Nora Hamilton has no desire to go back to London for her third season. Her heart was captured a long time ago, by her neighbor and best friend, James Allen. But when James set sail for the West Indies six months ago, he made it clear that he considered her nothing more than that–a friend. Her inflexible and distant father is pushing the suit of the stiff and proper Mr. Weston. Will Nora have to give in to her father’s wishes and give up her dream of marrying for love?
This Regency romance had a lot more substance to it than many of the genre. Nora’s home is full of secrets–secrets her parents have kept from her, secrets she has kept from them, secrets she must keep from her sister. The only person whom Nora can speak candidly with is the irrepressible James. But knowing that she feels more for him than he does for her, is it wise to continue to confide in him? A handsome and wealthy bachelor, Lord Worthington, begins to take an interest over the course of the season, but are his attentions truly sincere? Mr. Weston seems bland and colorless, but at least he is dependable? As Nora learns more about her parents’ relationship and past, she gains the courage to make her own choices and choose the suitor who will make her heart sing.
I enjoyed the banter between James and Nora and the sensitivity with which he treated her. The romance in the story was heartfelt and believable and more important to the story than the period details. All in all, this was a good book to round out my hundred book reviews for 2019.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rosanne E. Lortz 