What do you think?
Rate this book
A Fashionable Affair
Love is never out of fashion…Felicity Dawkins is determined to save her dress shop, Madame Follette's, from ruin. Times and styles have changed, but the upcoming coronation of King George IV is just the opportunity she needs to bring it back into vogue.Evan Hewes, Earl of Carmarthen, also has big plans for Follette's dress he intends to tear it down to make way for the grand new boulevard he's building. All he has to do is persuade Felicity.She won't sell. He won't be denied. But the attraction that sparks between them every time they meet might upend all their plans…Originally published in Dressed to Kiss.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2016
About the author
Caroline Linden
62 books1,667 followersCaroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a degree in mathematics from Harvard University and worked as a programmer in the financial services industry before realizing writing fiction is much more exciting than writing code. Her books have won the NEC-RWA Readers' Choice Award, the JNRW Golden Leaf, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA's RITA Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England.
Sign up at http://www.carolinelinden.com/signup.... to get notified about her books and receive a free short story exclusively for subscribers.
Sign up at http://www.carolinelinden.com/signup.... to get notified about her books and receive a free short story exclusively for subscribers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 2, 2023
A decent novella about a seamstress/business owner and an Earl. The Earl is trying to buy all the businesses on the streets in order to modernize it. The seamstress/business owner doesn't want to sell.
August 21, 2018
London 1821-22.
This featured confident businessman Evan (an earl) who
excelled in 'maths' at Cambridge & Felicity who managed
a dress shop & designed clothing in her mother's stead.
Evan planned to demolish the street where the dress shop
was located & modernize w/ sewers, gas lamps, improved
drainage etc. And then re-build. Gentrification if you will.
Guess who held out on selling her shop?
The leads threw sparks and engaged in witty bantering.
And had a sexy interlude. Love naturally unfolded.
Questions----
1) Why didn't shop owners on the st meet to compare offers
from the earl? They may have organized a united front.
2) Why was Felicity naive about cost of rent in marginal VS
so-called desired neighborhoods?
3) Why did the author end this story too soon?
This featured confident businessman Evan (an earl) who
excelled in 'maths' at Cambridge & Felicity who managed
a dress shop & designed clothing in her mother's stead.
Evan planned to demolish the street where the dress shop
was located & modernize w/ sewers, gas lamps, improved
drainage etc. And then re-build. Gentrification if you will.
Guess who held out on selling her shop?
The leads threw sparks and engaged in witty bantering.
And had a sexy interlude. Love naturally unfolded.
Questions----
1) Why didn't shop owners on the st meet to compare offers
from the earl? They may have organized a united front.
2) Why was Felicity naive about cost of rent in marginal VS
so-called desired neighborhoods?
3) Why did the author end this story too soon?
August 31, 2018
3.5 stars
Cute story. I can see how this was originally a part of an anthology. The story stood on its own. I'm not a huge fan of novellas which accounts for the lower stars, but it was a sweet quick read and kept me entertained until her next full novel. :D
Can't go wrong with Linden.
Cute story. I can see how this was originally a part of an anthology. The story stood on its own. I'm not a huge fan of novellas which accounts for the lower stars, but it was a sweet quick read and kept me entertained until her next full novel. :D
Can't go wrong with Linden.
February 10, 2019
3.5 Stars
A Fashionable Affair was an enjoyable, quick read with a delightful romance.
Evan Hewes, Earl of Carmarthen, has grand plans to revitalize Vine Street but his plans are derailed when a dressmaker refuses to sell the final shop on the street. Felicity Dawkins plans to save her dress shop which doesn't include allowing an earl to tear it down. As Felicity and Evan spar over their individual plans, neither knows what to make of the attraction that develops between them.
Felicity and Evan's relationship is very flirty and full of banter despite being on opposing sides when it comes to the Vine Street revitalization. I liked that Felicity refused to budge after making a list of demands if she were to sell and I enjoyed watching Evan scramble to try and meet those demands. The time they spent together viewing various properties provided for some great moments between the two where they got to discuss what they wanted out of life. I was surprised by how quickly their relationship developed, but I did ultimately enjoy the two together.
