OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Noble Gentlemen of the Ton", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
The Rosebury carriage turned into the drive of the Elwood mansion just before midday, rolling up under the canopy of summer trees and stopping just shy of the marble staircase out front. Anthony climbed out, shielding his eyes from the sun, and then reached back into the darkened interior and helped his three-year-old son out onto the paving stones.
“Wait for your mother, George,” he said, smiling as the little boy stared back at him with impish green eyes. That one brown spot always melted his heart, just as it did when he saw the same mark in Lydia’s eyes.
He turned back to the carriage and pulled the baby, a little girl almost to her first birthday, from Lydia’s arms. He held the child in one arm and reached another to help his wife from the carriage. She floated down as gracefully as a leaf on the wind, more beautiful to Anthony now than she’d ever been. She was wearing a green dress, cut for travelling and designed—as all their clothes were now—by herself. Her brown hair was up in a simple fashion, but he hadn’t missed the daisies she’d slipped under the braid before the journey. Only Lydia would think to woo her husband on an hour-long carriage ride.
He pulled her close. “You smell good. It must be the daisies.”
“I wondered if you’d noticed,” she answered.
Five years, and he still wasn’t used to the way she pressed into him instead of pulling away. Belonging to Lydia was the sweetest privilege he had ever known.
“I couldn’t help but notice.” He handed his daughter over with a gentle squeeze. “And I saw you put some in Lily’s hair as well.”
“Wildflowers,” she answered simply. “I’ve always had a soft spot for them.”
Anthony led the way up to the great doors of the mansion, and when they were admitted they were set upon almost at once by Marilyn and her own two children, two boys who were engaged almost at once in a friendly wrestling match with George.
“You made it, and early, too!” Marilyn clasped Lydia close, and Anthony watched with quiet joy as his wife was once again reunited with her childhood friend. It felt like old times, seeing them link their arms and lean girlishly against one another. They didn’t get to see the Elwoods as much as Lydia would have liked, but two evenings from now was their five-year anniversary ball, a grand gala set a few months early to catch the last dregs of the London season.
“I hoped I could steal you away from last-minute preparations to learn all the latest gossip,” Lydia admitted. “I know you had Will and Veronica out earlier, and there is rumored to be another Elwood on the way.”
Marilyn looked down at her softly-swelling belly with a wry smile. “If it’s only rumors than you should read my letters more carefully. I’m hoping it’s a girl.”
“Girls are so much easier than boys,” Lydia said, gathering her own little Lily closer into a mothering embrace. “Not so much rambling about and getting covered in mud.”
“I take offense!” Anthony interjected with a grin. “Remember, Lydia, that you are among childhood friends. We all remember exactly how much rambling you did as a little girl and,” he added with a conspiratorial wink at his daughter, “I will expect nothing less from our little Lily.”
“What are your plans for the ball?” Lydia changed the subject with a friendly nudge in Anthony’s side. “Is there anything we can do to help?”
“Just get settled in your rooms. I’ll have the footmen load up your things. We want you as long as you can stay.”
“Not over a week, alas,” Lydia confessed with a shrug. “Anthony is getting a new tenement farmer and wants to be there to settle him in personally.”
“Really?” Marilyn raised her brows. “I don’t know of many landlords that would do as much.”
“That’s Anthony for you,” Lydia followed her friend upstairs with Anthony and the children in tow, surveying the fine adjoining rooms she and the children had been given with happy eyes. “Marilyn, you really do keep a lovely house.”
George tugged at her skirts. “Mama? Ousside?”
Lydia looked down with a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “You must ask Mrs. Elwood. It is her ‘ousside’ after all.”
“Mrs. Ewoo,” he said, turning his charming little gaze in her direction. “Ousside?”
“How could I say no to that?” Marilyn asked.
“Very easily, I must say.” Lydia rolled her eyes in Anthony’s direction. He loved the way she cared for his children. “Motherhood has given me a stern manner I didn’t know I possessed. But if you’re okay…?”
