by Charlotte Brentwood
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Published: 2014
Publisher: self
Genre: Historical, Jane Austen theme, Romance
ebook
Rating: 5
series:
The Vagabond Vicar
Gloved Heart (Amy's story) - tba
Mr. Barrington Meets His Match - tba <--- looking forward to this one! All William wanted was to save the world. Now he cannot even save himself.
William Brook is an idealistic young cleric, desperate to escape dreary England for a mission adventure in exotic lands. It's his worst nightmare come true when he is posted to a parish in a small backwater village, populated with small-minded people and husband-hunting mamas. He’s determined not to form any ties and to escape the country as an independent single man.
A free spirit, Cecilia Grant is perfectly content to remain in her family home in Amberley village - when she's not wandering the countryside at all hours painting. Marriage options are few, but that won't stop her mother from engineering a match with one of the ruling family's sons. Cecilia attempts to win the man, but what is it about the new vicar and his brooding ways that is so appealing? Could he be the only one who has ever really understood her, and can she discover what he is running away from?
As William struggles not to fall in love with the lady's intoxicating beauty and mysterious eccentricity, he finds himself drawn into the lives of the villagers, despite their best efforts to alienate the newcomer. When he makes it clear he's not sticking around, Cecilia strives to restrain her blossoming feelings for him. Just when it seems love may triumph, dark secrets are revealed in Amberley and a scandal from William’s past may see the end of not only his career, but his chance at finding an everlasting love.
My two-bits:
Delightful Jane Austen-like story with the right dose of romance. There is some love triangle action that causes a bit of anxiety, but the heroine handles it well.
The tension and stress of the times for young ladies in want (need) of a husband comes through well through the various entertainment gatherings and socials. I enjoyed the interactions and dialogue during the dancing scenes between the main couple in the story.
The characters were likable and perspectives from the main couple were portrayed equally. I especially liked hearing from William's viewpoint in regards to his struggle with falling in love.
-offer ends April 9
* review copy courtesy of author
* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge - square: Pink Cover
