“The season is about to begin – and there’s not a minute to lose…”
The quote on the cover was such a delicious temptation, I just had to dive right in and read this amazing book! I opened the book and stared at the first page, not knowing what to expect. Who was Miss Talbot and why did that awful man – I assumed – refused to marry her? I turned page after page to find out what happens to Kitty, as she had already become a dear friend to me, falling in love with the story, its setting, and naturally the wonderful characters that complemented her journey.
My thoughts:
How can I speak about this book without giving too much away? Like with the other books I read, when it’s time for my review, I find myself between the desire to share everything and the obvious intent to leave you discover the best parts for yourself. So, as the balanced Capricorn that I am, I will do my best to stay true to my goal.
Meet Miss Talbot, Kitty to friends, a woman who needs to marry a rich husband, in order to avoid losing her family home. She is also responsible for her younger sisters, who are in need of financial security as well. The year is 1818 and Kitty is well aware that women have a different situation than men, especially when it comes to marriage. With the help of her “aunt”, she will dive into London’s High Society, trying to find the best possible prospect.
What would a good story be without a strong male lead? Here comes in Lord Radcliffe, a man who sees right through her, and who is determined to uproot her plans at any cost. With a calculated mind and no room for mistakes, Kitty will fight to secure the much-needed fortune, always thinking about her sisters and their needs. She will constantly clash with James – Lord Radcliffe – using her “woman ways” to actually coerce him into offering more assistance than ever desired.
To say that I loved this book would be an understatement! I think Kitty is such a fantastic character, a heroine in the true sense of the word. While it might be easy to judge her decisions, we must remember the era in which she lived and how much women depended on men, especially since society did not think of them as working members. Women learned etiquette, dance, writing, took care of children – they were not expected to think. Even Kitty feels strange when talking to one of her sisters, who is passionate about reading; she does not understand this need, but this might also be because her focus is on achieving financial stability.
The book offered an excellent blend of historical fiction and romance, with setting of Regency London being just perfect. While reading the story, it is impossible not to imagine yourself attending elegant balls, taking a stroll through Hyde Park, or talking to the fine members of High Society. The constant back-and-forth between Miss Talbot and Lord Radcliffe is the cherry on top, and I loved how the author gradually worked on their interaction. It felt realistic and natural, and it had a refreshing sort of humor; without even realizing, I was following their drama and everything that it led to.
Verdict:
Ladies, step back in time and see the lengths at which women were willing to go to secure a husband! Make no mistake, we are living different times indeed, but it’s nice to see stories referring back to that period. Kitty was, without doubt, by favorite character, but I must admit Cecy – her younger sister – also made an impression on me. Maybe it was because she really loved books! Thank you Harper Reach for sending me this wonderful book to read and also massive thanks to the author, Sophie Irwin. You gave your readers a story that has it all, including scandal, social faux pas, romance, history, and… my list could go on forever. As I reached the last page, a wave of nostalgia overcame me, knowing that I could only imagine how the story might have continued… Brilliant story!
Grab your copy from here!
Book Mockup: Harper Reach | HarperCollins International
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