If Ever I Should Love You

A Spinster Heiresses Novel

By: Cathy Maxwell

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

Once upon a time there were three young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the marriage mart a bit too long. They were known as "the Spinster Heiresses"....

He's inherited a title, but not a penny to speak of, so the Earl of Rochdale knows he must find a wife - preferably one tolerably pretty and good-tempered but definitely wealthy, and who will exchange her fortune for his family name.

His choice: Leonie Charnock, one of the season's "Spinster Heiresses". Years before, the earl had saved the dark-eyed beauty's reputation, and she is still breathtakingly lovely, leading Rochdale to hope that their marriage will be more than in name only.

However, Leonie doesn't want to be anyone's wife. Nearly destroyed by the secrets in her past, Leonie agrees to their union with one condition: There will be a wedding but no bedding. But it's a condition the new Countess Rochdale isn't sure even she can keep....

©2017 Catherine Maxwell, Inc. (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Trigger Warning! Spoilers

I loved this book but there are definite triggers (sexual and physical violence). I cried a lot especially toward the end of the book. The heroine struggles with painful memories and substance abuse. The hero helps her deal with those issues. She finds love and acceptance from his family. I wish the book hadn't ended where it did but hope the MC's will have cameo appearances in future books that might show more of how their love grows.

Not as good as expected

I’ve found C Maxwell & Mary Jane Wells an unbeatable pairing. Surprisingly I found this book somewhat tedious as the protagonist has a drinking problem & struggles to overcome it. That’s the main quest & storyline. Intriguing characters & a superb performance, however.

Well-written, well-developed characters

Mary Jane Wells is one of my favorite narrators and made this book a keeper for me. MJW has the ability to lighten the mood of a book and she did just that for this one. Honestly, alcoholism....especially female alcoholism....seems so out of place in a regency romance. But, Cathy Maxwell's writing and MJW's narration made the addition of this topic palatable. In fact, the gist of the book is alcoholism of the heroine....making it even more difficult. BUT....the good news...and a romance always has good news....is that the love and support of spouse and his family made this a delightful book. I will certainly give this book another listen...and another.

Hero makes me a little stabby

Love Mary Jane Wells. I didn’t mind the heroine had problems she needed to overcome. It bothered me that the hero was holier than thou; especially when he knew what caused her to be that way. Not a supportive spouse even he kept professing his love. I enjoyed the story just walking away a little upset with the hero.

Thank God Love Wins

This story ripped my heart right out of my chest. There was much I could identify with and didn't like the reliving of it. At a certain point I didn't know how much more I could take. The tension between what is and what they (the characters) and I desired was effective. Hooked, I was. And just when I thought I couldn't bear it any longer, it put my heart back - relieved, satisfied, grateful, at peace. I've read this author's books before. This one might be the best. Cathy Maxwell is a prolific writer and her stories can take you on a wonderous ride. You'd think she'd run out of material by now or the stories would all be similar, but she doesn't and they're not. The characters were 3-dimentional and they achieved growth through the story.- through choices, determination, and love. I liked them-all of them-at Bon Ami (sp?).This time I listened on audible and should mention the narrator. Her voice, her tone, and her pace was perfect. My favorite thing about this book: Love wins!

It's all just a little too easy

The heroine's alcohol abuse is an interesting concept, but her recovery is glossed over too lightly. Perhaps it is my personal experience with an alcoholic loved one that caused me to be dissatisfied. Two books that present more realistic alcoholic behavior are Carla Kelly's Reforming Lord Ragsdale and The Rake by Mary Jo Putney.

Lovely Flawed Characters Who Want to Be Better

Don't let the cheesy title fool you - this is classic Cathy Maxwell. What I love most about her writing is that her characters are flawed, they know they are flawed, but they want to be better. I enjoy the struggle to be good, and the attentiveness that the hero and heroine show each other. The characters are truly likable. I almost always listen to the audiobooks in one sitting and this one was no exception - housework be damned! :D

Love Against the Odds

This is a unique story in historical romance. The conflicts and issues the protagonists have are weighty, but the story has heart. It left me feeling hopeful and inspired.

Not Cathy's Normal Light-Heartedness

Listened / Read for Fun (Won Copy/Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75

Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)

Story/Character thoughts: I want to state that while Leonie was a very hard character to like at times, her story was compelling. This is not the normal light heart read that Cathy usually gives us but it was very well done indeed! I think she did a great job of handling issues surrounding drinking, in a time where that wasn't talked about much. Also I liked the slow burn of the romance even when I wasn't a fan of Leonie. In the end, it worked for me!

Audio Thoughts: Mary Jane Wells killed the audio as always :) :)

very nice

very nicely done. enjoyed the story line and the people, places will listen to it again