This is the first book I have read by Joanna Barker, but it will not be the last! She is a phenomenal writer who includes vivid descriptions of people and surroundings. I was barely into the first chapter of Otherwise Engaged when I noted how much I loved this author’s captivating descriptions. I could easily envision the people and places in my mind’s eye.
I also enjoy the touches of humor Barker includes throughout the book. Several times I laughed out loud at the witty repartee between characters.
All of these exceptional elements made this a thoroughly enjoyable book which I would highly recommend.
Synopsis of Otherwise Engaged
England - 1822
Rebecca Rowley has just returned home from Brighton. She has a big
announcement to share with her family. One that she knows her family
will not be excited to hear. Rebecca is engaged to Edward Bainbridge,
whom she just met while in Brighton.
She had heard the Bainbridge name before. Their fathers had been
business partners years before. The reasons for the dissolution of
that partnership had always been a secret that the parents never shared with
their children. Neither Rebecca nor Edward knew why they couldn't be
together. They agreed to find out the secret and, together, try to get
their families to leave the past in the past, forgive and forget whatever
was necessary, so they could be married with the acceptance and support of
both families.
Otherwise EngagedCheck PriceRebecca had another secret. She loved to ride her horse, Stella, but
she enjoyed riding bareback. She knew her family would disapprove of
her riding in such an unladylike and dangerous way. So, she would
leave the estate with Stella saddled, then remove the saddle when they
reached a secluded meadow. Together, they would run like the wind,
free and unencumbered by restraints.
After one of their unconventional rides, Stella heard someone crying for
help. She and Stella immediately responded. A child was
drowning. Rebecca ran into the water and swam to the girl, whose dress
was caught on an underwater tree branch. Once Rebecca freed her, she
pulled her to safety on shore where they were joined by the child's very
angry adult half-brother, Lieutenant Nicholas Avery. This was
definitely not the best way to meet new neighbors, especially since Rebecca
was soaking wet and anyone could see that her nearby horse was not wearing a
saddle. This stranger now knew one of her best-kept secrets.
Rebecca soon learned that Nicholas Avery was his sister, Olivia's,
guardian. Her mother had recently died and their father had died a few
years before. Nicholas barely knew Olivia since she was a much younger
step-sister. He had been in the navy all of her life and had only seen
her a few times. He wasn't always sure how to handle Olivia. As
a navy lieutenant, he knew how to make men obey his orders, but was clueless
about how to deal with his little sister. Rebecca stepped in to try to
help.
Over the next few weeks, Rebecca and Nicholas became friends. She
confided in him and he kept her secrets, plus he enabled her to pursue
activities that were otherwise not considered acceptable for a lady in
society. Rebecca's mother thought Nicholas would make the
perfect suitor for her, but Nicholas knew Rebecca was otherwise
engaged.
Conclusion
I immediately adored the free-spirited Miss Rebecca Rowley. I
applauded her desire to take on difficult tasks and live life on her own
terms, not by wealthy society rules that stifled women. I was
tickled by Lieutenant Nicholas Avery’s independent little sister, Olivia,
who clearly had a mind of her own. I loved the witty quips of
Rebecca’s family, as well as her conversations with Nicholas, and the
jocular repartee they shared with each other.
There are some authors who leave me wondering how they do it. How they
write so well that they capture my attention. How they describe
their characters with such detail that I feel as if I know them, that they
are close friends who have shared every confidence. How they weave a story
that captivates me to the point of tears, laughter and even
anger.
Joanna Barker has done just that, and more, in “Otherwise Engaged”.
I have no doubt that I will miss Rebecca, Nicholas, and even Olivia in the
upcoming weeks.
I received an advance copy of "Otherwise Engaged" to review from NetGalley. I would like to express my appreciation to Netgalley, the author, Joanna Barker, and the publisher, Covenant Communications, for this opportunity.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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