Overall I enjoyed A Fashionable Affair but the story does end rather abruptly which I wasn't a fan of. I would recommend this story though if you're looking for a fun, quick historical romance.
A Fashionable Affair was an enjoyable, quick read with a delightful romance.
Evan Hewes, Earl of Carmarthen, has grand plans to revitalize Vine Street but his plans are derailed when a dressmaker refuses to sell the final shop on the street. Felicity Dawkins plans to save her dress shop which doesn't include allowing an earl to tear it down. As Felicity and Evan spar over their individual plans, neither knows what to make of the attraction that develops between them.
Felicity and Evan's relationship is very flirty and full of banter despite being on opposing sides when it comes to the Vine Street revitalization. I liked that Felicity refused to budge after making a list of demands if she were to sell and I enjoyed watching Evan scramble to try and meet those demands. The time they spent together viewing various properties provided for some great moments between the two where they got to discuss what they wanted out of life. I was surprised by how quickly their relationship developed, but I did ultimately enjoy the two together.
Overall I enjoyed A Fashionable Affair but the story does end rather abruptly which I wasn't a fan of. I would recommend this story though if you're looking for a fun, quick historical romance.
August 26, 2018
I’m not a harsh reader but many things in this book didn’t do for me.
First, one of Felicity’s seamstresses has an affair with a Duke and will soon marrying him.
How on hearth does a working girl marry Duke like that?
Sorry spoilers below:
Then Evan is happy to learn Felicity was no virgin, I thought in this time, until marriage, a woman does not indulge in carnal pleasures, or she is easily considered a harlot.
Then how can an earl considering to wed a working woman and let her continue to work after?
The blurb and premises were intriguing but even without being an erudite in history, people do not act this way in this time period.
First, one of Felicity’s seamstresses has an affair with a Duke and will soon marrying him.
How on hearth does a working girl marry Duke like that?
Sorry spoilers below:
Then Evan is happy to learn Felicity was no virgin, I thought in this time, until marriage, a woman does not indulge in carnal pleasures, or she is easily considered a harlot.
Then how can an earl considering to wed a working woman and let her continue to work after?
The blurb and premises were intriguing but even without being an erudite in history, people do not act this way in this time period.
October 26, 2017
je suis tombée sur cette romance de Caroline Linden en stand-alone, avant de découvrir qu'elle fait parti d'un recueil autour de la boutique de Madame Folette.... donc je l'ai lu, et finalement j'ai aussi pris le recueil ^^
Donc ici on suit Felicity Dawkins, l'actuelle artiste derrière les robes de Madame Folette (boutique appartenant à sa mère qui en est toujours la propriétaire). Felicity a repris la boutique en main et tente de lui faire remonter la pente, en modernisant le style, chose que sa mère refuse de faire, tout en continuant le motto de Madame Folette "une robe à la mode mais qui s'adapte à la cliente".
Et Felicity découvre un jour que.... horreur, un type a racheté tous les autres bâtiments de la rue, qu'il veut détruire pour la moderniser. Ils ne restent que chez eux, que sa mère ne veut pas vendre.
Problème: le bâtiment est vraiment vieux, un peu de modernité ne ferait pas de mal, mais leur moyen de leur permettrait pas alors de rester dans la zone des boutiques chics de la ville.... en plus le type derrière le projet est un jeune comte beaucoup trop charmant....
Doit y'avoir moyen de négocier...
C'est comme ça que Evan, le jeune comte charmant, se retrouve à devoir chercher une boutique dans un quartier fashion de Londres, pour un loyer ridicule si il veut acheter ce bâtiment. Et rester dans les bonnes grâces de la charmante Felicity...