“Of course I am,” Marilyn answered. Kneeling down so she was on the same level with George and her two sons, she said firmly, “you may go, but stay away from the dockside. Papa is going to take us all boating later and it isn’t safe for you to go there now.”
“Yes mama,” the boys chorused, George joining in with one last endearing “Mrs. Ewoo.”
They tumbled off down the stairs and outside, a picture of all the vigor and childish zeal that had once brought Marilyn and Lydia together in the gardens behind Parkfield.
***
The day of the ball dawned beautiful, unseasonably warm with a no promise of rain to dampen either the outdoor or indoor activities. Lydia spent the day with the children, although she had a strange misgiving about Anthony. There was something he was hiding from her, and that so rarely happened that it made Lydia uncomfortable.
“Where are you going?” she asked at midday when he tried to slip away from tea during the children’s naps.
“I have a letter to post,” he said with an odd smile.
“To whom?”
“You ask a lot of questions, little sparrow,” he answered back. “You know what Augustine says, ‘hell was fashioned for the inquisitive.’”
“Shocking of you to quote Augustine to me,” Lydia shot back in good humor, “when you could well have quoted Byron at a safer distance.”
“Ah, but in this singular case Byron was inferior to Augustine.”
“In this case only?” Lydia held up her mouth to be kissed and then watched her husband leave the room with a confused smile on her face. Only when he was gone did she cast a look at Marilyn, who was sewing in the corner. Her friend had a wrinkle of confusion between her eyes, and when Lydia looked her way she broke into perplexed laughter.
“You really are a different woman now that you’ve married Anthony,” she said. “Arguing about philosophy and poets in everyday conversation? It would shock your mama.”
“Oh, trust me. It does. You should see her when she visits Rosebury. She’s always trying desperately to pretend I haven’t left her oversight—trying to remind me to behave properly and to not sully the Gibbs name. Anthony tells her that she is a Foyle now, and must shock people accordingly, but it does no good. I think we would not get quite so much push back if Anthony were not training George to speak his mind. Last week she asked him how his studies were progressing, and he said ‘letters are nuffin to air and land.’ We’ll make a naturalist of him yet.”
“He’s a good boy,” Marilyn agreed with a nod. “He’s obedient but bright as well. So often you see firm rules taking the imagination out of a child.”
“I don’t think so,” Lydia responded. “Firm boundaries allow a child safety, it’s just that you have to choose the right boundaries. For instance, getting dirty in the garden is not an offense, while slapping little Lily is.”
“I wish I could live quite so free,” Marilyn admitted, “but I’m dreadfully afraid that someone will stop by and my boys will come jogging forward with their hands and feet and coats all a mess. You have been lucky to avoid such an embarrassment with George.”
“On the contrary, I’m afraid George lives most of his life in a state of disarray,” Lydia responded. “I’ve stopped battling for missing buttons and muddy shoes. It’s not a fight worth having.”
Later that afternoon the couples went out on a boating ride with the children in tow. George and the boys spent most of the time with their legs trailing in the lake water, while little Lily was content to play with her mama’s hair and then promptly fall asleep when the sun was drifting lower in the sky. Lydia loved the feel of the weight of a child heavy on her. It was one of the surprising gifts of motherhood she had not expected.
“Did you get your letter posted in time?” she asked Anthony.
“I did,” he responded, then, seeing the intensity of her gaze, he followed it with a teasing wink, “don’t try to pry it out of me, little sparrow. You aren’t as clever as that.”
“You have something up your sleeve,” she answered back. “And I will know what it is.”
“You will,” he responded. “Tonight. And you’d best be patient, for I have held this secret under my cap for nearly a year without betraying it. You can wait a few more hours.”
Mystified, Lydia dropped the topic, her mind whirling. Anthony was acting like he did before he surprised her with a gift, but she honestly couldn’t think about anything she was missing in her life. She truly believed she’d received more than the weight of happiness due to a person.
***
Evening came, and the children went to bed with many sighs and wonderment about the great ball they would be missing.
“One day,” Lydia answered George’s entreaties. “When you are much bigger. For now, you must be content to dance with your mama.”
They tripped about the room in a sloppy attempt at the minute and then she picked him up, kissed him on the head, and tucked him neatly into bed. She sang him to sleep with the familiar tune they’d been singing since he was born: “Once again, but how changed since my wanderings began, I have heard the deep voice of the Lagan and Bann…”
When she finished, her eldest little angel was fast asleep, one sticky fist still clutching her finger. She loosened his grip as best she could and turned, her heart starting when she saw Anthony leaning against the door.
“How long have you been there?” she asked.
“Not long enough,” he said softly. “Are you ready to go down?”
She looked down at her plain day dress and her loose hair. “What do you think?”
“Well, get ready quickly. I’ll be waiting in the ballroom for my own love; and I claim the first dance.”
“You could have them all if society would allow it,” she said.
“I will make up for all I miss after the ball,” he said, drawing her close and kissing her softly.
Lydia fairly skipped to her room, still feeling girlish even after all these years of marriage. She dressed quickly in a simple satin gown she’d designed years ago and did her hair with an almost girlish simplicity to match. She tucked a cornflower in her hair and put a pair of pearls in her ears. Just as she was about to go, Marilyn’s maid knocked on her door.
“A letter, miss. It’s urgent.”
She took it with surprise, her heart relaxing at once when she saw the familiar seal. Anthony had never forgotten his wedding-day promise to always woo her, and she had seen that seal many times before during their married life. She broke it, gently, and read the contents.
“Little Sparrow,” it began. “I am sure that I just came from seeing you, though I posted this earlier today. You were likely putting our children to bed, or speaking tenderly to your friend, or fixing some mishap with the maid. You are always bringing beauty and healing wherever you go—it is one of the things I most love about you. But sit, for a moment. Breathe. Think only of yourself, and failing that, think only of me. For one moment, you are just my little sparrow—you owe no one anything, and all that matters is that I am waiting downstairs for you. I have a surprise, I have already hinted at it no doubt, and before you see it I wanted to tell you why: because I believe in you, because you are gifted, and because your gifts should touch the world and not just me. Yours, The Kingfisher.”
She set aside the letter, mystified. It had cleared nothing up, although it had done a marvelous job of bringing bright tears into her eyes. She dabbed them away, composed herself, and made her way downstairs to greet the guests. The first person she saw was not, in fact, Anthony. It was Veronica, leaning languidly against her husband Will. She was arrayed in cream satin that would have shamed the queen herself, her elegant white neck rising like a swan from the broadband of the design.
Lydia blinked, uncertain and yet more sure than she’d ever been of anything. She peered more closely at the dress. Yes, there was the lace edging along the hem; the pearl drops from the edge of the capped sleeves. It was more beautiful than it had been even on her little scrap of watercolor paper, but it was undeniably her design.
“Lydia!” Veronica ran up the last few steps to meet her halfway on the staircase. “It’s so good to see you, dear.”
Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but just as she was about to she saw another woman, rather plump and completely unfamiliar to her, sail by in dark green satin edged with pale embroidery. It was hers as well, one of the early works to be sure, but she would have recognized it from her portfolio any day. She put out a hand to steady herself on Veronica’s arm. “It’s good to see you too,” she heard herself say as though from very far away. “It’s been so long.”
She followed Veronica down the stairs and into the ballroom where another shock awaited her. The crimson gown, there in the corner and trimmed in gold as she’d imagined it all those years ago, was adorning some gorgeous beauty from bath who Veronica was saying had arrived with her and Will.
For one strange moment, Lydia wondered if she was in a dream. Then, she realized that not all the dresses were her design, just enough of them. She turned to Veronica, at last finding her voice amid the confusion.
“Veronica, can I ask you a strange question?”
Veronica looked back at her with a little smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Of course you can, Lydia. Anything.”
“Tell me, who designed your dress?”
“The same person who designed yours,” Veronica answered back with a slightly more indulgent smile. “I recognize that pattern from the portfolio I chose from.” She leaned closer. “You haven’t heard? There’s a new designer on the scene, and tailors all over England are clamoring to show her portfolio to their clients. You may have heard of her—”
“Her?”
“Yes,” Veronica turned over the hem of her sleeve and showed a tiny brown sparrow embroidered on the inside. “Sparrow designs, by Mrs. Lydia Foyle.”
Lydia took a step away in astonishment and delight. “How…” but she answered her own question, catching Anthony’s gaze across the ballroom.
“Yes, it was him,” Veronica admitted with a smile. “His only request upon releasing the designs was that everyone who chose such a design in the county should wait until this particular event to wear the dress. I think he wanted it to be some sort of grand gesture.” She raised her shoulders in a shrug. “Men.”
“It is a grand gesture. Very grand.” Lydia could not put words to the wonder she felt looking around the room and seeing at last her dreams sailing around her in reality.
“You know, it wasn’t just Anthony’s pride, Lydia,” Veronica went on. “They really are good designs. None of it would have worked if they weren’t, but I saw them without even knowing you were behind them at first and I fell in love. You have a gift.”
Lydia had to make a conscious effort to avoid tearing up. She laid a hand on Veronica’s arm. “You are kind, friend. Now you must excuse me.”
She curtsied to Veronica and then hurried around the edge of the dance floor to where Anthony was lounging against a column.
“It’s wonderful,” was all she could say before clasping his hands in her own.
“I hoped you would like it,” he answered back. “I hoped it wouldn’t scare you. But Lydia, I knew they would love them, and they do. You have full proof now that your talents are worthy of the world’s congratulations.”
“You were all the proof I needed,” she answered back with a smile. “But you have outdone yourself with this kindness.” She caught sight of Marilyn spinning across the dance floor in a rose-hued ball gown she’d designed only a few months ago. “Sparrow Designs, very clever.”
“And when we are home we can speak about a business model. You are the face of this, and I am your lackey.” Anthony bowed with a flourish.
“Shocking, allowing your wife to discuss business with you,” she answered back, straightening when she heard the first strains of a familiar violin tune. “But business can wait. If you are willing, Anthony Foyle, I would like to take a turn around the dance floor with you.”
“I am more than willing, my lady,” he said, bowing over her hand and then taking her into his arms. “After all, the waltz was always our best dance.”
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Noble Gentlemen of the Ton", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
I so enjoyed Anthony and Lydia’s story! The extended epilogue was icing on the cake! You could continue the story line with the couture designs and Lydia’s brother finding his love.
Thank you so much for your nice words, dear Sue! What a great suggestion! I will keep it in mind. 😉
Such a unforgettable experience reading this book and the extended series is the icing on the cake .thank you so much.
I’m so excited to hear that Anna! You’re so sweet! Thank you very much! 🙂
This book was lovely! I was happy when Anthony and Lydia finally found love together. Thank you! Linda
Thank you so much for your lovely words, dear Linda! 🙂
I enjoyed this read. I reached a point when I didn’t want to put it down. To have a husband who never stopped wooing would be a dream come true.
Haha thank you so much for your comment, my dear Kathryn! I’m so excited that you enjoyed my book!
This story of Lydia and Anthony has been one of the most engaging romances I have read in a long time. I really like and empathize with Lydia and admire the character of Anthony, even after his immature teasing and harassment of Lydia. Love can be expressed in many ways, and this exchange of anonymous love letters is very romantic and a little fantastic. Thanks Bridget for another good read.
Wow! Your words are so touching, my dear Mary Lee! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful talent and sharing it in your books . I’ve enjoyed each and every one of them I’ve read and never been dispointed 😊😅😊.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear!😊
I was captivated by this book. It has been a while since I picked up a book that I could not put down! It was a much needed diversion during this difficult time. It was the escape I needed. I loved the characters from the beginning! I look forward to following these characters through other storylines!
Thank you for your kind words, my dear Lynn!
A wonderful sweet story. It was very amusing at times
and interesting ending.
I’m so glad to hear that, my dear Annette.
loved the story but i thought gregory would be in the extended epilogue
My dear Lauren thank you very much for your comment! 🙂
I really enjoyed this book and was happy to read the extended epilogue! However, Will married Veronica Price in the novel, so how or why did she turn into “Mary” in this extended epilogue???
Thank you for your comment, my dear Shari! It was really helpful! 🙂
ary” in this extended epilogue???I really enjoyed this book and was happy to read the extended epilogue! However, Will married Veronica Price in the novel, so how or why did she turn into “M
Loved the extended epilogue, but wasn’t Will married to Veronica and not someone named Mary? Wish you would have given some clues to how her brother was getting along too.
Thank you for your honest feedback, dear Wendy! I keep your comment in mind for my future stories! 🙂
About a year ago, I read non of your books with the hero writing letters to his heroine, and I thought to myself, it would be a good idea if you were to write a book mainly about writing letters back and forth. Imagine my joy when I saw this. You did not disappoint. I also loved the style which is a bit different from your usual style. This transformed me back to earlier romances like the Bronte sisters, and even George Elliott. In simple English, I loved it.
Wow what a coincidence! I’m excited to hear that, my dear Linda! Thank you so much for your words!
The Folye family is now Boyle and Veronica has become Mary. Such a pity that the extended epilogue was written with so many mistakes.
Thank you for your honest feedback, my dear Faves. This helps me fix such issues but also be more careful with my future stories 😊
It was another great one. Had a hard time putting this down. I almost got myself in trouble reading at work. Really enjoyed this story.
Thank you
Sherry
What a very intriguing story line. Throughly enjoyed every minute of this book. 5 stars for storyline, character development, and the extended epilogue.
You’re so sweet my dear Cherilyn! thank you so much for your lovely words!
Enjoyable read. Was hoping for more information about Gregory’s situation in the epilogue.
Thank you for your honest feedback, my dear Deborah! I truly appreciate it! 🙂
I read all night. This is a great book. At a couple of places I had years in my eyes. I could not put it down.
I enjoyed the book , especially the focus on some of my favorite poets. In the epilogue I was pleased particularly that Veronica mellowed and they all became friends. The dress design is a fun twist.
I’m so excited to hear that you enjoyed my book, dear Barbara! Thank you!
A very good story and extended epilogue I am curious about what happened to Gregory
Thank you for your kind comment, my dear Gwen! ❤️
Bridget, you must have fixed the mistakes in the extended epilogue because in the copy I have Veronica is definitely married to Will. Plus Lydia and Anthony are the Fouled, not the Boyles. I really liked the story Bridget, and the extended epilogue tied Lydia’s dreams into reality thanks to Anthony.
I’m so excited you enjoyed the story, my dear Judy! Thank you for your kind and honest comment! ❤️
Enjoyed the book loved the extended episode
You must have fixed the name errors because i checked to be sure lol. Delightful and different. I read so much regency romance that tou should know this is my highest praise. Too many times it is same old same old. I loved how theh got to truly know each other through letters a forgotten art these days I am sad to say. Congrats and thank you for a great read
That’s right my dear Diane! Thank you so much for your lovely words and your support! 🙂
I absolutely loved this book. Now I would like to read about a love for Gregory.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, my dear Dianna! 🙂
I loved this story. One of your best so far. I love the extended epilogue. It completed the story. I would have liked to know about Gregory and if he found a wife. Maybe Gregory’s another story yet to come ?
That’s so sweet Nora! I will keep your suggestion in mind dear! 😉
Bridget, you have a gift for creating character that a reader really comes to care about. Lydia was a joy and it was wonderful to see Anthony grow and change. I could barely put the book down.
It’s so exciting to hear that, my dear Maryellyn! Thank you so much for your beautiful words!
I loved the extended story. It showed us that the loving affection that they had was even more intensified as time went by. The Foyles still have their close friends and they also are growing and loved. You are a lovely writer.
Thank you so much for your support, my dear Sharon! Your beautiful words mean so much to me!
Bridget, another great book. I spent the entire day reading….so much so, my dear husband had to come and check on me. Weekends are spent reading, or I would never get enough sleep to work during the week.
Hahaha that’s wonderful Laura! Thank you for your comment! ❤️
Loved the story, but why can’t you put the extended story at the end of the story???????
Thank you for your comment, my dear Roberta! In fact, the extended epilogue is not part of the story, which is complete even without it. The reason it isn’t part of the book is that it’s just some extra material so that you can have a glimpse into our heroes’ life sometime after their story had its Happily Ever After. 🙂
Some stories read like thrillers where the reader must find the villain/assassin/mad scientist plaguing the couple and requiring a heroic rescue with a doctor sewing everybody up. Your story is rich with detail, scenery, poetry, and vivid thought life. I would hesitate to take a test on all the rich literature that you have so thoughtfully used to enrich the story. Some would just simply describe a garden. However, you name the flowers and their colors to bring out a richer backdrop against which to play the thoughts and the actions of your characters. And it is a clean romance that stands up on its own merit!
I really enjoyed this book, very sweet but enjoyable, I will like to hear about Gregory.
Thank you for your honest sweet comment, my dear Tess! 🙂
I also thought this was one of your best books. I loved it.
It makes me so excited to hear that Kathy! Thank you so much for your lovely words and your support!
I loved this book. The letter writing reminds me of my younger days when I would write my future husband letters and notes. I still have the ones he sent me. Someday I’ll let our children read them.
I enjoyed the twists of the plot. It kept me intrigued.
I cannot wait to read your next book.
That’s sooo sweet, dear Pamela! I’m so happy that my book brought you these memories! Thank you! ❤️
Every new book is better than the last , keep up the good stories flowing😻
Aww thank you so much for your support, dear Linda! I deeply appreciate that!
Another wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. Would have loved to have heard more in the advanced epilogue. Gregory was such a part of the story and he was lost in the ending.
Thank you so much for your honest feedback dear! It’s so helpful to read your thoughts on the story! I will keep what you say in mind for my future releases. 🙂
Wonderful! I could easily imagine myself on the dance floor observing the interaction between Lydia and Anthony! I’m excited to read another one of your beautifully written stories! Looking forward to reading about Gregory soon!
You’re so sweet, my dear Reece! Thank you so so much for your comment! 🙂
You have many insightful reader comments and I agree with them. I love the reality of the characters in their dreams, fears, talents, and personal character traits. I particularly loved the setting, the friendships and how they affected the action, and the kindnesses. I used to write and receive letters especially when in college. I mourn that lost art. My texts are often longer than most, though! Keep up your special insights as you give life to your peeps (a slang word for people that I have happily adopted from my daughter). The little Sparrow’s care of and respect for her future father-in-law was such a telling clue about her persona. Looking for Gregory’s story soon!
That’s so sweet, my dear Lela! Thank you so much for your lovely words! ❤️
An absolutely wonderful story!!!!!!
Thank you so much, my dear Carole! 😊
One of your best!
Thank you so much Carrie! You’re so sweet! 😊
I absolutely love the story. The feelings and emotions of the characters were beautifully depicted. Scenery descriptions superb. Love how it all turned out. Extended epilogue tied it all together making it more fantastic than it already is.
I’m so excited you enjoyed the story, dear Marisu! Thank you very very much!
Great story. I found myself tearing up mire than once.
I’m so excited you enjoyed the book, dear Sylvia! 🙂
I loved this book so much, I could hardly put it down. I ended up staying up most of the night 2 nights in a row. There is never a dull moment. You make the characters so real like you know them personally. Great book!!
You’re so sweet Peggy! thank you so much for your nice words! They make me so happy!
I loved the story and the characters. There were tears in my eyes toward the end at the beauty of the emotions came through. It seems that every book gets better and real stories about real people are told. Thank you
You’re so sweet my dear Ilse! Thank you so so much for your support! ❤️
I truly loved this story! The ending was perfect. Thank you for a wonderful trip through your book..
I’m so excited that you enjoyed the book, dear Betsy! Thank you for your comment! ❤️
I have read most of your books with enjoyment, but this woderful story is in my opinion is the best you have ever written! It touched my heart! Thank you
Aww you’re so sweet my dear Sandra! I’m very excited to hear that! ❤️
I really enjoyed the plot with the letters going unsigned and how Lydia fell in love with him. Thank you for an enjoyable read and the extended epilogue was the best!
I would love to hear about Lydia’s brother and who he marries. Also a great idea to see how the couples mature after 20-25 years progress.
Thank you for your kind feedback, dear Mary Ann! I will keep your suggestion in mind for my future stories. 🙂
Loved the story line…Love all your books…
This is the first book I have read of yours, and I absolutely loved it!!! I couldn’t put it down, this is one that will be staying in my library. Well done!
I’m really excited to hear that, dear Angela! Thank you for your support!💕
You do have such a beautiful way to bring romance into our lives. I just loved Anthony and Lydia’s story, and hoping to read Gregory’s story sometime.
I truly enjoyed this book. It was sweet and leaves one longing for a connection like Anthony and Lydia. Well done!
Thank you so much for your nice words, my dear Joanne!
A truly wonderful and well-written book. Great characters, romance, wealth, beautiful women and handsome men always make a good read. I loved this book. Great job!!
Thank you so much for your nice words and support, my dear Mary! You’re very sweet!
I love reading your books Bridget I loved this book very much couldnt put it down I am the same with all your books they are always so good and bring me so much pleasure please keep writing your beautiful books you are my favourite author thank you so much.
Thank you so much, my dear Lorraine! I deeply appreciate your support.:)
OMG!! You are amazing! I love this book so much that I read in a single day! It’s so beautiful and marvelous! Thank you so much you are awesome!!
Thank you so much, you are so sweet!:)
Loved the story of Lydia and Anthony. Thank you.
Lesley Dalton
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Lesley!:)
I echo an earlier suggestion about Sparrow Designs and George finding his wife through his sister’s business. He deserves his own story and how he outsmarts his mother! This was such a joy to read. I cried, laughed, and gasped several times with the story’s twists and turns. Thank you for such an amazing breathe of fresh air.
I loved the story being told from young children and how their interactions changed when older. The twist of having the “secret letters” and the thoughtful interaction with poet’s quotes and the progression of their thoughts. It was an unusual twist to the plot. the ending was wonderful and the epilogue really brought a great ending. I love to read about the manners of days of old and am grateful that they don’t exist today. I had trouble putting the book down and stayed up into the wee hours to read to the end. Thank you for writing such a delightful story.
Thank you, my dear Bonnie, I’m glad you enjoyed the story!:)
Being a bookworm, lover of literature and nature, and a high school English teacher, I especially enjoyed the use of writing notes of love and life. Many people do open up more easily in a letter than in person. My parents met during WWII while he was home on leave for 2 weeks, wrote letters between Texas and North Dakota, proposed and accepted via letters, and my Mom found a small box that contained her engagement ring out on the sidewalk near her front door!!
This is my favorite book I have read of yours so far. I have enjoyed them all. You made me laugh and cry, cheer and scold the hero/heroine, and appreciate the beauty of this story’s background with your flowing description of the trees, flowers, and weather. I do hope you will find just the right woman for George. He’s a solid character and is part of the original “Little Rascals” Victorian style!
Thank you so much for your kind words, my dear Kandy! What a lovely, romantic story about your parents! 🙂
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this club. Having only just joined it has opened a whole new scope for me. I do so love your books with their extended parts. I have become so spoilt that now I am forever looking for this said feature. Blessings to you.
Thank you so much for your comment again, my dear Rosetta! 🙂
This book was so very engaging, I did cry, laugh, quarrel at and root for these characters. I spoke to them as if they could hear me. You make it so easy to fall in love with the characters you create. I thanks you so much for this book as it also reminded me of how my husband and I first got started in our romance through writing letters and poems. Thank You as always
I enjoyed this story very much and couldn’t wait to finish with the extended epilogue.
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Sandra! 🙂
Another wonderful story Lydia and Anthony as the heroine and hero. Lydia has always downplayed her talents, but Anthony has long admired her paintings. The first sketch she shared with her secret admirer was the dress he had made for her from that sketch and that was what brought about the healing in their lives and relationship.
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Barbara. It makes me so happy to hear that you enjoyed the book!
What a wonderful story. I loved all the poetry references. I have a master’s in English Literature so this was really special. You have a lovely way with words.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my dear!
Dear Bridget:
I loved your story. Anthony and Lydia at first when they were children hated each other. Then when they were adults, things began to change. But to tell you the truth I loved every little detail about them. You are the greatest writer. And the extra epilogue was beautiful.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sweet words, my dear Evelyn! You make me really happy!😊
So sad that to see “The End”….. Please continue with the story….Gregory, maybe? ❤️
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Alicia. That’s a good idea!😊
Gidday Bridget. I have to ask myself how do you do it? Every novel is wonderful and full of intrigue, yet you do it again and again, yet each one is different and special! What a fantastic author you are and I am sure that I continue to see more and more of your own honest character come through on the pages of these novels. This one was no different, excellent from start to end. I turned each page with great enthusiasm, eager to see how the story was going to go and I was never disappointed. A wonderful storyline with exciting characters and enough suspense to hold the interest of everyone who downloaded and read your superb novel. The extended epilogue completed things nicely. Everyone except the brother received a happy ever after. Here is hoping that he will get his soon in yet another thrilling novel yet to be put down on paper. I will be looking forward to reading his story if it is to happen. Hopefully you will not leave him as the only one who does not get the same happiness as all the others….pretty please! 🤗 Thanks for this wonderful novel, I am off to find another of yours to read. 🌺
How can I ever thank you enough for your great support, my dear Jeanette! Your words touch my heart!
I enjoyed this book as much as I have enjoyed reading others by you. I look forward to reading more by you. Thank you for a very pleasant read.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dear Marilyn!
I enjoyed this book so much that I couldn’t stop reading to the end once I started. The back and forth of the letters was an added bonus that made me just wanting to see what was happening next. I felt I was in the countryside experiencing everything that was written as it took me back to my childhood. Then into the extended epilogue which was just as enjoyable. Lovely storyline. Just a little tear in the eyes now and then, sigh! I cannot wait to read about Gregory and how hopefully be finds true love. 💞
Thank you so much for your sweet words, my dearest!
Characters were so real and kept me totally engaged. Very creative and interesting happenings, Letters have become a lost art but I have a very special one saved from my husband written early in our marriage. This year we celebrate 33 happy years and look forward to more!
Thank you so much, my dear Jeanette! I’m so glad you enjoyed my story!🤗
Hello Bridget
This is the first story of yours that I have read and I’m glad for that fact.
It is one of the most touching and heartfelt stories I’ve yet to read.
Anyone who has ever lost a loved one totally understood what Anthony and his father were going through and you wrote about it beautifully.
I loved the way Lydia responded from her heart to their needs.
The Secret Admirer love notes was such a romantic idea for this story.
Just wonderfully thought out and penned into words.
Thank you so much, my dear Cheryl! I really appreciate your nice words and support! 🙂
What a wonderful story and the extended epilogue is probably the best ending I have read.
So happy to hear that, my dearest. Thank you so much!
A delightful read. I loved it!
My husband and I have been married for 62+years and he still woos me!
Thank you so much for your comment, my dear Pat!