Mr. Harding Proposes

Rowland Sisters #1

by Catherine Dove

For the daughter of a gentleman during the English Regency, life can be a whirlwind of parties, balls and outings--all to catch a suitable husband. For Georgiana and Cecilia Rowland and their friends, finding and securing the right husband is further complicated by misunderstandings, prejudices, rebellion against social restrictions, uncooperative suitors...and sometimes their own wayward hearts.

Eligible bachelor Mr. Richard Harding has his heart set on marrying his lifelong friend and neighbor, Miss Georgiana Rowland. However, the two have been good friends for so long that, when he finally screws up his courage and proposes to her, Georgie thinks he's merely teasing!

Georgiana has good reason to be so distracted. Her younger sister is about to be launched into society and most of the work and worry falls on Georgie. Also, despite her mother's furious command, she's befriended the scandalous Lady Shipton, which brings both blessing and chaos to the Rowland family and to their kind uncle, Sir Henry. Worse for Mr. Harding, Lady Shipton's charming stepson takes a strong liking to the beguiling Georgie.

Mr. Harding keeps proposing, again and again, while still trying to support Georgie in her trials. Is it possible for such a good friendship to turn into love?

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Susinok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun traditional Regency with a friends to lovers theme. Richard starts out by proposing to his long time friend Georgie. She laughs at him, thinking that he is joking with her.

Poor Richard spends the rest of the story convincing her of the truth.

Great characters and a ridiculous mother that would to Jane Austen proud.

[Kathy Trueman]

I can't really review this book, because I wrote it. How about if I describe it? It's light fun, pretty well researched, and a "sweet" and traditional Regency romance. My Regency romance goddess/muse is Georgette Heyer, which will say a lot to fans of the genre. I began the story with a really silly question - "How many times could a guy propose to his best friend before she'd take him seriously?" I wanted to write a story with as many proposals in it as possible, so my poor hero has one heck of a time of it. But he's up to the challenge. I had great fun with the sub-plot as well, which involves a pair of more mature lovers who are nearly complete opposites.

So, if you're reading this, I hope you read and enjoy my book. Thanks.