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Miss Pickworth #2
The Bachelor's Bargain
For fans of Regency romance in the vein of Sanditon or Bridgerton comes a marriage of convenience story that will keep you smiling long after the last page.Housemaid Anne Webster will stop at nothing to save her family from their dire circumstances. Even if it means accepting the proposal of the roguish Marquess of Blackthorne, who just returned to England from the Americas under a veil of mystery. Both have their own agenda—she to use his riches and he to use her lace-making skills—but neither could have dreamed what they would discover on the other side of their scheming.As always, society tattler Miss Pickworth has a thing or two to say about this scandalous union. Unless they want their plans aired in her column, Ruel and Anne must keep their banter to a minimum and play the role of the happy couple.He’s handsome and arrogant; she’s smart and obstinate. But can Anne and Ruel put their differences aside to fend off an unexpected foe?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2006
74 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Palmer
83 books286 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Catherine Palmer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Cathy is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master's degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published over 50 novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by "Romantic Times" magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine's novels are currently in print. The Author's Work With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that "touches the hearts and souls of readers." Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Five Love Languages."
Catherine Palmer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Cathy is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master's degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published over 50 novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by "Romantic Times" magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine's novels are currently in print. The Author's Work With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that "touches the hearts and souls of readers." Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Five Love Languages."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 28, 2019
Full of adventure, suspense, and romance! A really enjoyable read!
November 24, 2021
This was a really well written story! The descriptions were vivid and transported me perfectly into each scene. There was suspense and intrigue, history and romance... It kept me turning the pages all the way through. I did not care for the fact that the hero was such a rake, but everything was delicately delivered and I didn't feel like the author crossed any lines in that area. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 21, 2021
I loved this book! I'd rate the first 3/4 of the book as a 5-star, and the last 1/4 dropped to a 4-star (much more history and very little interaction between the main characters). I was captivated and found it difficult to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between the two of them. And while his character wasn't flawless by any means, they made it sound like he hadn't been a scoundrel in 3 years, so I'll buy that he could be a changed man. There were some surprising events and some sweet scenes.
I would have to say that this author walked the line on what I would consider "acceptable" for a Christian romance. There were some suggestive scenes but nothing was played out so it was "clean" in that sense (but just barely).
And I'm glad I didn't judge this book by its cover, or I never would have picked it up. :) It was a fun read!
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between the two of them. And while his character wasn't flawless by any means, they made it sound like he hadn't been a scoundrel in 3 years, so I'll buy that he could be a changed man. There were some surprising events and some sweet scenes.
I would have to say that this author walked the line on what I would consider "acceptable" for a Christian romance. There were some suggestive scenes but nothing was played out so it was "clean" in that sense (but just barely).
And I'm glad I didn't judge this book by its cover, or I never would have picked it up. :) It was a fun read!
January 20, 2024
Romance, sweet, period, Christian faith
Romance, sweet, Christian faith elements, period; series but stand alone read
Anne and Ruel’s story was frought with misunderstandings, misperceptions, but with sweet attraction. Anne’s knowledge and faith helped her move forward and learn to live Ruel. Ruel learned to see with eyes of faith and live canine for her hood, honest, genuine heart.
Lovely period, historical setting, with interesting side characters all added to this sweet romance
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader
Romance, sweet, Christian faith elements, period; series but stand alone read
Anne and Ruel’s story was frought with misunderstandings, misperceptions, but with sweet attraction. Anne’s knowledge and faith helped her move forward and learn to live Ruel. Ruel learned to see with eyes of faith and live canine for her hood, honest, genuine heart.
Lovely period, historical setting, with interesting side characters all added to this sweet romance
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader
Read
April 28, 2023DNF on page 140
This one, I’m just bored. I don’t really like the guy. I don’t really care about the girl, (all characters feel somewhat 2-dimensional.) And I’m having to make myself read it 🤷🏼♀️
This one, I’m just bored. I don’t really like the guy. I don’t really care about the girl, (all characters feel somewhat 2-dimensional.) And I’m having to make myself read it 🤷🏼♀️
January 2, 2024
I think it’s more of a 3.5 ⭐️
October 1, 2025
Anxious to read “Courteous Cad” next in this series. Too many characters left me wondering what happened to them.
