A Bride for the Season

Love’s Grace, Book #3

By Jennifer Delamere

ISBN# 9781455518913

Author’s Website:  http://www.jenniferdelamere.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

James Simpson enjoys his life doing as he pleases … and, who he pleases.  He has no desire to settle down, or to end his rakish ways.  But when the young Emily Cardington follows him one night to a place no respectable woman should ever go at night (let alone unchaperoned) just to find him, and her older sister follows to save her, they are discovered by a gossip column journalist who has no qualms about sharing it all.  Both ladies are now facing a scandal that could ruin their reputations and bring shame to their family.  There is only one thing James can do, be a stand-up guy, and marry the young Emily, knowing full well this whole ruse has been a trap.

Lucinda has no desire to ever marry and is happily intending to be a spinster living her life on her terms.  Reading, taking up photography which her father shuns, and helping the fallen women wanting to better themselves at Caring House.  Its no surprise that her father wants her to marry and soon!  But she never expected her sister’s dowry to hinge on her own marriage.

Lord Cardington has tasked James with finding Lucinda a suitable husband before his wedding to Emily.  If he doesn’t, he will not be getting a dowry which will put him in financial ruin.  James sets to his task never expecting to fall in love with Lucinda himself!  But how can he follow his heart without bringing shame and scandal to the women he was most trying to protect during all of this?

It’s been awhile since I have read a historical romance, and this is my first by Jennifer Delamere.  And, I found that it was rather enjoyable overall.  It wasn’t the best I have read, but it maintained my interest throughout.

I found Emily to be obnoxious and immature and I hated how she was getting everything she wanted by trapping poor James into an impossible situation.  Everything always had to be all about her and I pitied poor James who was just trying to do what he felt was the right thing.

Lucinda was a strong-willed woman, especially for the time of the book.  But I found her enjoyable and I liked seeing her stand up for herself and what she believes in.

James was a lot of fun when he got to be himself, joking and whatnot.  I could see just how charming he could be and how he managed to get all the attention from the gentler sex that he could want!  I have a feeling that I could have easily been taken in as well!

“You must promise me that in the future you will always be completely honest with me.”

He placed his hand on his heart, “Upon my honor as [a] gentleman.”

Lucinda tapped her chin. “Hmm. Not sure there’s much collateral there.”

“All right then, I swear upon my dishonor as the rogue that I am,” James returned without missing a beat. “If ever you catch me deliberately lying to you, you may call for my head upon a charger.”

I saw what was going to happen in regard to these weddings long before it occurred, but it seems pretty unrealistic that all parties would agree to it, and that it wouldn’t have caused a bigger scandal that the original one they faced, no matter how the news was delivered to the families.

Overall it was a decent read and I would like to read more in this series.  I recommend this title for lovers of historical romance and Christian fiction.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*