Month: July 2024

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

A Matter of ClassA Matter of Class by Mary Balogh

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: 07/09/2024 re-release

When Reginald “Reggie” Mason incurs the wrath of his father by spending money foolishly and losing even more by gambling, his father puts his foot down and demands that Reggie settle down and marry or be cut off without a shilling. His father, Bernard is a self-made man who made a fortune in coal, but despite his enormous wealth, has never been accepted into the ton. He had high hopes for Reggie, and by sending him to schools with the ton’s sons, he gained connections as well as a great education. Reggie refuses to marry saying he is still young and hasn’t done anything ruinous, unlike their neighbor’s daughter, who ran off with the family coachman and was seen by half the ton before she was dragged home, ruined and jilted by her betrothed. Upon hearing that tidbit, Bernard hatches a plan – after 30 years of being snubbed by the ton, and especially his haughty neighbor the Earl of Havercroft, the tide has turned, and Bernard sees a way to marry his son into the nobility – he will make Havercroft an offer he can’t refuse!

Lady Annabelle “Anna” Ashton, the only child of the Earl of Havercroft is in a world of trouble. Thanks to an ill-advised elopement with Thomas Till, she has found herself ruined and her father is threatening to send her into exile. He is especially upset that her betrothed, the Marquess of Illingsworth cried off, which will ensure the financial ruin of family, which is in dire straits thanks to some poor investments and unwise spending. But even knowing this, Anna could not bear the thought of marrying the marquess when she was madly in love with another. Now it seems she is ruined and unless she agrees to marry Reginald Mason, the son of the man her father hates, she will be sent away. Could things get any worse?

This is a re-release of a previously published story, which I read years ago and was delighted to learn that it was being given a second life – I loved this story when I first read it and I think I actually loved it more today – it is fresh, fun and an utter delight to read. I loved Anna and Reggie, they are both likable and both care deeply for their families. This story doesn’t have a lot of action, drama or angst – but it has love, friendship, hope, and a lovely happy ending. It is not the story you think it is going to be – it is better! It has earned a spot on my very small keeper list and I happily and highly recommend it to my fellow historical romance lovers!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *

A Gentleman In Search of A Wife by Grace Burrowes

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

A Gentleman in Search of a Wife (The Lord Julian Mysteries #5)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lord Julian Mysteries #5
Publication Date: 5/24/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 258

I always enjoy books by this author and have particularly enjoyed this series because the male lead is a hero in every way, but doubts himself and is insecure about many things because of his experiences during Napoleon’s war. As a result of being held and tortured in a French prison, he came home from the wars with scars both inside and out. His hair is pure snow-white though it had been dark brown (we’ve seen a tad of improvement there). His eyes can’t stand the light and he must wear tinted glasses outdoors. He has lost his manly ‘humors’, but there is a tiny sign they might return. Now, to add insult to injury, his brother, Arthur, a duke, is leaving for an extended visit to the continent and he is leaving Julian in charge of the Duchy while he is gone.

As Julian has solved one mystery after another, his interest and focus have begun to return. He enjoys untangling a puzzle; to do that, he must be out where people are rather than holed up inside a dark room. Since he is getting a reputation for solving the unsolvable, he is being asked more and more frequently to take on mysteries. This time, it is the love of his life – and his very best friend – Hyperia (Perry) West who is asking. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Well, she is asking him to find the wife of one of her friends, and that friend is a tad flirtatious. Is there – or has there been – a ‘thing’ between Perry and her friend, John Tait? Jealousy rears its ugly head.

John’s wife disappeared five (YES – FIVE) years ago. Theirs was a tumultuous relationship, but they seemed to be in love. What caused her to leave? Where is she now? Is she still among the living? Would she be willing to return? Why would he wait five years to begin to look for her? Hmmm – read the book and all those questions – and others – will be answered.

This is a slow-paced, low-key, investigation – but a good one. The first half of the book was a slower pace, but the last half picked up and was much more interesting. For me, the book was more about changing/growing relationships and character growth than the nicely done mystery accompanying it. We also got some nice tidbits that will set up a storyline or two in the future concerning Perry’s brother. Of course, we also got the part at the end revealing what Julian’s next case would be. That book, A Gentleman of Unreliable Honor, will come out toward the end of September.

If you enjoy a good mystery accompanied by a wonderful group of characters who grow, and relationships that grow and change, then you should enjoy this book and this series. Each book can be read as a standalone as the mystery is concluded within the book. However, in my opinion, to get the most enjoyment and appreciation for the books and the series, you should read all of the books – in order. Happy Reading.