C'était mignon, Evan est adorable, Felicity aussi, et on se renseigne un peu aussi sur les difficultés de tenir un commerce, comme d'hab, Caroline Linden fait mouche pour moi ^^
Donc ici on suit Felicity Dawkins, l'actuelle artiste derrière les robes de Madame Folette (boutique appartenant à sa mère qui en est toujours la propriétaire). Felicity a repris la boutique en main et tente de lui faire remonter la pente, en modernisant le style, chose que sa mère refuse de faire, tout en continuant le motto de Madame Folette "une robe à la mode mais qui s'adapte à la cliente".
Et Felicity découvre un jour que.... horreur, un type a racheté tous les autres bâtiments de la rue, qu'il veut détruire pour la moderniser. Ils ne restent que chez eux, que sa mère ne veut pas vendre.
Problème: le bâtiment est vraiment vieux, un peu de modernité ne ferait pas de mal, mais leur moyen de leur permettrait pas alors de rester dans la zone des boutiques chics de la ville.... en plus le type derrière le projet est un jeune comte beaucoup trop charmant....
Doit y'avoir moyen de négocier...
C'est comme ça que Evan, le jeune comte charmant, se retrouve à devoir chercher une boutique dans un quartier fashion de Londres, pour un loyer ridicule si il veut acheter ce bâtiment. Et rester dans les bonnes grâces de la charmante Felicity...
C'était mignon, Evan est adorable, Felicity aussi, et on se renseigne un peu aussi sur les difficultés de tenir un commerce, comme d'hab, Caroline Linden fait mouche pour moi ^^
June 16, 2017
A Fashionable Affair was pure joy and delight from start to finish. Caroline Linden continues to prove that you can’t always take first impressions to heart, as the first book I read by her very nearly put me off to her writing forever. Thank god that didn’t happen. In this latest novella, the pairing of a savvy businesswoman and a persistent lord trying to purchase her dress shop proved to be quite the potent mix. Evan and Felicity’s battle of wills and clashing of minds soon gave way to unexpected friendship and an attraction too desirous to resist. I LOVED IT ALL.
Just like Gray and Samantha in A Study in Scandal, Evan and Felicity were both extremely likable individual characters, made even more so when they became a couple. AND THE CHEMISTRY! I’m still not over that kiss behind the theater curtain and or the love scene in Felicity’s workroom that followed it (mirrors and a desk were involved).
That said, what really got me about these two was in their meeting of the minds, and later souls, when on the surface at least it appeared they had very little in common. But they soon discovered that they were creative types, both seeing greater possibilities in all things, whether it be in a gown or a building. I also liked that Felicity opened Evan’s eyes beyond his comfortable life of privilege and really see what life was like for her. Felicity’s work may have been her passion, but it was also her livelihood, how she kept a roof over her head, food in her belly and money in her hand as well as taking care of those who worked for her. And as she challenged him, Evan in turn praised Felicity’s talent and encouraged her ambitions. This was no more true than when he decided to add color to his rather drab wardrobe per her recommendations and bringing her dinner on the nights she worked late. Precious right? I really wish there had been an epilogue featuring them as a newly married power couple, but I was very happy with what was presented nonetheless.
Thankfully, there was not a lot of unnecessary drama present here. At the same time, I was kept fully engaged by our main couple and just how damn lovely they were together. And what obstacles did lie between them, Evan didn’t let any of them keep him from Felicity, bless him. Huzzah for proactive heroes! We really do need more of them. So if you’re looking for a quick, splendidly romantic read, I recommend this one wholeheartedly.
Just like Gray and Samantha in A Study in Scandal, Evan and Felicity were both extremely likable individual characters, made even more so when they became a couple. AND THE CHEMISTRY! I’m still not over that kiss behind the theater curtain and or the love scene in Felicity’s workroom that followed it (mirrors and a desk were involved).
That said, what really got me about these two was in their meeting of the minds, and later souls, when on the surface at least it appeared they had very little in common. But they soon discovered that they were creative types, both seeing greater possibilities in all things, whether it be in a gown or a building. I also liked that Felicity opened Evan’s eyes beyond his comfortable life of privilege and really see what life was like for her. Felicity’s work may have been her passion, but it was also her livelihood, how she kept a roof over her head, food in her belly and money in her hand as well as taking care of those who worked for her. And as she challenged him, Evan in turn praised Felicity’s talent and encouraged her ambitions. This was no more true than when he decided to add color to his rather drab wardrobe per her recommendations and bringing her dinner on the nights she worked late. Precious right? I really wish there had been an epilogue featuring them as a newly married power couple, but I was very happy with what was presented nonetheless.
