to be loved, didn’t want to have someone whose business—no, whose pleasure it would be to take care of her, protect her? And who would let her take care of him and love him in return?
Ms. Gracie builds the relationship between Freddy and Damaris slowly making the romance both believable and emotionally satisfying. As they come to know and understand each other, during the pretend betrothal, their tentative attraction gradually blossoms into love.
London society sees Freddy as nothing more than the ‘frivolous fellow with not a serious thought in his head’ but Damaris sees beyond that façade to the kind, charming, clever, loyal, thoughtful, funny man who deserves to be loved. Damaris has captured Freddy’s heart with her beauty, serenity, stubbornness, courage, understanding and laughter.
I love the scene where Damaris shows real courage when she defends Freddy and gives his parents a good tongue-lashing, refusing to be intimidated by them.
“The entire time I’ve been here all you’ve done is make cutting remarks about him to me—and I’m his betrothed. I’ve heard nothing but criticism, disparagement and negativity. I cannot credit it. You are his mother and you, his father. He is your son—your only son.” Her eyes prickled with angry, frustrated tears. “What kind of parents are you? You lost one son, but you threw the other away.”
When Damaris reveals her secret to Freddy, I love his reaction…
“You did the only thing you could. No one would blame you. I certainly wouldn’t."
and his willingness to risk his life to slay dragons for her.
The love scene in the cottage is so beautifully written, full of warmth, humour and passion. I love the lengths Freddy is willing to go to allay Damaris’ fears, especially his own paticular interpretation of certain Biblical stories!
He picked up her hand and kissed it. “Enough of that, insatiable creature. I’m explaining something to you and it’s very important. God’s plan.”
“Oh. Yes?” she said vaguely.
“Yes. The pleasure men and women receive from lying together. Without the pleasure, it would happen far less frequently, and then where would we be? Would we be so happy about going forth and multiplying, as we’re told to do in the Bible?”
She stretched languorously and didn’t answer.
He went on. “Stop distracting me and listen. No, we wouldn’t. So the pleasure is all part of God’s plan and it is your sacred duty to enjoy it to the best of your ability. The future of the human race depends on it.”
There is a colourful cast of secondary characters including:
- the indomitable Lady Bea of whom Freddy says – God, but the old lady was a tricky piece. He felt like he’d gone three rounds in a verbal boxing ring.
- Mrs Jenkins, Damaris’s employer, who is always warning her about ‘headin’ down the Road to Roon’
- Captain Patrick Flynn, a lapsed Irish Catholic, with a penchant for bright colours and earrings and a desire to marry a fine young English lady.
- The experimental Chinese swimming pigs (to know more, I’m afraid you will have to read the book)
Max and Abby (The Autumn Bride) and Jane and Daisy are also there to provide aid and support to Freddy and Damaris, and those who like a delightful Epilogue will not be disappointed.
MY VERDICT: A charming, heart-warming romance with characters who will steal your heart. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Chance Sisters series (click on the link below for more details):
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8549...
This review was firs posted on the Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
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