Claiming the Duchess (Fitzhugh Trilogy Book 0.5)

I AM SURPRISED AT THIS NOVELLA - IN A GOOD WAY! In about 45 pages of actual story, I felt a connection to the character's, even the step-son. There isn't any sex in this story, only that they were together for 8 hrs., making love, a few kisses, but I still enjoyed this story. I won't go into the storyline because the author explained it, but it is free, a quick read, and enjoyable. (ljb)

The ".05" could hardly be defined as a novella much less a book "0.05". That being said Thomas did write a creative, believable, funny, and a heart warming romantic story. All at 24 pages as the remaining was an intro to her next book.

Book #0.5 in the lovely and beautifully written Fitzhugh Trilogy by Sherry Thomas. This is a short story about Christian, the Duke of Lexington’s stepmother;  Christian is the hero of Beguiling the Beauty. As he was growing up, Christian and Clarissa shared confidences and an easy-going camaraderie that provided a shield against his father’s grumpiness and infidelities. He was four and she seventeen when she married his father. As with many marriages of this time, it is merely an alliance of families, not a love match. Clarissa puts up with her husband’s mistresses, drinking, rowdy friends, and lengthy absences from Algernon House, the ducal estate. But at one house party, Clarissa meets Mr. Kingston, an enigmatic and handsome gentleman who shows her great kindness. They share lingering looks and, in a memorable moment, he defends her, but nothing comes of their attraction. Shortly afterwards, Clarissa begins a friendly correspondence with a young woman requesting some plant cuttings from the estate’s gardens. For four years, they correspond, even two years beyond the old duke’s death. When her mourning period ends, Clarissa holds another house party and invites her new friend. She also invites Mr. Kingston in hopes of rekindling old feelings never acted upon. As with any Sherry Thomas story, there is simply never enough. Her writing is so exquisite, almost spare. The words are carefully chosen and the emotions she conveys in few words are breathtaking. A sweet little morsel to savor until My Beautiful Enemy releases later this summer.

This was disappointingly short and without even the slightest conflict. The catfishing idea had so much potential, but it just fell flat for me.

Just not enough detail.

Quick story, lovely characters. Makes mr believe in love at first glance and soul mate through letters.

Very fast and excellent read.  Purchased this book in the set "Seven Wicked Nights".  

It was o.k. i am not use to her writlng. She didn.t describe the man enough for me.Hoping she will catch on later.

A trifle (24 pg.) with characters you care about who are nice people. No sex, violence, or bad language, just a HEA involving several kind characters. Worth more than free, I recommend it to all.

New meaning to short story

This was a great intro to furture stories for this family.

A little ro quick a story