What do you think?
Rate this book
The Brides of Bellaire Gardens #4
The Secret Daughter
When two strangers meet under false pretenses during an idyllic week in the French countryside, they’ll each need to face the truth to find one other again, in a dazzling new Regency romance from the national bestselling author of The Heiress’s Daughter.Orphaned Zoë Benoît has spent the last three years in Paris learning how to be a lady. But Zoë is torn—as an independent spirit and a talented artist, she cannot help but want more than the tightly controlled life of a society lady.On an impulsive visit to the château where her mother lived, Zoë, disguised as a maidservant named Vita, meets a handsome wandering artist, known simply as Reynard. One blissful week with the charming Reynard convinces Zoë that this is the man and the life for her—until she discovers what he’s been hiding from her, and she flees, heartbroken.Longing for the chance to redeem himself, Reynard searches far and wide for the woman he knows as Vita, to no avail. Disheartened, he returns to England to reluctantly resume his role as Julian Fox, the Earl of Foxton. However, when he sees one of Zoë’s paintings, he realizes she’s in London, and becomes desperate to find her before it’s too late. But even if they reunite, can he convince Zoë he’s worthy of her trust and prove to her that, with him, she can be a free-spirited artist and a countess?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 24, 2024
71 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Anne Gracie
95 books1,536 followersI've always loved stories. Family legend has it that I used to spend hours playing in the sand pit, with a dog on either side of me and Rocka the horse leaning over me, his head just touching my shoulder, while I told them stories. I have to say, dogs and horses are great audiences, apart from their tendency to drool occasionally. But people are even nicer.
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
In case you imagine we were a filthy rich horse-owning family, let me assure you we weren't. The horse period was a time when my parents entered a "let's-be-self-sufficient" phase, so we had a horse, but no electricity and all our water came from the rain tank.
As well as the horse and dogs, we had 2 cows (Buttercup and Daisy and one of them always had a calf), a sheep (Woolly,) goats (Billy and Nanny) dozens of ducks, chooks, and a couple of geese, a pet bluetongue lizard and a huge vegie patch. I don't know how my mother managed, really, because both she and Dad taught full time, but she came home and cooked on a wood stove and did all the laundry by hand, boiling the clothes and sheets in a big copper kettle. Somehow, we were always warm, clean, well fed and happy. She's pretty amazing, my mum.
Once I learned to read, I spent my days outside playing with the animals (I include my brother and 2 sisters here) and when inside I read. For most of my childhood we didn't have TV, so books have always been a big part of my life. Luckily our house was always full of them. Travel was also a big part of my childhood. My parents had itchy feet. We spent a lot of time driving from one part of Australia to another, visiting relatives or friends or simply to see what was there. I've lived in Scotland, Malaysia and Greece. We travelled through Europe in a caravan and I'd swum most of the famous rivers in Europe by the time I was eight.
This is me and my classmates in Scotland. I am in the second front row, in the middle, to the right of the girl in the dark tunic.
Sounds like I was raised by gypsies, doesn't it? I was even almost born in a tent --Mum, Dad and 3 children were camping and one day mum left the tent and went to hospital to have me. But in fact we are a family of chalkies (Australian slang for teachers)- and Dad was a school principal during most of my life. And I am an expert in being "the new girl" having been to 6 different schools in 12 years.The last 4 years, however, were in the same high school and I still have my 2 best friends from that time.
No matter where I lived, I read. I devoured whatever I could get my hands on -- old Enid Blyton and Mary Grant Bruce books, old schoolboys annuals. I learned history by reading Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Georgette Heyer. I loved animal books -- Elyne Mitchell's Silver Brumby books and Mary Patchett and Finn the Wolf Hound. And then I read Jane Austen and Dickens and Mary Stewart and Richard Llewellyn and Virginia Woolf and EF Benson and Dick Francis and David Malouf and Patrick White and Doris Lessing and PD James and...the list is never ending.
This is me posing shamelessly on a glacier in New Zealand.
This is me in Greece with my good friend Fay in our village outfits. The film went a funny colour, but you get the idea. I'm the one in the pink apron.
I escaped from my parents, settled down and went to university.To my amazement I became a chalkie myself and found a lot of pleasure in working with teenagers and later, adults. I taught English and worked as a counsellor and helped put on plays and concerts and supervised camps and encouraged other people to write but never did much myself. It took a year of backpacking around the world to find that my early desire to write hadn't left me, it had just got buried under a busy and demanding job.
I wrote my first novel on notebooks bought in Quebec, Spain, Greece and Indonesia. That story never made it out of the notebooks, but I'd been bitten by the writing bug.
My friends and I formed a band called Platform Souls a
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 24, 2024
Zoe hasn't had an easy life. When she meets Reynard, she thinks he could be the one. She leaves when she learns he is keeping something from her. I enjoyed the chemistry between them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
Another gorgeous story in this fabulous series, written in true Anne Gracie style she brings the characters to life on the pages, adding humour, wit and such a beautiful romance. We met Zoe Benoit in the last installment and getting to know her was a joy as was meeting and getting to know the man that is doing his best to woo her across France and England.
Zoe has spent the last three years since her discovery in the orphanage living in Paris learning to be a lady but she does have mixed emotions about what she truly wants she is at heart an artist and although she will do anything to please her two half-sisters, Clarissa and Izzy she is not sure whether life in the ton is what she really wants, when at a house party things change for her and she gets a chance to visit the Chateau where her mother grew up dressed as a maidservant named Vita on her travels she meets a vagabond artist, Reynard travelling around the countryside, what a wonderful week she has until things change and Zoe makes her way back to Paris and London, leaving no note.
Reynard loves the life of a vagabond and when he meets the beautiful Vita and discovers that she too is an artist, a very good one at that he does his best to convince her to stay as they paint portraits for the farmers to replace old paintings that Reynard takes with him, but then and he does not know why Vita is gone one morning, he searches but cannot find her and it is now time for him to return to London and his other life.
Back in London and his life as Julian Fox, Earl of Foxton, he discovers a portrait that his grandmother has had done and instantly he knows somehow that is was done by Vita and he sets of to find her and that is not an easy task and when he does he needs to convince her that she can trust him, as for Zoe meeting up with Reynard, aka the Earl of Foxton causes many emotions to run through her because yes he is the man she fell for, can she trust him, and she is still not convinced that she is made to be a ton wife.
I loved this one so very much, it is sigh worthy as I smiled and cheered Zoe and Julian along in this absolutely gorgeous romance, there are a lot of hurdles to cross before they can find their HEA and Lady Scattergood is one of them, she is such a fabulous character and of course meeting up with the other wonderful characters I have met throughout this series added so much to the story, truly this is one book and series not to be missed, it will stay with me for a long time to come.
My thanks to the author foe my copy to read and review,
Zoe has spent the last three years since her discovery in the orphanage living in Paris learning to be a lady but she does have mixed emotions about what she truly wants she is at heart an artist and although she will do anything to please her two half-sisters, Clarissa and Izzy she is not sure whether life in the ton is what she really wants, when at a house party things change for her and she gets a chance to visit the Chateau where her mother grew up dressed as a maidservant named Vita on her travels she meets a vagabond artist, Reynard travelling around the countryside, what a wonderful week she has until things change and Zoe makes her way back to Paris and London, leaving no note.