Thankfully, there was not a lot of unnecessary drama present here. At the same time, I was kept fully engaged by our main couple and just how damn lovely they were together. And what obstacles did lie between them, Evan didn’t let any of them keep him from Felicity, bless him. Huzzah for proactive heroes! We really do need more of them. So if you’re looking for a quick, splendidly romantic read, I recommend this one wholeheartedly.
July 3, 2019
An above average novella with a terribly rushed and improbable ending (hence the 3 stars instead of the 3.5 I would've been inclined to give). Call me cynical, but I can't help but think that back in those times, Felicity would have been viewed as a gold digger for the circumstances surrounding their love affair. I would think that the book would have been greatly improved if a few more chapters were added towards the end, fleshing out their romance. Still, Linden writes really well and it was a breeze to read through the book.
September 3, 2018
2.5 stars
Sadly I was bored and I found the story way too unbelievable (it's still a historical romance and I expect some historical atmosphere and realism, some not much!)
Sadly I was bored and I found the story way too unbelievable (it's still a historical romance and I expect some historical atmosphere and realism, some not much!)
June 5, 2017
Those of you who have read Caroline Linden’s books know what an exceptionally gifted writer she is, you who have not will need to read this novella to truly appreciate the Ms. Linden’s rare talent. Evan Hewes, the Earl of Carmathen, is bent on modernising and beautifying the area where Madame Follette’s shop stands. Madame Follette’s is located near Bond Street, business is doing alright, but could be better. Feliticy Dawkins is managing the modiste shop for her mother, while the latter is away. Madame Follette’s has been in the family for several years, but when Carmathen tells Felicity Dawkins that she must vacate the premises, she bluntly refuses. And so begins one of the most wonderful love stories ever written.
When Carmathen goes to Madame Follette’s, he expects the mother, not breathtakingly beautiful Felicity, but still he won’t budge either. Until Felicity starts to get under his skin, and he decides to help her, whichever way he can. While they agree to disagree, Felicity warms up to the Earl, until she realises that she wants to be his, whatever the consequences; he will not marry a mere shop girl, surely. And oh how exquisitely Ms. Linden conveys those feelings of falling in love, of being in love! I don’t believe I’ve ever read anything, anywhere that describes what love is more accurately, more emotionally. Ms. Linden’s lush and sumptuous prose is so evocative that the words become images; the dialogues are brilliantly simple and historically accurate. Felicity and Carmathen discuss things rationally instead of bickering, they reach compromises. And when the delicious flirtation becomes more, well, one almost wishes that smelling salts hadn’t gone out of fashion, because that’s how it made me feel. What a glorious romance. Felicity and Carmathen’s passion becomes all-encompassing, so beautiful, so touching, and it all feels so real.
A FASHIONABLE AFFAIR is a triumph of exquisite, sublime writing, blistering sensuality, and a love so true, it takes a few moments to come back to reality. A FASHIONABLE AFFAIR is a magnificent novella, the epitome of fine writing, and the joy of experiencing love. I believe I have run out of superlatives, but this story deserves them all!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
When Carmathen goes to Madame Follette’s, he expects the mother, not breathtakingly beautiful Felicity, but still he won’t budge either. Until Felicity starts to get under his skin, and he decides to help her, whichever way he can. While they agree to disagree, Felicity warms up to the Earl, until she realises that she wants to be his, whatever the consequences; he will not marry a mere shop girl, surely. And oh how exquisitely Ms. Linden conveys those feelings of falling in love, of being in love! I don’t believe I’ve ever read anything, anywhere that describes what love is more accurately, more emotionally. Ms. Linden’s lush and sumptuous prose is so evocative that the words become images; the dialogues are brilliantly simple and historically accurate. Felicity and Carmathen discuss things rationally instead of bickering, they reach compromises. And when the delicious flirtation becomes more, well, one almost wishes that smelling salts hadn’t gone out of fashion, because that’s how it made me feel. What a glorious romance. Felicity and Carmathen’s passion becomes all-encompassing, so beautiful, so touching, and it all feels so real.
