The Daughters of Allamont Hall

The Daughters of Allamont Hall by Mary Kingswood is the story of six sisters, Amy, Belle, Connie, Dulcie, Grace and Hope. They are forced to marry in order from eldest to youngest in order to receive their inheritance. With a sizable dowry, the girls should have no problem finding a match, right? I recently read the first three books in this six-part series.

Amy is book 1. She is a shy, timid soul, intimidated by her domineering father until she’s terrified to do or say anything without his approval. She never rebelled or dared to toe the line. When her father dies suddenly, his will leaves large dowries for his six daughters, but only if they marry in the proper order, the eldest first. Amy must now find herself a husband, and soon, so her younger sisters can marry in their turn. She’s willing to get married simply so that her sisters can marry, although she always thought she would a spinster. And at 24, she’s almost there. There are several possible suitors but will any of them be suitable. Mr. Ambleside had asked for Amy’s hand third times, after her father’s last refusal, he left the country. When he learns that her father is gone and she now must marry, he drops everything and seeks to win her hand. As the word gets out about her sizable dowry, how will Amy choose without her father to guide her?

  

Belle is book 2. She is known as the plain one of the sisters, quite happy with her books. With Amy betrothed, now Belle must find a husband. Reluctant to parade herself at balls and card parties, she intends to accept the offer of her cousin, James, a pragmatic but loveless choice on both sides. Mr. Burford is the village clergy and love in with Hope, the youngest sister. His income is not enough to support a wife so he is content to wait before he can ask for her hand. Belle hopes to marry soon so that Hope and Mr. Burford can then find their own happiness. It's just too bad that she soon discovers that she and Mr. Burford would make a perfect couple. But what happens when friendship blossoms into something more? Will they follow their hearts to keep with their careful plans? Or will they take a risk for their happiness?

Connie is book 3. Connie’s older sisters have managed to find husbands. Now it’s her turn and she’s not sure she wants to marry at all. Having only just escaped her late father’s restrictive control, she’s reluctant to surrender her freedom to just any man. Connie wishes to fall in love with someone who adores her so completely, he would do anything for her. Does such a man even exist? But when the Marquess of Carrbridge comes to the village to visit his aunt, Connie finds herself smitten to his good looks and charm. She believes she doesn’t have a chance with him. The Marquess is tired of being chased because of his title and sees Connie has just another gold-digger after his title and money. Can anyone change his mind?

These books reminded me of Jane Austen. Unfortunately, I am not a big fan of Jane Austen, so it was hard to really liked these books. I liked each sister in their own way. Amy reminded me of me in that she was shy, timid, cautious when taking a risk. Belle is very bookish like me and I liked Connie’s desire to be adored by her husband and not just married to be married. But the story itself, the action, the dialogue seemed bogged down for me and it was hard to finish. If you are a fan of Jane Austen, you may enjoy The Daughters of Allamont Hall series.

The Daughters of Allmont Hall series

is available in eBook and audiobook