As always, Elizabeth Hoyt is very good at tugging the heartstrings. The ending was not typical and took me a little by surprise.

Hoyt takes on the tale of a minor character from her Maiden Lane books and gives Mary Whitsun a romance of her own. This tale is a whirlwind as Mary is mistaken for a young society lady, and finds herself believed to be the young woman's lost twin sister - and affianced to boot. This was a fun, sweet read and it was a pleasure to see a minor character get her moment in the spotlight.

Another tale in the Maiden Lane series. A woman's identity is questioned and her future hinges on the true nature of her paternity. Is she the rightful heir? Will she leave the only life she's known and embrace her new world?

What would you do if you found out that you were born of wealth, status, and promised to a complete stranger?

In true form this story is about growth, acceptance, and the ability to overcome family expectations. Everyone deserves a chance at love, would you risk it all for a lifetime of happiness?

What a perfect way to tell Mary's story. I have read all the books to this series and she has been in many of the books starting as a baby left on the doorstep. Watching her grow and mature has been delightful and her character in this book was presented in a manner that was befitting of her upbringing.

Through the many twists and turns to this story the author shows a young woman who knows who she is, what she believes in and her strength through adversity. It also emphasizes her ability to change while holding firm to how she was raised.

Lord Blackwell's character is extremely interesting. He sometimes manipulates things to his benefit but as time goes on you see a change in him where he starts to think of others happiness and what he really wants. HIs character expands as the book gets more intense and the reader will come to admire his character.

I give this book 5 STARS for fulfilling all my expectations on Mary as an adult.

What’s it About? Mary Whitsun was left at an orphanage as a baby and as an adult was fortunate enough to be offered employment in the home of the only woman she ever considered a mother figure but when Mary is mistaken for the fiance of a lord, her very birthright is questioned. Henry Collins, Lord Blackwell has been betrothed to Lady Joanna Albright since he was a child since her twin sister was believed dead, seeing the spitting image of Lady Joanna in the form of a servant raises all sorts of questions. If Mary is indeed the missing Lady Cecilia Albright then that means she is Henry’s real fiancée, which he doesn’t mind at all since Mary is lively, spirited, and everything he didn’t know he wanted.




Overall reaction to the story? Elizabeth Hoyt gives longtime fans a special treat with Once Upon a Maiden Lane by bringing Mary Whitsun, a supporting character from the very first book in the Maiden Lane series, into the spotlight. The novella feels like a reunion of sorts with Mary of course but also her employers, Lord and Lady Caire. With these three characters, it left the door open to have any of the previous characters in the series pop in and that opportunity is not wasted at all!


The plot feels familiar, Mary grew up as an orphan who became a valued employee and then was suddenly confronted with the possibility that she is actually a noble lady who was stolen as a child. In true Elizabeth Hoyt form though, there is quite the twist and that makes Once Upon a Maiden Lane a stand out. Mary is delightfully feisty and intelligent. Henry is devilishly charming and kind. Together they have such great chemistry and it’s easy to believe that they would fall in love so quickly.


Mary’s story is the story I didn’t even know I wanted! She grew up to be a memorable character in a long series filled with memorable characters. I’m glad she got her happy ending.


Click It or Skip It? Click It.

I really did not enjoy this book. I have loved this series and everything about it since the very first but this book felt very rushed and I could not connect with the characters.

While Elizabeth Hoyt has released the last novel in her Maiden Lane series, she’s giving her a loyal readers a couple more novellas, including this one. In addition to a new romance to enjoy, readers get the bonus of a glimpse at the couples from a few of the earlier books in the series.

Nursery maid Mary Whitsun grew up in a foundling home, but she’s the spitting image of Lady Johanna Albright, or so she’s informed by the very handsome Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, who mistakes her for his fiancée. Amazingly enough, it turns out that Johanna had a twin sister who was abducted as a baby. Although Mary is hesitant to believe she could possibly come from an aristocratic family, both Jo and Henry welcome her: Jo because she loves another and is desperate to escape the marriage arranged by their parents, and Henry because he finds himself intrigued by the glimpses of fire hidden behind Mary’s carefully maintained calm demeanor. Their budding romance is disrupted by violence, though, as twice Mary seems to be the target of an assassin. But who could possibly want to kill a former maid newly returned to her loving family?

While the plot of this story is not really believable (there’s a further twist that strains credibility), I still liked it. For one thing, I enjoyed the way Mary and Henry interact with each other; their banter made me smile at times, and I found myself rooting for them as a couple. I also appreciated seeing Lord and Lady Caire (from Wicked Intentions, the very first book in the series) and the Duke and Duchess of Montgomery (Val and Bridget from Duke of Sin) again.

As a novella, the story is short, and the action wraps up quickly once the villain is unmasked. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to anyone who isn’t familiar with Hoyt’s work, but fans of the series should definitely give it a read.

An eARC of this novella was provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

I always love Hoyt’s books and this one did not dissapoint. Thank you for the egalley.

Hippolyta Royle has a problem. She has been kidnapped and will be forced into marriage if she does not get away. Enter Matthew Mortimer. When Hippolyta does escape Matthew gives her a ride in his coach helping her get away. From there on it is a fun story full of mixups and finally romance. Hippolyta is very rich and Matthew just became the owner of an estate full of debt. A match made in heaven if only they two can get on the same page. This is a novella with very well developed characters and great action. A must read of Maiden Lane fans and a good place to start if you are new to the series.

Once Upon a Maiden Lane is another fantastic Maiden Lane series book. I can hardly wait to see what happens next!

Once Upon a Maiden Lane was such a wonderful tie up to the end of the Maiden Lane series. Yes, I know there is a Christmas Novella. It's awaiting me on my kindle as I type. But 'Once Upon' really tied up the series so lovely. If you are familiar with the series you will know Mary from the beginning when she was introduced as an orphaned child. Now grown up and suspected to be the long lost daughter of a well-to-do family. This revelation completely changes her world as she goes from a lady's nursemaid to a lady herself. While she adjusts to this new life she must get used to the idea she has been betrothed to the dashing Henry since birth. I loved everything about Mary and Henry. They were charming and flirty, they shared a curiosity, intellect and wittiness that made it impossible not to be completely captivated with them. Throw in the mystery of Mary's background and a element of danger, along with familiar faces, Hoyt couldn't have made this girl any more happy despite the bittersweetness of saying goodbye to a beloved series. 'Once Upon' definitely gave me the itch for a re-read.

This is my second book by Elizabeth Hoyt and I am in love! This was light and sweet with a good dose of heart. I love a mistaken identity and I love even more a mystery about an identity. I also loved the characters - especially Mary. She's so self-aware and so practical but it was sweet how happy she was to have potentially found her family. Henry is intelligent and a good match for Mary. I loved watching them banter and get to know each other.

This is a novella so the character development is on the light side and the romance develops very quickly. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I devoured in one sitting. I'm glad I have so many more Maiden Lane books to read!

Mary Whitsun has been a minor character throughout several of the Maiden Lane books. Finally, it is her turn to find happiness and love.

Mary was an orphan left at the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children. She formed a strong bond with Temperance, Lady Caire, while living at the home. Now, she is nursemaid for Temperance’s children. She has a good life, even if, at times, Mary wishes for more.

That “more” finds her one day when she is roaming a bookshop on her day off. She finds a handsome and clearly aristocratic man staring at her. She tries to brush him off but he persists in introducing himself. He believes her to be Lady Joanna, his fiance, until he realizes that Mary looks just like Joanna.

Suddenly, the possibility that Mary is related to the wealth, to privilege, is thrust into her life.

Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, has always done as he is told in his family. He is betrothed to Johanna, even though he does not love her. He knows their match is good for the family. But, meeting Mary, the woman he believes he was supposed to be engaged to, but who was kidnapped as a baby, well, Henry is starting to see the world in a different light. Mary challenges his preconceived notions of privilege and wealth, the very world he has taken for granted. And the more time he spends with her, the more he wants to be with her forever.

This is a novella which makes me somewhat sad because honestly, I would have loved a full-length book about Mary and Henry. They really stand out as characters. I absolutely loved Mary, as I knew I would. She is a caring young woman who is trying to be content with her lot in life. She knows she has a good situation, working with the Caires who genuinely care for her. It’s not easy always wanting just a little more though.

Henry is a typical handsome Lord but when he is with Mary, his person shines a little brighter, he is a bit wittier and he finds himself falling hard for her. Meeting Mary actually makes Henry a more interesting character in my eyes because she has a worldview that he would never have had the chance to know.

That being said, I was a bit afraid with how the story started because well, Ms. Hoyt takes on the classic romance trope of the orphan heroine finding out she is suddenly wealthy. I was hoping Ms. Hoyt would challenge this a bit and she does! So, do not fear. There is more to this story than meets the eye, even if the story becomes a tad melodramatic at the end.

That being said, honestly this is just a fun and lovely story. I am so happy Mary found her person, a life for herself and the opportunity for happiness when she least expected it. There aren’t enough servant historical romances (or I’m just not reading enough of them) so I was doubly thrilled Elizabeth Hoyt tackled this.

And the ending… I’m going to go full on cliche here and say, my heart soared for Mary and Henry. Just… it was perfection.

Once Upon a Maiden Lane is available today! If you’ve been following this series, if you’ve grown a soft spot in your heart for Mary Whitsun like I have, well, this novella is a MUST-BUY.

3.75 stars-- Told from dual third person perspectives (Mary and Henry) ONCE UPON A MAIDEN LANE follows the building relationship between nursemaid Miss Mary Whitsun, and Henry Collins, aka Viscount Blackwell in the face of the discovery that our heroine might very well be the missing heiress, and Lady Joanna Albright’s twin sister Cecilia Albright-kidnapped as a child, and presumed dead for the past twenty one years. Promised at birth to the future Viscount Blackwell, Cecilia has been missing, and without proof of birthright Mary Whitsun struggles to accept the possibility that she is the formerly missing child Cecilia Albright-betrothed to the infamous rake Viscount Blackwell. Enter Henry Collins, aka Viscount Blackwell, and the man with whom Mary will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mary and Henry, and the potential fall out when the truth is revealed.

ONCE UPON A MAIDEN LANE is a short story ala Cinderella where a beautiful young woman falls in love with the handsome prince only to realize under the pretty clothes and glamorous lifestyle, she will always be remembered as the nursemaid she was born to be. There are moments of intrigue and danger; mystery and suspense; romance and love. The premise is heart-warming; the romance is passionate. Several previous story line couples and characters make cameo appearances allowing for the familiarity of friendship and acquaintance. ONCE UPON A MAIDEN LANE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information form the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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This novella can be read as a standalone, but if you have read the Maiden Lane series (and if not, you really should) you’ll know that the heroine, Mary Whitsun, is an orphan with no family who was raised at the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children in St Giles. Mary finds herself lucky to have found a nursemaid position with her friend, Lady Caire. Her world is turned upside down when an aristocratic family claims she is their long lost daughter, who was kidnapped at the age of 7 months. She is expected, not only to quickly become a refined lady, but also to marry a stranger, Henry Collins, Lord Blackwell. Mary is not a woman to be intimidated easily and certainly not by an arrogant rake who presents himself as her fiancé.

Their banter was delightful. The sparks fly between them from the start. Both are engaging and well-developed characters and their romance is engrossing. I liked Mary, her simplicity and honesty were refreshing. Henry was caring and tender, not at all the rakish hero I expected him to be. As a couple, Mary and Henry were just adorable.

This was a really great story with a set of characters that I absolutely adored and enough unexpected twists to keep you turning the pages. As a reader, I have mixed feelings when a great series comes to an end. On the one hand, it’s great to have closure to a story, but on the other hand, I never wanted this outstanding series to end! I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth Hoyt has in store for her readers.

Once Upon A Maiden Lane is a novella about one of the orphans at the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children, Mary Whitsun. Mary has gone on to be the nurse maid for the children of Lord and Lady Claire. Lady Claire who has known her since she was a baby took her in and gave her a job when she married. Mary is an intelligent girl who knows better than to let a charming smile sway her she is content with her life. But one day at the bookstore a charming man mistakes her for someone else.

Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is shocked to find his fiancee in the bookstore even more peculiar is that it doesn't seem to be his fiancee at all, this feisty young lady just could be the long lost Albright daughter and his proper fiancee. Henry always thought that the deal his father made with his friend to marry off their two eldest was a bad idea, particularly because he has nothing but brotherly feelings for Lady Joanna, but this Mary who just might be Lady Cecilia is exactly what he wants in a wife. But the long lost, thought dead, reappearance of Lady Cecilia not only causes a stir in society but someone doesn't want her back.

Overall, it was a nice and quick read, but compared to some of the other books in the series it feels a little lack luster. It was a nice length, and I loved that characters but by the time I got to the ending I felt, really that's it? I enjoyed the other books I've read in the series, this one while enjoyable fell short

Fans of this series will be happy to see maidservant, Mary Whitsun, as our heroine. Raised in the orphanage on Maiden Lane, when Lady Caire wed (from book one, Wicked Intentions), Mary moved in with them and happily serves. She has a passion for reading and saves her wages for months to venture to the book store to select her next read. It’s there that a very strange thing happens – a gentleman swears she is Lady Cecelia, who was kidnapped along with her twin sister as babies. Joanna, the other sister, was returned, but Cecelia was never found. This man, Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, swears that Mary is Joanna’s twin.

The next day, the entire family comes calling to see what all the fuss is about. They declare Mary to be the missing Cecelia, and they welcome her into the family at once. This is all completely mind-boggling for Mary, as she was content in her little life. Now she is being moved to a grand house, fitted for a new wardrobe and the most shocking of all – she is betrothed. As a baby, her marriage was arranged to Henry! But when she went missing, his marriage then transferred to Joanna. But now Mary is back…and his family wants him wed.

While Henry would have done his duty and married the other sister, Joanna, he doesn’t romantically love her. But, Mary catches his eye and his heart. She is not only beautiful but fiery. While she very politely weaves her way through her new family, she has a passionate temper beneath that he loves. They share a love of books and have no problem conversing and debating. Henry feels like this match could really work. Mary, although not knowing Henry that well, is very physically attracted to him, and quickly comes to enjoy his company.

“I want to learn all of you. I want you to know me in return. When I next kiss you, I want you to welcome my lips like a lover instead of a stranger.”

She inhaled sharply. This was like a waking dream, for this man, this fascinating, handsome aristocrat to speak to her so bluntly.

So passionately.

“Do you want that as well?” He was in front of her now.

“Yes,” she said, opening her eyes to meet his gaze boldly. “Yes, I do.”

This is a novella, so it moves along quite quickly. Given the short amount of pages, we do get to know Henry and Mary quite well. I would have liked their romance to have played out longer. They have nice chemistry but Mary’s life is altered so much and so quickly, more pages devoted to her life-change would have been beneficial.

There is a small suspense plot as well. It’s a fun novella – especially for fans of this series. Once Upon a Christmas Eve comes out next month.

Grade: B

Mary Whitsun was left at the foundling home in St. Giles as an infant, and has worked as a nursemaid for Lord and Lady Caire since she was fourteen years old. Now at age twenty, she's enjoying a free day by perusing the books in a store, deciding which treasure she'll buy. She's approached very familiarly by one gentleman, then another, who call her Joanna, and tease her about her clothes. Eventually, they realize she is not their friend Joanna, and they start remembering the story from twenty years ago. Twin daughters of the Earl of Angrove, Cecilia and Joanna, were kidnapped, but only Joanna was recovered. Certain that they've located the long missing twin, they try to convince Mary, who believes they are only playing a cruel joke. She hurries away, but the gentleman have her followed. Meanwhile, they rush to the home of the Earl of Angrove to tell him the news.

Both of the gentlemen from the bookstore have a vested interest in Mary actually being Cecilia. Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, was betrothed at birth to the oldest daughter, who would be Cecilia. With Cecilia out of the picture, his future wife defaults to Joanna, who is like a sister to him. In the short time he spent with Mary, he found himself very attracted to her crisp personality and would very much like to get to know her better. The second gentleman, John, has a distinct preference for Joanna, and she for him.

Mary can't believe it when the very next day, she is summoned to meet with guests, none other than the Countess Angrove, her mother, and her daughter, Joanna, who is the mirror image of Mary. They have no doubt about Mary being the long lost Cecilia, and make immediate plans, to have her brought into their home and to learn all the arts of being a proper society lady. It seems like a fairytale, as Mary / Cecilia is thrust into a whole new world.

Mary's new mother, grandmother, and sister treat her lovingly, and as she is learning how to act and dance, she also learns that she is betrothed to Henry, the man from the bookstore. They have a chemistry that sizzles, and they greatly enjoy being around each other. Both look forward to Mary's debut into society and to their upcoming marriage. Aside from the apparent disinterest of Mary's father, everything is perfect. Until someone starts trying to kill Mary. Until a third woman shows up at Mary's debut ball, claiming that she is Cecilia, and that she has proof. And she looks exactly like Joanna and Mary....

Henry impressed me right from the start because of his lack of snobbishness over Mary's humble upbringing and working as a nursemaid. He was willing to do his duty and honor the arrangement his father made, but he didn't want to marry a woman who was in love with someone else. He shows what he's made of when he decides that he'll marry Mary, no matter who she really is, even under threat of being cut off by his father. Though Mary's world may come crashing down, she handles it all with dignity and strength. I loved both these characters and badly wanted them to find a way to be together.

ONCE UPON A MAIDEN LANE packs a lot into a novella - there is intrigue, plot twists, romance, and steam. I loved the glimpses of a few beloved old friends from previous Maiden Lane books, and I found this quick read engrossing, exciting, and very satisfactory.