A FASHIONABLE AFFAIR is a triumph of exquisite, sublime writing, blistering sensuality, and a love so true, it takes a few moments to come back to reality. A FASHIONABLE AFFAIR is a magnificent novella, the epitome of fine writing, and the joy of experiencing love. I believe I have run out of superlatives, but this story deserves them all!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 28, 2017
"Love is never out of fashion."
Fashion and her mother's shop Follette is more than a home and work place for Felicity Dawkins. It's her heart and soul and all her life.
When her stubborn mama refuse to change her way of thinking about the future of the store who's not going well, Felicity convince her, with her brother's help, to take an extended holiday so the daughter can take charge of the business.
But then she learn that the Earl of Carmarthen has been trying to talk her mother into selling the building so he can demolish to build his new boulevard.
Felicity is furious, but soon realize that she doesn't hate the man. In fact, for a promoter he's pretty honest and honorable. He wants his project, but not at all cost. Not if it mean making her miserable or unsafe or unhappy. He's gonna help her search for a new place to set up the dressmaking commerce.
Me rating this novella 3 star does not mean I would not recommend this author. Caroline Linden is a talented lady (I especially liked her Scandalous series) and she knows how to write a good story. I just think it's the fact the romance was rushed in the last chapters due to being a short story. And even if her mother was headstrong and daughter knew best, it still made me sad to think she had to push her mom aside to get what she wants. I needed more cute scenes between Evan and Felicity. It was great to see the heroine's passion and pride in her work.
Fashion and her mother's shop Follette is more than a home and work place for Felicity Dawkins. It's her heart and soul and all her life.
When her stubborn mama refuse to change her way of thinking about the future of the store who's not going well, Felicity convince her, with her brother's help, to take an extended holiday so the daughter can take charge of the business.
But then she learn that the Earl of Carmarthen has been trying to talk her mother into selling the building so he can demolish to build his new boulevard.
Felicity is furious, but soon realize that she doesn't hate the man. In fact, for a promoter he's pretty honest and honorable. He wants his project, but not at all cost. Not if it mean making her miserable or unsafe or unhappy. He's gonna help her search for a new place to set up the dressmaking commerce.
Me rating this novella 3 star does not mean I would not recommend this author. Caroline Linden is a talented lady (I especially liked her Scandalous series) and she knows how to write a good story. I just think it's the fact the romance was rushed in the last chapters due to being a short story. And even if her mother was headstrong and daughter knew best, it still made me sad to think she had to push her mom aside to get what she wants. I needed more cute scenes between Evan and Felicity. It was great to see the heroine's passion and pride in her work.
Read
January 2, 2018This was part of Dressed to Kiss. Loved it as I usually do with Linden's stuff.
December 16, 2017
When Fashions and Times Change – 3.5 stars
Evan Hewes, the Earl of Carmarthen, is knocked sideways by the beauty of a seamstress when he visits the modiste to try and persuade her to sell. He has plans to tear down the whole street and modernise it with gas lighting and modern sewage systems, but his solicitor has been unable to convince the owner to sell. The Earl is taken aback when he finds that the “seamstress” is the owner, or rather, the daughter of the owner, and is the person he has to convince. Felicity comes up with a list of requirements for new premises and gives it to the earl who is somewhat surprised to find he is expected to find them, but he passes them on to an agent and arranges to take Felicity to view several premises.
I am not sure that in real life an earl would personally escort a “shop girl”, even if she is a modiste, to look for suitable premises. Of course, he wants her building out of the way of his building plans, plus he has an ulterior motive because he lusts after her, but I am not convinced. However, this is fiction land and I suppose some liberties will be taken.
Reading modern writers of Regency/Georgian/Victorian era novels, I am beginning to think that virgin brides were an urban myth. I also think the love scene unnecessarily detailed. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I prefer sex that stops at the bedroom door, and although I do have to admit that said scene is very sensual, it is still a bit too detailed for my tastes.
The writing flows well and it held my interest to the end. The writer has a good sense of humour which I like in an HR. I am almost sure that all titles are correctly used, with only one a bit dubious, so that is a plus for Ms Linden. A light, enjoyable novella, but not quite a four-star read for me.
Evan Hewes, the Earl of Carmarthen, is knocked sideways by the beauty of a seamstress when he visits the modiste to try and persuade her to sell. He has plans to tear down the whole street and modernise it with gas lighting and modern sewage systems, but his solicitor has been unable to convince the owner to sell. The Earl is taken aback when he finds that the “seamstress” is the owner, or rather, the daughter of the owner, and is the person he has to convince. Felicity comes up with a list of requirements for new premises and gives it to the earl who is somewhat surprised to find he is expected to find them, but he passes them on to an agent and arranges to take Felicity to view several premises.
I am not sure that in real life an earl would personally escort a “shop girl”, even if she is a modiste, to look for suitable premises. Of course, he wants her building out of the way of his building plans, plus he has an ulterior motive because he lusts after her, but I am not convinced. However, this is fiction land and I suppose some liberties will be taken.
Reading modern writers of Regency/Georgian/Victorian era novels, I am beginning to think that virgin brides were an urban myth. I also think the love scene unnecessarily detailed. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I prefer sex that stops at the bedroom door, and although I do have to admit that said scene is very sensual, it is still a bit too detailed for my tastes.
The writing flows well and it held my interest to the end. The writer has a good sense of humour which I like in an HR. I am almost sure that all titles are correctly used, with only one a bit dubious, so that is a plus for Ms Linden. A light, enjoyable novella, but not quite a four-star read for me.
July 16, 2018
Evan Hewes, Earl of Carmarthen has big plans to tear down all the old buildings on Vine Street and rebuild everything all modern and new. Felicity Dawkins has lived and worked in her mother's modiste shop Madame Follette's on Vine street since she was born. Felicity's mother was the last of the shop owners left on the block who refused to sell to Evan. Unaware of the changes coming to Vine Street and Evan's offer to buy from her mother, Felicity sends her mother on a trip. During her mother's absence, Felicity hopes to modernize the shop and the dresses they sell. This is the point where Evan and Felicity first meet and he comes to convince her to sell the shop to him.
I loved the immediate attraction between Evan & Felicity. It was fun to watch their romance blossom and for them to realize that although they came from different worlds, they had many things in common.
My favorite line from the book; "He let out a breath of relief even as he recognized the danger he was in. God help him. She was in trade. His mother wanted to employ her. But in trade or not, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She made him laugh, she challenged him—and won—and she made him think, as the gas lamps were lowered and the performance began, that if he did nothing and she disappeared from his world, he might spend the rest of his life searching for another glimpse of her."
Such a great story from author Caroline Linden! Highly recommend!
I loved the immediate attraction between Evan & Felicity. It was fun to watch their romance blossom and for them to realize that although they came from different worlds, they had many things in common.
My favorite line from the book; "He let out a breath of relief even as he recognized the danger he was in. God help him. She was in trade. His mother wanted to employ her. But in trade or not, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She made him laugh, she challenged him—and won—and she made him think, as the gas lamps were lowered and the performance began, that if he did nothing and she disappeared from his world, he might spend the rest of his life searching for another glimpse of her."
Such a great story from author Caroline Linden! Highly recommend!
September 11, 2018
I wonder why Caroline Linden set this novella in a time she doesn't know anything about. People just didn't behave like that in Regency time:
- One of Felicity's seamstresses has an affair and is said to marry him soon? A duke and a lowly seamstress may have an affair, but that is it. She is a working girl, apparently low on morals and appropriate behaviour, so why marry her?
