A Courtship in Catania

by Linda Rae Sande

The bastard son of an earl. An Italian aristocrat's daughter. It's almost love at first sight for these two when they meet during his Grand Tour of Sicily. But why does her father encourage a courtship if he has already promised her to another?The bastard grandson of a marquess, Donald Slater has been on his Grand Tour for nearly a year, keeping copious notes with the intention of writing a book for others to use as a guide when they take their tours. He's visiting the last island on his itinerary-Sicily-when he comes face to face with his future. She's young, she's beautiful, and she's a flirt, at least according to her aunt.

Nicoletta D'Avalos is surprised when her father encourages a courtship between her and the Englishman they met in the Prince of Biscari's gardens. She expected to be married off to an aristocrat, one who could refill her father's dwindling coffers. She's more than happy to spend time with Donald, though, especially after she realizes she has feelings for him. In fact, she's quite sure she's in love with him.When these two learn what the conte has arranged, though, their fledgling courtship must end.

For now.

When it comes to Grand Tours, Donald knows there is always an opportunity to act as a guide for younger siblings and cousins. When it comes to Nicoletta, he also knows there is more at stake than simply an interrupted courtship. And when the time is right, he will claim what it his. They made a pact, and he's determined to keep it.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2024

About the author

A self-described nerd and lover of science, Linda Rae spent many years as a published technical writer specializing in 3D graphics workstations, software and 3D animation (her movie credits include SHREK and SHREK 2). An interest in genealogy led to years of research on the Regency era and a desire to write fiction based in that time.

A fan of action-adventure movies, she can frequently be found at the local cinema. Although she no longer has any fish, she follows the San Jose Sharks. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming. More information about her books can be found at www.lindaraesande.com.

Reviews

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Series Starter!
This is a well rounded story with moments of love and the angst that goes with it, of close family life and of a love which just had to be and endure!
The characters, all of them, were simply wonderful. Each had a role to play and did this well making it a page-turning and entertaining story.
I must make mention here of the young child, Anthony, who in my opinion stole the show whenever he appeared.
And lastly, I was particularly impressed by the amount of authentic data which this author had obviously researched and put time and thought into to help make this a wonderful tale of note.
Having just read an early copy of this book, I am very happy to leave my voluntary review of it.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donald Slater has been on his Grand Tour for nearly a year, keeping copious notes with the intention of writing a guidebook on his return. He's visiting the last island on his itinerary Sicily when he comes face to face with his future. She's young, she's beautiful, and she's a flirt, at least according to her aunt.
Nicoletta D'Avalos is surprised when her father encourages a courtship between her and the Englishman they met in the Prince of Biscari's gardens in the heart of Catania. When these two learn what the conte has arranged, though, their fledgling courtship must end. For now.
A very well written enjoyable romance which spanned quite a few years. I loved both Donald & Nicoletta who fell hard & fast for each other but her father had plans for her & they had to part. I loved that there was a huge twist, which was a total surprise. Another plus was that Donald was the son of a couple featured in an earlier book – I love it when there’s a second generation story. I found this book to be an absolute delight & read it in two sittings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read was a great distraction! The plan between Nicoletta's father and the Conte is not quite what it seems to be, at least the Conte has a secret motive. Well written, steady pacing, engaging dialogues, and interesting historical background. And a lovely ending! Linda Rae Sande is an author I can count on for a light-hearted, entertaining read.
I read an ARC; the thoughts expressed are my own.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusually for this author this book has only one plot, that of Donald, elder son on Will and Barbara Earl and Countess of Bellingham, but not the heir as he was born before they married.
Whilst on his grand tour Donald met Nicoletta -Nicky a rather spoiled daughter of an Italian count, and is encouraged by the father and a friend of his, the elderly Marchese to have an affair with Donald, so she seduced him and accepts his marriage proposal. Only at the ball of her father's friend the Marchese both are surprised when her engagement to the Marchese is announced. Donald, having spent his remaining cash on an engagement ring, leaves for home heartbroken, but has promised to await ten years for her and agreed to corresponding with him.

Written in three parts I enjoyed this book, although never quite warmed to Nicky as a flighty cold as great too see the B hearted female. It was great to meet the Bellinghams again, although why an Earl (also heir to the Marquess of Devonville is currently working as factor for his brother in law in not sure. Looking forward to ebooks for all the cousins including the only girl.

Also let gripe and it's not just This book or author but most, David Williams only legitimate heir is described as the youngest son, but William has only two sons to David is the younger. To be the youngest there have to be there or more sons of daughters. Rant over.

[Debbie Henretty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series starter about young men going on their Grand Tour. I loved reading about the places Donald Slater visited. At one of his final destinations he meets Nicoletta and falls in love. Her father encourages the match, then cruelly separates them through his manipulations to have her married to a titled, very wealthy man.

Donald goes home to lick his wounds. During his time at home, we get to reconnect with his family and see how his parents are doing, and meet his siblings again. We also get to reconnect with his Aunt Hannah and Uncle Henry and their children. Donald eventually acts as tour guide for his cousins when they go on their Grand Tour. When he ends up back in Catania, he meets up with a now widowed Nicoletta. His love for her is still there. Nicoletta has several surprises for him, including telling him the circumstances surrounding her marriage.

I love a happy ending! It takes Donald and Nicoletta quite a long time to finally get theirs, but their patience is rewarded. I can’t wait to see if Donald’s cousins are lucky enough to find love during their Grand Tour!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself Googling the places that Donald visited during his grand tour, and as always the author brings both interesting research and romance together in a love story that initially seemed doomed. When he first lays eyes on Nicoletta, Donald is smitten, but when he realizes that she is meant for greater things, he quickly makes himself scarce, albeit with a broken heart. He promises he will wait ten years for her and when the news comes that she is free, he leaves no stone unturned to return to her. His parents, who have suffered under a similar situation, understand his feelings and will not allow him to face the future without their support. The novel is a standalone and comes to a lovely conclusion, bringing a family together. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The oldest but not the heir is on his tour and meets the love of his life. As a courtship goes, this courtship is extraordinary. There are things that not everyone knows but when they come to light everything goes crazy.
Another fantastic book from Linda Rea Sande. I have enjoyed the previous series and am super excited with what comes next. This book was. Everything and more. However, she had me worried near the middle. Hang in there... keep reading. If your not into steamy books thisbook is still readable. Just skip those parts. It's well worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series from this author.
It is a fabulous read with a very different, captivating storyline.
Donald, who is on his grand tour in Europe, meets and falls in love with Nicoletta. Her father has other plans for her, so Donald promises her he will wait ten years and if she is free at that time, he will marry her.
He returns to England to his family and his work.
There are so many wonderful characters, love, humor, twists and turns, and a lot of interesting places that were visited throughout the story.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.

[Carolyn Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a radically different historical romance and I enjoyed it so much. Twists I didn’t see coming, so much steam and a great HEA. Well written and great characters.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, with odd romance, topped off by a family starting a Grand Tour in Sicily. This will make you want to take your own tour.