June 14, 2018
This book was surprisingly intense!
Catherine Palmer has such an involving style that takes you straight to high society in the middle of a charade, to the front lines of battle in a race for life!
Starting out as rather fluffy and with a love-hate situation between the main characters, this story became so intense as it progressed that by the end I was turning pages as fast as the characters were trying to keep up with the changing times.
A thoroughly enjoyable battle of wits and values, and the same glittering cast of characters we met before, and then some!
Catherine Palmer has such an involving style that takes you straight to high society in the middle of a charade, to the front lines of battle in a race for life!
Starting out as rather fluffy and with a love-hate situation between the main characters, this story became so intense as it progressed that by the end I was turning pages as fast as the characters were trying to keep up with the changing times.
A thoroughly enjoyable battle of wits and values, and the same glittering cast of characters we met before, and then some!
December 2, 2010
This is one of my new favorites. There were so many elements to this book, attempted murder, scandal, war, adventure and my favorite... love. I did not realize this was book number 2 in the Miss Pickworth series. I hate reading series books out of order. I really wish they would number the books on the covers!! Although if this book was numbered, I probably would not have bought it because the store I bought it at was closing and they didn't have the first book available, I went back and checked.
Usually the books that I give 5 stars to, are books that I go back through and reread all my favorite parts immediately after finishing the book. I can't get enough of them. They are usually on my mind for the rest of the day. I keep mulling over the happenings of the book. I even will pick out songs from my ipod that I think would go really well with the story. (I know, obsessive much?) AND I almost always long to see them made into a movie. This book is definitely one of those books. I have even made my daughter sit down and listen to some of my favorite parts. (She could care less, but she listens anyway.)
I loved Anne's wit and her ability to square off and really hold her own with nobles. She had a lot of courage and gall. I also liked that she was good at sticking to her guns when it came to refusing Ruel. Because I wouldn't have been able to do it. She struggled sometimes but she good at taking a step back even when her feelings started to get stronger.
I found Ruel Chouteau Marquess of Blackthorne, to be SO irresistible. I don't know how Anne could deny him for so long. Even with all his terrible qualities, and the way he used people to get what he wanted, I fell in love with him. I loved his spirit and his heart once he started listening to it that is. He was quite the seducer and each time he would sweet talk Anne, I would find myself swooning over him. I loved his smirking, and his playful banter in the way he teased "Queen Anne" at the beginning. I love how he almost instantly fell in love with Anne against his will, even though he didn't actually realize that was what had happened until well into the story. The one complaint I have about this book, is the ending was too abrupt. I wanted more. Especially after reading Deanne Gist books, she always has a very thorough ending, and I never feel like I am left wanting to know more. But this one I did feel that way at the end. ****This is kind of a spoiler alert.*****
After all the seducing and all that smooth talking and even pleading at times, I was ready to read about Anne finally giving into him. I was really disappointed that it was not even addressed at the end. He kept saying over and over throughout the book, he would never take what was not offered to him, or he would never take what she was not ready to give. I thought the ending needed to have that final acceptance and trust in him that he so longed for. I know she did officially agree to give herself to him, but it never actually happened. And even after that there was still trust issues and she changed her mind about her decision the next morning. So it didn't really count to me. I wanted the full commitment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
One of the many times he was trying to seduce Anne.
"You are disgraceful."
"Anne, look at me."
"I cannot. You repulse me."
"I entice you."
"You are repugnant."
"Tempting"
"Lies!" She grabbed the shirt fabric on his shoulders and squeezed it into fists. "Lies!"
"Truth." He leaned forward, taking her mouth again, pressing her against the window. "Love me, Anne, I beg you. Love me."
Usually the books that I give 5 stars to, are books that I go back through and reread all my favorite parts immediately after finishing the book. I can't get enough of them. They are usually on my mind for the rest of the day. I keep mulling over the happenings of the book. I even will pick out songs from my ipod that I think would go really well with the story. (I know, obsessive much?) AND I almost always long to see them made into a movie. This book is definitely one of those books. I have even made my daughter sit down and listen to some of my favorite parts. (She could care less, but she listens anyway.)
I loved Anne's wit and her ability to square off and really hold her own with nobles. She had a lot of courage and gall. I also liked that she was good at sticking to her guns when it came to refusing Ruel. Because I wouldn't have been able to do it. She struggled sometimes but she good at taking a step back even when her feelings started to get stronger.
I found Ruel Chouteau Marquess of Blackthorne, to be SO irresistible. I don't know how Anne could deny him for so long. Even with all his terrible qualities, and the way he used people to get what he wanted, I fell in love with him. I loved his spirit and his heart once he started listening to it that is. He was quite the seducer and each time he would sweet talk Anne, I would find myself swooning over him. I loved his smirking, and his playful banter in the way he teased "Queen Anne" at the beginning. I love how he almost instantly fell in love with Anne against his will, even though he didn't actually realize that was what had happened until well into the story. The one complaint I have about this book, is the ending was too abrupt. I wanted more. Especially after reading Deanne Gist books, she always has a very thorough ending, and I never feel like I am left wanting to know more. But this one I did feel that way at the end. ****This is kind of a spoiler alert.*****
After all the seducing and all that smooth talking and even pleading at times, I was ready to read about Anne finally giving into him. I was really disappointed that it was not even addressed at the end. He kept saying over and over throughout the book, he would never take what was not offered to him, or he would never take what she was not ready to give. I thought the ending needed to have that final acceptance and trust in him that he so longed for. I know she did officially agree to give herself to him, but it never actually happened. And even after that there was still trust issues and she changed her mind about her decision the next morning. So it didn't really count to me. I wanted the full commitment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
One of the many times he was trying to seduce Anne.
"You are disgraceful."
"Anne, look at me."
"I cannot. You repulse me."
"I entice you."
"You are repugnant."
"Tempting"
"Lies!" She grabbed the shirt fabric on his shoulders and squeezed it into fists. "Lies!"
"Truth." He leaned forward, taking her mouth again, pressing her against the window. "Love me, Anne, I beg you. Love me."
August 25, 2011
Started badly with a spelling mistake/typo on page 5 (the 'tony Belgravia district'??), the marriage of convenience that was never properly legalised (marriage without banns or marriage license was deemed an 'irregular marriage', and was only legal in Scotland or Fleet Prison), and a Christian heroine marrying an unbeliever - this book runs the risk of being memorable for all the wrong reasons.
The story was very formula Regency Romance - naive virgin meets wearied rake, they agree to a marriage of convenience for mutual benefit, followed by murder attempts and a growing attraction to each other (no mention of heaving bosoms or lustful looks, thankfully). There was a plot point added at the end regarding the hero's parentage that, in my view, was quite unnecessary.
It attempted to be something more than stock Regency that it referred to the Luddite rebellion and Waterloo, but it never quite managed to achieve this. Although marketed as a Christian novel, the herooine was a lukewarm Christian at best (much was made of her reading her Bible every night, but no mention of going to church, and no convincing change of heart from the unbelieving hero, either - any rake worth the title can quote Song of Solomon for his own ends). Overall, The Bachelor's Bargain never quite managed to make the grade of secular writers (e.g. Georgette Heyer), or of more recent Christian Regency writers (e.g. Julie Klassen). It wasn't bad, it just wasn't that good either.
The story was very formula Regency Romance - naive virgin meets wearied rake, they agree to a marriage of convenience for mutual benefit, followed by murder attempts and a growing attraction to each other (no mention of heaving bosoms or lustful looks, thankfully). There was a plot point added at the end regarding the hero's parentage that, in my view, was quite unnecessary.
It attempted to be something more than stock Regency that it referred to the Luddite rebellion and Waterloo, but it never quite managed to achieve this. Although marketed as a Christian novel, the herooine was a lukewarm Christian at best (much was made of her reading her Bible every night, but no mention of going to church, and no convincing change of heart from the unbelieving hero, either - any rake worth the title can quote Song of Solomon for his own ends). Overall, The Bachelor's Bargain never quite managed to make the grade of secular writers (e.g. Georgette Heyer), or of more recent Christian Regency writers (e.g. Julie Klassen). It wasn't bad, it just wasn't that good either.
