From the book blurb:
Grace Howard has every reason to be devoted to Sir Peregrine Lampman. After all, the gallant gentleman rescued her from poverty by making her his bride. Even more nobly, he did not withdraw his affection after she confessed to a youthful folly that had compromised her virtue. But Grace did not tell the whole truth about the handsome lord who betrayed her—and now the one thing she’s kept from Perry threatens to destroy her last chance at true love.
I’ve mentioned before how much I love Mary Balogh’s writing style and it is definitely in full flower here.
This story is a side novella to Ms Balogh’s Web trilogy (a set of books that I love, but as they’re not Traditional Regencies, I haven’t reviewed them here) exploring the background to a couple of minor characters in those books.
What I liked
The style of writing, no surprise there.
The age difference – in this book the heroine is 10 years older than the hero which causes some comical mis-understandings but also some very interesting conversations and discussions about why it should / should not be such a big deal.
That the obstacle in the way of a Happily Ever After is actually quite a real one – not simply something that could be cleared up in a conversation or two.
What I disliked
Nothing.
Seriously, this story is just so lovely and beautifully written – I can almost guarantee that you’ll love it!