A Deal with a Spinster: A Clean Historical Regency Romance Book (Regency Expedient Marriages 5)
“This will be a marriage of convenience that can benefit both of us…”
A proud, independent lady, who enjoys attending educational lectures and especially enjoys being called blue stocking by her family and “spinster” by Society. But they find her single state socially embarrassing, and all their efforts to introduce her to potential suitors seem… pointless.
Until his wife Marianne passed away a year ago, he’d grown used to his arranged marriage. Though they didn’t love each other, over time they’d become friends and had 3 lovely children, whom they loved very much. Marianne’s sudden death was a terrible blow and affected him and their children deeply. Now, the only reason that Dominic was attending the London Season was to find an unmarried lady who likes children and offer her a marriage of convenience that would benefit them both…
Do they have anything to lose from a marriage that might go nowhere?
*If you like powerful characters with a marvelous depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then ”A Deal with a Spinster” is your novel.
An enchanting regency romance of 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Pick up this amazing new story today!
Customer Reviews
C**********d
Dorothy Sheldon
I cannot express my delight enough at finding a GOOD read, without scandalous sex scenes! I have now purchased 8 of Ms. Sheldon’s books, and look forward to many more! I was introduced to her by way of Amazons free book of the day (for which I am most grateful!) and although some may feel a free book would be of lower quality, I disagree. The only problems are occasional typos. Ms. Sheldon is a creative, insightful writer, and I look forward to collecting more of her work; but I doubt she will be on the “bargain shelf” much longer, as news of her excellent books becomes better known. I know I will be sharing her name amongst my friends and family.May 27, 2025
A*************r
A Deal with a Spinster
A light-hearted and enjoyable read. I would have rated it 4 and a half if Amazon’s rating would allow. I appreciate the author’s understanding of the characters’ complex emotions. She did a great job of working through this with Dominic’s daughter, as well as his own feelings with Ava. The story moved forward at a quick pace. The suddenness of the relationship, while in part can be attributed to the time period, is also what readers hope for in a love story. Realistic? Perhaps not, but that’s why we love it. I am curious to know more about Richard. His story needs to be told.March 30, 2025
R***R
A perfect convenience marriage
This was a great book. I love convenience marriage turned romance books. I don’t know why you have to write a certain amount of words in a review. It makes me not want to give a review.March 27, 2025
B****y
Clean Regency Romance
It was okay.December 6, 2024
C***********s
Loved this!
Honestly I loved this a whole lot! Like I live for a good historical romance, but finding one that was clean is amazing! It was full of sex, yet it still had the longing, the sweetness, the love. It was great and I definitely look forward to more from the author.December 4, 2024
A*g
Smilimg
I like this story a lot, as well as enjoying reading all the ups and downs of actually falling in love with each other. One believing that she was okay with becoming a Spinster and the other believing that a marriage of convenience was what he wanted after his loving wife died. But both were in for a big surprise as to how fast and when they fell in love with each other leading to their happily ever.November 20, 2024
K*************r
Delightful story
Hard to put this story down. It had a little hint of nasty which probably helped push the couple along. Nice love story.November 17, 2024
M***i
happily ended
Ava, thought a spinster by many, just needed to meet the right man, and that was Dominic. How they found their love for each other was a delightful story.November 17, 2024
R*****d
Easy
Good readingNovember 13, 2024
C******F
Excellent Author
Highly recommend this bookOctober 26, 2024
K*************r
I liked it
The book was good, I did a bit of skipping during the bad times caused by the widow, but enjoyed the rest of the story. This author does seem to have a gift for story telling.October 8, 2024
b***************d
A great read,
I liked the details of regency lifestyle. A nice love story but not sloppy! More like this. Glad that it was a happy ending.September 16, 2024
L**********r
hum
Hum, well, maybe, I don’t know, oh well pray, hummm, how about that we will see, aweeeee, check it out.August 8, 2024
M***i
Psychology major?
The storyline was passable, but I guess perhaps I’m expecting some epic tale. My problem with most modern romances is that most of the plot revolves around insecurities of your main characters, miscommunications, or misunderstandings. It is as tiresome as ma going through it in real life. Perhaps I should switch genres.August 5, 2024
K*************r
Good
Straight forward, well told story. No surprises or arch villains. Just two people falling in love with family issues. Fast readMay 10, 2024
J*********r
Charming story
The H and h are very likable and real. They are not stereotypes at all. We have a reason to cheer as twhey become closer to one another and they do display the best of being human instead of the worst.May 3, 2024
cd
A new favorite author
This is light and sweet, a perfect read for a weekend. The heroine is sensible and intelligent with kindness. The hero is going through the challenge of a second chance at love. I really liked the fact that the hero and former wife loved and respected each other while they were married. And I liked the way that the new wife, who is the heroine, was so respectful and kind about her. Really loved that. The children play a large part in this book and I liked that too Highly recommended, especially for Kindle unlimited readers.April 29, 2024
s****n
Author excellent at writing series books
Loved this series, bought more of the books in series.April 24, 2024
M******e
good book
I enjoyed the story line very much. Thanks for sharing it with me. Would like to read more of this type of book.April 11, 2024
K*************e
Sweet, clean romance
Although there are no major twists in the story, it was well written and clean in the sense that there were no explicit sex scenes or profanity. If you are looking for Christian romance, this does not foot the bill. I’ve been reading quite a bit lately and I’m happy this book didn’t have multiple grammatical errors like some of the others I’ve read lately. There was only one time that I noticed a mistake. Just one. I do think the character development between the two sisters could have been developed throughout the book instead of just at the beginning. The younger sister sort of drops out of the book for awhile. I would have liked to have read about her a little more at least at the end. I was wondering what happened to her during the season.April 5, 2024
K*************r
Enjoyable
I would have to say that I enjoyed this story very much indeed I found that it was very intriguing I especially liked that it was a clean historical romanceMarch 28, 2024
R********e
Spinster’s are Incredible Mothers
Thank you Dorothy. Wonderful story of friendship to love and family. All of the characters were impressive and were very loving and helpful to the complete story.March 10, 2024
D*******.
My 1st read of this author
I enjoyed it! Nice story. No over the hill angst. No mystery. Just nice. I may check out some of her other stories.March 3, 2024
s**********r
The two were meant to be together
A refreshing story of two people who marry for convenience. However, love comes along and makes their marriage real. Watch your proofing.February 26, 2024
A*******r
Cute. Simple.
This one is a quick read. It’s a sweet story and HEA. It’s perfectly clean too! I would have liked a little more detail in the story but it was good enough. There are lots of editing mistakes. But that’s not really a big deal for me, I just noticed them.February 23, 2024
B*****************r
Intriguing
A very different sort of romance, for sure! But one filled with many emotions. It was a very enjoyable read!February 20, 2024
K*************r
A great read!
This is my first book from Dorothy Sheldon. I really enjoyed her writing style. I loved the story from beginning to end. A must readFebruary 20, 2024
A**y
Very sweet
Victorian England is one of my favorite periods in historical romance. A very pleasant, well told story. A clean, gentle romance.February 19, 2024
L*****************s
A Deal – Ava and Dominic
I love the story – there were so many touching moments. It felt like I was getting a glimpse into my oldest sister’s life in a way since her husband had three children when they married. Of course, her husband was nothing like Dominic. The only drawback to this book were the many many typos. I keep saying, why don’t you guys have decent proofreaders who really know the English language and it’s punctuation and tenses???!?!February 18, 2024
K*************r
A Deal with a spinster
Nice I liked how Eva held ground on everything. . Dominic was clueless at times especially when it came to Daniella. Eva handle right6February 13, 2024
B***********n
Dominic and Ava
I loved this book Dominic and Ava were great together and Ava was what his daughter Danielle needed ,She was so patient with her and understandingFebruary 12, 2024
K*************r
Enjoyable Complicated Romance
This is my first book my this author and I am pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed reading about a heroine with a likeable family. Usually one of the parents are horribly. I liked everyone, except for the one villainess who just was a nasty piece of work, but not dangerous. Enjoyed the MCs very much, and they were well-matched. Hope Richard has a book.February 7, 2024
O****************s
A Deal With a Spinster
This romantic regency story is well written and entertaining, with likable characters and, of course, a beautiful heroine and a handsome hero. Dorothy Sheldon is a gifted writer of the regency period.February 4, 2024
M******************a
A marriage of convenience to true love
This reader feels this novel depicts what marriages were truly like back in Regency times. They were arrangements made to strengthen alliances, increase fortunes, further connections and even just to produce the required heir to continue the bloodline of the nobility. This fact makes it all the more challenging for ladies/women in facing their futures which is filled with uncertainty. It is usually the lady’s parents/family who match them with eligible bachelors, preferably with a title, wealth and connections. In this story, Lady Ava refused to fall into that mold of ladies. She forged her own destiny by agreeing marriage to a widower with 3 children despite the objections of her family. Naturally, in marriages of convenience, both husband and wife get their end of the bargain. For Lady Ava, she gets her own home to manage, safety and security and an instant family. For Lord Dominic, he gets a wife and a mother for his children. What they did not foresee was falling in love with each other so easily and swiftly, given that they are so well-suited to each other. Most of what little angst there is, is the reluctance of one of Lord Dominic’s children. This is a well-paced story, with solid and characters filled with pragmatism. What this reader wished was more romance and focus on the couple’s burgeoning affection for each other, which was hardly given much time and pages.February 2, 2024
M***********n
loved it
I so enjoyed this book. I’m not sure why but it seems that this story was fresh. I loved the characters and how it was all woven together without a bunch of drama like most books. It’s hard to say too much without revealing the whole book. Enjoy it for yourself!!!!January 30, 2024
L***a
An average read
The main couple and the marriage of convenience just seemed bland. I was more interested in Richard and Willi characters.January 29, 2024
V*c
Entertaining and quick read
Charming characters, witty banter, and an entertaining story. i recommend this book to anyone.January 29, 2024
K*************r
Like Turns Into Love
The family dynamics of both Ava and Dominic were both loving and supportive . They thought it would be a marriage of convenience but love flourished . Enjoyed the way the story unfolded.January 28, 2024
L*****G
Loved it!
Very good and clean regency romance. Characters are so likeable and story flows well! Recommended read!January 27, 2024
K*************r
Delightful Story
I enjoyed this book and the sweet journey into the happily-ever-after for Ava and Dominic. It is well written and the characters believable. I highly recommend this charming book. Well done, MS Sheldon!!!January 27, 2024
T********n
No “Sensible Good Sense” Here
If I have to read “she pursed her lips” ONE more time… This book is trying so hard to be historical it fails to realize it’s an abject failure at literature in general, not to mention that it’s full of odd anachronistic lapses that further beggar belief. Their deep, abiding love after a few days’ acquaintance is equal parts unbelievable and unexciting. The children’s portrayals are more frustrating than endearing. The pacing is irritating; I was relieved when I reached the uninspiring finish. It was difficult to care about characters or plot. Disappointing.January 25, 2024
L**************s
I Love This Author
Well written clean romance that I had a hard time putting down. This is the first I have read in this series. I will read more.January 24, 2024
B************i
Love works wonder
I have enjoyed all the historical romance books written by this author. I always enjoy reading a good clean romance story in the 1800’s. This book did not disappoint. With Dominic, a widower raising three children, he thinks he’s found the perfect woman, Ava, to be a partner and help him raise his children. It was a delightful story of the two of them getting to know each other and the way the children react to a new mamma. The story is a very real story even in today’s world. Great characters and great story.January 24, 2024
M**B
Another winner
Dorothy Sheldon does it again with a wonderful book of a marriage of convenience. Dominic needs a mother for his children and Ava is a spinster of 26 years old. He thinks she will make a good mother for his children and she wants to get married and have life of her own. They marry for the children but of course they find a sweet love that brings them together. A wonderful read I am happy to recommend.January 23, 2024
M***e
Fun romp
This was fun without all the angst that writers seem to think necessary. The daughter who is most resistant is the one who brings everyone to realize the truth. Love blooms and we have a happily ever afterJanuary 23, 2024
D******n
Love Comes Unexpectactly
Dominic a widower, with three children had decided he needed a mother figure for his children. He had decided he didn’t want a debutante but someone older that loved children. One night he spotted Ava and asked for a dance, in which they conversed. Everything she said proved she was the woman he was looking for. So, he found her an offered a marriage of convenience that could benefit both of them. Ava was not interested in marriage but weighed her options. Knowing her parents wished for her to marry and her sister coming out she decided to accept. Even though they felt they made a good compromise didn’t mean there couldn’t or wouldn’t be problems. ARC ReviewJanuary 22, 2024
K*************r
Engaging characters and story
I enjoyed this story very much. It is well-written with engaging characters and story. I was surprised that the antagonist didn’t cause more problems after they were married. But, on the other hand, I was glad she didn’t. There were other problems that the newlyweds had to face, anyway. So, I would recommend this story.January 21, 2024
D****************y
Surprising Love
To be honest, I really did not expect to like this book as it is not a preferrred genre. What I discovered was a book featuring a woman ahead of her time as the main character which was a pleasant surprise. Ava, a spinster at the ripe old age of 26, was in attendance at the coming out ball of her younger sister’s debutante season. Shockingly, she met Dominic and they danced a waltz, something not allowed among couples who really did not know each other. Dominic, a widower at 30 with three young children who needed a mother, found Ava fascinating and proposed a business proposition to her…a good life in return for being his children’s mother. As stated earlier, Ava was ahead of her time because she was very bright and well read which was unusual for women of the time period. Instead of being shocked, Dominic found her fascinating and had no problem being with a well-read woman. He also had no problem with her helping his own daughters become as smart as she. Of course, there is more to the story including a look at how the upper class lived. The reader also sees how there were the mean girls in times past who could be as spiteful as any young woman these days. You also see a touch of Bridgerton with the gossip sheet that is published after big events. If you have seen Bridgerton, then you know of the problems caused. I did receive this book as an Advance Readers Copy through the author. My five-star rating is based on the book being a good one for this style of book. It is also what could be deemed as clean literature.January 21, 2024
D*****s
Dorothy Sheldon delivers a sweet read!
What a wonderful story! Awesome characters. Quick read! I personally enjoyed the plot since it was different and not your typical girl meet boy and then get married story. It was a nice change to have a widow with three children looking for love again. Lastly, the only thing I had to commit on was the book cover. Ava, a main character in the book, had glossy black hair. The woman on the cover does not have glossy black hair. It would be nice to see the people on the cover look somewhat like the characters as described in the book. Besides this one detail, Dorothy Sheldon delivers a sweet read!January 20, 2024
T******.
Ava and Dominic a marriage of convenience.
I loved this story. It was about a widower with 3 kids making a deal with Lady Ava, a spinster, because he needed help w raising his children. It was a marriage of convenience. However, they both started feeling a spark for each other. I really loved that Ava was a take charge woman who was wonderful with the children. I just loved her. I can’t think of anything that I didn’t like. If you like regency love stories with children, you’ll love this book.January 20, 2024
C***n
A Marriage of Convenience
Ava and Dominic each had their own reasons for entering into a marriage of convenience. Throw in a wealthy widow, scandalous gossip pages, and a child acting out, this book hit all the right notes. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the plot and romance were well written.January 20, 2024
a*******a
Love doesn’t ask
I loved the heroine.She is brave, well readen, with her own mind.He is.a widow with three children and was in love with his dead wife. Will they be more than friends and partners? You have to read this wonderful story to find outJanuary 19, 2024
A*************r
Great Read
Another Excellent book from Dorothy.January 18, 2024
C*m
Marriage of convenience
I don’t know what it is about a marriage of convenience, but if it one of my favorite tropes! A Deal with a Spinster is magic to read as the 2 main characters come to love each other. This is a wonderful clean romance!January 18, 2024
B***Y
Loved it!
Great story. Well written and very entertaining.January 18, 2024
M****e
Nothing is crystal clear!
I liked that the plot was not smothered by erotica. It was an enjoyable, descriptive development of a union. They had needs to be met, socially. He, being a widower, needed help with his three children. She, being a spinster, with an eligible sister, needed to remove herself from the tongues of the ton. He hesitantly presents the contractual arrangement, and she accepts. Will they be condemned to a loveless life, of convenience? How will the children adjust to a new mama? Must Society continues to poke its’ nose into their lives? Success or surrender? It’s all in the book! A great read for historical romance lovers.January 18, 2024
S****n
Marriage
I enjoyed how the story flows. They both have something they need to fix. By working together they come up with a solution that works well for both of them. I received this book for free. The opinion is completely my own.January 17, 2024
K*************r
Great Read
I really enjoyed everything about this story. However the thing I liked best was the movement. All the information was given without all the added fill-in. Characters were love!y and believable. I would recommend this read to anyone that enjoys a well written book.January 17, 2024
E****************y
The mystery is not apparent
A wonderful story hold your attention throughout. The mystery or your attention in the end is surprising and . a great book which is well written, and difficult to put down.January 16, 2024
J*d
Great read!
The Marquess of Thame lost his wife leaving him with three children. He knew they needed a mother and decided to attend the marriage mart. Ava is a well known spinster and was very surprised when the Marquess showed interest in her. He made it known to her that he was looking for someone to help with the children and be a partner to him. This is a beautiful love story with very engaging characters. Definitely worth the read!January 16, 2024
C***y
What a Deal!
A Deal With a Spinster by Dorothy Sheldon was such a well written book by a very talented author. Could you except a DEAL like the one Dominic offered? A must read. So exciting.January 16, 2024
S*H
A heartwarming story
A confirmed spinster and a widower with three young children. Often stories with children can be hit or miss. In this case, the children are delightful and realistically written, adding to the overall story. Dominic and Ava are lovely as a couple trying to navigate the challenges of death and an arranged marriage. The writing seems realistic in allowing for the insecurities and trials that would come with an arrangement like this, while at the same time showing trust and love developing. I enjoyed this clean, sweet story.January 16, 2024
T******s
Easy Read
As always, Dorothy Sheldon’s book draw you in to the story. Although 2 of 3 of the children are OK with a new mom, Daniella is not. It is nice that there is a main character that has brains and is not just a lady that looks pretty. Although it seems things are stacked against them, Dominic and Ava manage to fall in love, and have a happy ending with all of the children, and families melded together. Ava is a refreshing character in that she does not care what society thinks of her… her family, although supportive, still want her to get married and be like everyone else… when she finds love, she decides that is exactly what she will do!January 16, 2024
E***B
Loved it
Loved the storyline -a “must read”January 16, 2024
W******j
Enjoyable Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was relatively fast-paced and the main characters had a lot of chemistry. Recommended!January 16, 2024
G**********y
Great Story
I enjoyed reading this story so much that I didn’t realize the time flying by. Just wanted to make sure that I didn’t miss anything and didn’t put the book down until I reached sadly the end. Great storyJanuary 16, 2024
RH
It’s a bit different !
I liked that, while the basic story line was familiar, there was enough different about it to keep my interest. Daniella was a believable little girl, and the heroine brave enough to not turn away from her. And the hero not unaware of the emotional side of the story and smart enough to listen !! A very good read !!January 16, 2024
A**********n
Cool
NiceJanuary 15, 2024
C************y
Oh my goodness, I REALLY enjoyed this!!
The characters were delightful. I appreciated how honest Dominic was with his feelings…about his first wife, his children and then Lady Ava. A most enjoyable read!January 15, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.January 15, 2024
A**e
Great Love Story
I loved the relationship between Ava and Dominic. Dominic was looking for a marriage of convenience to help with his 3 children after his wife passed away. Ava was older than the other women in the marriage mart and was considered a blue stocking and a spinster. Dominic liked her maturity and her manner with his children. They married and fell in love.January 15, 2024
J**********e
Wonderful!
Ava and Dominic just stole my heart! The twists and turns for them to realize their hearts’ desire was entertaining to read. My favorite character was Daniella. She was just eight years old, but had experienced more in life than many adults and coped with her fear and pain in an all too human way. Thank you, Ms Sheldon, for a riveting story, one I didn’t want to end.January 15, 2024
r**e
Love story
Excellent, well written book. Full of love, drama, intrigue, twists and a second chance romance. Dominic is looking for a mother for his 3 children but not to replace his wife who passed. Ava is an older lady who is a spinster but has lots to offer. Dominic likes how she is with his children and offers her a marriage of convenience. As time goes on, Ava is able to help his children with their feelings about their mother’s death. Another great read by this author. Curl up and enjoy. Would strongly recommend. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.January 15, 2024
Jo
Convenience
Dominic is a widower with three children. Ava is a part the expected marriage age. Together they decide to marry and work through life. A lovely story, interesting and fast paced. This author did an excellent job developing these characters and the plot. Her creativity is one of the reasons she’s one of my favorites.January 15, 2024
