I really liked Juliana Godfrey. She held her head high and dared anyone to challenge her simply because she was not born into nobility. I especially liked the way she handled the head housekeeper who was constantly reminding her that she was not worthy of the title "countess". I could almost hear the housekeeper's fit of temper when she discovered her sleeping in an "important" place one morning.
I also liked the way Juliana defended the injured one who she thought was being bullied by his sibling. She did not hesitate to take action and stand in his stead.
Juliana respected the unique cultures and practices of the brothers of
Lochlarren Castle, but after a while, she did suspect they might not be
authentic. I must admit, horse races in the castle would be rather
funny, but a bit hard to believe it to be a normal activity. Still, she was willing
to rise to the challenge.
Synopsis of A Suitable Arrangement
Castles & Courtship Historical Fiction Series
Juliana Godfrey was very practical. Her mother had died when she was young and her father worked hard to provide for them. His hard work paid off! As a wealthy merchant, he was able to provide Juliana with a hefty dowry which would purchase her a place in society. The right marriage could open more doors for her father and his business, in addition to giving her a title which would require acceptance into the aristocracy.
A marriage to a Scottish Earl that needed money was a suitable arrangement for Juliana. At least she thought it was until she arrived at his castle and was not well received. Clearly, it would take a get deal of the fortitude she learned as a child to survive the Highland Scots. She was determined to adjust and embrace their culture.
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As his father was dying, Sandy Duncan learned more about the deep debt he was inheriting as the new Earl of Lismore. He also found out that he was no longer considered an acceptable suitor for the woman he had always thought he would marry. Even though the family liked him, once her father discovered he could not bring money to the marriage, he was informed that he would not be considered, even if he did bear a title.
Sandy is also informed that his father has made a marriage arrangement for him that would provide the money Lochlarren Castle, and it's dependents, required. Sandy's days of freedom ended with his father's death. He now had to shoulder the full weight of the Earldom.
When his bride-to-be arrived at the castle 2 days late, he was in no mood to greet her with a hardy welcome. Neither he, nor his brothers or household, stepped outside of the castle to give her a proper welcome. This lack of courtesy set the tone for the minutes, days and weeks that followed.
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When an earl needs money to pay ancestral debts, restore his castle and care for family & staff, he marries for wealth instead of equality. However, Sandy Duncan, Earl of Lismore, has met his match!
My Recommendation
The humor in this book gave a wonderful balance to the antagonism between the characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Books by Martha Keyes Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com
- The Innkeeper and the Fugitive (Tales from the Highlands Book 3)
- The Enemy and Miss Innes (Tales from the Highlands Book 2) Book Review
- The Widow and the Highlander (Tales from the Highlands Book 1) Book Review
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