An Opportune Proposal

Butterton Brides #3

by Ann Elizabeth Fryer

Vicar's daughter Jane Hartford is invited to stay at Butterton Hall, the home of a distant cousin who promises to introduce her to polite society. When strange things begin to happen, Jane suspects that she isn't wanted at Butterton Hall after all.

Questions abound as deaths increase. How is her life connected to those of the Banbury scandal? Who can she trust? And why is she now in danger?

She finds an unlikely ally in Lord Camden's handsome solicitor as he makes a gallant effort to protect her. Will an opportune proposal keep her safe?

Book series best enjoyed in order.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2024

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars!

Jane’s father has recently passed away and now she is to stay with a cousin. When strange happenings start occurring, and her very life is at stake, Ewan helps protect her. I really liked Jane and Ewan’s relationship. Ewan is very protective of her but also is very sweet. This story is very fast paced with one thing after the other occurring. Sometimes I got lost or confused with how everything happened. I wish it was maybe a little more smoothly done because it felt a little all over the place for me with the mystery part. That being said I did enjoy it overall.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I plan to go back and read the earlier books in the series at some point. As the story progressed, I was able to see that there was a backstory and some characters who were probably included in the earlier novels. However, I did not have any trouble enjoying this one and following along with what happened.

The author did a good job of keeping the mystery alive and twisting throughout the pages. I kept changing my mind about who I thought was behind all of the mayhem.

I really liked Jane and Ewan’s romance. It bloomed quickly, yet seemed to be a gift granted to them in the way that they connected so early on. They were so sweet! This novel had mystery, danger, and romance all in a setting that was very unsettling for the heroine of the story.

I received a complimentary copy of the books in this series. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Opportune Proposal by Ann Elizabeth Fryer is the third book in the Butterton Brides series. While it could be read on its own, I highly recommend that you read the first two ahead of this one as the events in the first two books greatly affect the plot in An Opportune Proposal.

Regency Romance books are among my favorite genres, and I absolutely loved An Opportune Proposal! I was able to read all three books one right after the other (which is what I suggest you do!) because I was unable to stop reading! I finished this page turner in a day and found myself wishing for another Butterton Brides book. This series is written from a Christian worldview and contains a lot of Biblical wisdom. This is something that is important to me, and I appreciate it when I find it in enjoyable novels like An Opportune Proposal.

It’s easy to believe that the characters in this novel are (or were) real people because they have unique, interesting personalities and lead remarkable lives. Jane, whose father was a vicar before he passed away, is a kind, smart, and strong heroine. Lady and Lord Camden have personalities that make you want to shake them. Ewan, Lord Camden’s solicitor, is a swoon-worthy hero who will make you fall in love with him without even trying! Characters from the prior books are included and essential to the plot.

An Opportune Proposal is well-plotted with an enthralling storyline. Danger, especially for Jane, seems to lurk around every corner. I love the different ways that the author put Jane into alarming situations. The element of possible madness lurking in the mansion gave it a Gothic feel at times. I loved that! And, of course, I adored the romance!

If you’re a Regency Romance reader, I think you will love An Opportune Proposal. The characters, dangerous situations, Christian worldview, and happily ever after make it a must read! I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Elizabeth Fryer's An Opportune Proposal is a wonderful read, especially for lovers of Regency fiction. What's even better is that Fryer adds touches of both gothic and inspirational genres, adding up to a wonderful mystery and love story! (Complete with Regency manners and costuming.)

Jane Hartford, raised as a vicar's daughter, was orphaned when her beloved father passed away. In addition to having lost her father, she has also lost her home, the parsonage, when the new minister and his family need to move in. She is weighing which will be the better of her options (becoming a teacher or a governess) when a distant cousin invites her to come to stay at her estate. Lady Camden promises to introduce Jane to society and to host parties for her, in order to acquaint her with proper gentlemen.

Jane accepts, only to discover that secrets seem to be surrounding her in her new home. There is a frightening shrieking at night. Someone spoils Jane's possessions. And most terrifying--a man stumbles into a Camden party, mumbles something about the Banbury scandal--then collapses and expires. What on earth was he speaking of, and how could it be connected to Jane?

I highly recommend Fryer's lovely, and mysterious, An Opportune Proposal. Jane is a wonderful heroine with a beautiful faith, suddenly finding herself in a place with dangers she doesn't understand nor seem equipped to withstand. She needs someone who'll stand with her. Perhaps it might be the handsome solicitor?

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a girlie that loves going into novels blind, and An Opportune Proposal is no exception. From the onset I could tell that this was not going to be your typical clean regency romance and I was proven correct.

The entire story is told from the perspective of Jane, a young girl who has recently lost her father, the vicar, and is now being asked to leave the vicarage due to another family needing the home. Lucky for her, a distant cousin has invited her to come and stay with them at their family estate and this is where we find poor Jane at the beginning of the story.

Told from a first-person perspective I could physically feel Jane’s apprehension as she embarks on a new life, yet I also could feel hope. Jane is very strong in her faith and has a rather positive outlook on life, which I found refreshing.

This novel is the perfect balance of mystery, faith, and sweet romance. The language feels authentic to the time period, which is not always something I can say while reading a regency piece. There is a strange foreboding you feel as Jane bears witness to strange occurrences as she tries to adjust to her new existence, and I was surprised with how much mystery is within these pages.

I finished this novel practically in one sitting as I craved to find out the truth behind all of the strange occurrences. The romance aspect was very predictable, yet sweet nonetheless, and overall I really enjoyed An Opportune Proposal.

*I have reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Christian Historical Romance books. An Opportune Proposal by Ann Elizabeth Fryer is Book 3 in the Butterton Brides series. I have not read the first 2 books in this series, YET. I intend on reading the first 2 books soon.

Jane Hartford is living with her distant cousin at Butterton Hall. Jane gets worried when strange things begin happening and she begins to wonder if she should leave. She is very aware that she is in danger and is quite surprised when an unlikley ally, Ewan, agrees to protect her. Will Jane figure out who is wanting her out of Batterton Hall? Will Ewan become more than a protector to Jane? Will there be a romance between Jane and Ewan?

I will admit that I had a little trouble getting into the storyline at first. I truly believe that was because I have not read the first 2 books in this series yet. Once I did capture the storyline, I really got into the book. Jane had been through a lot in the past couple of months, with her Dad dying. She is where she thinks it is safe and then things take a turn and she is worried. I LOVE how Ewan comes to her rescue and to be by her side to protect her. Their relationship moved a little fast, but with danger at bay it was a necessary thing. Ewan is a kind sould and I LOVE that Jane trusted him to protect her. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves Christiian Historical Romance. I fully intend on reading the first 2 books in this series very soon! GREAT BOOK!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Opportune Proposal is book three in a series. You’re going to want to read them in order to get the most out of the series. You can read this book as a stand-alone novel but you’re going to miss out on a lot of the behind-the-plot information.

The characters are wonderful! They feel like they’re real people and not just written on the page. There’s a bit of mystery going on as well you want to figure out what is going on. I found the story moved at a fast pace and I didn’t want to stop reading and miss anything!

Jane is faced with her father dying and having to go live with a cousin. Things happen. She doesn’t feel welcome there. In fact, she feels targetted. Ewan keeps her safe and protects her. They have a relationship and it’s fun to watch it bloom and grow as well.

This is a Christian fiction book and it will give you Biblical wisdom throughout as well. I enjoy books that do that. Plus it helps me to know that it’s appropriate for my teenagers to read as well!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Valerie HappiestWhileReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I began reading An Opportune Proposal by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, I expected a British historical romance. I was pleasantly suprirsed that this romance was also a mystery with lots of danger and intrigue.

Synopsis: Vicar's daughter Jane Hartford is homeless after her father's death. She reluctantly accepts an invitation from Lady Camden, her estranged cousin, to stay at Butterton Hall while the matter of family inheritance moves through the courts. When solicitor Ewan Stevens discovers long-hidden information that could significantly impact the inheritance decision, events endangering Jane's life begin to happen. Will Jane survive to see the truth come to light?

This story with its unique writing style is a quick read. Jane and Ewan's romance is insta-love, but given her circumstances and the book's title, I was on board with it. This is the third book in the Butterton Brides series and the only one I've read, and I didn't feel lost until the final third when many characters from the first two books came into the action-filled plot. At times, the near constant level of drama felt excessive, but it definitely kept the plot moving forward, even if I couldn't clearly follow all of the details.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this novel; all thoughts are my own.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book in the series and I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading them in order. They all carry a bunch of the same characters and there is a bit of an overarching mystery/suspense/theme. This is my first series by this author and I loved reading them one after another. While this was not the matchup I was expecting for our book 3, I still really enjoyed it. This book held tones of grief and upheaval as a young lady is thrown out of her element and very much alone. Right away there were odd happenings and more questions than answers. We enjoyed a lively romance with danger around the corners. Connections to the first book abounded and we were within it's mystery clutches again. I couldn't put this book (and indeed, this entire series) down. I would definitely be game to read another series by this author. A lovely Christian regency romantic suspense book.

I received an ARC of this book via #JustReadTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book in this series that I have read and after reading this book, I want to go back and read the other books. I thought the story was gripping and engaging from the first page. I loved the characters and I loved the mystery. I thought the story was well told and really drew the readers in. I also loved how kind Jane was despite everything that was going on in her life. I also liked that, although this story is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a sense of mystery surrounding Jane, as she begins to notice the strange happenings around her at Butterton Hall. I enjoyed the gothic feel it gave this story, as Jane is put in various situations and mishaps that throw her into the path of Ewan, who comes to her aid to get to the bottom of what is going on. I enjoyed the characters tremendously and look forward to reading the other books in this series! This one works as a stand alone, but there are some crossover characters, so I am sure that I missed some of the more subtle things in the story. That said, I still enjoyed the book and going along with Jane and Ewan on their adventure!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Hooves stamped. A man hummed a tune. Strong arms gathered me."

I struggled a bit with this one, felt suspicious of the love interest, and the romance storyline felt rushed. It's probably just me. I probably should have read the previous book more recently if I wanted to follow the shenanigans with the other characters, lots of names I needed context clues to understand.

Their relationship was a sweet one, just not terribly deep. I did enjoy Jane's pov, but maybe it would be easier to trust Ewan if I knew what he was thinking.

“Strange events are occurring in this place and I couldn’t live with myself if anything else happened to you.”

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

Loved this book and the two before it. Twists and turns. Intrigue. Mystery. Romance. Morals. And trusting in God. Absolutely beautiful.