Reviews

The Managing Miss by Heidi Kimball

lolovesbooks3's review against another edition

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4.0

I love how all the reasons Lavinia assumed herself a burden who could never marry, were the reasons Carlton fell in love with her. I love when “he falls first!” ;)

This was such a sweet story with a memorable cast of characters.

melissasbookshelf's review against another edition

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5.0

“Somewhere along the way he had fallen in love with her. Completely gone. Over a managing miss, no less.”

Swoony romance, witty banter, delightful characters, familial chaos, an exotic parrot and a jewel stealing monkey make The Managing Miss a must read! This charming, sweet novella by Heidi Kimball completely pulled me in and I devoured it in one sitting. I fell in love with Henry, Lavinia, and her entire family. It’s a fun Regency romance that I definitely wanted more of and didn’t want to end.

Lavinia has had to take control of her chaotic family since the death of her parents. She creatively manages the household with her delightful personality and intelligent means. Her older cousin Oscar has been put in charge of their estate until her brother is older, but his gambling threatens to bankrupt them. Oscar makes a bargain with Lavinia to give her more control of their finances if she finds a brilliant match for his sister. Determined to find a solution, she forges a letter from her late father to his friend, the Earl of Carlton and arrives at his home to seek his help.

Henry, the new Earl of Carlton is tired of relations suddenly wanting favors from him. But, when a charming young woman arrives bearing a letter to his late father and needing his help, he can’t resist. Her household is nothing like his quiet estate, yet, as he gets to know Lavinia and sees the burdens she carries, he wants nothing more than to help her. But, can he convince her of his love and what happens when he finds out the letter was a forgery?

If you’re a fan of Regency romance, you’ll definitely want to pick this up. The antics of Lavinia’s family including the monkey Louie had me grinning and the romance between Lavinia and Henry was absolutely swoony. Highly recommend this funny, sweet, romantic novella. Though it’s part of a series, each book is meant to be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given.

bekahgern's review

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4.0

Very cute novella!

melissadegraffbooks's review

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5.0

I was so excited to read the final book in the Promise of Forever After series and it did not disappoint! Five school friends have promised to marry for love and now it's Lavinia's turn. Following the death of her parents, Lavinia has had to take on the role of caretaker to her younger siblings and cousins. She is very capable and is determined to handle everything, no matter what it takes. When she realizes that she will need help to find her cousin Marion a suitable husband, she decides that she must prevail upon her father's old friend, the Earl of Carlton, for assistance. When she arrives in London, she discovers that her father's friend has died, and the new heir is young, handsome, and has never heard of her family. However, the new Lord Carlton is willing to help and Lavinia reluctantly continues with her ruse.

Lord Carlton is bored with society and as he is thrust into the mayhem of the Harcourt family he handles thieving monkeys, dramatic young ladies, and complaining grandmothers with aplomb. He is intrigued by Lavinia and soon determines that he must figure out how to woo her. And he does! I very much related to Lavinia and her role as the caretaker for her family, and I absolutely loved how Henry appreciated her efforts and took care of her. Their romance was swoony and heartfelt and I loved every minute of it.

The story was inspired by Georgette Heyer's Frederica, but I felt like the side characters were a little more developed and I would love to see more books following this family! (Pretty please!) All of the humor was perfection. Five glowing stars! Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

starburst3625's review

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5.0

A wonderful story to end a fantastic series of related novellas. I loved this story! I’d give it an extra star if I could. For a novella length, this book really packed in the complete story with so much great detail and it summarized activity to move the story forward in just the right places. I like it when a novella can convey the activity and passage of time without making it feel rushed or like too much detail is missing. Georgette Heyer fans will recognize some definite Frederica vibes, and that book must have served as an inspiration, but the story also diverged significantly. To me, Henry was a more likeable, rounded, and less jaded male main character than Heyer’s Alverstoke. Lavinia was a young woman with a naturally managing disposition, accentuated by the responsibilities that had landed on her shoulders. Both Lavinia and Henry were engaging main characters. Lavinia’s family and Henry’s friends were entertaining side characters. Especially the children and pets. There were some great funny moments throughout. So many moments that brought a smile to my face. The development of the romance was lovely, watching Henry transition from a self absorbed man who was resentful of people saddling him with responsibilities to a man in love who wants to share in Lavinia’s burdens. Lavinia also had her own obstacles to overcome on the path to love. The books in this series all have the tie-in thread of the bracelet and some brief appearances from other members of the friend group, but they read very well as standalones too. I recommend the whole series, but this is one of my favourites. Such a fabulous book! Definitely read it!

alifff's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

what a delightful book with delightful characters!!!!!
i love those stories where one of the main characters has a big family and they all adopt the other one who has always been a hermit!!!
loved loved loved reading this and the sweeeeeet romance!!!!!!

and i really wish there was an epilogue where all five friends meet with their children and husbands 🥹❤️ that would have been an epic conclusion to this sweet series!!

goodeyreads's review

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fast-paced

4.25

I really enjoyed this novella! It was sweet and brought a smile to my face. I do wish there was a touch more of the main couple interacting sooner in the story but the ending was wonderful. 

carleneslibrary's review

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emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was DARLING! I was excited to read the last of the Forever After series to begin with, but the wit and humor hooked me even further from page one. 

This is the final book in the "Forever After" series but it can be read as a standalone too. 

Lavinia Harcourt is the mother hen to her wild gaggle of siblings, her ornery grandmother, and her two cousins. Tasked with finding a suitor for her cousin, Lavinia uses every means at her disposal, which may have included a forged letter. 

I loved Lavinia's adventures, I loved the flavor and wit each of her clan brought to the story, and I loved Lord Carlton. This novella had me laughing, giggling, swooning, and sighing and I could not have enjoyed it more. A total delight and a treasure I will keep in my library forever.
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