Reynard loves the life of a vagabond and when he meets the beautiful Vita and discovers that she too is an artist, a very good one at that he does his best to convince her to stay as they paint portraits for the farmers to replace old paintings that Reynard takes with him, but then and he does not know why Vita is gone one morning, he searches but cannot find her and it is now time for him to return to London and his other life.
Back in London and his life as Julian Fox, Earl of Foxton, he discovers a portrait that his grandmother has had done and instantly he knows somehow that is was done by Vita and he sets of to find her and that is not an easy task and when he does he needs to convince her that she can trust him, as for Zoe meeting up with Reynard, aka the Earl of Foxton causes many emotions to run through her because yes he is the man she fell for, can she trust him, and she is still not convinced that she is made to be a ton wife.
I loved this one so very much, it is sigh worthy as I smiled and cheered Zoe and Julian along in this absolutely gorgeous romance, there are a lot of hurdles to cross before they can find their HEA and Lady Scattergood is one of them, she is such a fabulous character and of course meeting up with the other wonderful characters I have met throughout this series added so much to the story, truly this is one book and series not to be missed, it will stay with me for a long time to come.
My thanks to the author foe my copy to read and review,
February 21, 2025
Zoë Benoît (as we discovered in The Heiress's Daughter) is yet another illegitimate half-sister to Clarissa and Izzy, born and raised in the slums of London. But because her mother was a displaced French aristo, she heads to France to get "lady lessons" and polish her society manners.
All that? Is from the "Previously, on The Brides of Bellaire Garden...". So.)
THREE YEARS LATER, Zoë decides she is done with the current houseparty she's attending in the idyllic French countryside so she disguises herself as a maid and heads out to locate her mom's old house. Along the way she runs into Reynard, a "vagabond" who paints and wastes an obscene amount of tea. They spent ONE WEEK together and like the flavor of each other's kool-aid and end up in pound-town together. Then the NEXT DAY, there is betrayal and hurt or something when Zoë discovers that Reynard is collecting looted paintings from the French citizens he paints.
She takes off to Paris and returns to London, allegedly heart broken or something because feelings? Her sisters get her polished and ready for a fancy debut. Meanwhile, Julian Fox, the Earl of Foxton, returns to London after spending some amount of time searching for the mysterious lady friend he made while vagabonding around. But then he sees an art and discovers that the new-to-town Zoë Benoît is actually his missing French friend!!!!!! One conversation (broken up over multiple scenes, and interspersed with giving the shitty neighbor Milly a HEA) resolves everything: THE END.
1. OOOOOOF. This was a situation. Which. Hmm.
2. A major problem with The Secret Daughter is that the majority (>90%) of the book is either (a) telling us what is happening, or (b) repeating the same few "internal action" beats over and over. So there isn't much in the way of character development or complex motivations in the text. Zoë wants to see her mother's old house: achievement unlocked! It means nothing beyond a way to advance the story—which is so weirdly superficial and does such a disservice to the alleged heroine of the book.
3. My point above folds neatly into this point which is: the actual "love story" (two strangers meeting on a French road, spending a week together, feelings the feels) was actually stupidly sparse? They spend several of those days apart; only a few shallow conversations are captured on page; and then Zoë, at least, lets her thoughts churn into love-butter. She seems to talk herself into loving Reynard in a way that isn't supported by the text: the way she reflects on her time with Reynard had me second-guessing if that was truly the full spectrum of their relationship because it's so hilariously ... non-existent.
But it's somehow enough that she knows its love. Ditto and reverse it for Reynard, I guess?
The thing that annoys me is that this is a romance novel: I'm here for two people falling into feelings quickly in unlikely circumstances while withholding portions of their identity. I can be in that, 100%.
The issue is that you actually have to commit to the bit and give the readers the information and evidence necessary to justify that emotional connection, that projection into the future, the demonstration of how they will partner, etc. And we didn't get any of that in this book: it's short-handed and hurried through, in order to get to the parts in London (which were definitely...a thing.)
4. The parts in London were kind of terrible? They take up ~50% of the book, and are mostly spent talking about what the characters are up to: Zoë goes to a dress fitting. She paints portraits. She helps clip rose-hips. She goes to another dress fitting. Then Reynard comes to town and meets with his grandmother. Then he goes to his estate. Then he finds out about a leak which means he walks through the portrait gallery which means he sees a portrait painted by a familiar artist. Then he tals to his grandmother. Then he asks around town about the mysterious ZB-who-knows-Olive. It's all very "and then they did this!"
Once they finally re-meet, Gracie does her "I'm interrupting this conversation for COMEDIC EFFECT" and all my hair falls out and my crops die and my cows run dry. It's not funny, it's not entertaining: it's a stalling tactic because there is NOTHING COMPELLING HAPPENING IN THIS BOOK.
5. Millie's subplot is kind of the worst and I cannot lie.
6. This needed significant editing: it felt like an outline-cum-first draft. Sections felt repeated, or reintroduced like we hadn't been reading the same book the entire time. Very sloppy.
7. Overall, this was not a strong entry from Gracie and I'm not sure I'll be jumping to read future books by this author (unless my GR brethren give me reason to proceed).
All that? Is from the "Previously, on The Brides of Bellaire Garden...". So.)
THREE YEARS LATER, Zoë decides she is done with the current houseparty she's attending in the idyllic French countryside so she disguises herself as a maid and heads out to locate her mom's old house. Along the way she runs into Reynard, a "vagabond" who paints and wastes an obscene amount of tea. They spent ONE WEEK together and like the flavor of each other's kool-aid and end up in pound-town together. Then the NEXT DAY, there is betrayal and hurt or something when Zoë discovers that Reynard is collecting looted paintings from the French citizens he paints.
She takes off to Paris and returns to London, allegedly heart broken or something because feelings? Her sisters get her polished and ready for a fancy debut. Meanwhile, Julian Fox, the Earl of Foxton, returns to London after spending some amount of time searching for the mysterious lady friend he made while vagabonding around. But then he sees an art and discovers that the new-to-town Zoë Benoît is actually his missing French friend!!!!!! One conversation (broken up over multiple scenes, and interspersed with giving the shitty neighbor Milly a HEA) resolves everything: THE END.
1. OOOOOOF. This was a situation. Which. Hmm.
2. A major problem with The Secret Daughter is that the majority (>90%) of the book is either (a) telling us what is happening, or (b) repeating the same few "internal action" beats over and over. So there isn't much in the way of character development or complex motivations in the text. Zoë wants to see her mother's old house: achievement unlocked! It means nothing beyond a way to advance the story—which is so weirdly superficial and does such a disservice to the alleged heroine of the book.
3. My point above folds neatly into this point which is: the actual "love story" (two strangers meeting on a French road, spending a week together, feelings the feels) was actually stupidly sparse? They spend several of those days apart; only a few shallow conversations are captured on page; and then Zoë, at least, lets her thoughts churn into love-butter. She seems to talk herself into loving Reynard in a way that isn't supported by the text: the way she reflects on her time with Reynard had me second-guessing if that was truly the full spectrum of their relationship because it's so hilariously ... non-existent.
But it's somehow enough that she knows its love. Ditto and reverse it for Reynard, I guess?
The thing that annoys me is that this is a romance novel: I'm here for two people falling into feelings quickly in unlikely circumstances while withholding portions of their identity. I can be in that, 100%.
The issue is that you actually have to commit to the bit and give the readers the information and evidence necessary to justify that emotional connection, that projection into the future, the demonstration of how they will partner, etc. And we didn't get any of that in this book: it's short-handed and hurried through, in order to get to the parts in London (which were definitely...a thing.)
4. The parts in London were kind of terrible? They take up ~50% of the book, and are mostly spent talking about what the characters are up to: Zoë goes to a dress fitting. She paints portraits. She helps clip rose-hips. She goes to another dress fitting. Then Reynard comes to town and meets with his grandmother. Then he goes to his estate. Then he finds out about a leak which means he walks through the portrait gallery which means he sees a portrait painted by a familiar artist. Then he tals to his grandmother. Then he asks around town about the mysterious ZB-who-knows-Olive. It's all very "and then they did this!"
Once they finally re-meet, Gracie does her "I'm interrupting this conversation for COMEDIC EFFECT" and all my hair falls out and my crops die and my cows run dry. It's not funny, it's not entertaining: it's a stalling tactic because there is NOTHING COMPELLING HAPPENING IN THIS BOOK.
5. Millie's subplot is kind of the worst and I cannot lie.
6. This needed significant editing: it felt like an outline-cum-first draft. Sections felt repeated, or reintroduced like we hadn't been reading the same book the entire time. Very sloppy.
7. Overall, this was not a strong entry from Gracie and I'm not sure I'll be jumping to read future books by this author (unless my GR brethren give me reason to proceed).
January 19, 2025
My Review:
The Secret Daughter was book 4 for the historical romance readathon"Rake Meets Bluestocking" and I absolutely adored so much of this. It was at times very cozy, at others highly entertaining and in others a bit swoony in all the ways that I look forward to seeing in a historical romance. I have always found that Anne Gracie has delightful charming writing. And you definitely felt that charm and delight resonate in this one here. I was easily swept up so easily within the story. Anne Gracie takes you across the countryside of France to the captivating streets of the Ton in London. It had such a taste of adventure that I have truly missed seeing in recent historicals.
The connect that we see between our couple Zoe and Reynard was brilliant. They both are assuming different identities, and it had such a cozy casual vibe to it. Going from strangers....to friends...to lovers and swiftly to enemies due to some misunderstandings about both of their intentions and they are both at fault for it. I did love how Reynard was so diligent in his pursuit of Zoe. I wished she had been just as diligent because was just as accountable in what caused their separation ....in fact I would say more so. Its probably one of the issues that I had with the story is how the heroine wasn't willing to take true accountability for the wrongs she committed. While the hero did take accountability and made the attempt to make amends. Its what I have struggled with modernistic heroines in historicals...we see this so much. Heroines not caring how they hurt others because all that matters is themselves. They have become very self centered.
I did enjoy the romance though and boy did this author have me swooning all over the place left and right. I loved the intimacy .....the deep connection that they had especially in their mutual talent for art. I did find it strange the heroine thought she could just make a easy career of being a painter....like really? Do you understand societal restrictions? lol But the way that this element was written was more subtle so I do think readers who struggle with modernistic romances will still enjoy this one. As its not overdone or heavily focused. Its more in the background so you can just ignore it.
Overall I was completely satisfied in the end and how their story wraps up and now I am curious what is on the horizon for this author and very eager to read more of her backlisted works I have yet to read. If you are looking for a cozy poignant romance that delves into the true heart of the time period and genuine desires ....I highly recommend this stunning installment that will be comforting and swoony in little moments.
The Secret Daughter was book 4 for the historical romance readathon"Rake Meets Bluestocking" and I absolutely adored so much of this. It was at times very cozy, at others highly entertaining and in others a bit swoony in all the ways that I look forward to seeing in a historical romance. I have always found that Anne Gracie has delightful charming writing. And you definitely felt that charm and delight resonate in this one here. I was easily swept up so easily within the story. Anne Gracie takes you across the countryside of France to the captivating streets of the Ton in London. It had such a taste of adventure that I have truly missed seeing in recent historicals.
The connect that we see between our couple Zoe and Reynard was brilliant. They both are assuming different identities, and it had such a cozy casual vibe to it. Going from strangers....to friends...to lovers and swiftly to enemies due to some misunderstandings about both of their intentions and they are both at fault for it. I did love how Reynard was so diligent in his pursuit of Zoe. I wished she had been just as diligent because was just as accountable in what caused their separation ....in fact I would say more so. Its probably one of the issues that I had with the story is how the heroine wasn't willing to take true accountability for the wrongs she committed. While the hero did take accountability and made the attempt to make amends. Its what I have struggled with modernistic heroines in historicals...we see this so much. Heroines not caring how they hurt others because all that matters is themselves. They have become very self centered.
I did enjoy the romance though and boy did this author have me swooning all over the place left and right. I loved the intimacy .....the deep connection that they had especially in their mutual talent for art. I did find it strange the heroine thought she could just make a easy career of being a painter....like really? Do you understand societal restrictions? lol But the way that this element was written was more subtle so I do think readers who struggle with modernistic romances will still enjoy this one. As its not overdone or heavily focused. Its more in the background so you can just ignore it.
Overall I was completely satisfied in the end and how their story wraps up and now I am curious what is on the horizon for this author and very eager to read more of her backlisted works I have yet to read. If you are looking for a cozy poignant romance that delves into the true heart of the time period and genuine desires ....I highly recommend this stunning installment that will be comforting and swoony in little moments.
February 8, 2025
Zoë and Reynard meet in the French countryside each with a secret identity: Zoë posing as a dismissed lady’s maid, while in search of her ancestral roots, and Reynard posing as a traveling artist. They spend a week camping, painting portraits and getting to know each other, falling in love along the way. But they have an argument, and Zoë goes back to her family in England.
I enjoyed the first part of the story. The unique way Zoë and Reynard are introduced and the carefree time they spend together out in nature, living simply. However, when Zoë leaves Reynard, the story stalls for me. The couple spent a good chunk of time apart. There was a lot of time spent on/with characters from the previous stories, and I felt at a loss not having read the prior books. I also felt some of the interactions and dialogue were odd and childish, like the time Zoë spent painting Lady Bagshott and all the scenes with Millie. The story dragged on for me and I ended up skimming a lot just to finish.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I enjoyed the first part of the story. The unique way Zoë and Reynard are introduced and the carefree time they spend together out in nature, living simply. However, when Zoë leaves Reynard, the story stalls for me. The couple spent a good chunk of time apart. There was a lot of time spent on/with characters from the previous stories, and I felt at a loss not having read the prior books. I also felt some of the interactions and dialogue were odd and childish, like the time Zoë spent painting Lady Bagshott and all the scenes with Millie. The story dragged on for me and I ended up skimming a lot just to finish.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 2, 2025
Well, I thought this was trilogy and here is the 4th book. How happy am I?? We met Zoe in the previous books when Clarissa's maid found her in an orphanage. She looks so like Izzy, her half sister that she realizes she must be another half sister. Three years later, Zoe has spent time in Paris learning to become a proper. Lady, even though her mother was an escaped French aristocrat saved by her nanny. What a back story.
Zoe decides to change places with a maid who has been abused by the same man trying to catch Zoe. They run away and Zoe sends the maid to Paris while Zoe looks for her family home
She meets an English vagabond painter Reynaud, and she spends time with him fixing his paintings as he can paint animals but not people. When she discovers what she thinks is an immoral scheme, she steals a painting of her family from him and ends up back in London.
I will not tell you anymore of the plot, but it works out well of course or this wouldn't be a romance. Suffice to say, all the previous characters turn up, there are several happy endings and this may be the end of the series unless another sister turns up.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC. The opinions in this review are my own. I love Anne Gracie and have introduced my daughter to her books as well. Be sure to read these books in order.
