Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Bartholomew Fayre #2
Publication Date: 9/15/25
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 272

I am a fan of this author’s acclaimed John Pickett series, and now, I am a fan of this new series, Bartholomew Fayre, that follows the three Fayre siblings to their HEA. The wonderful first book followed Penelope Fayre, the younger sister, and it is set somewhat concurrent to this one. I had pretty much given up on reading historical romances because they had become so woke and had devolved into being simply contemporary stories in period dress. So, imagine my delight when I found this series. It is a wonderful romance, historically accurate, and true to the times while still having a strong, resilient heroine.

Unlike her sister, Penelope, Caroline Fayre Cummings has known love that is true, deep, and lasting. However, her beloved husband left them after a long illness that ate up all of their savings and left Caroline and their son, Benjamin (Benjy), dependent upon her own nearly destitute family. As her bright, intelligent son rapidly approaches the age where he should be sent to school for the education gentlemen require, Caroline frets over her inability to provide that education for him. Then, she sees an advertisement for a governess and decides she can work while Benjy continues to reside with her mother. If she saves her wages, she should be able to manage her son’s education.

Edward, Lord Tarleton, has a daughter he has no idea how to handle. He’s gone through governess after governess, and they all quickly leave, either voluntarily or through his dismissal. Edward has also known deep love, and is left with two children he hardly knows and certainly has no idea how to handle. He’s advertised – yet again – for a governess of mature years and demeanor, so what is this lovely young woman doing in his study asking for the position? He has every intention of sending her packing until an unexpected interruption causes him to make a rash decision.

Watching the sweet, caring, loving Caroline burrow, little by little, under the hard, cold walls Edward had erected was a lovely experience. As I completed the last page, I let out a sigh and had a smile on my face. This was romance and HEA in the very best sense imaginable. You will adore Caroline with her spunky ‘interpretations’ of Edward’s edicts and her total, unselfish love for little Benjy. You will also love watching the cold Edward learn to love again and to discover his children as people to love rather than reminders of loss.

This is a wonderful romance that will make you smile, sniffle, sigh, and feel the warmth that a truly beautiful romance can provide. I recommend this book, this series, and this author. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Bartholomew Fayre #1
Publication Date: 8/1/24
Period: Regency London – 1814
Number of Pages: 243

This is a delightfully entertaining and unique first book in the author’s Bartholomew Fayre series and I am so glad to have read it. The series is centered around the Fayre family and features Penelope, Oliver, and Caroline. The father is deceased and left them rather destitute by ton standards which means no dowery for Penelope and no inheritance for Oliver. Caroline has been married but is now a widow with a small son to care for. I loved meeting all of the siblings and cannot wait to read their books. I also appreciated the author’s inclusion of information about the Bartholomew fair in the Introduction. Bartholomew Fair took place two weeks each year for around 700 years, so it was fun to learn a little about it. Though you don’t have to read the Introduction, I thought it was a nice addition to the book and enhanced my enjoyment of the story when I met the characters that were mentioned. With the Bartholomew Fair being a significant setting in each book, it is nice to learn something about it.

Penelope Fayre is the Diamond of the Season and has received no less than seven proposals – and she has declined all of them. Penelope sees no reason to accept a proposal from a man she isn’t at least a bit attracted to – though her real preference would be to love him. Penelope, however, isn’t aware of how dire their financial situation is and that her mother has counted on her making a very advantageous match to rescue their family. When Penelope learns of their financial straits, she vows she’ll accept the next eligible proposal she receives – no matter who it is from. All Penelope wants is to be able to go to the exciting Bartholomew Fair first. She hatches a plan that will get her to the fair accompanied by her maid and the maid’s beau. There are so many exciting things to see – especially Monsieur Philippe Valois, the Frenchman who does fencing exhibitions.

Philippe Valois and his mother barely escaped the guillotine in France, but his father wasn’t so lucky. Though they made it back to England when Philippe was seven, everyone believed he had perished and his mother did nothing to change that belief. She believed her husband and their family were sold out to the French and she was fearful those enemies would still come after Philippe. However, his mother is gone now and he is free to pursue and punish those who wronged his father – and to reclaim what is rightfully his. Of course, meeting the beautiful woman at the fair makes him want to claim his estates and title even more.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Philippe and Penelope and seeing their bravery in action. The supporting characters of Andre, Crumley, and Freddie were particularly memorable and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them.

I have always enjoyed this author’s works, so it is no surprise that I also loved this new release. The characters are interesting and their stories are compelling. It is a delightful and quick read that I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Happy Reading

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.