I almost stopped reading this book before I got to midpoint. It was very slow going, but did provide the characters background. Fortunately it did pick up half way through the book. The storyline had a lot of potential, but kind of cell flat in the end. The romance part of the story was okay, but some intrigue was promised and never materialized. If I remember correctly, the last book I read by Ms. Goodger was the same. Slow to start, but much better in the second half. I have at least one more of this author's books in my TBR pile so will give it another chance and hope the next one is better.

I really enjoyed reading Alice and Henderson's story! Can you imagine going to the alter so many times and NOT getting married!! But everything happens for a reason and Alice and Henderson were meant to be!

I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!!

In the Bad Luck Bride, Lady Alice Hubbard, Granddaughter of a Duke and an Earl, is once again left at the altar. Her first husband-to-be died just prior to the nuptials, her second fiancé had to beg off when her father discovered this future son-in-law was a scam artist, and the third? He simply did not show up. Instead of feeling humiliated (well, maybe a little), Alice is almost relieved, despite her new moniker "The Bad Luck Bride". Truth be told, while she was fond of each of these potential mates, it wasn't love that led to any of the betrothals. Then, on the carriage ride home, who should hitch a ride but Henderson Southwell, her late brother's best friend and the true object of her affections. Henderson (Henny) has been gone the past four years, disappearing to India after Joseph's tragic death. Now he claims to have returned in order to stop the wedding. Everyone laughs, but he is not really joking. Alice has always been in his heart, not realizing the feelings were reciprocal. Ditto for Alice. Via a series of complications, including the return of suitor number three, hat in hand, Alice and Henny somehow find their way to romance. Subplots include a possible murder(s), an attempt to raise funds for famine relief in India, a knitting club of girlfriends, and a budding friendship with an eccentric, neighboring Earl.

Set in a seaside town, this is Book One in the Brides of St Ives series. Jane Goodger throws a lot of story at us, never quite developing the possibilities before picking up another subplot. The profession of love doesn't occur until the second half the book, necessitating continued repetition of thoughts, as the two main characters wrest with their feelings. Feelings which they then discuss in detail with their friends. Of course, the fact that Henderson has an unknown father and is not part of the nobility is a complication not easy to overcome. With his grandparents funding he was able to attend Eton and thus made friends with Joseph and his buddies. The Hubbards welcomed Henny into their home, with their house being preferable to living with an indifferent, distant mother. Yet, being accepted as a friend is very different than marrying into the family, as Henderson suddenly discovers.

While I'm willing to give some leeway when an author is introducing the characters in a new series, it is still their first obligation to create an intriguing story for the readers. There was so much potential in the various subplots, but their "resolutions" were disappointing. Set in the late 1870's, this Victorian Romance unsuccessfully explores the distinction between classes and the entitlement of the nobility. The inconsistent attitudes of Alice's parents towards Henderson is an example of just one of the many question marks I had when completing this novel. Hopefully some of these blanks will be filled in by other books in the series.

Three stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I like to find titles that can be recommend to a wide variety of patrons. This is such a title.

On the day of her third wedding, Alice Hubbard was still not a bride. She was doomed to never get married and had been dubbed the Bad Luck Bride. As she and her sister slipped from the church and caught a carriage home, Henderson Southwell, her brother’s best friend, hopped into the carriage.
This was actually a really good story. There was way more to it than I expected. All of the characters were well written. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend.

The indian famine and the murder seem really tacked on and easily wrapped up--if they're this motivating to the characters, they deserve more heft in the plot.

With three failures to reach the altar – one death, one fortune-hunter and one leaving her in a church without a groom, Alice, granddaughter of a Duke is not only humiliated by the men, but the papers have chimed in dubbing her “the Bad-Luck Bride” and leaving her the object of whispers and speculation. Poor Alice, while not heartsick, she is humiliated, thanking the stars that her last marriage failure happened in London and not at her home in St. Ives. So marriage isn’t in her cards – she’s not going to stick around for a fourth – she’s heading back home to adjust her life to the quieter pursuits available to an unmarried woman of her time.

I adored Alice – seriously adored her: she wasn’t in love with any of the men she was to marry, so there was little whinging and wailing about that – in fact, she’s almost removed herself from love since the disappearance of her brother’s best friend and her first and everlasting crush, after her brother’s death. This is one of those ‘compare them all’ sort of things for her, and no one could even come close to her memories of him. And then, he appears and Alice’s world is turned on its ear.

Henderson has returned to St. Ives after a long absence, hoping to see Alice, the woman he’s been in love with for years. He’s never spoken to that love, or even really thought it possible: there are too many obstacles. A bustard, he’s struggled with the shame and questions all of his life, and while he and Joseph (Alice’s brother) were best friends and almost inseparable, Joseph had asked for Henderson’s promise to never touch Alice. Now racked with guilt over Joseph’s death and believes that it was his fault that Joseph killed himself, or did he?

SO much goodness here: Henderson without the inherited titles and outward ‘suitability’ so demanded by Alice’s family, he’s far more honorable than most of the tonne, and so desperately in love with Alice that it’s easy to see. And her blossoming in his company, with love and admiration radiating off her in waves. So darn sweet and wonderfully plotted as we learn of Henderson’s struggles with his own birth, the friendship with Joseph and his enduring affection for Alice. Then we see Alice taking more control of her own life and choices, to actually recognize and acknowledge the connection between them that is so perfectly fitted they are pieces in the same puzzle. With clever twists and a touch of mystery surrounding Joseph’s death, the unfolding of Henderson’s past and perspective and Alice’s growth in her own struggles and with her choices, the story was clever and engaging, and a wonderful start to a new series.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” http://wp.me/p3OmRo-93y/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

The first book in a new series by Jane "The Brides of St. Ives" is splendid!! Jane is a truly gifted author who will have you immersed in this wonderful story of the pain of rejection and the redemption of a love that will last a lifetime. Alice Hubbard has now been through three engagements and is still not married. She has earned the unflattering nickname "The Bad Luck Bride" by the London gossips. All she wants to do return to her home in St. Ives and NEVER, EVER get married. The only man that she has actually loved left England four years ago. He was her older brother;s best friend. When her brother died he is devastated and leaves without a word to Alice or her family. She has no idea that he felt the same way about her.

Henderson Southwell is a bastard, literally. He has no idea who his father is and his mother wouldn't care if he disappeared off the face of the earth. Thank God for his Grandparents, they raised him with love and respect. Even though he is a Commoner his Grandfather gave him an education where he met his best friend, Joseph Hubbard, the Grandson of a Duke and a Marquess. Joseph never treated him any different than his Aristocratic friends and they became inseparable. Henderson would go to Joseph's home in St Ives for all school holidays. That is where he fell in love with Joseph's younger sister Alice. He knew he could never have her so he kept his feelings to himself. When Joseph died, Henderson couldn't face Joseph's family and left England to make his fortune in India. Now four years later he is back and determined to tell Alice how he feels and to marry her. The biggest obstacle is her Father who likes Henderson, but he is a bastard and a commoner and is not good enough for his daughter. Can Henderson convince Alice's parents that he loves her and will be able to keep her in the lifestyle that she is used to. Add in the mystery deaths of four young men from St. Ives who have died in the last four years, presumably by accident, and you have a great read.

Another lovely book from Jane. What I enjoy about her writing is the flow of the story, the intricate blending of the plot with the great characters that she has created. There is no character angst, both Alice and Henderson know what they want and will do whatever they have to do to be together. Both are strong individuals with honesty and integrity that comes across from the beginning of the story. Romance that will have you swooning and reading late into the night. Loved this one!! Cannot wait for the next book in the Series. Alice has single friends in St. Ives, hopefully they will get their story.

Received a Complimentary Copy for an Honest Review.

Alice Hubbard has been betrothed three times and still a Miss. She doesn't want to get married any more. Henderson Southwell is a handsome and charming man, but he is a bastard and he left England four years ago. Never a word from him.
The descriptions of the countryside, the manors, the sea and the people are very good and help bring you into the story, like Lord Berkeley tearing up the walls in his music room. There was once a 15th century mural there but it is gone now. There are twists and turns such as murders and sadness in this tale. The characters are well developed and very consistent. I liked the way they interacted and supported each other. I really enjoyed this story and definitely felt as if I was part of it. I highly recommend this book.

Enjoyable and Recommended Read
A bastard commoner and a Duke's granddaughter fall in love (or maybe it should be, acknowledge their love) in this delightful tale set in Victorian England. At time I found this book a little slow, hence four rather than five stars and I was unsure why neither Alice or Henderson had ever given a hint to the other of their tendre for each other. Having said that, the book was written, the characters well rounded and the love scenes far more believable than is often the case with so called historical novels. I will be looking to read the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

All Lady Alice wants is to be happy. So why has her quest become dogged by a trail of tears? A three time loser at love and with her reputation in tatters, this bad luck bride has accepted a life of loneliness. Until a long lost acquaintance has her questioning that possibility. The Bad Luck Bride is a tale of promises broken and new hopes arising. The saying "wrapped in feelings" fits perfectly for Alice and Henderson. Ms. Goodger grabs onto the heart and never seeks to let go. Attention grabbing, emotionally satisfying and hauntingly beautiful.

Alice Hubbard has gained a nickname after three attempted weddings, "bad luck bride". She swears that she will never marry now, that is until she reunites with the only love of her life, Henderson Southwell. Alice Hubbard is the granddaughter of a duke. Henderson Southwell is a bastard, son of a single mother and an unknown father. Henderson left England for India, four years before, right after the death of Joseph Hubbard, his best friend and Alice's older brother. Alice and Henderson secretly love each other, unbeknownst to each other. Alice is about to marry again to a "suitable " fiance. She longs for love in the relationship but only knows that feeling with Henderson. This story revolves around love, wealth, position, and murder. I loved this book and found the author's dialogue to be witty and entertaining. Her characters were multi-dimensional and likable. I usually don't read this era of British romance but think that I have not only become a fan of the author, but also the genre. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of historical romance.

The Bad Luck Bride by Jane Goodger will be available June 13, 2017 by Kensington Books Corp. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

It’s bad enough when a bride waits for a groom who ultimately never shows up for the wedding vows, but when it happens for the THIRD time, said bride now gets dubbed “The Bad Luck Bride”. Lady Alice Hubbard has had enough – frustrated and subdued Alice returns to her family’s estate in St. Ives and is now determined to accept her lot in life – as a doting spinster. Although to her great surprise, an old friend Henderson Southwell shows up. Henderson was not only her deceased brothers BEST friend, but Henderson had been Alice’s secret and cherished love. Henry as only Alice called him, the person Alice had held in her heart since the day she met him.

When Alice’s brother Joseph had died, Henderson was devastated blaming himself for not being with him the night most thought he had taken his life. Henderson was so upset, he then left directly after the funeral and no one had heard from him until he showed up at Alice’s wedding claiming he was there to ‘stop’ her from marrying. He knew that her family would never accept him because of his lack of aristocratic blood but somehow he knew that eventually, Alice would be his.

*** THE BAD LUCK BRIDE was a good read with crisp writing and an interesting fun plot that I quickly became immersed in the story. Alice and Henderson had virtually grown up together since Joseph and Henderson had formed a close bond during their school years. Henderson was welcomed into the Hubbard household and was treated like a member of the family, but once he showed his attraction to Alice the family gathered round and let him know how inappropriate his intentions toward Alice were. After all, he was illegitimate with no real claim to any type of aristocratic background.

Naturally, Alice didn’t see it that way but then who shows up but the errant groom who now wants to make amends and beg for Alice’s forgiveness. What does one do, when faced with following your heart or following the wishes of your beloved family?

Bottom line: THE BAD LUCK BRIDE was a good start to a new series as I discovered a new author to me. I enjoyed Goodger characterizations of Alice and Henderson, and actually came to like Alice’s previous suitor who kind of grew on you after a while. Couple that with a little bit of a mystery regarding Joseph’s supposed suicide and several other accidental deaths and it leant another layer to a very nice romance.

Marilyn Rondeau

A definite buy book! A little slower pace but a great read that will take you through some emotional turmoil at times. This is a tough book for me to review! I loved the story line itself, but had a problem with the emotions and attitudes changing so drastically then changing back. However, I loved the plot line and the story itself! I liked the characters, the passion, the compassion and the heart within the story. Sat within a time frame of having so much happen to one woman whom would love to be married and have a family only to be disappointed three times, it was touching to read how she handled each large let down. I liked her strength. I liked the hero and his heart and compassion to others. So all in all a great read! I was given this book in return for a honest review. Anna

I really like Ms. Goodger's writing. I was not crazy about this particular work of her's but I did not dislike it either. Overall, it did keep me reading on to know what would happen.

I really liked this book and I hope to read more from the author in the future.

Really liked this couple, really didn't like how this story progresses. The H left England after his best friend died, feeling guilty for his death. He returned to stop the marriage of our h, the sister of his friend, to the third of ill fated fiancée. Fortunately she was left at the altar, again. After he begins to think he might have a chance to offer for her, he finds he isn't thought good enough for her, due to his ignoble birth. The rapid changes in behavior by her family were annoying, as were her prevarications in the development of their relationship. Also, his attempts at raising money for famine relief were a little trite, made no real sense. Especially since he was supposed to be so wealthy himself, just donate his own money.

Alice h as failed to reach the altar three times. None of these were her fault and they were all fortuitous because she has been madly in love with Henderson for years. Henderson feels the same but also feels t :) at he is not good enough for her. Despite the will they, won't they that carried on for a while, I definitely enjoyed this story.

Alice and Henderson have secretly been in love with each other without knowledge of the other person's feelings. Henderson made a promise to his best friend, Alice's older brother that he would stay away from Alice and to honor the promise, he leaves the country. After Alice gets jilted by her third fiancé, Henderson decides that it is time for him to make his case. I really liked the character of the hero, Henderson but felt that Alice was really confused at times about her feelings towards him. Henderson is a kind and honorable hero who loves Alice with all his heart. It is a little heartbreaking how Alice's family, the Hubbard's treat Henderson when Alice's ex-fiancé comes back into her life. They basically just kick him out of the house in the middle of the night. After treating Henderson so badly, towards the end, they just accept him again and everyone is all happy again. I really liked this novel in the first half but was very disappointed with the story in the second half of the novel.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*