Margins of Love

Infiltrating the Ton #1

by Sara Adrien

It's the worst possible scenario to find true love but Fave falls in love with the mysterious girl from the ton and, as a result, his family's blackmailer threatens their home and livelihood.
Can family loyalty trump his desire for the gorgeous and smart Rachel?

In 1813 London, Jews were not welcome among the ton, England's gentile aristocracy. But there is a family of clandestine Jews, haute-couture jewelers, who are infiltrating the ton - from the inside out - and if they win the king's competition for the crown jewels, they can gain a footing.
Except, there is no room for them to fall in love - or is there?

Find out in this first book of the series, Fave's story.

Elusive haute-couture jeweler, Fave Pearler, has to put his beloved Greek mythology aside to face an arranged marriage suiting his family’s dynasty while all of London is on the quest for the biggest, rarest gems for the king’s competition. Meanwhile, his mother’s meddlesome frenemy threatens to reveal their secret and her blackmail is driving good-natured Fave mad. But when the evil gossip catches him with Rachel Newman, he has to fight for the love of his life and the family’s business…

Rachel Newman only wants one season before resigning herself to a wedding her father has arranged, and golden boy Fave is off-limits. When he rattles her principles, she’s determined to protect her family’s true identity—but she cannot resist Fave’s kisses. How can Rachel reconcile romance and family tradition?

Fans of Bridgerton will delight in this series where love, intrigue, and excitement take them to fancy house parties and elegant balls in Georgian London.

Bestselling author Sara Adrien's Regency Romance with a Jewish twist will leave you gasping for more. Find out how the smart and strong heroine overcomes impossible obstacles of the period? Join Rachel and Fave on their journey to find true love in a time when Jews were not welcome among the ton. Immerse yourself in a time where the difficulties that minorities faced were similar to the present and yet delivered differently. This is not a fairy tale, it's real-life packaged in a delightful love story filled with vivid descriptions, geopolitical depth, and charming characters.

"One of the Best Regency Romance Novels in 2022 . . . a Masterful Combination of Historical Romance with Jewish Fiction"
Yahoo News, June 13, 2022

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency, Jewish

Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2023

About the author

Sara Adrien is the new voice in Historical Fiction and the best-selling author of the Infiltrating the Ton Series. She writes hot and heart-melting Regency Romance with a Jewish twist. Sign up for her VIP newsletter to get special perks and updates at http://saradrien.com

Reviews

[Alyssa Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meticulously researched and vividly written, Margins of Love spins a captivating story of love, community, and what it means to stay true to your identity. Following her characters across Western Europe, Ms. Adrien brings an often-overlooked Jewish milieu to life, imbuing her text with rich detail. Readers will look forward to the next installment of this unique romantic saga.

[Niranjan Sundararajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written friction, with vivid depictions of how complex love stories could have been in the previous centuries. People who appreciate religious, cultural, geopolitical connotations in a love story would like reading this book.

[Matthew Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Margins of Love. The characters were developed so well that I could clearly see them, hear them, and care about them. Moreover, the character development and arc of story line kept my interest to the last page. I also appreciated the story of love, and the coming together of the characters. Really interesting read and really thought provoking!

[Venus · Rating 5 out of 5]

jewish history romance? Yes please

Fave is forced to marry a woman he hates in order to save his family’s business. Rachel, his actual love interest, is a woman who wants to protect her family’s true identity. She refuses to marry fave until he promises to keep their secret. When he realizes that he has an older brother, Sammy, and a fiancé in Rachel, he fights for love and is willing to sacrifice anything for it.

This book was all about the power of love. The hero is talking about how Rachel‘s love for him is his power. It’s a beautiful scene and set up. Overall, I liked the book a lot. My favorite part was when fave and Rachel got engaged. It’s a fun and witty scene. The love between those two characters is so strong.

[Dallas Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is Margins of Love well written, it immersed me in a world I never would have known about otherwise. I've read plenty of Regency romances but the addition of the Jewish angle made it especially intriguing to me. I saw the 'twist' at the end coming a mile away but it didn't take away any of the enjoyment of getting to know Rachel and Fave and watch their love bloom under extra difficult circumstances. Definitely recommend and will be reading more from this author!

[Katy Hristova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping drama-full read, not devoid of heat too. The story follows the paths of Fave and Rachel, and their attempts to fit in the London ton and find love. I got immersed in the story from the beginning and wanted to find out what happens next. I adored Rachel's character, her intellect, and sweet insecurities, and kept rooting for her throughout. Excited for the sequel!

[Niti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already on the first page, this book gets you to turn pages. Great characters and an interesting plot that gets you going. Lots of drama, love, blackmail, secrets, gossip... never a dull moment. Excellent read!!

[Steier Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delicious story, from the first page to the last. The plot unfolds elegantly and the characters go through so much to finally have their happy end. The Feel-Good-Book of the Year!

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margins of Love by Sara Adrien is a historical romance that includes so much more than simply romance. The characters in this book are very well created and the premise of being forced to marry someone not of their choosing but rather for the security and continuation of their families - is well written with plenty of emotion and angst. Then the author adds in the fear of religious intolerance and persecution and the story becomes more than romance - it becomes a story of love & survival.

I enjoyed this story and found Adrien’s writing style to well structured without any plot holes. It did seem like some phrases or sentences became slightly repetitive but it wasn’t enough to make me stop reading.

Overall 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from the author/publisher via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄
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[Barbara Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoys reading, I was immediately hooked and drawn into the writing. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, I appreciated that the author described what it means to be Jewish, through the concrete experiences of two families at one point in time. The issues, however, are timeless. We need more books like this.

[Mirta Trupp]

Didn't finish. Not up to par imho.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this story was wonderfully told. I would like to say that I love Fave’s nickname, it’s very unique. Rachel and Fave have a lovely relationship that sets London on fire. The book is a good read that is fun to read.

[G.L. Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinatingly different Regency

This is the story of two Jewish families who hide their ethnicity while struggling to be accepted by the ton of Regency England. The few people who know they are Jews use the knowledge to their own ends with blackmail and threats. Bookworm Rachel and man-about-town Fave fall in love each not knowing that the other is Jewish and the story of their coming together is heart-warming, with a real twist at the end.
I have awarded four stars because I found Rachel's constant explanations about things a little annoying and plot-slowing, and the story could have done with better editing to avoid a few historical inaccuracies and inconsistencies. But it's a treat to see a new facet of society added to the wide range of Regencies. Bravo!

[Claudia Fabian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this had so much potential. Not enough research (mixing eras/ Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian are very different and not enough editing, proofreading, etc. (the first sentence had a misspelled word ...). It had a modern feel to it that was jarring to me. I know that some people don't mind that, but I don't like it. I am ALL ABOUT Jewish storylines in historical fiction or historical romance. This one doesn't make the grade for me. I hope the author keeps at it though! We certainly do need more Jewish representation in historical fiction and historical romance.

[Regina Steier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet love story and with heroes unlike in any other Georgian romances. I cannot wait for the next ones in the series! This book is a feel-good read for a cozy weekend or vacation. It took me into another world and was magnificently easy to read and exciting at the same time. There is depth and substance to the plot, too. Very well-done!

[Jessica Kemery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet love story

I really enjoyed the tale of Rachel and Fav. Such a sweet story filled with blackmail, clandestine meetings, stolen kisses, and a final happy ending.

[Toni Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Such an exciting story of how the English Jews had to hide in plain sight. ! loved Rachael and Dave's story. Heart warming.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book over the Sukkot holiday. While I am very familiar with the Marranos, the secret Jews who had to pretend to convert or be tortured and murdered during the Spanish Inquisition, I had not studied the history of the Jews in England during the Georgian England period, so thought this would be an interesting book to read. The Pearlers are secular Jews, hiding in plain sight so they can be jewelers and sell to the members of the ton, who are known not to pay their debts. However, they are being blackmailed by a member of the ton, who they had once provided a kindness to, which proves that saying that "no good deed goes unpunished. The family are Kohanim, which their son takes very seriously, even though as secular Jews they have no connection with the Jewish community and he has no problem eating tref. His father has nevertheless contacted a shadchan (match maker) who found him the perfect match. He has his doubts. Meanwhile at a house party given by the blackmailer, he meets Rachel Newman, who is having her debut. Her family had moved to England after suffering horrible persecution in Switzerland and her father also has contracted with a matchmaker, who found the perfect match. Ok, everyone knew where this was going to lead to. But neither knows that the other is Jewish and despite feeling that the other would be perfect, they are forbidden to each other.

I found the story well written and the characters likable and believable. I did think it was kind of funny that when Rachel saw Fave naked, she did not immediately realize that he was a Jew. That both families have to hid their Jewishness if they want to be financially well off has been a story told over and over again throughout the exile. It is a shame that they chose money over their religious obligations and I have to hope that when Rachel and Fave have their own home, she does not have to give up kashrut and her observance, which I guess I will find out when I read the next book.

[Terrie Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margins of Love is such an incredible story of love and strength of character. Fave and Rachel are resigned to marry someone other than their own choosing. Fave knows he must keep his family’s ancient bloodline pure, and Rachel must marry the man her father arranges to keep their family secret hidden. However, once they start developing feelings for each other they risk their secrets becoming known. As Jews living with, yet hiding from, the ton, they know how dire the consequences would be if word got out to the wrong people. As it is, both of their families are being blackmailed and it is starting to take a toll.

Ms. Adrien writes a poignantly chilling depiction of the horror and heartbreak Rachel’s family lived through when ostracized from one community. It is understandable why both families keep up their guard and watch their language around others. The repercussions have long lasting effects.

Margins of Love is the first book by Sara Adrien I have read, and it definitely won’t be the last. The story line grabs you from the start and its hold only increases as the story progresses. Ms. Adrien’s level of detail easily immerses you into the homes and ballrooms of the ton. This love story is well-written, full of romance and intrigue, and the characters are likeable (ok, with the exception of the blackmailer) and believable. If you are interested in a heartwarming story that incorporates Jewish history and traditions, I’m sure you will enjoy this story as much as I did. Thank you to Sara Adrien and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read the story and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alexis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical fiction

I love the settings and characters in this romance drama . I'm interested in reading book 2 of this series. Great job.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if your family’s legacy rested upon your shoulders and the only way to uphold that was to give up the love of your life? That’s the situation that Fave and Rachel find themselves in. In the early 1800s in England, Jews enjoy more freedoms than in any other country in the “civilized” world, but it’s debatable whether this can actually be called freedom. Fave and Rachel’s families both hide their heritage to fit into the ton, while those who are aware use this knowledge to blackmail them. And because it is so important to hide who they are, they do not realize they have more in common than appears on the surface.

Every time I read about how Jews were treated in the past, I’m disgusted. I have to remind myself that many people continue to treat them poorly, for reasons that I will never understand. The scene described when Rachel and her family are driven from Switzerland is particularly upsetting. I was today years old when I learned about Cohanim (or Cohen) status, something considered royalty in the Jewish community as the ancestors of this line are the sons of Aaron and they are considered part of the Jewish Priesthood (Ok, I looked up some of that to get a better understanding). Fave is of this line, and therefore, it is essential he marry a Jewish woman of good standing to perpetuate the line. For good or bad, I learned a lot in this story, not only about the kind of persecution the Jews received, but also the traditions and tenets of the religion.

Because Fave, a successful jewelry designer, must marry a Jewish woman of a certain social level, his father enlists their rabbi’s help in securing a match. Meanwhile, Rachel’s father enlists the help of the same rabbi, and although it’s obvious to the reader, Fave and Rachel have no idea who their betrotheds are. Both expect to be marrying a total stranger and this is tearing them apart inside because they have fallen in love. Both agonize over whether there is any way at all they can be together, but they keep coming up short. At one point, Rachel is so upset because she feels her father is paying someone to take her off of his hands. “She was hurt to be pawned off like a piece of jewelry to the highest bidder, except that it was her family who would pay this time.” Again, since it was obvious that Fave and Rachel were being promised to one another, unbeknownst to them, I loved this analogy of her musings.

Throughout the story, we see the importance of close family ties, tradition, legacy, and survival. These are individuals within families who are trying to navigate difficult circumstances, but they stick together. Even when it’s necessary to make difficult decisions, there’s always support and empathy to be found. Both Fave’s and Rachel’s families genuinely care for one another, so when they join, the love multiplies. Despite some difficult people and behaviors, it’s an uplifting and hopeful story.

I have only one complaint, and it’s relatively minor. I’d like to see this book undergo additional editing to eliminate mistakes. Some I noticed include when Rachel was pinned down by her mother’s “unrelentless stare.” The word “corsage” was used when it was supposed to be “corset.” And then, Rachel was “emorizing his features and locking them up in her heart.” Nothing is serious enough to affect my rating, but I would like to see a more careful editing in future editions. And now that I’ve read the author’s background, legal scholar and professor (I assume, she has more than a passing interest in Jewish history), I’m definitely interested in reading and learning more.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margins of Love is a unique story that will capture you attention from the start. I don’t think I’ve ever come across anything like it and that is great! I love finding novels like this because they are different and refreshing. In this novel we follow the story a family who is Jewish and who are forced to hide that fact about themselves to be accepted by society during the Regency era in England. This is quite intriguing because there is a big secret that we as readers know, but also some not-so-great people know and use it to blackmail Fave Pearler’s. This certainly keeps interesting, and it also makes care more about Fave as the story unfolds. I will admit that sometimes the story felt a little slow, but it never felt like it was dragging. It never became a struggle to continue with it as it has happened to me before with other historical romances. The characters were well-developed and most of them were likeable, I enjoyed getting to know them. From my understanding, this is the first book in a series, and I hope to see these characters again.

Margins of Love is a must read. It is a unique and refreshing story set during an incredibly popular era in English history. If you love romance or stories set during the regency era, read this novel. If you like historical fiction, add this story to your TBR list. It is not only heart-warming but exciting, with a big twist. Personally, I will be looking forward to the next instalment in this series and I will be checking out more of Sara Adrien’s work in the future.

[Linda Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margins of Love

Guess I read book two before book one! Now that I've read book one, it all makes more sense. I had no idea that the late 1700's and early 1800's were so against the Jewish religion. Now I know it wasn't just WWII. This is a lovely romance story. Enjoy reading and learning and keep the facial tissues handy!

[R Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

an expose of hypocrisy

This is more than a regency romance. It has all the necessary elements to fulfil the requirements of that genre, strong characters, both male and female; a compelling attraction; a thorny dilemma and a happy ending. However, it draws out more than that. Using a Jewish perspective, it gives a lovely insight into Jewish culture but more importantly it exposes the unbridled racism that has been inflicted on Jewish people for centuries. In this case it is the snobbery of the ton that exhibits it, such that this is a more realistic depiction of societal attitudes than many regency writers. All in all, an enjoyable read

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1813 London Jews are not welcomed in the ton. Rachel Newman is suppose to marry the man her father has selected for her. Fave Pearler is forced into an arranged marriage to save his family’s jewelry business. There is a blackmailer that is trying to reveal the secret of Fave’s family and ruin their business. Both Rachel and Fave love each other even though they are both Jewish. This intriguing and captivating story of love and staying true to yourself is a great read. I really enjoyed this historical romance novel.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Moving Story!

Well I absolutely loved reading this one. It’s always difficult reading how people were treated and actually still are. I’m so glad that the research done for this story seemed accurate. There was so much happiness and sadness with how they were looked upon. This was appropriate for me reading this for Rosh Hashanah coming up. I just loved almost all of the characters and this was an emotional storyline. Can’t wait to read Arnold’s story next. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊✡️

[Rosie Bellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the minute I started reading this book I didn't want to stop! I felt like I was part of the world of these characters and all that was happening to them. The power and guts it takes to infiltrate the ton can be daunting, but both Rachel and Fave's family certainly knew how to protect themselves against enemies. Rachel and Fave are totally lovable characters. Nothing but enchantment in the way they fall in love!

[Dawn Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Proof reader required

British names and places wrongly spelled. A daughter who suddenly becomes her mother - names mixed up. A sweet treat that changes from one chapter to the next. Proof reader urgently required. Shame because story is interesting.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me from the first page. I felt I was there with them. The storyline and settings pulled me into their world and the well developed characters were so real and relatable, I wanted to reach out and help ease their frustrations and heartache and celebrate in their happiness.

[Karl F. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and experiencing the Jewish lifestyle

Enjoy a delightful Regency Romance played out in the Jewish culture. It is fascinatingly educational for non-Jewish readers and I recommend it highly!