March 31, 2016
Okay, okay, I really shouldn't give this book five stars, because there were things I didn't care for, but I absolutely loved the characters and story so much that I can't help rate it for enjoyment alone. It's definitely my favorite in the series. It is a true romance, and that's where part of my objections come in.
First, I thought there was undue attention on her wanting to have relations with her husband and yet not wanting to fully seal the wreckage of her future she knows is coming. There's discussion between them and some really heavy kissing, along with his brother outright asking her if her husband had bedded her yet. Definitely not something I'd recommend to a teen because of that.
Second, the issue of his having been a notorious rake. Yes, he wasn't a believer, and yes, it was of course common in the day. It just made my instincts go awry to have such a fellow as the hero for the pure pastor's daughter.
Third, that her pastor father had thought it was okay to get mixed up in the Luddite riots and the destroying of private property. I was really unimpressed that a minister wouldn't have tried to find some other way to assist his parishioners.
But other than that I loved the story! Loved how the two found each other an influence to become stronger and better. And the ending was so perfect!
First, I thought there was undue attention on her wanting to have relations with her husband and yet not wanting to fully seal the wreckage of her future she knows is coming. There's discussion between them and some really heavy kissing, along with his brother outright asking her if her husband had bedded her yet. Definitely not something I'd recommend to a teen because of that.
Second, the issue of his having been a notorious rake. Yes, he wasn't a believer, and yes, it was of course common in the day. It just made my instincts go awry to have such a fellow as the hero for the pure pastor's daughter.
Third, that her pastor father had thought it was okay to get mixed up in the Luddite riots and the destroying of private property. I was really unimpressed that a minister wouldn't have tried to find some other way to assist his parishioners.
But other than that I loved the story! Loved how the two found each other an influence to become stronger and better. And the ending was so perfect!
June 25, 2018
this is one of my favorites which I would read again (which I've already read many times.) At first I thought that it was a generic historical love story in which the couple marry for monetary advantages and and then later fall in love. But then I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was more than that.
This book is so much more than a cliche love story. It has got everything to make you want to turn the page and find out what is gonna happen next. A raging war, an assassination attempt, and amidst all that a growing love between two people of different social standings who tries to come to terms with their feelings while also trying to realise each of their dreams and goals and to top it all off battling opposition from the people and family around them.
It is both surprising and good to see a young maid working for an aristocratic home, take control of her life and try to be more than she is, more than what life has handed her. she doesn't just ait in her corner accepting life for what it is. she gets up and takes measures to change the life that she's been handed. She is the modern day feminist who does not accept the words of the man in her life but makes decisions based on her own observation.
And most importantly she does not give up her values, not even for the person she loves. And that is one of the qualities which attracts us to Anne.
And most important of all, I love how she lead by example. she followed what she preached and soon it lead to the people around her to be influenced by her beliefs.
It is a very good read which teaches us that God sometimes gives us things we never asked for, while taking us through paths we never cared for, in order to give us the things we need.
This book is so much more than a cliche love story. It has got everything to make you want to turn the page and find out what is gonna happen next. A raging war, an assassination attempt, and amidst all that a growing love between two people of different social standings who tries to come to terms with their feelings while also trying to realise each of their dreams and goals and to top it all off battling opposition from the people and family around them.
It is both surprising and good to see a young maid working for an aristocratic home, take control of her life and try to be more than she is, more than what life has handed her. she doesn't just ait in her corner accepting life for what it is. she gets up and takes measures to change the life that she's been handed. She is the modern day feminist who does not accept the words of the man in her life but makes decisions based on her own observation.
And most importantly she does not give up her values, not even for the person she loves. And that is one of the qualities which attracts us to Anne.
And most important of all, I love how she lead by example. she followed what she preached and soon it lead to the people around her to be influenced by her beliefs.
It is a very good read which teaches us that God sometimes gives us things we never asked for, while taking us through paths we never cared for, in order to give us the things we need.
February 23, 2024
Maybe I'm a heathen for saying this, but when I picked this book off the shelf at the library, I was hoping for a quick little historical romance novel (my favorite genre), but didn't realize till it was halfway through that there a was a 'christian fiction' sticker on the spine.
Dang.
I knew instantly that nothing spicy would happen...nothing like the Bridgerton series I had just finished and was so desperately wanting more of. I told my sister than I guaranteed nothing much would happen and that it would end with nothing more than a kiss.
SPOILER AHEAD.
SPOILER AHEAD.
SPOILER AHEAD.
It frickin did. I wanted to DNF the dang thing because the characters were so shallow and boring. The love story was crappy and the only good thing about it was that it finally ended. Finally the last page came and I was hoping for some of that husband and wife action, but all he did was kiss her. Wench.
1/5.
Dang.
I knew instantly that nothing spicy would happen...nothing like the Bridgerton series I had just finished and was so desperately wanting more of. I told my sister than I guaranteed nothing much would happen and that it would end with nothing more than a kiss.
SPOILER AHEAD.
SPOILER AHEAD.
SPOILER AHEAD.
It frickin did. I wanted to DNF the dang thing because the characters were so shallow and boring. The love story was crappy and the only good thing about it was that it finally ended. Finally the last page came and I was hoping for some of that husband and wife action, but all he did was kiss her. Wench.
1/5.
September 23, 2025
Wow! This book delivered absolutely everything.
What were some of my more picky comments about the first book have become non-issues in this one. This second installment was action-packed, swoon-worthy, heart-warming, riddled with clever and witty banter, while still having its heart in Scripture. What more can you ask for?
Anne is no timid woman; she is powerful, eloquent, and a force to be reckoned with. I adore her and Ruel. Absolutely adore them.
What were some of my more picky comments about the first book have become non-issues in this one. This second installment was action-packed, swoon-worthy, heart-warming, riddled with clever and witty banter, while still having its heart in Scripture. What more can you ask for?
Anne is no timid woman; she is powerful, eloquent, and a force to be reckoned with. I adore her and Ruel. Absolutely adore them.
April 16, 2018
This novel is a fast, safe read about the lace trade in 18th-19th century Europe. I thought the ending was predictable and contrived. I did like the main heroine although I thought she was a little forward for one who was a maid in an aristocrat's house. I enjoyed the romantic tension between the main female character and the main male character. It was a better than average Regency romance.
September 14, 2019
This book had lots of potential, but the author holds back. The plot sounds promising but Palmer does not reach the fullest potential of what this book could be. The characters while believable, were not endearing. It was still an enjoyable read.
https://www.tyndale.com/p/miss-pickwo...
https://www.tyndale.com/p/miss-pickwo...
June 23, 2023
Well written. Light. Enjoyable. This is not a plot driven book - I'd say readers are compelled to turn each page due to romantic tension. The ending is a bit abrupt. The author's afterword is excellent.
June 26, 2017
ahhhhh!
February 28, 2018
I loved the book, quite interesting. it just goes a long way to say that it takes but a moment for someone's status to change.
February 16, 2020
Historical regency romance. Battle at Waterloo. Interesting story.
May 30, 2020
Very different, but good. Not great, but I enjoyed reading this!
November 15, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!!
October 22, 2022
It took me close to 7 months to finish this book.
This was mainly because the first 1/2 of the book was a drag and only got me interested in the last 1/2.
This was mainly because the first 1/2 of the book was a drag and only got me interested in the last 1/2.
July 11, 2024
Well that was insipid.
Read
March 4, 2025listened to an audiobook a couple chapters only.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
I was going to give this 5 stars, but I’m only giving 4 because the ending did not feel as thought out as the rest of the book.
April 13, 2010
Now, I've never been a big Regency fan *ducks for cover* so, when I read the first book in the Miss.Pickworth series, The Affectionate Adversary, I was less then thrilled. But, I still wanted to read the other two books in the series , just to see how the story played out. And whoa baby, was I surprised at how much I LOVED reading The Bachelor's Bargain. We first meet Anne webster in The Affectionate Adversary, as the lowly handmaid, whose minister father, is imprisoned and needs her help. Where as Ruel Chouteau, has never cared much about anything except to regain the lost fortune of his family's Duchy (is that the how you say it?) . Some of my favorite parts of TBB, were where Anne and Ruel play act, in order to keep up their ruse of being happily married and blissfully ignorant. It was just too funny, and romantic. Anne was a heroin you couldn't help but love. She's always speaking her mind and not caring who hears and is strong in her faith (although, sometimes following God's plan, isn't apart of hers). Where as Ruel was the dashing rogue, who despite his rough exterior, had a heart of gold. *sigh* I loved that there wasn't just one romantic affair but two, involving the beautiful yet, self centered, Prudence Watson. Full of romance, faith and strong wills', The Bachelor's Bargain is probably the best Regency romance I've read to date.
January 3, 2011
This book was WAY better than the first book in the series!
Anne Webster needs some way to help her family out... Her father was a minister, but he got thrown in jail due to his affiliation with some anti-industrializationists. Yeah, I'm sure that's a word. Anyway, so she's this AWESOME lace maker, and she's crafted a beautiful piece of lace and tries to sell it to Sir Alexander (Ruel Chouteau, Marquess of Blackthorne's younger brother)... Except wow, that doesn't go very well and Ruel comes in, back from America (and NOT dead, btw!)... Ruel's got this plan to save the duchy from financial ruin (his dad's the duke and he's next in line)—through textiles, specifically LACE. Well how's that for convenient?
Anyway, Ruel kind of jokingly proposes to Anne (to prove a point to his father), and then she gets shot and thinks she's gonna die, and in a last-ditch effort to save her family, she accepts his proposal. He does NOT think she's gonna die, and wants her lace-making skills, so he's like, "Sweet!" And they get married, and he's totally in love with her from the very beginning (without realizing it... sort of...), but she takes a while to come around... Then through some crazy circumstances, they end up at Waterloo... It was pretty intense!
So so cute! 4.5 stars!
Anne Webster needs some way to help her family out... Her father was a minister, but he got thrown in jail due to his affiliation with some anti-industrializationists. Yeah, I'm sure that's a word. Anyway, so she's this AWESOME lace maker, and she's crafted a beautiful piece of lace and tries to sell it to Sir Alexander (Ruel Chouteau, Marquess of Blackthorne's younger brother)... Except wow, that doesn't go very well and Ruel comes in, back from America (and NOT dead, btw!)... Ruel's got this plan to save the duchy from financial ruin (his dad's the duke and he's next in line)—through textiles, specifically LACE. Well how's that for convenient?
Anyway, Ruel kind of jokingly proposes to Anne (to prove a point to his father), and then she gets shot and thinks she's gonna die, and in a last-ditch effort to save her family, she accepts his proposal. He does NOT think she's gonna die, and wants her lace-making skills, so he's like, "Sweet!" And they get married, and he's totally in love with her from the very beginning (without realizing it... sort of...), but she takes a while to come around... Then through some crazy circumstances, they end up at Waterloo... It was pretty intense!
So so cute! 4.5 stars!
November 13, 2014
This was a little unexpected, it turned out to be a little more historical fiction than regency romance, although it did have enough romance to keep me happy. I liked Anne & Ruel’s characters a lot, they have good chemistry and I loved the passages between them, especially early on in their marriage. It was fun to watch their relationship grow and although they had their ups and downs, it only made them stronger. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but at times felt a little bogged down by history trivia. I would have liked a little more resolution with Anne’s family, especially her father. Didn’t really have a lot of closure there, it almost felt more like a plot piece and aside from them being mentioned now and then they were mostly forgotten. So, some things were a little predictable, but overall I thought the story was original and it was an entertaining read.
December 29, 2010
Well, this is my first time reading a Catherine Palmer book and I chose it because of the positive reviews written I had seen. However, I tend to be in agreement with the "average" rated reviewers. Personally, I just could not buy into the supposed developing love relationship between hero and heroine. Interestingly enough, I sort of liked both characters Ruel and Anne, and their individual stories, but just didn't see the chemistry between them. And at times I found Anne to be a bit self-centered, her primary aim being to save her family.
I also thought the ending was a bit rushed and unbelievable in some ways. Having said that, I also think it's a worthwhile read. Palmer is a good writer and this story certainly has enough potential and suspense to make it an enjoyable light read. And I do plan to check out some of her other books.
I also thought the ending was a bit rushed and unbelievable in some ways. Having said that, I also think it's a worthwhile read. Palmer is a good writer and this story certainly has enough potential and suspense to make it an enjoyable light read. And I do plan to check out some of her other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews