This wasn’t the most enjoyable story I’ve ever read. The views of the “heroine” may be described as progressive, but it doesn’t fit the time period at all. She wasn’t very likable either. This is a short story, so that’s a good thing. It doesn’t do it’s job of introducing the next books very well, however.

I've been a Sally MacKenzie fan for years. I devoured her Naked series and so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to read and review. And now, several years later as I'm cleaning up my NetGalley shelf, I've finally read it.

In the Spinster's Bed is a introduction novella to the Spinster House series. A little history about the house is given over the course of the book, just enough to pique my interest in the series. But the story is a second chance story for Belle and William. They were young lovers who were torn apart and then have run into each other 20 years later.

The story itself is fine. It's a novella, so there's not a lot of time for character or plot development. I think the story would have been better if we had more of the character's history (rather than a couple flash backs) and a little more conflict. Everything resolved a little too tidy and quickly.

That said, I did enjoy the book... just wanted more. And I'm curious enough about the Spinster House to look for more in the series.

I received a free eARC copy of this book from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

This was a delightful start to a new series.

Belle and William have a past and haven't seen each other in 20 years. When they unexpectedly meet again, Belle pretends that she is someone else. She is now the spinster of spinster house and doesn't want anyone to know her true identity.

William is convinced that the spinster is his long ago love Belle. William is now married and his wife is quite scandalous. He has gone to ground to avoid the gossips in London. He is thrilled to reconnect with Belle.

Belle refuses William's advances because he is married and she can't let herself lose her heart to him again.

This story is short but it takes place over the course of a full year and has a lot of ups and downs.

Happily things work out for our lovers and we get a nice preview of the next book.

Still working on cleaning out my netgalley of books I don't have on my kindle or never got downloaded. Sorry I never got to this book.

William and Belle's second chance at love was fraught with underlying issues, his marriage, her lie of omission. While this one left me with feeling a little worn out, I still managed to enjoy the ride.