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Devoted Hearts #5
Miss Devon's Choice
An arranged marriage, a choice to love, and the hope for happily ever after.
Rebecca Devon lives under the severe eye of her aunt and the iron will of her father. Though she wears what she is told and befriends the people they choose for her, she spends every moment longing to do as she wishes. Knowing freedom will only come through marriage, her hopes for a happy union are stolen away when her father arranges her marriage to a complete stranger.
Christian Hundley, Lord Easton, has learned the hard way that English society won't accept a person who looks or behaves differently than their ideal. He has hidden himself away from scornful eyes for years, until his aging grandfather takes matters in hand and finds Christian a bride. Knowing he must agree to the marriage, Christian shields his heart. If the whole of society cannot accept him, why should his bride?
Rebecca knows she must have love in her life, but Christian is convinced there is nothing so fraught with danger and pain as entrusting one’s heart to another. Rebecca does everything she can to change his mind, but Christian is determined to remain aloof. Can an arranged marriage ever be anything other than a business partnership?
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2018
1228 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Sally Britton
47 books1,270 followersSally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.
Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.
Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
November 3, 2018
This is fifth in a series and characters from the rest of the series are important in this one so I highly recommend reading the others first. And maybe reconsidering reading this one. Maybe.
This is a tragically flawed story. We've seen Rebecca in the previous books and after her sisters married so very against her father's will, knew she'd have a hard time finding happiness for her own. Her father and aunt are extremely, even impossibly, unpleasant people and they control her life completely. So when they announce that they've contracted a marriage for her she has exactly zero hope of avoiding it, really. This story actually does a really good job pointing out the flaw that still exists in the British marriage laws, even after the 18th century reforms that removed the most egregious abuses. Yes, there is no way that anybody can speak for Rebecca at the altar so she absolutely can say no. But the reality of her being so wholly at the mercy of her father means that actually going against his wishes can carry consequences that make that "right" useless. Which, by the way, also points out how unbelievable her father really is as a character because, once again, the check on his kind of abuse was that mistreating your family so abhorrently (more or less nakedly selling a daughter for political and economic power) would have ruined all of his so-called ambitions. So once again, he doesn't actually work as a person.
But Rebecca is outstanding. I fell for her almost instantly and just loved her courage and resilience. Facing an impossible situation, she determined that she would do what she could to take her own happiness in hand, at least as far as she was able—starting with a determination to fall in love with her soon-to-be husband. And she even has the courage to tell him so, outright. And not in some brash or manipulative way, either. Indeed, she turns her attentions to getting to know him, learning both his flaws and his virtues and working to find contentment where she can in this impossible situation.
So it's a near-Greek level tragedy that Christian is worse than her father in terms of a character that just doesn't work. Christian has decided that love destroys. It destroyed his mother who caught smallpox in a foreign land (she was Italian) because she followed her husband to his home. It destroyed his father because his dad was, apparently sad and refused to set foot back in England after his wife's death. And Christian magnifies these two events into representing everything there is to know about love. Which makes him a negatively motivated* idiot. The thing is that Christian is an Italian-trained musician, with virtuoso capability on both pianoforte and violin. And yes, music, particularly Italian, is often about destructive "love". But it is also about the joy and desirability of that love. So I just don't buy that he'd have such a mono-view of the happiest of emotions. But it is actually worse than that because we learn he is also conversant with novels. Specifically, with Jane Austen novels. And if those don't depict real, down-in-the-reality love, nothing does. Even still worse, then we learn, about the middle of the novel, that . But it is actually worse than that! We learn, in the epilogue, that ! I got to that epilogue and nearly threw my Surface against a wall I was so disgusted.
So Christian's entire resistance to Rebecca, with the attendant pain to both of them, couldn't hold the pudding you could carry with a toothpick. Which makes him too stupid to take seriously, frankly.
So I spent almost the entire book yelling at him to get over himself and stop hurting everyone needlessly. It was so bad that I almost didn't even notice that Britton also has Rebecca pull a "I can't talk to him despite being Xena Warrior Princess (at least on the emotional front) because I'm skeered." That didn't last long, at least, so really, it's all Christian.
This was headed for solid two-star territory but reformed Christian, once he pulled his head out of his nethers, was pretty awesome. We get enough hints that this might be the case as the story goes on that I almost didn't want to hope he'd turn out okay. But he seriously does. So the ending rocked and pulled this up to three stars.