Zoe decides to change places with a maid who has been abused by the same man trying to catch Zoe. They run away and Zoe sends the maid to Paris while Zoe looks for her family home
She meets an English vagabond painter Reynaud, and she spends time with him fixing his paintings as he can paint animals but not people. When she discovers what she thinks is an immoral scheme, she steals a painting of her family from him and ends up back in London.
I will not tell you anymore of the plot, but it works out well of course or this wouldn't be a romance. Suffice to say, all the previous characters turn up, there are several happy endings and this may be the end of the series unless another sister turns up.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the EARC. The opinions in this review are my own. I love Anne Gracie and have introduced my daughter to her books as well. Be sure to read these books in order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
I went into this book not realizing it was the 4th in the Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, and I’m happy to report it works fine as a standalone!
Set in the Regency era, Zoe Benoit is the illegitimate daughter of a French aristocrat, and her mother was also part of the aristocracy before the Reign of Terror. Her mother flees to England with Zoe, where she grows up knowing aristocratic French and lower class English. After being orphaned, a plan is hatched to bring Zoe to France pretending to be a cousin of her half-sister to learn how to be a lady in French society. A whirlwind romance ensues between Zoe and a vagabond artist, Reynard. There are secrets and scandals that break them apart, and their relationship is never forgotten as the two move through their separate lives. Was it actually meant to be, and will they ever find each other again?
I really enjoyed the relationship between Zoe and Reynard. Even though it was initially brief, it felt very authentic and my heart did break when they went their separate ways. After the first half of the book, however, it got somewhat convoluted and repetitive. I found it hard to keep reading at times, but the ending was very engaging and wrapped up nicely!
I am definitely interested in reading the other books in this series! I wonder if it will give me more insight into this book.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the gifted eARC!
Set in the Regency era, Zoe Benoit is the illegitimate daughter of a French aristocrat, and her mother was also part of the aristocracy before the Reign of Terror. Her mother flees to England with Zoe, where she grows up knowing aristocratic French and lower class English. After being orphaned, a plan is hatched to bring Zoe to France pretending to be a cousin of her half-sister to learn how to be a lady in French society. A whirlwind romance ensues between Zoe and a vagabond artist, Reynard. There are secrets and scandals that break them apart, and their relationship is never forgotten as the two move through their separate lives. Was it actually meant to be, and will they ever find each other again?
I really enjoyed the relationship between Zoe and Reynard. Even though it was initially brief, it felt very authentic and my heart did break when they went their separate ways. After the first half of the book, however, it got somewhat convoluted and repetitive. I found it hard to keep reading at times, but the ending was very engaging and wrapped up nicely!
I am definitely interested in reading the other books in this series! I wonder if it will give me more insight into this book.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the gifted eARC!
November 22, 2025
Goede afsluiter van de serie , maar eerlijk gezegd wel wat ongeloofwaardig dat alle 3 de "zusjes" een Lord aan de haak slaan .
December 5, 2025
The pacing of this was so bad😭
January 1, 2025
Fourth in The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, The Secret Daughter is Anne Gracie at her best. This story is set half in rural France in 1821 and half in England, mostly London during the Season.
Zoë Benoît grew up in London’s slums and an unsavoury orphanage until she was discovered by her half sister, who had been looking for a maid. From there, Zoe was absorbed into her eclectic family, spending time in the Belaire Gardens home of Lady Scattergood before travelling to Paris for three years of training to become a lady. I loved Zoë right away. She has so much spunk and I adored the swap she did with her maid, which allowed her to set off alone to find her mother’s home, the Chateau de Chantonney. I sympathised with her when a blister developed in her foot thanks to walking in shoes not designed for that purpose and I loved her meet cute with vagabond artist Reynard, with whom she ends up spending a blissful week free of the constraints of her normal life. I loved the casual intimacy and simplicity of their lives, camping, cooking over an open fire, washing in the nearby stream and painting. These two clicked so beautifully and it was great to see how well they worked together to complete the paintings he was commissioned to do for the local peasant farmers. Back in London, it was great to reconnect with the various Belaire Gardens families, even annoying Milly. That dressmaker-extraordinaire Daisy Chance also made a few appearances in this story. Throughout the book there are splashes of tongue in cheek humour, which keep things light and entertaining. The story reads beautifully as the fourth book in the series, though if you wish, you can also enjoy it s a stand-alone story.
Zoë Benoît grew up in London’s slums and an unsavoury orphanage until she was discovered by her half sister, who had been looking for a maid. From there, Zoe was absorbed into her eclectic family, spending time in the Belaire Gardens home of Lady Scattergood before travelling to Paris for three years of training to become a lady. I loved Zoë right away. She has so much spunk and I adored the swap she did with her maid, which allowed her to set off alone to find her mother’s home, the Chateau de Chantonney. I sympathised with her when a blister developed in her foot thanks to walking in shoes not designed for that purpose and I loved her meet cute with vagabond artist Reynard, with whom she ends up spending a blissful week free of the constraints of her normal life. I loved the casual intimacy and simplicity of their lives, camping, cooking over an open fire, washing in the nearby stream and painting. These two clicked so beautifully and it was great to see how well they worked together to complete the paintings he was commissioned to do for the local peasant farmers. Back in London, it was great to reconnect with the various Belaire Gardens families, even annoying Milly. That dressmaker-extraordinaire Daisy Chance also made a few appearances in this story. Throughout the book there are splashes of tongue in cheek humour, which keep things light and entertaining. The story reads beautifully as the fourth book in the series, though if you wish, you can also enjoy it s a stand-alone story.
March 21, 2025
Not my favorite Gracie novel (or series), but a pleasant read nevertheless.
December 29, 2024
Charming Regency Romance
The Secret Daughter takes place 30 years after the French Revolution. Nonetheless, the events of the Terror are still fresh in the minds of those who survived. Zoe and Foxton meet each other in the French countryside. Both are traveling incognito and using pseudonyms. She's disguised as the maidservant Vita and he's posing as the traveling vagabond Reynard. Zoe has journeyed to find her origins by seeing the chateau that belonged to her mother's family before they were executed as aristocrats. Foxton is traveling on a secret mission of his own. Both bond immediately and share an instant connection as artists.
With each hiding their truths, it's hard to build trust and Zoe runs off after she discovers what she thinks are immoral actions on Foxton's part. While he certainly hasn't shared openly or honestly, he's angry about what he perceives as her betrayal. Fast forward a little while and they will meet up in London society.
This is fast paced and will keep you turning the pages. There are enough changes of location and plot twists to keep things interesting. The shared experiences and passion for art are a believable basis for this couple's love story.
While this concludes the series and characters from the previous novels play key roles, this can be read as a standalone.
The Secret Daughter takes place 30 years after the French Revolution. Nonetheless, the events of the Terror are still fresh in the minds of those who survived. Zoe and Foxton meet each other in the French countryside. Both are traveling incognito and using pseudonyms. She's disguised as the maidservant Vita and he's posing as the traveling vagabond Reynard. Zoe has journeyed to find her origins by seeing the chateau that belonged to her mother's family before they were executed as aristocrats. Foxton is traveling on a secret mission of his own. Both bond immediately and share an instant connection as artists.
With each hiding their truths, it's hard to build trust and Zoe runs off after she discovers what she thinks are immoral actions on Foxton's part. While he certainly hasn't shared openly or honestly, he's angry about what he perceives as her betrayal. Fast forward a little while and they will meet up in London society.
This is fast paced and will keep you turning the pages. There are enough changes of location and plot twists to keep things interesting. The shared experiences and passion for art are a believable basis for this couple's love story.
While this concludes the series and characters from the previous novels play key roles, this can be read as a standalone.
January 14, 2025
I'm so glad to have gotten back to the genre that started my love of reading. It's been almost a year that I've read an historical romance, and Anne Gracie is the perfect author to get me back to my happily ever after. This is the fourth installment of The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series. Although not necessary, it's better to have read the first three to get the back story and become familiar with the characters. This whole series is wonderfully written, romance without being too racy, just perfect. Many thanks to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
December 23, 2024
Zoe Benoit grew up in the slums of London, the daughter of an aristocratic French emigrant and an unknown English gentleman, and when her mother died, she was sent to an orphanage. But her life changed when Clarrisa Studley found her and claimed her as a sister. Clarrisa along with her other half-sister Izzy, realized that they all shared the same father and decided to introduce Zoe to society. They sent her to France with their dear friend Lucy and her husband to learn to be a lady away from the prying eyes of the ton and planned to launch her once she returned. While in France Zoe attends a house party not far from her mother’s former home and when there is an incident that leads to her leaving the party early, she decides to use it as an opportunity to visit her mother’s home. She switches places with her maid and calling herself Vita, she sets out on her own. But it isn’t long before she realizes that it isn’t safe for a young woman to travel alone, lucky for her she meets a vagabond painter named Reynard, who gives her a ride to her mother’s old home and then later offers her shelter. She plans to return to Paris immediately, but after spending time with Reynard, she decides to stay and even helps him with his painting. She falls in love with him and can envision a life with him, but a misassumption of his character has her fleeing without a word. Back in England, she tries to forget him, but it seems impossible and when he finds her, it is clear that she was not the only pretending to be someone else.
Julian Fox, the Earl of Foxton never expected to inherit the earldom and never wanted it. But he takes his responsibility seriously, but that doesn’t mean he is willing to give up his freedom or his passion for painting. So, he takes a sojourn to France for three months and then plans to return to England to assume his responsibilities. What he didn’t plan on was falling in love and then losing her, all without knowing who she really is. He tries to find her but has to accept that she is gone. He returns to England and is stunned to see a painting that he is sure was done by his Vita. He tracks her down and discovers that he was not the only one hiding something, but that doesn’t matter to him, can he convince Zoe that her secrets don’t change the way he feels?
This was a well-written, interesting story with wonderful characters, and while I did enjoy this book, but it was not really the story I was expecting and while I definitely felt the connection between Zoe and Julian, I found myself wishing they spent more time together and let the reader experience the development of their romance. I loved catching up with Clarrisa, Lucy, Izzy and Lady Scattergood and enjoyed the secondary storyline with Millie, but it ends rather abruptly, and it really needed an epilogue to give readers a bit of closure. Overall, this was a good book, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it, but it is not a book I would read again. This is the final book in the series, it could be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.
3.5 stars, rounded up
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Julian Fox, the Earl of Foxton never expected to inherit the earldom and never wanted it. But he takes his responsibility seriously, but that doesn’t mean he is willing to give up his freedom or his passion for painting. So, he takes a sojourn to France for three months and then plans to return to England to assume his responsibilities. What he didn’t plan on was falling in love and then losing her, all without knowing who she really is. He tries to find her but has to accept that she is gone. He returns to England and is stunned to see a painting that he is sure was done by his Vita. He tracks her down and discovers that he was not the only one hiding something, but that doesn’t matter to him, can he convince Zoe that her secrets don’t change the way he feels?
This was a well-written, interesting story with wonderful characters, and while I did enjoy this book, but it was not really the story I was expecting and while I definitely felt the connection between Zoe and Julian, I found myself wishing they spent more time together and let the reader experience the development of their romance. I loved catching up with Clarrisa, Lucy, Izzy and Lady Scattergood and enjoyed the secondary storyline with Millie, but it ends rather abruptly, and it really needed an epilogue to give readers a bit of closure. Overall, this was a good book, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it, but it is not a book I would read again. This is the final book in the series, it could be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.
3.5 stars, rounded up
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
December 24, 2024
The Secret Daughter by Anne Gracie, book four in her The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, is a captivating story, with humor, and wit, while engaging the reader; creating an enjoyable read. Orphaned Zoë Benoit was discovered in an orphanage by her two half-sisters, Clarissa and Izzy. Her mother was a member of the aristocracy in France before the Reign of Terror, who fled to England, losing her status and struggling to make a living. Zoe could speak aristocratic French, but her English was that of the lower class. The sisters devised a plan to send her to France with friends, to learn how to be a lady so she could take her place in society when she returned.
While attending a house party to practice her new social skills, Zoë ends up having to fend off the advances of the son of her hosts; realizing she needs to leave. The son has also made advances to a maid and together they leave the estate. Zoe decides to travel to the Chateau, her ancestral home, which was nearby; switching clothes with the maid before sending her on to Paris and her friends' home. As she makes her way to her mother's home, dressed as a maidservant named Vita, she encounters a vagabond artist who offers her refuge, after meeting more assailants on the road.
Reynard loves the life of a vagabond and when he meets the beautiful Vita he discovers that she too is an artist, a very good one, so he does his best to convince her to stay as they paint portraits for the farmers to replace old paintings that Reynard takes with him. A major misunderstanding occurs and Vita disappears, not even leaving a note. He searches for her, but cannot find her; and it is now time for him to return to London and his other life.
Back in London and his life as Julian Fox, Earl of Foxton, he discovers a portrait that his grandmother has had done, instantly recognizing it as the work of Vita; he then sets off to find her. It was not going to be easy and when he does he needs to convince her that she can trust him. When Zoe meets up with Reynard, aka the Earl of Foxton, many emotions run through her. He might be the man she fell for and she learns she can she trust him, but she is still not convinced that she is made to be a ton wife. Zoe and Julian have a lot of hurdles to cross before they can find their HEA; including the fabulous Lady Scattergood.
Although I enjoyed this story, the first half of this book is definitely stronger than the second. I loved reading about the two working on commissioned paintings and living in a little wagon in the countryside. The English ton part is also good, but the plot dragged a bit in the middle.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#Berkley #NetGalley #TheSecretDaughter
While attending a house party to practice her new social skills, Zoë ends up having to fend off the advances of the son of her hosts; realizing she needs to leave. The son has also made advances to a maid and together they leave the estate. Zoe decides to travel to the Chateau, her ancestral home, which was nearby; switching clothes with the maid before sending her on to Paris and her friends' home. As she makes her way to her mother's home, dressed as a maidservant named Vita, she encounters a vagabond artist who offers her refuge, after meeting more assailants on the road.
Reynard loves the life of a vagabond and when he meets the beautiful Vita he discovers that she too is an artist, a very good one, so he does his best to convince her to stay as they paint portraits for the farmers to replace old paintings that Reynard takes with him. A major misunderstanding occurs and Vita disappears, not even leaving a note. He searches for her, but cannot find her; and it is now time for him to return to London and his other life.
Back in London and his life as Julian Fox, Earl of Foxton, he discovers a portrait that his grandmother has had done, instantly recognizing it as the work of Vita; he then sets off to find her. It was not going to be easy and when he does he needs to convince her that she can trust him. When Zoe meets up with Reynard, aka the Earl of Foxton, many emotions run through her. He might be the man she fell for and she learns she can she trust him, but she is still not convinced that she is made to be a ton wife. Zoe and Julian have a lot of hurdles to cross before they can find their HEA; including the fabulous Lady Scattergood.
Although I enjoyed this story, the first half of this book is definitely stronger than the second. I loved reading about the two working on commissioned paintings and living in a little wagon in the countryside. The English ton part is also good, but the plot dragged a bit in the middle.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#Berkley #NetGalley #TheSecretDaughter
December 23, 2024
I've enjoyed this low angst historical romance series since its start, and this was a solid entry. Zoe is a newly-discovered illegitimate sister of Izzy and Clarissa, FMCs of the two previous books. She's preparing for her social debut, but before entering Society, she wants to visit her mother's childhood home. Her mother was one of the deposed aristos during the French Revolution; she fled her home at age 11 and died when Zoe herself was 12. Zoe speaks French like a native, and decides to go to her family's chateau incognito.
So we've got Zoe, in disguise as ladies maid "Vita," who after some scary run-ins with other men, meets "Reynard," itinerant artist. He's a real gentlemanly type, a big change from the other. men she's met, and they spend about a week together falling in love with each other's aliases. But it turns out that Reynard has been fleecing French peasants out of valuable paintings, which Zoe finds intolerable. (He's been painting their portraits and putting them in the gilded frames they all happen to have lying around in their houses, and in return taking the "old paintings" that used to be in the frames...) Zoe runs back to her family, and although Reynard goes after her, he can't find her anywhere ... until he meets her once again in a haut ton ballroom...
I would have liked. a little more nuance to the "aristocrats: good; peasants: murderous looters" paradigm that has been a part of English literature since A Tale of Two Cities or The Scarlet Pimpernel. I'm not saying that Zoe's family deserved to meet Madame Guillotine, but I'm also not saying that the peasants didn't have the right to be ... upset? ... with their landlords. And Reynard's ultimate goal by getting the paintings falls very much into the "British aristocrat helping out his impoverished French counterpoint" mode. But, this book is basically a traditional Regency romance with some light spice, so it wasn't exactly something I expected. I liked the book for what it it was, and I'm hoping for another by Anne Gracie soon!
Note that I said this series was low angst: that is true, especially in the central relationships. However, many of the books include an element of sexual assault, which is not traumatizing for the characters, but might be something you don't want to encounter in your romances. Just a heads up.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
So we've got Zoe, in disguise as ladies maid "Vita," who after some scary run-ins with other men, meets "Reynard," itinerant artist. He's a real gentlemanly type, a big change from the other. men she's met, and they spend about a week together falling in love with each other's aliases. But it turns out that Reynard has been fleecing French peasants out of valuable paintings, which Zoe finds intolerable. (He's been painting their portraits and putting them in the gilded frames they all happen to have lying around in their houses, and in return taking the "old paintings" that used to be in the frames...) Zoe runs back to her family, and although Reynard goes after her, he can't find her anywhere ... until he meets her once again in a haut ton ballroom...
I would have liked. a little more nuance to the "aristocrats: good; peasants: murderous looters" paradigm that has been a part of English literature since A Tale of Two Cities or The Scarlet Pimpernel. I'm not saying that Zoe's family deserved to meet Madame Guillotine, but I'm also not saying that the peasants didn't have the right to be ... upset? ... with their landlords. And Reynard's ultimate goal by getting the paintings falls very much into the "British aristocrat helping out his impoverished French counterpoint" mode. But, this book is basically a traditional Regency romance with some light spice, so it wasn't exactly something I expected. I liked the book for what it it was, and I'm hoping for another by Anne Gracie soon!
Note that I said this series was low angst: that is true, especially in the central relationships. However, many of the books include an element of sexual assault, which is not traumatizing for the characters, but might be something you don't want to encounter in your romances. Just a heads up.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
September 1, 2024
*rounded up to 4.25
The Secret Daughter is the 4th book in Anne Gracie's Brides of Bellaire Gardens series. Zoe Benoit is an illegitimate daughter of Sir Bartleby Studley and half sister to his legitimate daughter Clarissa and his other illegitimate daughter Izzy. While Zoe's mother was a member of the aristocracy in France before the Reign of Terror, after she fled the country for England her status dropped as she had to make a life in the stews of London. Zoe could speak aristocratic French, but her English was that of the lower class. So when her sisters discovered her a plan was hatched to send her to France with friends to learn how to be a lady so she could take her place in society when she returned.
The book opens when Zoe is attending a house party to practice her new social skills and because the house party was within 20 miles of her ancestral home. When she has to fend off the advances of the son of her hosts, Zoe knows she needs to leave. The son has also importuned a maid and they leave the estate together. Zoe decides to travel to her ancestral home by herself and switches clothes with her maid before sending her on to Paris and her friends' home. As she makes her way to her mother's home, she encounters a vagabond artist who offers her refuge after meeting more assailants on the road. Reynard is not who he seems, but then neither is Zoe. A friendship develops and then something more. But a big misunderstanding occurs that has to be made right.
The first half of this book was bordering on a 5/5 territory for me. It flowed so well and the relationship, even though it took place over a short period of time, seemed very authentic. The second half, while still good, had a few spots that got a little convoluted with the addition of other characters and the resolution took a bit of time.
I have read a lot of mediocre books lately and it was so refreshing to read something that was well crafted and engaging. I have read the other books in the series, but this one can be read as a standalone.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Secret Daughter is the 4th book in Anne Gracie's Brides of Bellaire Gardens series. Zoe Benoit is an illegitimate daughter of Sir Bartleby Studley and half sister to his legitimate daughter Clarissa and his other illegitimate daughter Izzy. While Zoe's mother was a member of the aristocracy in France before the Reign of Terror, after she fled the country for England her status dropped as she had to make a life in the stews of London. Zoe could speak aristocratic French, but her English was that of the lower class. So when her sisters discovered her a plan was hatched to send her to France with friends to learn how to be a lady so she could take her place in society when she returned.
The book opens when Zoe is attending a house party to practice her new social skills and because the house party was within 20 miles of her ancestral home. When she has to fend off the advances of the son of her hosts, Zoe knows she needs to leave. The son has also importuned a maid and they leave the estate together. Zoe decides to travel to her ancestral home by herself and switches clothes with her maid before sending her on to Paris and her friends' home. As she makes her way to her mother's home, she encounters a vagabond artist who offers her refuge after meeting more assailants on the road. Reynard is not who he seems, but then neither is Zoe. A friendship develops and then something more. But a big misunderstanding occurs that has to be made right.
The first half of this book was bordering on a 5/5 territory for me. It flowed so well and the relationship, even though it took place over a short period of time, seemed very authentic. The second half, while still good, had a few spots that got a little convoluted with the addition of other characters and the resolution took a bit of time.
I have read a lot of mediocre books lately and it was so refreshing to read something that was well crafted and engaging. I have read the other books in the series, but this one can be read as a standalone.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2025
It was Anne Gracie's characters who first drew me to her books almost twenty years ago and it's her characters who bring me back with each new book she writes. Each one - whether main or secondary - is brought to life on the page with Gracie's deft hand.
In this fourth and final book of The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, we finally get Zoë's story and it's a delight. This former orphan, born in the London slums but with a French aristocratic heritage, is one of my favorite Gracie heroines, right up there with George (Georgiana), heroine of Marry in Scarlet (book four - Marriage of Convenience). I love her layers, her loyalty, her forthright manner, and her determination to carve her own path. I also love her vulnerability. She's quite a complex character.
Reynard/Julian has layers of his own. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, both as Vita and Reynard then as Zoë and Julian. Their banter is electric with each holding their own. I also appreciate how he isn't threatened by Zoë's artistic skill but supports and encourages it. There's plenty of humor between these two but also deep, heart-tugging emotion. They are a good match and I rooted for them to find their way back to one another.
The Secret Daughter can stand on its own but it's the final book in a four-book series. As such, overarching secondary storylines are wrapped up and main characters from the first three books are instrumental in this story. Julian isn't introduced until book four but for a better understanding of Zoë and the rest of the characters I recommend reading the series in order.
I don't know what Gracie has in store for readers next but whatever it is, I'll be happily buying it.
4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review.
In this fourth and final book of The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, we finally get Zoë's story and it's a delight. This former orphan, born in the London slums but with a French aristocratic heritage, is one of my favorite Gracie heroines, right up there with George (Georgiana), heroine of Marry in Scarlet (book four - Marriage of Convenience). I love her layers, her loyalty, her forthright manner, and her determination to carve her own path. I also love her vulnerability. She's quite a complex character.
Reynard/Julian has layers of his own. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, both as Vita and Reynard then as Zoë and Julian. Their banter is electric with each holding their own. I also appreciate how he isn't threatened by Zoë's artistic skill but supports and encourages it. There's plenty of humor between these two but also deep, heart-tugging emotion. They are a good match and I rooted for them to find their way back to one another.
The Secret Daughter can stand on its own but it's the final book in a four-book series. As such, overarching secondary storylines are wrapped up and main characters from the first three books are instrumental in this story. Julian isn't introduced until book four but for a better understanding of Zoë and the rest of the characters I recommend reading the series in order.
I don't know what Gracie has in store for readers next but whatever it is, I'll be happily buying it.
4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review.
January 1, 2025
3.5 🌟
An enjoyable 4th instalment of the Brides of Bellaire Gardens series. This is Zoë's story. She is the illegitimate half-sister of two of the other heroines in the series (Izzy and Clarissa).
Since being discovered in an orphanage in the last book, Zoë has spent the intervening 3 years in Paris under the care of a family friend, Lucy (the heroine in Book 1). This time was dedicated to improving her deportment, speech and manners to the level of an English Lady of Quality, so she could be presented to London society as Izzy and Clarissa's long-lost French cousin.
After attending a house party in rural France, Zoë swaps clothes with her maid and sets off alone to visit her maternal Grandparents' chalet which had been destroyed by mobs during the Terror.
On the way, she makes the acquaintance of the mysterious, wandering portrait artist Reynard, temporarily joining him on his travels, keeping him company and helping with his paintings while she awaits the weekly coach to arrive and return her to Paris.
Both Zoë and Reynard have secrets and keep their real names and true identities hidden. Despite this, they fall for each other and start to imagine a future together.
True love doesn't run smooth, of course, so when a misunderstanding occurs, they part ways. After a time, both begin to relegate the other to a bittersweet memory, until later when they are serendipitously reunited in London.
All the characters from the series make reappearances. It was helpful to have read the series in order, but not critical to the plot.
My favourite is still Clarissa's story in Book 3.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
An enjoyable 4th instalment of the Brides of Bellaire Gardens series. This is Zoë's story. She is the illegitimate half-sister of two of the other heroines in the series (Izzy and Clarissa).
Since being discovered in an orphanage in the last book, Zoë has spent the intervening 3 years in Paris under the care of a family friend, Lucy (the heroine in Book 1). This time was dedicated to improving her deportment, speech and manners to the level of an English Lady of Quality, so she could be presented to London society as Izzy and Clarissa's long-lost French cousin.
After attending a house party in rural France, Zoë swaps clothes with her maid and sets off alone to visit her maternal Grandparents' chalet which had been destroyed by mobs during the Terror.
On the way, she makes the acquaintance of the mysterious, wandering portrait artist Reynard, temporarily joining him on his travels, keeping him company and helping with his paintings while she awaits the weekly coach to arrive and return her to Paris.
Both Zoë and Reynard have secrets and keep their real names and true identities hidden. Despite this, they fall for each other and start to imagine a future together.
True love doesn't run smooth, of course, so when a misunderstanding occurs, they part ways. After a time, both begin to relegate the other to a bittersweet memory, until later when they are serendipitously reunited in London.
All the characters from the series make reappearances. It was helpful to have read the series in order, but not critical to the plot.
My favourite is still Clarissa's story in Book 3.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
December 30, 2024
Zoe is the half sister Clarissa and Izzy discover in an orphanage in the previous book. She has spent the last few years in France learning how to be a lady and losing her lower class English accent. While at a house party in France, she switches clothing with a housemaid and takes off in the countryside to find the house her mother grew up in. Her family were killed in the French Revolution while she escaped to England as a child. After an altercation with some men along the road, she is relieved to come up the Englishman Reynard. She tells him her name is Vita and only speaks French. He seems trustworthy and lets her sleep locked inside his caravan. He's a vagabond artist offering to paint family portraits of peasants in exchange for the painting already in the frame they own. Zoe, an artist herself, make improvements to his paintings. When she discovers he's taking valuable paintings and in her mind cheating the villagers, she takes off after they share a night together. Since they both used an alias and didn't know each others stories, Reynard/Julian had a lot of searching to do. This meant they were apart for much of the book dragging down the story. Also, so many characters from previous books were part of the narrative. You may be a little lost if you haven't read them. I did enjoy when the story reverted back to their homes in England with the shared back garden and the sisters were reunited. It was fun to see the irritating neighbor Millie again and learn her future. I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
December 8, 2024
4 Stars The Secret Daughter is the fourth book in the Brides of Bellaire Gardens series by Anne Gracie.
Set in the Regency period, orphaned Zoë Benoit has been in France for the last three years, learning to become a lady so she can enter society, pretending to be a French cousin of her half-sisters since she is illegitimate. On an impulsive visit to the château where her mother once lived, Zoë meets vagabond artist Reynard. Disguising herself as a maidservant named Vita, Zoë spends a week with Reynard before fleeing, heartbroken. Reynard searches for the woman he knows as Vita before ultimately returning to England to resume his life as Julian Fox, Earl of Foxton. Except when he recognizes one of Zoë's paintings, his hope is restored that he may find the woman he fell in love with in a French forest.
I loved the first half of this book, as Zoë and Julian get to know each other in the forest while each pretending to be someone they are not. This was such a unique plot and it was interesting to pull in some French history in a series that has mostly been set in Regency England. Despite the unique circumstances, Zoë and Julian's romance progressed naturally. The second half got a bit complicated and repetitive, but the ending was just right.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC! The Secret Daughter releases December 24th!
Set in the Regency period, orphaned Zoë Benoit has been in France for the last three years, learning to become a lady so she can enter society, pretending to be a French cousin of her half-sisters since she is illegitimate. On an impulsive visit to the château where her mother once lived, Zoë meets vagabond artist Reynard. Disguising herself as a maidservant named Vita, Zoë spends a week with Reynard before fleeing, heartbroken. Reynard searches for the woman he knows as Vita before ultimately returning to England to resume his life as Julian Fox, Earl of Foxton. Except when he recognizes one of Zoë's paintings, his hope is restored that he may find the woman he fell in love with in a French forest.
I loved the first half of this book, as Zoë and Julian get to know each other in the forest while each pretending to be someone they are not. This was such a unique plot and it was interesting to pull in some French history in a series that has mostly been set in Regency England. Despite the unique circumstances, Zoë and Julian's romance progressed naturally. The second half got a bit complicated and repetitive, but the ending was just right.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC! The Secret Daughter releases December 24th!
January 16, 2025
3.5 stars, took some time to get going so I had some stops and starts until something like 30% in and why I'm rounding down. Enjoyable time with Zoe, the third sister who was introduced in The Heiress's Daughter and has been in France with Lucy (from The Scoundrel's Daughter) for the last three years learning how to present herself as an English lady so that Izzy and Clarissa can bring her out.
Leaving a house party of French aristos due to a handsy host, Zoe decides to spend some time in the French countryside to visit the house where her mother spent her early life before the terror. She goes undercover as a harassed maid who ran away, and meets an English man living in a caravan going around doing art for the populace. Since this is an historical romance novel he is, of course, a secret earl doing some non-earl-y stuff. The two leads assuming alternate identities fall in love, are parted, and then once we're back in England meet again.
I liked this book the least of the Bellaire Gardens series but it's a very nice end to it all. It is much more leisurely than the others, and not much drama or tension. I marked this as "two pairs" because Millie finds her way as well. Looking forward to what Anne Gracie does next, as always.
Leaving a house party of French aristos due to a handsy host, Zoe decides to spend some time in the French countryside to visit the house where her mother spent her early life before the terror. She goes undercover as a harassed maid who ran away, and meets an English man living in a caravan going around doing art for the populace. Since this is an historical romance novel he is, of course, a secret earl doing some non-earl-y stuff. The two leads assuming alternate identities fall in love, are parted, and then once we're back in England meet again.
I liked this book the least of the Bellaire Gardens series but it's a very nice end to it all. It is much more leisurely than the others, and not much drama or tension. I marked this as "two pairs" because Millie finds her way as well. Looking forward to what Anne Gracie does next, as always.
February 28, 2025
I think this one is my favourite out the four books in this quartet.
I wasn't sure how she was going to deal with Zoë and her 'upbringing' after we met her in The Heiress's Daughter, sending her to France was a great idea and it made for a very fun romp. I really enjoyed how Zoë/Vita and Reynard/Julian met. It felt so different to the typical Regency romance and made it feel a little more whimsical. I will say that the reason for Zoë to run off didn't hold up for me, she is basically in love with him and when she learns something about him without an explanation from him, she just ups and leaves. It really didn't seem like something she would do.
The two meeting back in London was fun though and Julian knowing she was in London just by seeing her painting felt oddly romantic. I also thought him using vita as a pet name was cute. To be honest everything Julian did felt cute. He was a fun hero and not an asshole. :D
I'll miss Bellaire Gardens but I'm so glad everyone got their HEA. On to check out Anne Gracie's backlist!
February 18, 2025
This one was sort of different in the way it was built. Zoe pretends to be a servant named Vita and she goes to look for her families estate in France. And there she meets a painter who travels in a carriage, Reynard is freespirited and they end up travelling together. So much of the book is about them travelling in France. He is painting, they fall in love.
But then comes the drama. Moving forward and the rest of the book takes place among the Ton in England. Zoe and Julian meet again.
So the concept was fun and different, they were themselves (while they were actually lying). It was this whole other feel to the book with them there.
Zoe has her issues being a bastard and all. While Julian wants more freedom and not being the lord all the time.
I am so curious about her sisters books! There is also a tiny sidestory about a neighbor.
I enjoyed this story.
Great narration. Good feeling for the characters, especially the annoying ones, lol.
But then comes the drama. Moving forward and the rest of the book takes place among the Ton in England. Zoe and Julian meet again.
So the concept was fun and different, they were themselves (while they were actually lying). It was this whole other feel to the book with them there.
Zoe has her issues being a bastard and all. While Julian wants more freedom and not being the lord all the time.
I am so curious about her sisters books! There is also a tiny sidestory about a neighbor.
I enjoyed this story.
Great narration. Good feeling for the characters, especially the annoying ones, lol.
January 22, 2025
Great story. This is Zoe's story, and she's spent the last 3 years in France with Lucy and Gerald, learning how to be a lady, in order to join her sisters Clarissa and Izzy back in England. But there's a detour. She runs away with a maid from country house, where they were both accosted by the lecherous son. The maid goes on to Paris in Zoe's place, and she tries walking to her family's ancestral home. On the way, she meets a vagabond painter, Reynard, and she joins him for a short time. But a betraying discovery leads her to flee back to Paris, and then to England. Meanwhile, Julian Fox comes home from France, and accidentally sees one of Zoe's paintings. More misunderstandings and conversations. Funny and poignant. Great end to the story, that has continuing characters from previous series.
December 16, 2025
Zoe Benoit is conflicted about her place in society. Although her mother was a member of the French nobility who escaped to England during the Reign of Terror and her father was an English gentleman, they were not married. But Zoe's half sisters insist on claiming her by introducing her as their French cousin. First, however, she needs some polishing, so she goes to France with friends of her sisters. But her real love is painting. How can she pursue that if she makes the society marriage her sisters expect? An unexpected adventure in France leads her to the company of an Englishman calling himself Reynard, and itinerant painter traveling in a caravan. They form a connection, but all along she knows she must leave and return to England. Is there any chance she will ever see him again?
December 9, 2024
Keeping in mind that Anne is a good friend and sent me an ARC, this really is my truly honest opinion:
Zoe’s tale! Remember the illegitimate little sister who grew up in an orphanage despite being the daughter of a French countess and and English baron? If that doesn’t grab you right there, see Zoe as a lady traveling the French countryside in a Gypsy caravan with a handsome but lying devil who seemingly steals paintings for a living… They’re both such strong, stubborn, devious characters that the fireworks explode off the page. A twisty tale with all of Anne’s wonderful characters, tons of romance, and a love story you won’t be able to forget.
Zoe’s tale! Remember the illegitimate little sister who grew up in an orphanage despite being the daughter of a French countess and and English baron? If that doesn’t grab you right there, see Zoe as a lady traveling the French countryside in a Gypsy caravan with a handsome but lying devil who seemingly steals paintings for a living… They’re both such strong, stubborn, devious characters that the fireworks explode off the page. A twisty tale with all of Anne’s wonderful characters, tons of romance, and a love story you won’t be able to forget.
March 14, 2025
I really liked this book when Zoe (Vita) and Reynard (Foxton) were in France and traveling around painting. I was even still intrigued when Foxton was searching for Zoe back in England. However, once they found each other, the book really went downhill for me on two fronts. First of all, the couple were being constantly interrupted just when they were going to share secrets with each other (and us the readers). Secondly, I started to not like Foxton as we found out more about him. Zoe called him “twisty” but I considered him manipulative. He was tell half truths or outright lie to get his way. Such as what he said in the ballroom at the end of their waltz.
January 5, 2025
The fourth in the Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, and what a joy this has been to read. Each of the previous characters were in this story, and a few more familiar faces as well, which makes even more joy. This is an unusual romance, and starts when both the hero and heroine are 'sort of' in disguise - but you can't escape true love. They part in less than splendid terms, and when they do meet again it takes quite something for their reunion to become less than frosty. But of course there's a wonderful finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews