Perhaps this book was my favorite because the main character has been a part of the previous two books and I already liked her. Maybe, it was because I just liked the true historical story line so much. Most likely, it was both.
Each of the books in the series could be read independently, but I do think, in this case, Phoebe Tunstall's character was developed over the entire series. Therefore, even though it is my favorite, I think the series should be read in order. Otherwise, you might miss just how unusually "daring" Phoebe becomes in "A Daring Proposal".
A Daring Proposal Synopsis
1815 - London, England & Brussels, Belgium
Phoebe Tunstall has already enjoyed four London seasons. There is a concern that she may well end up being considered "on the shelf" by potential suitors. At 22, she is far from an old maid, but society tends to focus on the newest, brightest stars that appear on the scene. Phoebe was not looking forward to another season, especially since her sister, brother, and best friend were all now married. She would feel alone in the crowd.
A Daring Proposal (Memorable Proposals Book 3)Check PriceBecause she often stayed in her vivacious sister's shadow, Phoebe was
viewed by society as shy, perhaps disinterested or unavailable, as she
attended to her elderly aunt. Something Phoebe shared with no one, including
her twin sister, is that her heart was unavailable. For as long as she could
remember, she had loved someone who viewed her "like a little sister".
Still, she realized she needed to marry, even if it wasn't a love match, and
a fifth season might be her last chance.
When her friend, Lydia, suggested she accompany her and her husband to Brussels instead of staying in London, Phoebe surprised herself by considering it. As she mentally recounted Frederick Ingram's suggestion that she do "something daring", she decided she would do just that and accept his sister, Lydia's, invitation to go to Brussels. She would cast off this despair, all expectations and embrace the opportunity to travel somewhere new.
That turned out to be the best decision she could make because "somewhere new" offered her the opportunity to be someone new. Well, at least, someone new to Brussels society, where she was immediately received as a desirable partner at every ball & social gathering. Little did she expect to catch the eye of someone she had known all of her life or to be caught in the middle of a war.
_______
We may not immediately think of Brussels as the setting of a war, but it was in fact, the location of the Battle of Waterloo, which ended with the final defeat of Napoleon, and as in all wars, with many deaths.
Jennie Goutet did a masterful job of threading the story of "A Daring
Proposal" into the fabric of real historical events and real people.
This entire "Memorable Proposals" series is truly wonderful. I highly
recommend all three books to anyone who enjoys historical romantic fiction,
but especially "A Daring Proposal" because of it's historical accuracy.
A Regrettable Proposal: A Regency Romance (Memorable Proposals Book 1)Check PriceA Faithful Proposal: A Regency Romance (Memorable Proposals Book 2) [Paperback] Jennie GoutetCheck PriceA Daring Proposal (Memorable Proposals Book 3)Check PriceMemorable Proposals Boxed Set: A Complete Regency CollectionCheck Price
In addition to the storyline, I think historical romances are interesting from the history standpoint. I've always had an interest in history. And everybody likes 'romance'. :-) Thanks for this excellent review of a Regency Romance, Sylvestermouse.
ReplyDeleteYou know I have a weakness for Regency romances, Ms. Mouse, and this series sounds like a must-read for me! It sounds as though being enticed out of her “uncomfortable comfort zone” by Lydia was the best thing that could have happened to Phoebe. Gaining self-confidence in the new-to-her world of Brussels’ ballrooms before her unexpected encounter with Frederick was likely essential to their eventual happy ending. Thanks so much for introducing me to this series and for your excellent reviews of all three books!
ReplyDeleteOh Sylvestermouse Cynthia, you know that I love Historical Romances and I'm putting all three of these books on my list. Thank you for your recommendations as they are right up my alley (so to speak)!
ReplyDeleteI love it when I find a series I like. I'm glad you really enjoyed this one. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI like that you said you feel the author saved the best book for last. I love a book or a series where the characters are developed properly so thank you for the advice to read the series in order. I think historical romances are something I could get into when I get the time so adding this to my reading list !
ReplyDeleteI do think a well-written and developed series grows our affection for certain characters and outcomes. What a disappointment it would be if the end of the series proved to be a letdown. We want things to end beautifully. I'm glad this one met or exceeded your expectations.
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