A note about Tropey Pet Peeves: This far into a series is when you start seeing the happy families thing happen for most authors. And that almost always looks a certain cookie-cutter way and I'm a bit tired of this manifestation. So I was pleasantly surprised to find Britton take a more nuanced approach, here, with
A note about Chaste: As with all of the stories in this series, it is seriously chaste. There's a kiss that was pretty good, but that's it.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
This is a tragically flawed story. We've seen Rebecca in the previous books and after her sisters married so very against her father's will, knew she'd have a hard time finding happiness for her own. Her father and aunt are extremely, even impossibly, unpleasant people and they control her life completely. So when they announce that they've contracted a marriage for her she has exactly zero hope of avoiding it, really. This story actually does a really good job pointing out the flaw that still exists in the British marriage laws, even after the 18th century reforms that removed the most egregious abuses. Yes, there is no way that anybody can speak for Rebecca at the altar so she absolutely can say no. But the reality of her being so wholly at the mercy of her father means that actually going against his wishes can carry consequences that make that "right" useless. Which, by the way, also points out how unbelievable her father really is as a character because, once again, the check on his kind of abuse was that mistreating your family so abhorrently (more or less nakedly selling a daughter for political and economic power) would have ruined all of his so-called ambitions. So once again, he doesn't actually work as a person.
But Rebecca is outstanding. I fell for her almost instantly and just loved her courage and resilience. Facing an impossible situation, she determined that she would do what she could to take her own happiness in hand, at least as far as she was able—starting with a determination to fall in love with her soon-to-be husband. And she even has the courage to tell him so, outright. And not in some brash or manipulative way, either. Indeed, she turns her attentions to getting to know him, learning both his flaws and his virtues and working to find contentment where she can in this impossible situation.
So it's a near-Greek level tragedy that Christian is worse than her father in terms of a character that just doesn't work. Christian has decided that love destroys. It destroyed his mother who caught smallpox in a foreign land (she was Italian) because she followed her husband to his home. It destroyed his father because his dad was, apparently sad and refused to set foot back in England after his wife's death. And Christian magnifies these two events into representing everything there is to know about love. Which makes him a negatively motivated* idiot. The thing is that Christian is an Italian-trained musician, with virtuoso capability on both pianoforte and violin. And yes, music, particularly Italian, is often about destructive "love". But it is also about the joy and desirability of that love. So I just don't buy that he'd have such a mono-view of the happiest of emotions. But it is actually worse than that because we learn he is also conversant with novels. Specifically, with Jane Austen novels. And if those don't depict real, down-in-the-reality love, nothing does. Even still worse, then we learn, about the middle of the novel, that . But it is actually worse than that! We learn, in the epilogue, that ! I got to that epilogue and nearly threw my Surface against a wall I was so disgusted.
So Christian's entire resistance to Rebecca, with the attendant pain to both of them, couldn't hold the pudding you could carry with a toothpick. Which makes him too stupid to take seriously, frankly.
So I spent almost the entire book yelling at him to get over himself and stop hurting everyone needlessly. It was so bad that I almost didn't even notice that Britton also has Rebecca pull a "I can't talk to him despite being Xena Warrior Princess (at least on the emotional front) because I'm skeered." That didn't last long, at least, so really, it's all Christian.
This was headed for solid two-star territory but reformed Christian, once he pulled his head out of his nethers, was pretty awesome. We get enough hints that this might be the case as the story goes on that I almost didn't want to hope he'd turn out okay. But he seriously does. So the ending rocked and pulled this up to three stars.
A note about Tropey Pet Peeves: This far into a series is when you start seeing the happy families thing happen for most authors. And that almost always looks a certain cookie-cutter way and I'm a bit tired of this manifestation. So I was pleasantly surprised to find Britton take a more nuanced approach, here, with
A note about Chaste: As with all of the stories in this series, it is seriously chaste. There's a kiss that was pretty good, but that's it.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
November 5, 2018
Oh My! Woowza! Goodness:] Dang Girl! What a romance, what amazing characters:} In my opinion this is Sally's best work. I could not put this down! Everything else had to wait till I finished this. This is the 5th book in this series "Branches of Love". I would read the other books first it gives this so much more depth and you are more involved in all the characters. Everyone in this story has been in the other 5 books. This is Rebecca's and Christian's story. These two have an awesome story. They are good characters with so much story to tell. There love story broke my heart and made me laugh. I enjoyed there banter and arguments so much. There is so much to like.
I can not wait to see what this author has up her sleeve next! More please:}
I can not wait to see what this author has up her sleeve next! More please:}
August 15, 2021
.
This is a totally clean and wholesome series, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Each book in the series focuses on unique characters and circumstances, all combined they compel the reader to continue long into the night in my case, and you are not bogged down with lengthy twists and turns.
Based on their upbringings, the H/H both had separate expectations, yet can they meld their lives together amicably? This poignant tale delivers a heart-warming experience that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The romance portion was clean, which I prefer. There is so much love and devotion portrayed that you will be grateful you were able to experience it for yourself (if only for this moment in time). Each story is able to stand on its own, but it's entertaining to intertwine with the characters in different segments. And of course, they each delivered a joyous H.E.A.
.
This is a totally clean and wholesome series, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Each book in the series focuses on unique characters and circumstances, all combined they compel the reader to continue long into the night in my case, and you are not bogged down with lengthy twists and turns.
Based on their upbringings, the H/H both had separate expectations, yet can they meld their lives together amicably? This poignant tale delivers a heart-warming experience that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The romance portion was clean, which I prefer. There is so much love and devotion portrayed that you will be grateful you were able to experience it for yourself (if only for this moment in time). Each story is able to stand on its own, but it's entertaining to intertwine with the characters in different segments. And of course, they each delivered a joyous H.E.A.
.
August 9, 2019
This is the first book in this series that I have read and I am happy to say that it can be read as a stand-alone.
I had fun reading this book. I enjoyed it from the first until the last word.
I had fun reading this book. I enjoyed it from the first until the last word.
Want to read
March 3, 2020Kindle freebie Regency romance, March 3, 2020. Indie author, but if you like old-fashioned Regency romances it's worth a look. I've read about 4 of her other books over the years and thought they were pretty decent.
March 11, 2020
I absolutely adore Rebecca Devon and Christian Hundley. Theirs is a love story that I wanted to devour but my time was limited that I slowly soaked it all in. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. She did a great job with the characters as well as adding emotion into the different scenes of the book.
I had a lot happening in life that kept me pretty busy with very limited reading and listening time but I couldn't stop turning my thoughts to Rebecca and Christian. The sweet and tender scenes between these two, especially with their backgrounds kept drawing me in.
I loved the scenes with music in them. Especially when Christian finally played for Rebecca.
I loved Rebecca's spirit. She was being forced into a marriage she didn't want but she made her choice to make the most of the situation and find love and friendship with her future husband. Of course that doesn't play into his plans at all. These two and their interactions and walls and hurts and slow budding friendship is a must read for any Regency fan out there. *Happy Sigh*
Christian may not have wanted anyone to break down his barriers but he still was a good man and a true gentleman. I loved every time he made it abundantly clear that Rebeccas was to be his wife and that she had better be treated as such and that she was under his protection. Seriously, if you haven't read this one, do yourself a favor and read it now! I loved it! Probably my favorite book by Sally Britton. I say probably because I haven't read them all, but out of all the ones I've read and loved, this is up there at the top. And with how much I enjoyed it, it'll probably stay at the top even after reading and enjoying her other books.
Content: Clean
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I had a lot happening in life that kept me pretty busy with very limited reading and listening time but I couldn't stop turning my thoughts to Rebecca and Christian. The sweet and tender scenes between these two, especially with their backgrounds kept drawing me in.
I loved the scenes with music in them. Especially when Christian finally played for Rebecca.
I loved Rebecca's spirit. She was being forced into a marriage she didn't want but she made her choice to make the most of the situation and find love and friendship with her future husband. Of course that doesn't play into his plans at all. These two and their interactions and walls and hurts and slow budding friendship is a must read for any Regency fan out there. *Happy Sigh*
Christian may not have wanted anyone to break down his barriers but he still was a good man and a true gentleman. I loved every time he made it abundantly clear that Rebeccas was to be his wife and that she had better be treated as such and that she was under his protection. Seriously, if you haven't read this one, do yourself a favor and read it now! I loved it! Probably my favorite book by Sally Britton. I say probably because I haven't read them all, but out of all the ones I've read and loved, this is up there at the top. And with how much I enjoyed it, it'll probably stay at the top even after reading and enjoying her other books.
Content: Clean
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
April 1, 2019
I rarely give five stars, only reserving that rating for books I absolutely love, but Miss Devon's Choice was so sweet and adorable I just can't resist. The moment I read the premise of this story I knew I’d love it. A book-loving girl with a romantic heart who desires to find true love is forced into a marriage of convenience. Rather than letting her circumstances ruin her dreams, she decides to choose to love her new husband, a man shielding his heart and therefore uninterested in ever falling in love. Sweet, determined Rebecca uses the few weeks before their marriage to try and change his mind.
This story was thoroughly enjoyable, adorable, romantic, sweet, and moving. Both Rebecca and Christian were extremely well-developed characters. I especially adored Rebecca; she had such a sweet, happy personality and a lovely romantic heart. Christian was extremely caring as well but he hides his goodness due to the rough experiences from his past which has made him wounded and determined to have an impersonal, loveless marriage rather than risk the pain he fears love can bring him. I loved watching Rebecca slowly break through his defenses as she strived to love him. As she looks past his disfigurement and allusiveness to the man inside and he unlocks his heart to give Rebecca the love she desires, their relationship deepens in such a sweet, adorable way. It was a beautiful journey to experience alongside the characters.
I read a lot of romances and I’m not entirely sure why Miss Devon's Choice touched me so deeply. The characters and their romance development was utterly perfect and totally to my tastes. I read the entire book in a single sitting and will eagerly reread it many times in the future. Such a cute, romantic story.
This story was thoroughly enjoyable, adorable, romantic, sweet, and moving. Both Rebecca and Christian were extremely well-developed characters. I especially adored Rebecca; she had such a sweet, happy personality and a lovely romantic heart. Christian was extremely caring as well but he hides his goodness due to the rough experiences from his past which has made him wounded and determined to have an impersonal, loveless marriage rather than risk the pain he fears love can bring him. I loved watching Rebecca slowly break through his defenses as she strived to love him. As she looks past his disfigurement and allusiveness to the man inside and he unlocks his heart to give Rebecca the love she desires, their relationship deepens in such a sweet, adorable way. It was a beautiful journey to experience alongside the characters.
I read a lot of romances and I’m not entirely sure why Miss Devon's Choice touched me so deeply. The characters and their romance development was utterly perfect and totally to my tastes. I read the entire book in a single sitting and will eagerly reread it many times in the future. Such a cute, romantic story.
July 3, 2019
Have you read Sally Britton yet? I read this one in one sitting. I went to my room with a promise to feed my kids lunch soon and didn't emerge until I was done. Lunch at 2:40 is normal, right? Christian was super dreamy. Man, to be forced to marry him? That would be rough... ; )
November 12, 2018
Sally Britton has a talent for writing Regency Romance that places her in the very top rungs of authors of this genre. Miss Devon’s Choice is the fifth book in the Branches of Love series. Having read the preceding books in the series, I recommend reading the series in sequence. The series involves different members of the same family, so each following book builds upon what has gone before. However, Ms. Britton has skillfully included enough back-story in each volume that each book could stand-alone. Incidentally, I awarded five stars for every book in the series.
Something that stood out for me in this book was the manner in which Rebecca and Christian handled the issue of being forced into an arranged marriage. Rebecca came from a background where nearly all of her individual choices were overruled by an overbearing father and an equally domineering aunt who cared nothing for her desires or wishes. She approached her upcoming marriage determined that she would fall in love with her husband.
Christian, however, came from a background where everyone he had ever loved was taken from him. He was forced into situations where he was bullied, taunted, and despised. He was forced to live with his grandfather who did not love him and dictated his every move. His marriage was arranged to solidify business alliances. As determined as Rebecca was to love her husband, Christian was equally determined that a marriage without love, caring and compassion was all he could tolerate.
The journey to a happily ever after ending is a delightful reading experience I can recommend to all my friends who enjoy Regency romance.
Something that stood out for me in this book was the manner in which Rebecca and Christian handled the issue of being forced into an arranged marriage. Rebecca came from a background where nearly all of her individual choices were overruled by an overbearing father and an equally domineering aunt who cared nothing for her desires or wishes. She approached her upcoming marriage determined that she would fall in love with her husband.
Christian, however, came from a background where everyone he had ever loved was taken from him. He was forced into situations where he was bullied, taunted, and despised. He was forced to live with his grandfather who did not love him and dictated his every move. His marriage was arranged to solidify business alliances. As determined as Rebecca was to love her husband, Christian was equally determined that a marriage without love, caring and compassion was all he could tolerate.
The journey to a happily ever after ending is a delightful reading experience I can recommend to all my friends who enjoy Regency romance.
July 22, 2019
This is my favorite of the series, and maybe my favorite of Sally Britton's so far (though I do love Rescuing Lord Inglewood a ton, too). While this is a classic "marriage of convenience" trope mixed with "Beauty and the Beast," the story does things that are unique and interesting that take it away from being too formulaic.
I especially loved the heroine. While she is outspoken at times and a strong character, she doesn't lapse into being too modern. She's bound by the strictures of her controlling father and aunt, but she still has moments where she fights against it--in believable ways that fit a woman of that time period. On top of that, she's so determined to make the best of the situation, which is endearing. She does what she can to find happiness in the horrid situation she's forced into.
I especially loved the heroine. While she is outspoken at times and a strong character, she doesn't lapse into being too modern. She's bound by the strictures of her controlling father and aunt, but she still has moments where she fights against it--in believable ways that fit a woman of that time period. On top of that, she's so determined to make the best of the situation, which is endearing. She does what she can to find happiness in the horrid situation she's forced into.
December 23, 2018
Loved it! I’ve enjoyed every book in the series, but I thought this was the best one yet.
October 13, 2018
Christian is a gem of a hero, and is a lovely pair for Rebecca. Their story is my new favorite of the series! ❤️
October 10, 2018
Rebecca Devon is upset when her father tells her he has arranged a marriage for her. It's a business arrangement for him, and he doesn't care how she feels about it. She wants to marry for love, as well as getting away from her father and her aunt.
Christian Hundley, Lord Easton, is scarred, so society won't accept him. He figures the only way he will marry will be through an arranged marriage. So he asks his grandfather to arrange it for him.
Then they meet at an outdoor party given by her cousin and her husband. They cannot keep their eyes off the other one when they are not looking. How will this end? Will Rebecca get what she wants? Will Christian end up falling in love with his young bride?
This is a wonderful book, which I really enjoyed.
I received an ARC and this us my true and honest opinion.
Christian Hundley, Lord Easton, is scarred, so society won't accept him. He figures the only way he will marry will be through an arranged marriage. So he asks his grandfather to arrange it for him.
Then they meet at an outdoor party given by her cousin and her husband. They cannot keep their eyes off the other one when they are not looking. How will this end? Will Rebecca get what she wants? Will Christian end up falling in love with his young bride?
This is a wonderful book, which I really enjoyed.
I received an ARC and this us my true and honest opinion.
October 9, 2018
I LOVED this book! I cannot emphasise enough how much I have been enjoying Ms. Brittons novels - the entire series has been a delight to read & I have found them to be thoroughly enjoyable - but I think this is my favourite one so far!
If you have the opportunity I highly recommend reading these books in order before this one, especially since nearly all of the characters from the previous stories come together again in this one.
I did not want the story to end but I was not disappointed either since it ended happily & with the prospect of another story to come. I can hardly wait!
This is a completely clean novel/series. I would happily (& do) recommend it to anyone!
If you have the opportunity I highly recommend reading these books in order before this one, especially since nearly all of the characters from the previous stories come together again in this one.
I did not want the story to end but I was not disappointed either since it ended happily & with the prospect of another story to come. I can hardly wait!
This is a completely clean novel/series. I would happily (& do) recommend it to anyone!
November 4, 2018
This is worth reading!
This is a perfectly balanced take, with flawed characters some filled with kindness. Neither Rebecca nor Christian have enjoyed unfettered love in years. Rebecca, after being told of an arranged marriage, determines to fall in love and to love her betrothed. That was the moment I knew I'd love this book. Christian has been battered and bruised in life, for all that he is heir to an earldom. How they truly find each other and grow in the process is heartwarming. I almost feel as if the two of novels were created to set this one up. Thank you Sally Britton, for sharing these people with the world.
This is a perfectly balanced take, with flawed characters some filled with kindness. Neither Rebecca nor Christian have enjoyed unfettered love in years. Rebecca, after being told of an arranged marriage, determines to fall in love and to love her betrothed. That was the moment I knew I'd love this book. Christian has been battered and bruised in life, for all that he is heir to an earldom. How they truly find each other and grow in the process is heartwarming. I almost feel as if the two of novels were created to set this one up. Thank you Sally Britton, for sharing these people with the world.
October 18, 2018
Good Good, Good
This entire series is well worth the time. All of Sally Britton's books are a great read. She gives you characters that warm your heart and others you just want to drop off a cliff.
This entire series is well worth the time. All of Sally Britton's books are a great read. She gives you characters that warm your heart and others you just want to drop off a cliff.
November 24, 2018
For starters, I have to say that I have a soft spot for scarred heroes. They don’t have all this macho confidence, the “I’m the one. World, kneel to me,” mentality which I don’t mind in the right story but it has been abused in ridiculous degrees in many stories. Scarred heroes are also more complex, they doubt themselves which is a blessing for the reader. Now, if to that physically and emotionally imperfect hero you add music --and violin in particular-- I have all my Erik-alerts set off. (insert happy emoticon here.)
That said, I finished Miss Devon’s Choice and I can honestly say that this is the best book of the series so far. (I admit I haven’t read The Social Tutor.)
Christian’s character grows in the story and Rebecca is the right tool to help him do just that after his disastrous past and his being bullied that had led him to isolation and his grandfather’s mercy and punishments. The scene where Rebecca’s innocent teasing through a secret passage brings him back to his school years says a lot and the theme of bullying and its effects on even strong people is --sadly-- very familiar nowadays.
If that was not enough, everything that I needed more in the previous books… well, this one has it in just the right doses!
We’re talking about a “sweet romance” (I’m so ignorant --and not very interested in learning-- all these genre categories and their various guidelines) but I can say that is a sweet story and definitely a romance so we have that covered.
As many other stories it’s good to make you “travel” into another world but, as always in Sally Britton’s case, there is something more that makes it different from the other “boy meets girl--yep, they‘ll have their HEA” stories.
There is always a subtle something, an idea that every story tries to analyze--of course in the realms and limitations of its genre (which means without becoming tedious or lectur-y.)
If The Gentleman Physician worked with the theme of “love in the midst of death” (which is still my favorite) and The Earl and His Lady with the question “is love possible after a great loss?”, Miss Devon’s Choice works with “is love a choice?”
Miss Devon and Sally Britton believe it is and --thankfully-- the male hero proves to be very lovable (I don’t dare to think what would have happened otherwise) but still the question and, more than that, the idea remains: can we love someone because we choose to? If love is work (and many agree to that) then what if one is industrious enough from the very beginning of it? And if that is possible (Britton thankfully does not go that far, escaping from any preaching hints) what if we choose to love the whole world? Wouldn’t that make for better people--us? A better world? What if instead of acting like the ton we work hard into finding the qualities we could love or at least relate to in the other?
Okay, I see I’m influenced by a sweet, romantic reading here but it’s more than that.
I’m afraid what speaks to my own mentality is this: having a choice is more than responsibility (of what that choice would be, how things will turn out etc.)
It’s empowering.
That said, I finished Miss Devon’s Choice and I can honestly say that this is the best book of the series so far. (I admit I haven’t read The Social Tutor.)
Christian’s character grows in the story and Rebecca is the right tool to help him do just that after his disastrous past and his being bullied that had led him to isolation and his grandfather’s mercy and punishments. The scene where Rebecca’s innocent teasing through a secret passage brings him back to his school years says a lot and the theme of bullying and its effects on even strong people is --sadly-- very familiar nowadays.
If that was not enough, everything that I needed more in the previous books… well, this one has it in just the right doses!
We’re talking about a “sweet romance” (I’m so ignorant --and not very interested in learning-- all these genre categories and their various guidelines) but I can say that is a sweet story and definitely a romance so we have that covered.
As many other stories it’s good to make you “travel” into another world but, as always in Sally Britton’s case, there is something more that makes it different from the other “boy meets girl--yep, they‘ll have their HEA” stories.
There is always a subtle something, an idea that every story tries to analyze--of course in the realms and limitations of its genre (which means without becoming tedious or lectur-y.)
If The Gentleman Physician worked with the theme of “love in the midst of death” (which is still my favorite) and The Earl and His Lady with the question “is love possible after a great loss?”, Miss Devon’s Choice works with “is love a choice?”
Miss Devon and Sally Britton believe it is and --thankfully-- the male hero proves to be very lovable (I don’t dare to think what would have happened otherwise) but still the question and, more than that, the idea remains: can we love someone because we choose to? If love is work (and many agree to that) then what if one is industrious enough from the very beginning of it? And if that is possible (Britton thankfully does not go that far, escaping from any preaching hints) what if we choose to love the whole world? Wouldn’t that make for better people--us? A better world? What if instead of acting like the ton we work hard into finding the qualities we could love or at least relate to in the other?
Okay, I see I’m influenced by a sweet, romantic reading here but it’s more than that.
I’m afraid what speaks to my own mentality is this: having a choice is more than responsibility (of what that choice would be, how things will turn out etc.)
It’s empowering.
January 15, 2026
Enjoyed this book overall. I appreciated Rebecca's determination to make the best of a situation she hadn't chosen by doing her best to fall in love with her future husband. And I understood how Christian's attitude had been warped by the pain of his past and why he didn't want to open himself up to allowing himself to be hurt again. Rebecca's father and aunt were awful, but I loved her brother and mostly appreciated her sisters/cousin and their husbands.
The issues I had were mostly nitpicks of things that just didn't feel quite right with the historical setting. Things like how easily they started calling each other by their first names, and how easily they defied certain other social convention--along with how little consequence there was for not following those rules. Especially Rebecca, who was ostensibly trying so hard not to get in trouble with her aunt--it just didn't make sense how quickly she would just throw caution to the wind and literally run after Christian. But I did like both of them, and I appreciated the way they came together in the end. :)
3.5 stars
The issues I had were mostly nitpicks of things that just didn't feel quite right with the historical setting. Things like how easily they started calling each other by their first names, and how easily they defied certain other social convention--along with how little consequence there was for not following those rules. Especially Rebecca, who was ostensibly trying so hard not to get in trouble with her aunt--it just didn't make sense how quickly she would just throw caution to the wind and literally run after Christian. But I did like both of them, and I appreciated the way they came together in the end. :)
3.5 stars
January 8, 2021
Oh my goodness this book was amazing!! Rebecca and Christian were both to die for, and I loved their story so much!! I always felt so bad for Rebecca when she got sent off to live with her aunt and be even more under her father’s control. She definitely suffered through a lot. Christian also had a really rough past that still very much scarred him. I loved seeing his progress as he got to know Rebecca and as he observed the many happy endings around him. I grew to love him more and more. The ending of this story was positively perfect as well! I also thought it was very interesting how the whole idea from the beginning of the story is that Rebecca thought love was a choice. She made the decision to love Christian and see his good qualities. This made me immediately love Rebecca and relate to her, because like her, I also believe that love is a decision and that if you decide to love someone, true love will grow. Everyone thought she was a little crazy for thinking that, and people have even told me I’m crazy for thinking that, but it is soooo true!! So to find someone else who thought that made me feel a little less crazy. 😂😂 What a great read!
June 19, 2022
I haven't read the other books in this series, but it's a pleasant clean Regency romance with just a couple of kisses. Christian and Rebecca are betrothed in an arranged marriage scheme. Rebecca wants love and Christian doesn't, but they meet at a house party to get to know each other. There are the usual hiccups in the romance but mostly it's a fine read.
I did find it a bit off in some of the details: despite a stickler of an aunt as her guardian, eighteen-year-old Rebecca who hasn't come out yet is dressed in bright colors, not the usual deb's whites and pastels. It's a plot point to show the aunt's domination but it seemed weird to me. Just have her in too fussy dresses with ruffles and furbelows.
Anyway, it's a quick and enjoyable read.
I did find it a bit off in some of the details: despite a stickler of an aunt as her guardian, eighteen-year-old Rebecca who hasn't come out yet is dressed in bright colors, not the usual deb's whites and pastels. It's a plot point to show the aunt's domination but it seemed weird to me. Just have her in too fussy dresses with ruffles and furbelows.
Anyway, it's a quick and enjoyable read.
September 29, 2024
This was the best in the series yet! It was even better than the previous one in the series. I'm glad I read the other books if just to enjoy this one more. Rebecca was excellently written, and she made sense as a person. Her fiance Christian was done pretty well, and the things that I disliked about him also made sense regarding his background. I loved that Rebecca chose to make the best of her circumstances, even though so much of it was not under her control. I also really loved when Christian stepped up to the plate, not as a young man under his grandfathers thumb, but a MAN who knew his worth and ability to provide and protect, that was well done!
Content Warnings: characters have emotional abuse in their pasts, only contains kissing - very clean.
Content Warnings: characters have emotional abuse in their pasts, only contains kissing - very clean.
June 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel! It is the first one that I have read by this author and now I look forward to reading more. It is part of a series, yet I had no trouble at all jumping right in to this book. The characters were ones that I connected with right away.
I loved the way Christian and Rebecca got to know each other and began to care for each other, even though Christian tried hard to guard his heart. They were a great pairing and their quick courtship, troubles they faced, and the resolution to those troubles was a joy to read about.
I listened to the audio version of the story and it was very nicely narrated.
I loved the way Christian and Rebecca got to know each other and began to care for each other, even though Christian tried hard to guard his heart. They were a great pairing and their quick courtship, troubles they faced, and the resolution to those troubles was a joy to read about.
I listened to the audio version of the story and it was very nicely narrated.
September 14, 2022
Rebecca is given no choice in the matter of who she will marry. But she does make the most important choice of all, to try and fall in love with her intended. But her intended’s choice was to give the decision of who he would marry to his grandfather and he has no intention of ever falling in love.
What a sweet book. I loved the main characters. Both of them grew so much throughout the story. My favorite part was the violin performance and the Italy homecoming.
What a sweet book. I loved the main characters. Both of them grew so much throughout the story. My favorite part was the violin performance and the Italy homecoming.
April 23, 2019
I LOVE these books!
They are so good. I mean, there were certainly parts where the hero/heroine’s emotions going back and forth were irritating, but it didn’t diminish the loveliness of the book at all. I loved that Christian’s Italian heritage was brought into the book; I wish we could’ve seen more of that. I also thought Rebecca was brave. She was given a pretty terrible ultimatum, but she decided to make the best of her situation - to try to see the good in her betrothed. Yes, I liked this one very much.
5 stars.
They are so good. I mean, there were certainly parts where the hero/heroine’s emotions going back and forth were irritating, but it didn’t diminish the loveliness of the book at all. I loved that Christian’s Italian heritage was brought into the book; I wish we could’ve seen more of that. I also thought Rebecca was brave. She was given a pretty terrible ultimatum, but she decided to make the best of her situation - to try to see the good in her betrothed. Yes, I liked this one very much.
5 stars.
December 10, 2019
This was such a fun regency story! Rebecca and Christian are your classic arranged marriage, but their romance ends up being a sweet and enduring one. I love the way can empathize with each other's struggles. And at the same time help balance each other out. Overall a beautiful beautiful story!
Thank you Sally Britton for the free audio book through Audible.
Thank you Sally Britton for the free audio book through Audible.
February 14, 2021
The fifth book of the Branches of Love series by Sally Britton was excellent. I was hooked from the very beginning to the very end. I loved seeing the growth between the two main characters and the chemistry is one every romantic wishes to have. If you like regency time period novels, then you will love this one.
May 29, 2019
A very nice read but fell a bit short for me.
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August 9, 2021Sweet and poignant
Christian and Rebecca have an exceptional story.
It is a bumpy road to love and the truth.
Sally Britton has written an exceptional story.
Christian and Rebecca have an exceptional story.
It is a bumpy road to love and the truth.
Sally Britton has written an exceptional story.
April 19, 2022
Liked for its sweet romance, but the evil previous generation characters (who drive the plot) are over the top. Great beach read.
November 13, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank goodness the hero got his act together by the end of the book! Rebecca is an awesome character. Being forced by her father into an arranged marriage, she is determined to make the best of it. Yes, a few things could have been cleared up by her asking Christian about them. However, considering the number of times he shot down her attempts to develop a relationship and communicate openly, he really was the source of all the miscommunication and angst. I kind of wish one of the husbands from the previous books had given him a talking to, or a kick in the pants.
Thank goodness the hero got his act together by the end of the book! Rebecca is an awesome character. Being forced by her father into an arranged marriage, she is determined to make the best of it. Yes, a few things could have been cleared up by her asking Christian about them. However, considering the number of times he shot down her attempts to develop a relationship and communicate openly, he really was the source of all the miscommunication and angst. I kind of wish one of the husbands from the previous books had given him a talking to, or a kick in the pants.
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