Four Weddings and a Sixpence: An Anthology
by Julia Quinn, Elizabeth Boyle, Stefanie Sloane, Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical Romance
December 27, 2016
Avon

Reviewed by Tori

Four well know historical romance authors have come together in a spirited anthology about four young women who meet as girls at Madame Rochambeaux’s Gentle School for Girls and become fast friends despite their differences in social, class, and economic status. When they find a mysterious sixpence hidden in a mattress, the girls decide it will be their lucky charm towards making the perfect marriage. Now years later, these young women each take a chance on the coin and their happiness.

Something Old by Julia Quinn sets up the premise for Four Weddings and a Sixpence and  introduces readers to her heroine, Beatrice Heyward.

Stefanie Sloane’s Something New finds Anne Brabourne in a dilemma. She must marry by her 21st birthday or she will find herself packed away to the countryside permanently. Unwillingly to repeat her parent’s turbulent marriage, Anne wants to find a biddable husband who will allow her the freedom and peace she desires. A chance meeting with the delectable and marriage avoiding Duke of Dorset proves their undoing but can he convince himself and her that marriage isn’t the end but the beginning?

Humor, mayhem, and some meddlesome relatives offers readers a unique and fun courtship between two marriage-shy individuals.

Something Borrowed by Elizabeth Boyle introduces us to Cordelia Padley whose little white lie about having a fiance has come to haunt her and now she must find a real one toute de suite. A childhood promise has her asking an old friend for a favor. Pretend to be her fiance for a week and then they will part ways. When these two reunite they discover that more than just promises connect them but will an Earl in need of funds choose duty or heart?

A sweet reconnection romance blooms between two friends as they attempt to deceive their loved ones. The mild angst blends well with dry humor and strong chemistry.

Something Blue by Laura Lee Guhrke pits Lady Elinor Daventry against a former flame when he steals her sixpence. Elinor needs her lucky charm in order to marry an influential man who can save her father from the man who stole her heart. But the sixpence has other plans for Elinor as she soon discovers that in order to hate someone, you still have to be in love with them.

More serious and emotionally based on the four, I enjoyed watching the dilemma between love and duty unfold and play out

Julia Quinn’s… and a Sixpence in Her Shoe ends the anthology with Beatrice Heyward. Beatrice, an orphan raised by a pair of spinster aunts, doesn’t believe the sixpence is lucky at all but decides to play along to keep her friends happy. An enthusiastic student of the sciences, Beatrice finds her own happily ever after with a wounded Marquis who’s own scientific studies make them the perfect match.

This is my favorite of the four. A chance meeting, a misunderstanding, and two enthusiastic aunts help these quiet scholars find love among the stars. A lovely and very touching story that looks beyond the physical to the heart of the matter.

An enjoyable anthology that showcases the strong bonds of friendship and the power of belief. Though each author is different, these four voices blend together perfectly as each one captures the essence of their charge(s) and their somewhat rocky road to true love. I liked the premise behind a shared “good luck” charm that is passed around. Reminded me a little of the Sisterhood of Traveling Pants series.

Grade: B

Recent Reviews:
Buried Under Romance
Smart Bitches and Trashy Books
Under The Covers Book Blog

Goodreads I Kindle I Nook

Giveaway: Smexybooks is offering one print copy of Four Weddings and a Sixpence to giveaway! Open to US only. Leave a comment to enter – we’ll pick a winner Wednesday (1/4) at noon.