- Evan seduces her and doesn't question her already lost virginity. That was a major issue on the marriage market.
- He buys the house for her future modiste shop, when he already plans to marry her????? Should she keep working as a modist after their marriage? Every hint at a connection with trade or working was a no-go in those times.
Why not writing a novel and maybe embellishing the plotline about fleeing the terror in France and switching places with the maid so that her mother would have been a French duchess/countess/marchioness hiding in London. Then the marriage of the earl and a seamstress would be reasonable.
- One of Felicity's seamstresses has an affair and is said to marry him soon? A duke and a lowly seamstress may have an affair, but that is it. She is a working girl, apparently low on morals and appropriate behaviour, so why marry her?
- Evan seduces her and doesn't question her already lost virginity. That was a major issue on the marriage market.
- He buys the house for her future modiste shop, when he already plans to marry her????? Should she keep working as a modist after their marriage? Every hint at a connection with trade or working was a no-go in those times.
Why not writing a novel and maybe embellishing the plotline about fleeing the terror in France and switching places with the maid so that her mother would have been a French duchess/countess/marchioness hiding in London. Then the marriage of the earl and a seamstress would be reasonable.
June 7, 2017
Awesome!
What a really good book! I love the story of a young lady named Felicity, brought up in her Mother's dressmaking shop. Styles are changing from the Regency period to Georgian, and her Mother Sophia Louise cannot adapt. Felicity and her brother Henry send their Mama, on a year long vacation. During this time, Felicity is running the shop, Henry is keeping the book, in walks The Earl of Carmatien, Evan. He is buying up all of the businesses around Madame Collette's, they need to be torn down and he wants to rebuild them, all for the better. However, from Brighton, her Mother keeps refusing to sell. Will Evan gets what he wants, or will Felicity keep the only home that she has ever known, and her livelihood? I highly recommend today! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒
What a really good book! I love the story of a young lady named Felicity, brought up in her Mother's dressmaking shop. Styles are changing from the Regency period to Georgian, and her Mother Sophia Louise cannot adapt. Felicity and her brother Henry send their Mama, on a year long vacation. During this time, Felicity is running the shop, Henry is keeping the book, in walks The Earl of Carmatien, Evan. He is buying up all of the businesses around Madame Collette's, they need to be torn down and he wants to rebuild them, all for the better. However, from Brighton, her Mother keeps refusing to sell. Will Evan gets what he wants, or will Felicity keep the only home that she has ever known, and her livelihood? I highly recommend today! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒
November 29, 2018
Just when Felicity Dawkins begins to bring Madame Follette’s back from the brink of failure, she learns that Vine Street will be torn down around her. She doesn’t know her mother has received offers to buy the building or that all the other buildings on the street are already sold. Evan Hewes, the Earl of Carmarthen, is behind the moves on Vine Street. He plans to tear down the old buildings, widen the street and rebuild, modernizing the business area. Felicity is devastated. Evan agrees to find her a shop that she can afford and will bring in the kind of clientele to continue the shop’s improving status and finances. In their effort to find suitable space for Felicity’s shop, two things happen. Evan falls in love with her, and he discovers secrets about her family that he is determined to keep. Things get more complicated when Sophie-Louise come to town to set everything and everybody straight. Can Evan and Felicity find a solution to this dilemma? Will they find a way to be together? Evan and Felicity are great together, strong and intelligent, adamant about their goals and confident in the outcome. The story presents the characters with a challenge that keeps the reader’s attention.
July 15, 2020
A Fashionable Affair is a novella originally published in 2017 as part of the anthology Dress To Kiss. I'm not overly fond of this story. The characters are ok but not memorable. I found the timeline to be off, was she gone for a few months or a year? Has to be one or the other but not both. Our heroine loves her shop & wants to save it. She feels an obligation to her employees and customers. I can understand that very well. Our hero, Evan, is a man who likes to tear down the old and build the new. I don't appreciate that at all. That attitude has ruined so many pieces of history, it makes me sad. Anyway, these 2 are ok and you also get a small portion of her brother from No Accounting For Love. book 2. Sometimes novellas miss the mark on backstory or a good ending. This one has both. The ending is very unexpected and not well played out.
February 25, 2021
This is a novella, which for me is a typical romance without the subplots. A dress designer works desperately with her brother to keep the shop open despite financial difficulties and the interferences of the ship’s founder, her mother. As she works in comes an Earl who has bought all property on the street except hers who wishes her to acquiesce. Of course they are attracted to each other, but they are also somewhat financial adversaries. They strike a bargain that enables them to lend more time together to find her a new shop location, and as they do, they fall in love. This is a quick and fun read.
October 18, 2018
A Fashionable Affair by Caroline Linden is a fantastic historical romance. Ms. Linden has given readers a well-written book furnished with amazing characters. Felicity finally gets control of the family dress shop. Evan, Earl of Carmarthen, has plans to demolish all the buildings on the street where Felicity's shop sits. Felicity and Evan's story is loaded with drama, humor and sizzle. I enjoyed reading A Fashionable Affair and look forward to reading more from Caroline Linden in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
October 29, 2018
A novella in which a strong minded, intelligent and beautiful heroine proves to more than a match for a stubborn Lord, resulting in a strong clash of wills and more than a few fireworks!
I enjoyed how the author managed to tie together our hero and heroine based on seemingly different, but remarkably similar passions and interests, namely building something beautiful that’s well made and put together, in Evan’s case this is “modern” architecture and street planning, and in Felicity’s a well cut, designed and built garment.
A definite re-read!
I enjoyed how the author managed to tie together our hero and heroine based on seemingly different, but remarkably similar passions and interests, namely building something beautiful that’s well made and put together, in Evan’s case this is “modern” architecture and street planning, and in Felicity’s a well cut, designed and built garment.
A definite re-read!
November 11, 2018
I did enjoy this short novella. I read it separate from the Dressed to Kiss anthology. I will be going back to read the other 3 parts of Dressed to Kiss as I am invested enough to figure out the other characters fates. I enjoyed the pace and banter in this novella, but was missing some of the build up to the end. I understand that since this is a novella some of that will be missing that I would like in a full length story. Good characters, believable plot and same wonderful writing I have come to expect from Caroline Linden. Worth a read for those that like Historical novels.
August 27, 2018
Flirting and Fashion
Such a fun story! I also learned a great deal about the art of dressmaking and the shifting styles of the early 1820s. I was very pleasantly surprised about the level of detail provided regarding such an important aspect in the lives of England’s Regency beau monde.
Such a fun story! I also learned a great deal about the art of dressmaking and the shifting styles of the early 1820s. I was very pleasantly surprised about the level of detail provided regarding such an important aspect in the lives of England’s Regency beau monde.
October 15, 2022
A Fashionable Affair by Caroline Linden – The Earl of Carmarthen is planning to renovate Vine Street as a whole, but there is one French modiste in his way. The owner’s lovely daughter agree to help pressure her mother to sell if he will find them a new location. But during the search, Evan realizes the feisty modiste is more important than his visions for architecture. Happy Reading!
May 5, 2018
Good short story
Great book. Read straight through. Couldn't put it down. Loved the characters. I really like this Author 's writing style. I have read many of her other books.
Great book. Read straight through. Couldn't put it down. Loved the characters. I really like this Author 's writing style. I have read many of her other books.
May 14, 2018
A good read. 3.5*
August 28, 2018
Enjoyable
Short story packed with every day life and romance. Details were essential for this story and the author hit it right on.
Short story packed with every day life and romance. Details were essential for this story and the author hit it right on.
September 3, 2018
Fun and sexy book.
Very interesting and very sexy at times. Really enjoyed and could not put down. First time reading Caroline's book and really liked.
Very interesting and very sexy at times. Really enjoyed and could not put down. First time reading Caroline's book and really liked.
March 21, 2020
Great short story. Love the relationship between Felicity and Evan
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews