I have really enjoyed reading this series. I have read books in the past written by several of the contributing authors to this collection. A few of the authors are on my "favorite authors" list and I know when I see their names, that I can look forward to an excellent read before I even start the book.
Over the last year, Jennie Goutet has quickly become one of those trusted authors. Her books are always exceptional and unique. "His Disinclined Bride" is no exception and I admit, I really wanted to read it sooner, but I waited so I could read the books in the series in order.
It is absolutely not necessary to read this series in order, or to even read all of them. Therefore, I recommend that, if you enjoy a historical romance novel, you will want to grab this one immediately.
I have always thought how uncertain and scary it would be to have parents arrange a marriage to a complete stranger based on social status. I have always been grateful that I was not born in an era where women were treated as possessions and "given" to a groom they did not choose or even want.
Jennie Goutet opened another door in this social paradigm for me in "His
Disinclined Bride" when the marriage arrangement fell to the oldest brother
because their father was deceased. I have read lots of books and seen
many movies when the brother was the head of the family and had to give
permission to court, but I don't ever remember a plot where the brother made
a marriage arrangement for his sister without her knowledge and to a
complete stranger. As I read though the book, I couldn't help but
consider how a young woman would feel when thrown into this situation
without any input or choice. Where she was simply told that she would
be getting married within a month and that she should be grateful.
His Disinclined Bride
Katherine "Kitty" Stokes was quite content living in her brother's home with him, his wife, their children and her younger brother. She was quite close to her youngest brother and doted on her niece and nephews. However, her serenity was shattered the day her brother informed her that she would be marrying Lord Hayworth in a month and would move to his estate several hours away.
His Disinclined BrideCheck PriceLord Phineas Hayworth was tired of living under his father's thumb, helping to manage his estates. When it came to choosing a wife, he did not want his parents dictating the choice. Because his maternal grandmother had left him her estate, he wanted to marry, move to that estate, and take control of his own life. He would continue to help his father with the other property, but he needed the distance from his parents that the Giddenhall estate offered. He didn't know anyone he wished to marry so he told his man of business to investigate potential brides and make a business arrangement for him. Phineas needed money to restore and maintain the Giddenhall estate in Castle Combe. A bride's dowry would be the perfect way to obtain a large amount of money quickly.
Erasmus Stokes was thrilled with the opportunity to buy an alliance with a future Earl. He was willing to pay a high price for such an arrangement. He knew his association with a high standing member of the peerage would advance his business. His shipping company was already extremely successful and he was admired by other businessmen, but he wanted to be able to claim family ties with Lord Hayworth.
Stokes and Hayworth entered into an agreement before Kitty even knew there was any consideration of such an arrangement that would dictate the rest of her life. When she objected, her brother made it perfectly clear that she would do as he said, and that she should be grateful for such an arrangement. After all, he could have chosen to send her out to be a governess or a companion. As far as he was concerned, this arrangement served all three of them well.
Kitty was considered an inadequate, perhaps unrefined, bride choice by Lord Hayworth's parents and the peerage. Even the servants of Giddenhall did not treat her with the respect due to Lady Hayworth (her new title by marriage). Plus, the stable manager considered himself her equal and pursued her for a romantic relationship.
How would she ever find happiness again? You will have to read the book to find out!
Previously Reviewed from the Seasons of Change Series
Books by Jennie Goutet Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com
- A Fall from Grace (Clavering Chronicles Book 1) Book Review
- A Regrettable Proposal: Memorable Proposals Series - Book 1 Reviewed
- A Daring Proposal: Memorable Proposals Series - Book 3 Reviewed
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